Sprinkler Flow (K-Factor)
Calculate the flow of an automatic sprinkler, Q = K × √P, from the head's K-factor and the pressure at the sprinkler P. The result, in L/min, is the water discharged by the sprinkler at a given pressure — the basis of the hydraulic design of sprinkler systems, which must ensure enough flow and application density over the most unfavourable operating area. The K-factor characterizes the orifice (the larger it is, the more flow at the same pressure). Mind the units of K and P, which must be consistent. Enter the K-factor and the pressure.
Result
—
Vazão de sprinkler (fator K)
Um chuveiro automático (sprinkler) é, hidraulicamente, um orifício calibrado: a água sai dele a uma vazão que depende da pressão disponível e do tamanho do bico. Essa relação é a fórmula do fator K: Q = K × √P, onde K é o coeficiente de descarga do bico (caracteriza o orifício) e P é a pressão na cabeça do sprinkler. A vazão cresce com a raiz quadrada da pressão — para dobrar a vazão, é preciso quadruplicar a pressão. Esse comportamento é o coração do dimensionamento hidráulico de redes de sprinklers, que precisa garantir, simultaneamente, que o chuveiro mais desfavorável (o mais distante e alto em relação à bomba) ainda receba pressão suficiente para entregar a vazão mínima, e que o conjunto de chuveiros operando na área de aplicação de projeto produza a densidade (L/min/m²) exigida pela classe de risco. Bicos de K maior (orifícios grandes, ESFR) entregam muita água a baixa pressão, ideais para riscos altos; bicos de K menor são usados em riscos leves. Atenção às unidades: K é tabelado de forma diferente conforme P esteja em bar ou kPa — use valores coerentes. Informe o fator K e a pressão.
Related Tools
Required Fire Flow
Calculate the water flow required for a firefighting system, Q = area × application rate, multiplying the operating area (m²) by the required application density (L/min per m²). The result, in L/min, is the minimum flow the sprinkler or spray system must deliver over the most unfavourable area to control the fire. The application rate depends on the occupancy's hazard class — the higher the fire load and combustibility, the higher the density required by codes (NBR/NFPA). It is the basis of hydraulic design and water reserve. Enter the area and the application rate.
Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT)
Calculate the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of a reactor or tank, HRT = volume ÷ flow, dividing the working volume (m³) by the influent flow (m³/h). The result, in hours, is the average time the liquid stays in the unit and is decisive in designing clarifiers, anaerobic reactors, lagoons and aeration tanks: short times prevent reactions or settling from completing, while long times raise cost and footprint. Enter the working volume and the inlet flow.
Smoke Plume Mass Flow
Calculate the mass flow of a fire's smoke plume by the Heskestad correlation, ṁ = 0.071·Q̇_c^(1/3)·z^(5/3), from the convective part of the heat release rate Q̇_c (kW) and the height above the fire base z (m). The result, in kg/s, is the amount of hot gases and smoke rising and accumulating, governing the design of smoke control and exhaust systems (mechanical or natural) that keep a smoke-free layer for safe evacuation. The flow grows strongly with height. Enter the convective heat fraction and the height.
The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.