EXAMPLE 1:

If the most remote sprinkler on a branch line requires a minimum flow of 25.2
gpm (95.392 l/m) (1.589868 l/s) (for a minimum pressure of 20.2 psi [1.4 bar]) ,
and the second sprinkler on the line is connected by a 12 ft (3.6 m) length of 1
in. (25.4 mm) Schedule 40 steel pipe of internal diameter (1.049 in), with both
sprinklers mounted directly in fittings on the pipe (no drops or sprigs), the
minimum pressure required at the second sprinkler can be found by
determining the friction loss caused by a flow of (25.2 gpm) (95.392 l/m)
through the piping to the end sprinkler. No fitting losses need to be considered
if it is a straight run of pipe. Since NFPA 13 permits the fitting directly attached
to each sprinkler to be ignored. Using the Hazen-Williams equation with values
of 25.2 gpm for Q, 120 for C, and 1.049 for D (the inside diameter of Schedule
40 steel 1 in. pipe) and 12 ft (3.6-m) length.

Results in a value of results in a total friction loss + 2.4 psi (0.17 bar).

The total pressure required at the second sprinkler on the line is therefore 20.2
psi + 2.4 psi = 22.6 psi (1.6 bar). This will result in a flow from the second
sprinkler of

K is the k—Factor of the sprinkler = 5.6

Q = K(P)1/2 = 26.6 gpm (100.7 lpm).

Minor losses through fittings and valves are not friction losses but energy
losses, caused by turbulence in the water flow which increase as the velocity of
flow increases. Nevertheless, it has become standard practice to simplify
calculation of such losses through the use of “equivalent lengths,” which are
added to the actual pipe length in determining the pipe friction loss. NFPA 13
contains a table of equivalent pipe lengths for this purpose.

(See Table 4-3-2) As an example, if a 2-in. (50.8-mm) 90-degree long turn elbow
is assigned an equivalent length of 3 ft (0.914 m), this means that the energy
loss associated with turbulence through this elbow is expected to approximate
the energy loss to friction through 0.914 m of 50.8 mm pipe. As with the friction

loss tables, the equivalent pipe length chart is based on the use of steel pipe
with a C-factor of 120, and the use of other piping materials requires
multiplying factors. The equivalent pipe length for pipes having C values other
than 120 should be adjusted using the following multiplication factor:

(0.713) For a C value of 100

(1.16) For a C value of 130

(1.33) For a C value of 140

(1.51) For a C value of 150

For example, if C = 150 and if the pipe length is 100 ft, then the adjusted
length will be 100 x 1.51 = 151 ft. (which will be L in the equation i.e. in the
program, the program will calculate it automatically, just input the real length
of the pipe)
EXAMPLE 2:

If the 12 ft (3.6 m) length of 1 in. (25.4-mm) pipe in the previous example had
contained 4 elbows so as to avoid a building column, the pressure loss from
those elbows could be approximated by adding an equivalent length of pipe to
the friction loss calculation. Table 4-3.2 gives a value of 2 ft (0.610 m) as the
appropriate equivalent length for standard elbows in 1 in. (25.4 mm) Schedule
40 steel pipe. For 4 elbows, the equivalent fitting length would be 8 ft (2.4 m).
Added to the actual pipe length of 12 ft (3.6 m), the total equivalent length
would be 20 ft (6 m). This results in a new value of Hf = 20 ft = 0.20 psi/ft = 4.0
psi (0.28 bar). The total pressure at the second sprinkler would then be equal to
20.2 psi + 4.0 psi = 24.2 psi (1.67 bar). The total flow from the second sprinkler
in this case would be Q = K(P)1/2 = 27.5 gpm (103.95 l/m).

Some types of standard valves, such as swing check valves, are included in the
equivalent pipe length chart, Table 4-3.2. Equivalent lengths for pressure losses
through system alarm, dry, and deluge valves are determined by the approval
laboratories at the time of product listing.