CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems

Data entry

Free definition

• Defining the elements in the model and their characteristics by means of free entry in CYPEHVAC.
• System design in CYPEHVAC based on DXF-DWG, DWF templates or images (.jpeg, .jpg, .bmp, .wmf).

Importing BIM models

If the CYPEHVAC job is linked to a BIM project from the BIMserver.center platform, the following tasks can be carried out:

• Importing the model with the geometry of a building. This generates the floor plan of the building and imports the layout of the spaces (the thermal loads can be estimated directly or associated with the thermal load values calculated in stand-alone programs) and allows users to enter the system elements based on the building geometry. The following options are available:
  • Importing models designed in CYPE Architecture.
  • Importing models designed in IFC Builder. 
  • Importing models in IFC format with IFC Uploader (generated by CAD/BIM programs such as Allplan, ArchiCAD and others).
  • Importing models designed in Autodesk Revit with the Open BIM - Revit Plugin.
• Importing sprinkler installation requirements for spaces from the analysis results of the programs that define and validate fire protection systems:
  • Importing sprinkler installation requirements in spaces from models that have been analysed in CYPEFIRE.

Data output

• Exporting reports to HTML, DOCX, PDF, RTF and TXT formats.
• Exporting drawings to DXF, DWG and PDF formats.
• Exporting the bill of quantities to FIEBDC-3 format.
• Exporting the information generated with CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems to the BIMserver.center platform using IFC formats. This allows it to be viewed by authorised project participants.
  • CYPEFIRE FDS
    Imports the layout of the CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems sprinklers.

The CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems interface features two tabs with separate workspaces: "Installation" and "Bill of quantities". Both environments are similar to those in other CYPE tools and have a system of dockable windows that can be customised to adapt the workspace to the project's needs.

"Installation" tab

The tab activated by default when getting started is the "Installation" tab. This presents a work environment that allows the installation's design to be carried out quickly and easily, both in a 3D view and in any type of 2D view (such as floor plans and elevations). This way, the installation elements can be entered using the most appropriate view at any given moment.

The tab shows:

• A top toolbar containing the tools for: managing the general characteristics of the project; entering and generating spaces; entering the supply points, the elements of the water distribution network and the consumptions (sprinklers, fire hose reels and emitters); defining the design loadcases; entering the seismic bracing; using the editing tools; and carrying out the analysis, checking and sizing of the installation.
• The modelling area, on the right side of the screen, where all the project elements are entered, edited and displayed.
• On the left-hand side, several panels with tools for defining the project views and for managing the visibility of the elements read and the own elements.

"Bill of quantities" tab

On the other hand, the "Bill of quantities" tab is used to manage the bill of quantities of the elements in the installation, and displays the following:

• A top toolbar where the tools for creating and editing the bill of quantities are located, as well as those for managing and creating reports.
• A graphic window with its own toolbar, located on the right-hand side, in which the different elements of the job can be displayed.
• On the left-hand side, is a specific area for structuring the bill of quantities.

When starting the program and clicking on "New", the program offers users the possibility to create a "New job", which can then be integrated into an existing project in BIMserver.center.

This is done in the "Project selection" window. On the left-hand side, you can log in with a BIMserver.center account.

• On the left-hand side, users can log in with a BIMserver.center account.
• On the right-hand side, the "Select project" option is used to choose an existing project. There is also the possibility to "Create a new project". In this case, the created project will be visible from BIMserver.centre from that moment on.
• The project can also be starting without being linked to the BIMserver.center platform. To do this, simply uncheck the box at the top left, "Link to a BIMserver.center project".

Once the new job has been created, the program interface is accessed, where the graphic window showing the model or models that have been imported stands out. At any time during the project, files can be shared or imported via the "BIMserver.center" group on the top right-hand side.

Importing BIM models

When creating a new job and selecting a project hosted on the BIMserver.center platform from "Select project", the "Import BIM models" window appears, which shows the files contained in that project in IFC format.

The program is able to include one or more of the existing models in the project. To do this, check the "Import" box and accept it.

When accessing the interface, the graphic window will display the imported models. Also, if they contain this information, the plan views needed to develop the system model will be imported and created.

Configuration wizard: selecting standards, downloading catalogues and classifying spaces

The program then opens the "Configuration" wizard, which consists of the following steps:

• In the first step, the applicable codes can be selected from those available for different countries and regions. The checks defined in the standard are then automatically imported.

• In the next step, the connection to the Open BIM Database can be established in order to download and manage manufacturer catalogues. These catalogues will be available at the time of entering the elements in the system.

