P S M E

Qatar Chapter

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Presented by:

Engr. Niño L. Binay

Professional Mechanical Engineer
Qatar Civil Defense
Fire Prevention Department
P S M E FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS
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Overview of the Presentation

1. Introduction

2. System Design

2.1 Fire Hazard Evaluation

2.2 Design Criteria
2.3 Fire Loads and Resistance Rating
2.4 Classes of Fires
2.5 Water Supply Determination
2.6 Automatic Sprinkler System

2.6.1 Wet-Pipe System

2.6.2 Dry-Pipe System
2.6.3 Pre-Action System
2.6.4 Deluge System
2.6.5 Combined Dry-Pipe and Pre-
Action System
P S M E FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS
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Overview of the Presentation (continuation…)

3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems

3.1 General
3.2 Classification of Occupancy
3.3 Design Area
3.4 Design Density
3.5 Information Required for Hydraulic Calculation
3.6 Information Needed for Design
4. Standpipe Systems
5. Fire Pumps
6. System Protection Area Limitations
7. Useful Reference Documents
P S M E 1. Introduction
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This technical presentation is prepared to serve as an

introduction in the design and review of fire fighting
systems.

Important procedures such as fire hazard evaluation, water

supply determination, and automatic sprinkler system
selection will also be discussed.

Requirements for standpipe system and the need for fire

pumps will also discussed.
P S M E 2. System Design
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2.1 Fire Hazard Evaluation

The first step in the design of fire protection systems

is to determine the overall fire hazard.

The key factors affecting overall fire hazard are as follows:

1. Type of building construction.

2. Building envelope construction.
3. The building intended use.
4. The building occupancy.
5. Fire growth rate.
6. The combustible fuel loading of the contents.

Items 5 & 6 are the most important factors

affecting the selection of the automatic
sprinkler system and its design parameters.
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2.2 Design Criteria

- Building code, state or local ordinance,

- NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code or similar documents.

- NFPA standards, specifically NFPA 10, 13, 14, 15,

and 2001.

- Building insurance requirements, if applicable

- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

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2.3 Fire Loads and Resistance Rating

The nature and potential magnitude of a fire in a building are

directly related to the amount, composition, and physical
arrangement of combustibles, either

- as contents of the building

- or as material used in its construction.

The total amount of combustibles is referred to as

“fire load” of a building.

The fire load contributed by highly combustible

materials, such as plastics and flammable liquids,
can severely impact the effectiveness of a fire
protection system.
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2.4 Classes of Fires

1. Class A fires. Involve ordinary combustibles, such as wood

and paper, and are readily extinguishable by water,
cooling, or coating with a suitable dry chemical.

2. Class B fires. Involve flammable liquids where smothering is

effective and a cooling agent must be applied.

3. Class C fires. Involve live electrical equipment where the

extinguishing agent must be nonconductive.

4. Class D fires. Involve metals that burn (magnesium,

sodium, and powdered aluminium) in which
special powder type systems are necessary
to extinguish the fire.
The correct selection of an extinguishing agent is
critical to the control and extinguishing of fire.
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2.5 Water Supply Determination

The points to be considered for the water supply include:

1. The availability of water

2. Quantity, static pressure at no flow,
3. Residual pressure at design flow,
4. The overall fire water demand,
5. Duration of flow.
6. The reliability of the source.
7. The size, material construction, and age of mains.
8. Water supply make-up.

The overall fire demand is established either by:

- hydraulic calculations performed

by the engineer, by code, or
- the insurance rating organization.
P S M E 2. System Design
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2.6 Automatic Sprinkler System

An automatic sprinkler system is a network of pipes with water
supply and heat detecting devices that automatically distributes
or discharges water upon detection of fire. It uses water as the
extinguishing agent. Pumps, gravity tanks, pressure tanks or
high pressure mains are utilized to bring water where it is
needed. Pipes convey water and sprinkler heads detects where
fire had originated and discharges water to the base of fire. It is
like a 24 hour security personnel, monitoring the building for
any development of fire and ready to fire water sprays to any
area that is involve in fire. (see figure 2.6 for an schematic
design of a sprinkler system).

