GUIDE FOR

FIRE PROTECTION AND

DETECTION SYSTEM
CALCULATIONS

CALCULATIONS FOR HVW SPRAY

SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMER

By : Mehboob Shaikh
M. Tech (ISFT) | B.Eng. | CFPS | CFI | AMIE

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 WATER SPRAY SYSTEM
(Water Demand)

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 System Description

High Velocity Water Spray Systems (HVWS):

HVWS, is generally used in systems, having high flash points. The velocity
of the water sprays, hitting the system under fire is critical for successful
fire extinguishing action.

High Velocity Water Spray Systems Philosophy

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 Water is released through
open nozzles

Deluge Valve

HVWS shall be designed as per NFPA 15 regulations. HVWS shall consists

of above group piping, along with relevant fittings, deluge valves,
isolation gate valves, spray nozzles, Quartzite bulb detector and pressure
switches. HVWS system shall be equipped with the provision of
automatically detect, control & extinguish any outburst of fire. The
system shall allow hydraulically open the deluge valve thus allowing
water to be sprayed on the equipment/area through projector nozzles in
the form of a solid conical emulsifying spray.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

Isolation gate valve shall be provided on upstream and downstream side
of the deluge valve. Fast acting butterfly valve shall be provided as a by-
pass to deluge valve, so that this valve can be kept closed and can be
operated manually in case of malfunction of deluge valve.

The pressure at the hydraulically most remote point in the network shall
not be less than 3.5 bars for outdoor transformers as per NFPA 15.

Plant Areas/ Equipment’s covered under HVWS are:

• All oil filled Transformers (Oil capacity more than 2000ltr.)

• All type of oil storage tanks.
• Boiler’s burner and its surroundings.
• Turbine Lube oil / Dirty Oil storage tanks

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 Design Basis:
The system shall be designed completely as per NFPA 15 and other
international standards
Application Rate: 10.2lpm/ m2 (Minimum) of the surface area of the
entire transformer including the bottom surface, radiators, conservators
etc.
A minimum pressure of 3.5 bars shall be achieved at the hydraulically
remotes sprayer. However, pressure at the hydraulically favorable
sprayer shall not exceed 5 bars. The velocity in the feed pipes shall not
exceed 10M/second.
The water spray system shall be provided with deluge valve assembly
actuated by QBD (Quartzoid Bulb Detector) on water line (wet system).
In addition to auto actuation by QBD, facility of manual actuation of
deluge valve, locally through a push button deluge valve panel and hand
lever shall be provided.

Spray Nozzle (Projectors) Selection/QTY Calculation:

Placing of spray nozzles shall be such that their spray nozzles should
cones overlap each other.
Field obstruction if any affecting the spray pattern of the nozzle must
also be considered.
K-Factor shall be calculated with respect to protected equipment area,
(theoretical/tentative) nozzle QTY and design density/rate of
application.
Spray angle, Spray Pattern & discharge characteristics graph of
manufacturer data sheet shall be referred while placing/calculating the
spray nozzles.
According protected equipment area, K-Factor, Selected Nozzles Spray
Angle, (theoretical/tentative) nozzle QTY and design density/rate of
application, theoretical water requirement shall be calculated.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

Accordingly final spray nozzle QTY shall be calculated with respect to
theoretical water demand.
With reference of theoretical water demand deluge valve size shall be
selected according available flow range & size of deluge valve as per
approved manufacturer standard.

Spray Piping:
Transformers/Equipment’s/Tanks shall be protected using rings of
nozzles. Projectors on the rings shall be located at not less than 500mm
and not more than 800mm from the Transformer/Equipment surface.
The horizontal and vertical distances between the projectors shall be
maintained in such a way that their spray patterns intersect on the
surface of the Transformer/Equipment.

HVWS System operation philosophy:

Operation of HVWS system:

The system is auto actuated wet pilot based high velocity (HV) water
spray system. The system consists of detection line and protection line
around the transformer boundary. The QBD detectors are designed to
operate at 79 deg Cel. In fire condition, When the rated temperature is
reached the bulb shatters and water flows through the sprinkler/QBD
and due to low pressure at deluge valve upstream cause to deluge valve
opening action, will start automatic sprinkler protection line of sprayers.
The system can also be started by Push Lever (Emergency valve) on the
Deluge Valve Trim. The bypass line is provided on this spray system, so
that the spray system can be manually operated without any
automation, in case need arises. In addition to above Deluge Valve Panel
has been considered to monitor as well as operate the HVWS system.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 Deluge Valve panel shall be provided with following IP/OP
signals/notifications.
ACTUATE ACTUATE
ACTUATE COMOMON COMOMON POT FREE
ACTUATE LED
LOCAL FIRE ALARM SUPERVISORY O/P FOR
DVP I/P O/P SIGNAL MATRIX INDICATION AT
ALARM AT SIGNAL / SIGNAL / DCS
DVP
DVP INDICATOR INDICATOR AT INTERFACE
AT MFAP MFAP
Transformer
Sr. No. HVWS System A B C D E
signal
Deluge Valve
1 O O O O
Open
Deluge Fail to
2 O O O
Operated
3 Power ON O

