Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculations

In this three-day, in-person workshop, students will understand and apply principles of hydraulics, including the different types of pressure, calculating 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, determine effects on system demand and performance, and validate the results.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

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

Credits & Approvals

• 2.25 CEUs; 22.5 NICET CPDs
• 22.5 CEUs Florida Approved Credits

Schedule

• Day 1 – Design Approaches, Occupancy Classification, Design Criteria, Water Supplies, Sprinkler Selection, Flow Formulas, Elevation Pressure
• Day 2 – Friction Loss, Minimum Water Supply, Hydraulic Junction Points and Balancing, Hydraulic Worksheet
• Day 3 – Simple Loops, Workshop