The basic components are :

Water supply
Piping System
Sprinkler Heads
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Figure 2.6
P S M E 2. System Design
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Once evaluations have been made of the hazard

and water supply, the type of sprinkler system to be
installed can be selected.

There are five basic types of systems:

- Wet-pipe system.

- Dry-pipe system.

- Pre-action system.

- Deluge system.

- Combined dry-pipe and pre-action system.

P S M E 2.6 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
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2.6.1 Wet-Pipe System

- Employs automatic (closed, fusible link or glass bulb type)

sprinklers attached to piping containing water under
pressure at all times.

- When fire occurs, individual sprinklers are actuated by the

heat, and water flows immediately.

- This system is generally used whenever there is no danger of

the water in the pipes freezing

- there are no special conditions requiring one

of the other systems.
P S M E 2.6 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
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2.6.2 Dry-Pipe System

- A dry-pipe system has automatic sprinklers attached to

piping containing air under pressure.

- When a sprinkler’s sealed orifice is opened

by heat from a fire and air pressure is reduced,
the dry-pipe valve is then opened by water pressure,
and water flows to any opened sprinkler.

- Dry-pipe systems operate more slowly

than wet types

- more expensive to install and to maintain.

- normally installed only where freezing

is a problem or to limit accidental water
damage to the building contents.
P S M E 2.6 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
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2.6.3 Pre-Action System

A pre-action system is installed where there is a need

- to counteract the operational delay of a conventional

dry-pipe system and

- to eliminate the danger of water discharge resulting

from accidental damage to automatic sprinklers or piping.

- The water-supply valve (deluge valve) is actuated

independently by the opening of sprinklers, i.e.

… the valve is opened by the operation

of an automatic fire detection system
and not by the fusing of sprinklers.
P S M E 2.6 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
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2.6.4 Deluge System

- To deliver water to the entire area of a fire in the least

amount of time possible by admitting water to sprinklers or
spray nozzles that are open at all times.

- when used with automatic fire detection devices or

controls designed for individual hazards, it can apply water to
fire more quickly than with a system whose operation depends
on the opening of sprinklers as the fire spreads.

- Suitable for extra hazard occupancies in which

flammable liquids are handled or stored, and where
there is a possibility that fire may flash ahead of
the operation of ordinary automatic sprinklers.
P S M E 2.6 Automatic Sprinkler Systems
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2.6.5 Combined Dry-Pipe and Pre-Action System

- an automatic sprinklers attached to a piping system

containing air under pressure and has a supplemental fire
detection system installed in the same areas as the
sprinklers.

- Operation of the fire detection system, actuates tripping

devices that open dry-pipe valves simultaneously and
without loss of air pressure in the system.

- Operation of the detection system also opens approved

air exhaust valves at the end of the feed main, which
facilitate the filling of the system with water, usually
precedes the opening of sprinklers.

- The fire detection system also serves as an

automatic, early warning fire alarm system.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.1 General

Sprinkler system pipe sizing

- by pipe schedule or
- by hydraulic calculations.

The hydraulic pipe schedule is a table of standard sprinkler

system pipe sizes with associated flows that will
produce the average friction loss allowed in the system

Sprinkler systems are preferred to be hydraulically

calculated to ensure adequate protection and most
economical installation.

Non-calculated systems proved to be deficient

in terms of protection coverage and cost considerations.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.2 Classification of Occupancy

NFPA 13 classifies occupancy as follows: .

a. Light hazard occupancies

- are defined as occupancies or portions of other

occupancies where the quantity and/or combustibility
of contents is low and fires with relatively low rates of
heat release are expected.