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 Water Demand Calculations for
Transformer Protection

Design Procedure

Step: 1 : Determine Preliminary information about the

Transformer such as the following.
Transformers come in many sizes and configurations. Before attempting to design
the protection, it is essential to have the following information:

• Length
• Width
• Height of transformer
• Location and height of bushings
• Height and location of lightning, if any
• Size and location of oil expansion tank, if any
• Location of any switch boxes and any equipment that may interfere with water
distribution
• Size of transformer, i.e., high and low voltage
• Phase of transformer, either single or three phase
• Direction of incoming high voltage and low voltage wire or bus bars to the
transformer
• Setting of transformer, whether surrounded by concrete or crushed rock
• Elevation of bottom of transformer above grade
• Location of radiators and distance between radiators. When space between
radiators exceeds 12 in (.3 m)
• it must be covered
• Size and location of, if any
• Estimate of possible effects of wind, and size and location of any wind
protection.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

Design Notes :
1. If the transformer is not existing, it will be necessary to obtain a
manufacturer’s dimensional drawing of the proposed transformer.

2. The drawings for the transformer should be made to a large scale, e.g., 3/8” to
1’-0” or 1/2” to 1’-0” (1/30 or 1/25), and there should be three views: top, side
and bottom. If more than one ring is necessary an additional plan view may
be necessary.

3. In addition to the transformer, a detailed plan should be drawn to show the

general view, such as firewalls between transformers, water supply location,
valve location, electrical poles, and any other obstructions that may interfere
with the sprinkler piping.

4. Transformers present particular design problems for water spray protection,

primarily because of their irregular shape and the necessary clearances to be
provided from high voltage wiring. Generally speaking, there is much more
interference with the water flow on the surface of the transformer than there
is on a tank. For this reason protection systems for transformers generally
involve a large number of small capacity nozzles. Often it will be necessary
to put more water on the transformer than is actually required simply to
achieve coverage. It is most useful to use a large-scale drawing of the
transformer and project theoretical nozzle discharge patterns on it to get an
idea of the type of coverage to be expected.

5. Transformers are generally protected using rings of nozzles around the

transformer with the top ring being located near the top of the transformer and
subsequent rings being located every 12 ft (3.6 m) from the top to the bottom
of the transformer or beneath each continuous obstruction.

6. Nozzles are also employed to spray water on the bottom of the transformer in
the event it is more than 12 in (.3 m) above the ground. In addition, if the
ground is covered with solid material such as concrete or asphalt, nozzles must
be located to wash fl flammable liquid away from the transformer. Nozzles
must be located so as to spray the proper amount of water into the “design
area”.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 Absorbing pit with stone fill Or Non-absorbing with exposed concrete containment……?

7. To determine the various design areas of the transformer, consider that the
elements of the transformer are a collection of simple geometric fi gures
(cylinders, cubes, etc.). Make a plan and elevation view of the simplifi ed
transformer concept.

8. If the transformer is located 12 in (.3 m) or more above grade, also make a

bottom view. Neglect small protrusions or increase size of fi gure slightly to
compensate. Radiators should be considered as a single unit unless there is
more than a 12 in (.3 m) space between them. In this case, they must be
considered as multiple units.

Required Density = d
Required Grade Density = dg

Commonly Accepted Densities

Top & Sides 0.25 gpm/sf 10.18 gpm/sf

Bottom 0.25 gpm/sf 10.18 gpm/sf
Grade(Non Absorbing) 0.15 gpm/sf 6.11 gpm/sf

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

Step: 2: Determine the design area for the top and sides of
the transformer.

