Attend AFSA’s Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculations Workshop, February 8 – 10 in Dallas, Texas

DALLAS – Fire sprinkler hydraulic calculations can be made with the help of software, but is your work force able to calculate by hand? The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is offering a deep dive into principals of hydraulics with its Fire Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculations Workshop to be held February 8-10, 2023, at The Cambria Richardson-Dallas Hotel. Make sure your workforce understands the inputs to software—minimizing errors caught on the plan review.

In this three-day, in-person workshop, students learn the different types of pressure, how to calculate changes in pressure (elevation and friction loss), and node analysis. Students will apply factors for equivalent length adjustments based on pipe type, size, and system arrangement. Using the principles of hydraulics, students will select a remote area, perform hand calculations for tree systems, identify and understand the different sections of the detailed hydraulic worksheet, and where to place the appropriate system information. Examples of calculations for sprinkler systems, water supply analysis, and simple loops are provided with a hands-on approach. Students will apply their knowledge to perform hand calculations. Then, students will utilize computer-based calculation software to demonstrate the impact of choices on system characteristics to determine effects on system demand and performance and validate the results. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify occupancy classifications and minimum design criteria.
• Determine available water supply and compare system demands.
• Determine minimum starting flow and pressure.
• Identify forms of pressure loss.
• Apply the Hazen-Williams formula by changing variables (flow, roughness, and pipe size) to improve system performance.
• Determine the minimum water supply needed to support sprinkler system demand.
• Apply hydraulic principles to balance flows and pressure at junction points.
• Describe the output of hydraulic calculation software and appropriate input to obtain an acceptable result and identify common errors.

This workshop is ideally suited for students seeking to attain a deeper understanding of hydraulic calculation principles for sprinkler systems, such as that required by NICET Level III Water-Based Systems Layout certification or equivalent. This course will also be offered June 28 – June 30, 2023. For more information and to register, visit firesprinkler.org/programs/calculations or email training@firesprinkler.org.