- Educational Facilities, Hospitals, Institutional

- Libraries, except large stack rooms, Museums
- Nursing or convalescent homes, Offices,
- Residential, Restaurant seating areas
- Theaters and auditoriums,
- Unused attics
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3.2 Classification of Occupancy

b. Ordinary hazard (Group 1)

- occupancies are defined as occupancies or portions of

other occupancies where combustibility is low, quantity
of combustibles is moderate, stockpiles of combustibles
do not exceed 8 ft (2.4 m), and fires with moderate rates
of heat release are expected.

- Automobile parking and showrooms

- Bakeries, Beverage manufacturing, Canneries
- Dairy products manufacturing
- Processing Electronic plants
- Glass and glass products manufacturing
- Laundries, Restaurant service areas
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3.2 Classification of Occupancy

c. Ordinary hazard (Group 2)

- occupancies are defined as occupancies or portions of

other occupancies where the quantity and
combustibility of contents are moderate to high,
stockpiles do not exceed 12 ft (3.7 m), and fires with
moderate high rates of heat release are expected.

- Machine shops, Metal working, Mercantile

- Paper and pulp mills, Paper process plants
- Piers and wharves, Post offices, Printing and publishing
- Repair garages, Resin application area,
- Textile manufacturing
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3.2 Classification of Occupancy

d. Extra hazard (Group 1)

- occupancies are defined as occupancies or portions of

other occupancies where the quantity and
combustibility of contents are very high and dust, lint, or
other materials are present, introducing the probability
of rapidly developing fires with high rates of heat
release but with little or no combustible or flammable
liquids.

- Combustible hydraulic fluid use areas

- Die casting
- Metal extruding
- Plywood and particle board manufacturing
- Rubber reclaiming, compounding,
drying, milling, vulcanizing
- Saw mills
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3.2 Classification of Occupancy

e. Extra hazard (Group 2)

- occupancies are defined as occupancies or portions of

other occupancies with moderate to substantial
amounts of flammable or combustible liquids or
occupancies where shielding of combustibles is
extensive.

- Asphalt saturating
- Flammable liquids spraying
- Flow coating
- Open oil quenching
- Plastics processing
- Solvent cleaning
- Varnish and paint dipping
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.3 Area of Sprinkler Operation or Design Area

- the area in the building in which all the sprinklers are

considered to be discharging water, sometimes simply
called the “design area”.

- NFPA 13 allows the designer some flexibility in the sizing

of the design area, usually permitting an area between
1500 and 5000 ft2 (139.3 and 464.5 m2 ) in size.

- The designer is free to choose any area within the

acceptable range.

- design area is to be located in the most hydraulically

remote part of the fire area.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.4 Design Density

- is the required sprinkler discharge rate or the amount

of water needed to be discharged from sprinklers to
achieve fire control.

Note: If the required discharge is known, then

hydraulic calculation is possible.

Example: A sprinkler protects 100 ft2 (9.3 m2), discharging at a rate of

25 gpm, determine the “design density” in gallons per min
per square foot (gpm/ft2).

Design density = gpm = 25 gpm

ft2 100 ft2

= 0.25 gpm/ft2
 P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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Formulas:
Pressure: ****Where:
P = 0.433 H Q – Flow rate (gpm)
P – Pressure (psi)
Flow; GPM: k – 5.6 Sprinkler discharge
 Q = design density x maximum characteristic, ½ nominal
coverage area of sprinkler orifice
C – Hazen Williams C Factor, friction
Q=k√P loss coefficient, 120
d – inside diameter
Pipe Friction Loss (psi/ft): H – height in feet
P fl = 4.52 Q 1.85 PTl – total pipe length (ft)
C 1.85 d 4.87

Friction Loss (psi):

 Pf = Pfl x PTl
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3.4 Design Density (continuation…)

NFPA 13 (Figure 11.2.3.1.5), design densities appropriate

for a wide range of occupancy classifications.