Step: 3: Determine the design area for the radiator Body

Step: 4: Determine the design area for the oil Tank

Step: 5: Determine the design area for the bottom (only if the
transformer is 12 inches for more above the grade)

Step: 6: Determine the design area for the grade (The design area for
the grade is the area that appears on the simplified bottom view of the transformer plus an area extending
3 ft (.9 m) on all sides of the view. Grade protection is required only when a non-absorbing surface such
as concrete or asphalt paving is employed. Grade surfaces such as gravel or crushed rock do not normally
require nozzle protection. Grade protection is not required directly under the transformer unless it is
located at least 12 in (.3 m) above grade.)
Step: 7: Determine the water requirement for Top and Sides

Step: 8: Determine the water requirement for Bottom

Step: 9: Determine the water requirement for Grade

Step: 10: Determine the water requirement for Entire

Transformer.

Step: 11 : Assume Nozzle Pressure ( Between 3.5 to 10.5 Bar)

Step: 12 : Select the Probable Nozzle Arrangement

Follow below given guidelines

a. Minimum electrical clearances

One of the most important considerations in locating the piping around the
transformer is the distance of the pipe from the electrical components or energized
parts, such as bare cables, bus ducts, and the low voltage and high voltage bushings.
The clearance between any portion of the water spray equipment and the unenclosed
or uninsulated electrical components, at other than ground potential, should not be
less than given in the following table. These clearances are for the altitude of 3,300

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

ft (1,000 m) or less. The distance should be increased at the rate of one percent for
each 330 ft (100 m) increase of altitude above 3,300 ft (1,000 m).

b. Distance of Nozzle from the surface.

Unless the transformers are located indoors where there are no wind
conditions, the surface of the nozzle should be located no more than 2 ft (.6 m)
from the vertical surface to the transformer

c. Coverage for Transformer Top

Generally, 30, 60 or 90-degree spray nozzles are installed in this top loop with
the nozzles located approximately 1 to 2 ft (.3 to .6m) above the transformer
top and pointed so that the water will impinge upon the transformer. Water
should not be directed at the high voltage bushings. The above nozzles have a
maximum effective horizontal throw of 6 ft at 30 psi (1.8 m at 2.0 bar). It may
be desirable to locate nozzles at the corner to achieve increased coverage.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]
d. Horizontal distance between nozzles
The horizontal distance between nozzles should be such that their patterns
intersect along the horizontal line. For nozzles located 2 ft (.6 m) from the
surface, the following horizontal distances should be used

e. Two sets of nozzles from the same ring

Because, generally speaking, small capacity nozzles will be used, it will often be
possible to extend the nozzles above and below the loop by means of a nipple.
Nipples longer than 2 ft (.6 m) generally require additional support.
f. Bottom nozzles
If the transformer or radiator is located more than 12 in (.3 m) off the ground, it is
necessary to protect the bottom. This is generally done with wide angle spray
nozzles pointing upward.
g. Between radiator protection
If the radiators are more than 12 in (.3 m) apart, nozzles must be arranged to spray
into this space. A nozzle angle should be selected so that the cone diameter at the
entrance is equal to or slightly larger than the space between the radiators.
h. Rundown considerations
Rundown will occur on smooth, vertical surfaces. Projections from the surfaces,
however, will “roof off” certain areas which would normally be covered by
rundown. These “roofed off” areas usually require specifi c nozzle coverage.
I. Vertical distance between nozzles
For unobstructed vertical surfaces with no “roofed off” area and unobstructed
rundown, a maximum vertical distance between nozzles is 12 feet (3.6m). In
practice, however, unobstructed areas of this size are rarely encountered.
j. Nozzle direction
Nozzles protecting the transformer top should be aimed slightly down so that all of
the water impinges upon the transformer with either all on the top or some on top

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

and some on vertical sides. Nozzles protecting vertical sides and bottom should
point directly at the surface to be protected. Nozzles covering irregular areas
should be located for best coverage generally spraying into corners. Overspray
must be avoided. Nozzles covering space between radiators should be arranged to
spray directly into the open space.
k. Overspray
If nozzles are located too far from the surface, or if the angle is too large, there will
be overspray, that is, water coming from the nozzle will not impinge on the
transformer and will be wasted. In order to avoid overspray, locate nozzle closer to
the transformer or use a smaller angle. Always observe electrical clearances.
l. Grade protection
If the transformer is located 12 in (.3 m) or more above a non-absorbing surface
such as asphalt or concrete, nozzles must be located under the transformer
pointing down and outside the transformer covering an area 3 ft (.9 m) around the
transformer pointing generally outward. The purpose of the grade protection
nozzles is to wash flammable liquid away from the transformer (consider grade
slope). It is often possible to feed both bottom protection nozzles and grade
protection nozzles from the same pipe. In some cases (usually small transformers)
it may be acceptable to use an open pendent sprinkler in the upright position. No
grade protection is required when readily absorbs the flammable liquid.

m. Wind
Often, because of transformer configuration and electrical clearances, it will not be
possible to locate spray nozzles close to the areas that they are expected to protect.
When the installation is outside, the effect of the wind must be seriously
considered. Small spray nozzles operating at high pressure produce small drops
that are particularly susceptible to being blown away by the wind. It may be
necessary to increase water density in questionable conditions.

