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Equivalent K Piping Tab ​

Summary ​

The Equivalent K Piping window allows you to describe repetitive piping elements to reduce input for your system. Common examples include sprigs, drops, armovers, flexible sprinkler connections, and return bends.

Equiv K 1

Data is entered in the Equivalent K Piping window. For a return bend example, Node 1 might be the head (HD) and Node 2 the connection to the branch line (RB01). The pipe details (size, type, length), number of fittings (elbows, tee), C-Factor, Input Type (e.g., AOver), K-Factor, Density, Area of Coverage, and Minimum Pressure fields are filled in.

Equiv K 2

You can add multiple Equivalent K Pipes for different typical configurations, like RB01, RB02, RB03.

WARNING

Elevation entries are not recommended with equivalent K-factor calculations due to mathematical inaccuracies when combining pressure/flow and pressure/elevation relationships. However, satisfactory results may be obtained for small elevation changes typical in drops or sprigs.

Once the Equivalent K Piping is complete, you must reference it in the System Piping tab. The data for the Equivalent K calculation will appear in the Calculation Summary report. Examples illustrating this process are available, including a detailed section on Flexible Sprinkler Connections.

Equiv K 3

How Do I Use The Button ​

This section describes how to define and use Equivalent K Piping, accessed via a tab and referenced in another tab, rather than a single activating button.

To define Equivalent K Piping:

  1. Navigate to the Equivalent K Piping tab within the HydraCALC window.
  2. Enter the data describing the repetitive piping element in the window
  3. Optionally, add a note describing the entry, such as "RETURN BEND 1"

To use a defined Equivalent K in your system piping:

  1. Go to the System Piping tab.
  2. Position your cursor in the K / Flow column where the Equivalent K should be referenced.
  3. A popup list will appear showing the Equivalent Ks created in this calculation.
  4. Select the desired Equivalent K from the list. This entry in the K / Flow cell will appear with an "=" prefix (e.g., =number).

Equiv K 4

After completing your system setup including Equivalent K references, you can calculate the system.

HydraCARDs (Troubleshooting) ​

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