2400

0.18

Density/Area Curves
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3.5 Information Required for Hydraulic Calculation:

3.5.1. Water Supply Information

- Static pressure.
- Residual pressure.
- Flow rate.
- Location and elevation of test.
- Total supply available.

3.5.2. Hazard Classification (Occupancy)

- By insurance company or NFPA standards.
- Density and area requirements.
- Duration of flow requirements.
- Hose stream allowance.
- Pressure allowance.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.5 Information Required for Hydraulic Calculation:

(Con’t…)
3.5.3. Piping Material (Friction Loss)
- Lightwall pipe.
- Schedule 40 pipe.
- Copper.
- Cement lined pipe.

3.5.4. Sprinkler Heads

- Obtain sprinkler head “K” factor
(from technical data sheets.)
- Temperature rating.
- Special coating requirements.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.6 Information Needed for Design

Prior to designing a fire sprinkler system, the following

information must be obtained:

3.6.1 Estimate of Water Demand

- This can be obtained by calculating the product of

the density, design area, and average factor.

- The density and design area are normally specified by

NFPA 13, or the fire insurance underwriter, and
both relate to the type of
hazard to be protected.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.6 Information Needed for Design (continuation…)

3.6.2 Estimate of the Total Demand

- this can be determined by adding the sprinkler

system demand to the hose demand.

- The hose demand is normally specified by NFPA 13

or an insurance underwriter

3.6.3 Available Pressure

- can be determined from a graph of the water supply

characteristics (flow and pressure) at the water
supply point.
P S M E 3. Hydraulic Design of Sprinkler Systems
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3.6 Information Needed for Design (continuation…)

3.6.4 End-head Flows and Pressures

- is the flow required to provide the minimum specified

water density by actual floor area tributary to a
sprinkler head.

- the pressure at its required minimum flow can be

determined from sprinkler head characteristic tables;
it should never be less than 7 psi (0.44 kPa)

3.6.5 Average Pressure Loss

- is the unit pressure loss due to friction

P S M E 4. Standpipe Systems
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4.1 General

- Standpipe systems can be classified into three categories as

defined by NFPA 14, Standard for the Installation of
Standpipe, Private Hydrant, and Hose Systems.

Purpose

- is to provide a readily accessible water supply

for fire department personnel and/or

- trained occupant use during fire situations.

P S M E 4. Standpipe Systems
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4.2 Classifications of Standpipe Systems

- Class I :
For use by fire departments and those trained in
handling heavy fire streams, 2 ½-in. (65 mm) hose.

- Class II :
For use primarily by the building occupants until the
arrival of the fire department, 1 ½-in (40 mm) hose.

- Class III :
For use either by fire departments and those trained
in handling heavy hose streams, 2 ½-in (65 mm)
hose, or by building occupants,
1 ½-in (40 mm) hose.
P S M E 4. Standpipe Systems
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4.3 Locating and Determining the Number of Standpipe

Risers
The number of standpipe risers and hose valves can be determined
by the guidelines established in NFPA 14.

- as a rule of thumb, each room or segment of a building

that requires standpipes must be within reach of a 100 ft (30.5
m) fire hose with a 30 ft (9.14 m) hose stream.

- the number of risers and hose valves can be determined

using the distance discussed above.

- Most building codes and NFPA require that

the risers and 2 ½-in (65 mm) hose valves for
Classes I and III standpipe system be located
inside fire-rated stairs or smoke-proof towers.
P S M E 4. Standpipe Systems
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4.4 Sizing

Sizing of standpipe risers and branch mains, if applicable to the

installation, varies according to the:

- system configuration,
- local building code requirements,
- the building hazard, and
- the size of the building.

It is recommended that the designer shall

check with the local code as well as NFPA standards
to ensure that the system will meet local requirements.
P S M E 4. Standpipe Systems
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4.5 Water Supply

Class I and III:

- Provide 500 gpm (31.5 L/s) at a pressure of 100 psi (689.5 kPa) at
the uppermost outlet for the first riser
and
- 250 gpm (15.75 L/s) for each additional riser with a maximum
required water supply of 1250 gpm (78.75 L/s).