Step: 13: Determine the number of nozzles based upon above

arrangement

Step: 14 : Determine K Factor of the nozzle based upon flow

and the pressure

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

Step: 15: Select Appropriate K Factor from Manufacturer
catalogue.

Step: 16 : Find the total amount of water delivered into each

design area by the probable nozzle arrangement

Step: 17 : Find the total amount of water delivered into each

design area by the probable nozzle arrangement
(Compare the water delivered to the design area by the probable nozzle
arrangement with that required. Increase or reduce nozzle sizes and pressures as
necessary. (Note that because of the irregularities of transformers, many nozzles
are required to provide coverage. In addition, because of electrical clearances,
some of these nozzles are required to throw at maximum distances. For this reason
it may not be possible to reduce the number of nozzles or the operating pressure
far enough to approach the minimum. In practice it may be possible to reduce the
required pressure below 30 psi (2 bar); however, this should not be done in the
design stage.)

Step: 18 : Perform Hydraulic Calculation & determine pipe

Sizing.

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 SAMPLE WATER DEMAND
CALCULATION

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

Example – 01 Transformer details:
Available data :
Transformer Rating: 80 MVA
Length = 4.9 Mtr
Width = 1.7 Mtr.
Height = 2.8 Mtr.
Radiator Length = 4.2 Mtr.
Radiator Width = 1.8 Mtr.
Radiator height = 2 Mtr.
Oil Tank Diameter = 0.9 Mtr.
Oil tank Length = 2 Mtr.

1. Calculate Surface area of Transformer Body :

= 2(LXW + WXH + LXH)

= 2 ( 4.9 x 1.7+1.7 x 2.8+4.9 x 2.8)
= 53.62 SM

2. Calculate Surface area of Radiator :

= 2(LXW + WXH + LXH)

= 2 ( 4.2 x 1.8 +1.8 x 2 +4.2 x 2)
=78.24 SM

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 3. Calculate Oil Tank surface Area :

= 2(3.14 x (0.9/2)^2 x 2.5 + 3.14 x (0.9/2)^2)

=8.33 SM

4. Calculate Total surface Area :

=1+2+3
= 140.20 SM

5. Select design density: 10.2 LPM/SM

6. Theoretical Water requirement in LPM

Q = 1430.01 LPM

7. No. of Nozzles: 80 (Based upon actual transformer

arrangement)
8. Pressure requirement for the system = 3.5 to 10.5 bar
9. Flow from each Nozzle = 1430.01/80 = 17.87 LPM
10. Calculate K Factor for the nozzle

Q = K * (P)^(1/2)
K = Q/P^1/2
K= 17.87/(3.5)^(1/2)
K=9.55

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 11. Select Appropriate K Factor from Manufacture
Catalogue:

Selected K Factor = 18 , 80 Deg. Spray Angle

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 12. Actual Water Provided based upon selected
nozzle

Q = K * (P)^(1/2) x Total no. of Nozzle

Q = 18 x (3.5 )^(1/2) x 80

Q = 2693.99 LPM

Q = 161.63 CM/hr

13. Select the appropriate size of Deluge valve :

150NB (FLOW RATE 170 TO 650 M3/HR)

100NB (FLOW RATE 50 TO 225 M3/HR)

80NB (FLOW RATE 30 TO 110 M3/HR)

50NB (FLOW RATE 10 TO 55 M3/HR

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 Example – 02
Available data:
Transformer Rating: 80 MVA
Length = 4.40 Mtr
Width = 1.570 Mtr.
Height = 3.48 Mtr.
Radiator Length = 2.38 Mtr.
Radiator Length = 1.635 Mtr.
Radiator Height = 2.90 Mtr.
Oil Tank Diameter = 1.3 Mtr.
Oil tank Length = 2.71 Mtr

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 WATER SPRAY SYSTEM
(Hydraulic Calculation)

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]
 REFER TO EXCEL SHEET

MITI Consultancy Design|Inspection|Training [email protected]