-The standard fire stream is 250 gpm (15.75 L/s).

(Refer to NFPA 14 for more details)

Class II:

- Provide 100 gpm (6.3 L/s) at 65 psi (448.2 kPa)

at the uppermost outlet.
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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5.1 General

A (fire) pump is provided, whether it is installed locally or

remote, to ensure the availability of fire fighting fluid at the
farthest area of the facility being protected.

A fire pump has characteristics suited for fire fighting and is

built to rigid specifications, which sets it apart from
ordinary water pumps.

Fire pumps are used to supply water for automatic sprinkler

system, standpipes, and fire hydrants.

The fire pump is the first line of defence against

fire damage.

Applicable standard is NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of

Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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5.2 Classifications

NFPA 20 classifies horizontal split-case fire pumps (figure 5.2.1)

for positive suction pressure.

Vertical turbine pumps (figure 5.2.2) are used when suction lift
is required.

Labelled fire pumps are made in specific sizes-

500, 750, 1000, 1500, and 2500 gpm
(31.5, 47.3, 63, 95.5, 126, and 157.5 L/s).

Pressure selections range from 40 to 100 psi

(275.8 to 689.5 kPa) for low-pressure fire pumps
(sometimes referred to as booster fire pumps)
and from 100 to 340 psi (689.5 to 2344.2 kPa)
or more for standard fire pumps.
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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Figure 5.2.1
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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Figure 5.2.2
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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5.3 Performance Requirements

1. The fire pump shall furnish not less than 150 percent rated
capacity at 65 percent of total rated head. The shut off head
shall not be exceeding 140 percent of the rated head. These are
both applicable to vertical turbine and horizontal split case
pump. Older edition of the NFPA 20 requires horizontal split
case pump to have a shut-off rating not exceeding 120 percent
of rated load. (see figure 5.1)
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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Figure 5.1
P S M E 5. Fire Pumps
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5.4 Jockey Pump

Jockey pump is normally required in all pressurized system.

The intent is to maintain pressure when it is lost to

minor leaks, not to keep up with sprinkler discharge.

This automatic electric pump normally has a capacity of

10-15 gpm (4.72-7.08 L/s) or less.

Its controller is set to start at about 10 psi (69 kPa)

above the start signal for the fire pump and
to stop at full pressure.
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6. System Protection Area Limitations

The maximum floor area on any one floor to be protected by

sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler system riser or
combined system riser shall be as follows:
(1) Light hazard — 52,000 ft2 (4831 m2)
(2) Ordinary hazard — 52,000 ft2 (4831 m2)
(3) Extra hazard
(a) Pipe schedule — 25,000 ft2 (2323 m2)
(b) Hydraulically calculated — 40,000 ft2 (3716 m2)
(4) Storage — High-piled storage (as defined in 3.9.1.13) and
storage covered by other NFPA standards — 40,000 ft2 (3716
m2)
3.9.1.13 High-Piled Storage. Solid-piled, palletized, rack storage,
bin box, and shelf storage in excess of 12 ft (3.7 m) in height.
 P S M E 7. Useful Reference Documents
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BS EN 12845 - Automatic Sprinkler Systems

BS EN 671 - Hose Systems
CIBSE - Guide E: Fire Engineering
NFPA 10 - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems
NFPA 14 - Standard for the Installation of Standpipe,
Private Hydrant, and Hose Systems
NFPA 15 - Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems
for Fire Protection
NFPA 20 - Standard for the Installation of Stationary
Pumps for Fire Protection
NFPA 22 - Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire
Protection
NFPA 24 - Standard for the Installation of Private
Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances
NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code
NFPA 2001 - Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems
NFPA 5000 - Building Construction and Safety Code
SFPE - Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering
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