 HYDRAULIC CALCULATION FOR WATER SPRAY SYSTEM PER NFPA 15
Without taking velocity pressure into consideration
Nozzle Pipe Equivalent Friction
Flow in Pipe Pressure Normal
I.D. and End Node Fittings and Pipe Loss Notes
gpm Size Summary Pressure
Location Devices Length psi/ft
1E 10.5 20.54241
1 A 25.2 1.05 2 0.20 0.2165 P = (25.2/5.56)^2 = 20.5 psi
12.5 2.482917
23.24183
1T 0.5 20.54241
2 A 25.2 1.05 5 0.20 0.2165 Equivalent K=25.2/(21.7)^(1/2) = 5.41
5.5 1.092484
21.8514
26.08 1E 7 23.24183
A B 25.2 1.61 1T 12 0.09 0 q = 5.41*(23.24)^(1/2) = 26.08 GPM
51.28 19 1.752139
24.99397
51.28 1T 2 24.99397
B B 51.28 1.61 8 0.33 0 Adding Equal Amount of flow from other side of
102.56 10 3.324455 line which is symmetrical with nozzle 1 & 2
28.31843
0 0 22 28.5
E D 0 1.61 0 0.34 -6.495 We have been given q = 103 GPM @ 28.5 psi
103 22 7.371955 and this node
29.37695
0 0 1 29.37695
D D 54.3 1.61 0 0.73 -0.433 q = 50.3* (29.37/25.4)^(1/2) = 54.3 GPM
157.3 1 0.733431
29.67739
0 1T 18 29.67739
C F 105.1 1.61 1E 12 1.89 -1.732 q from B = 102.6*( 29.7/28.31)^(1/2) = 105.1
262.4 30 56.70423
84.64962
0 1E 5 84.64962
F G 437.9 4 10 0.14 5.196 q = 381.6*(84.64/64.4)^(1/2) = 437.4
700.3 15 2.072468
91.91808
0 0 91.91808
Hose 250 0 - 0 Adding 250 GPM as Hose Stream Allowances
950.3 0 0
91.91808
 • Only one pressure is inside the pipe
BALANCING FLOW @ NODE A
– Use the higher pressure
• Calculate an equivalent K-factor for the portion of the
pipe with the lower pressure
• Calculate the actual flow using the K-factor and the
new pressure.

Balancing Flow :

Calculate Equivalent K Factor = Q / (P)^(1/2) = 25.2/(21.7)^(1/2) = 5.41

A Calculate Actual Flow = Keqv * (P-higher)^(1/2) = 5.41 * (23.2)^(1/2) = 26.1 GPM
BALANCING FLOW @ NODE D • Only one pressure is inside the pipe
– Use the higher pressure
• Calculate an equivalent K-factor for the portion of the pipe
with the lower pressure
• Calculate the actual flow using the K-factor and the new
pressure.

54.3 GPM @ 29.4 PSI

D
Balancing Flow :

Calculate Equivalent K Factor = Q / (P)^(1/2) = 50.5/(25.4)^(1/2) = 10.02

103 GPM @ 29.4 PSI Calculate Actual Flow = Keqv * (P-higher)^(1/2) = 10.02* (29.4)^(1/2) = 54.3 GPM
 BALANCING FLOW @ NODE C • Only one pressure is inside the pipe
– Use the higher pressure
• Calculate an equivalent K-factor for the portion of the
pipe with the lower pressure
• Calculate the actual flow using the K-factor and the
new pressure.
54.3 GPM @ 29.4 PSI

C
102.6 GPM @ 28.2 psi

Balancing Flow :

103 GPM @ 29.7 PSI Calculate Equivalent K Factor = Q / (P)^(1/2) = 102.6/(28.2)^(1/2) = 19.32
Calculate Actual Flow = Keqv * (P-higher)^(1/2) = 19.32* (29.7)^(1/2) = 105.28 GPM
 BALANCING FLOW @ NODE F

• Only one pressure is inside the pipe

381.6 GPM @ 64.4 psi

F
– Use the higher pressure
• Calculate an equivalent K-factor for the portion of the
pipe with the lower pressure
• Calculate the actual flow using the K-factor and the new
262.4 GPM @ 84.64 psi pressure.
437.46 GPM @ 84.64 psi

Balancing Flow :

C Calculate Equivalent K Factor = Q / (P)^(1/2) = 381.6/(64.4)^(1/2) = 47.55

Calculate Actual Flow = Keqv * (P-higher)^(1/2) = 47.55* (84.64)^(1/2) = 437.46 GPM