• Finally, in the last step, the automatic classification of the spaces read from the IFC file of the project can be established according to the specific types required by the program.
  To do this, entries must be added in the assignment table. In each entry, the spaces to be classified are filtered by indicating the values of their properties, and the type of the program's own space to be assigned to them is selected.
  The wizard in the top toolbar can also be used to carry out a joint import of all the spaces read in the IFC file according to the desired property, thus generating an entry in the table for each group of spaces of the same property.
  On the right hand side, the program displays the layout of the selected spaces in the model.
  Spaces that are not to be analysed should be deleted in this classification table.
  The program will assign the selected space type to all the spaces read from the IFC file that have the value indicated in the displayed property and generate their geometry; it will then incorporate them into the model view.

Elements entered

The data of each of the elements entered in the model can be consulted and edited, such as their reference, their 3D layout, their type and their characteristics, in the following tables:

• Spaces
• Booster sets
• Tanks
• Supply connections
• Pipes
• Valves
• Sprinklers
• Fire hose reels
• Emitters
• Pressure regulating valves
• Flow control valves
• Control valve sets
• Seismic bracing
• Racks

The following options are available:

• Checks by type of space
• Design parameters
• Pipe options
• Project data
• Sizing rules

By using the configuration import options available on the right-hand side of the "General options" panel, this data can be generated automatically for different national and international codes, such as the following:

• NFPA 13 and NFPA 14 (United States)
  National Fire Protection Association. Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems / Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems
• EN 12845:2016 (European Union)
  Fixed firefighting systems - Automatic sprinkler systems - Design, installation and maintenance
• CP 52:2004 (Singapur)
  Singapore Standard - Code of practice for automatic fire sprinkler system

For systems in the rest of the world or for specific analyses, the checks can be entered and configured manually in a customised way.

The other options in the right-hand column can be used to import and export the complete configuration of the "General options" panel to files on disk, as well as to select a file with initial values for the creation of a new job.

Details of the above-mentioned features are given below.

Checks by type of space

This section activates and configures the checks to be carried out for each type of space entered according to its risk.

For each type of space, the program allows the following parameters to be defined:

• Reference
  Reference of the type of space, according to its risk.
• Description
  Description of the type of space.
• Design options
  For each of the following options and checks, a configurable descriptive text can be entered in addition to the numerical value associated with them:
  • Design density (Fixed value/ Defined by points) (optional)
    Amount of water discharged per unit time by the sprinkler installation over a given area. It can be expressed with a fixed value or by a curve that obtains the design density to be considered from the area of operation of the active sprinklers.
  • Minimum operating pressure
    Minimum pressure to be achieved in sprinklers.
  • Minimum design flow
    Minimum permissible flow rate to be provided by sprinklers. To be taken from the maximum obtained from the three equations shown:
    • Q = k * (P_mín)^1/2 (optional)
      Flow rate (Q) expressed as a function of the discharge factor (k), defined in the sprinkler type, and the minimum operating pressure at the sprinkler (P_min).
    • Q = D * A (optional)
      Flow rate (Q) expressed as a function of design density (D) and area of operation (A).
    • Fixed value (in units of volume/time) (optional)
      This value is directly editable by the user.
  • Minimum duration of water supply (optional)
    If the system is based on a tank, the tank shall be capable of supplying water for the minimum time set out in this section.
  • Maximum operation area (By surface area / By sprinklers)
    Maximum value of the area of operation, expressed by surface area or by the number of sprinklers that are active.
  • Maximum protected surface by control valve set (optional)
    If the installation has a control post, the area protected by the control post shall not exceed this value.
  • Restrictions
    Sets installation restrictions, defining the type of response for each type of sprinkler. Sprinklers of different response types cannot be installed together, depending on whether or not the boxes at the bottom of the dialogue box are checked.
    • Type of sprinkler (Standard sprinkler / Standard sprinkler sidewall / Residential sprinkler / ESFR sprinkler / All types / Type of response (Standard / Rapid / All types)
    • Allow for sprinklers with a different response to be installed  (optional)
    • Allow for the installation of "Residential sprinkler" with other types of sprinklers (optional)

• Checks to be carried out on the sprinklers
  The following checks can be activated and configured for the different sprinkler types: "Standard sprinkler", "Standard sprinkler sidewall", "Residential sprinkler", "ESFR sprinkler":
  • Maximum distance between sprinklers (Fixed value / Depending on the discharge density) (optional)
  • Minimum distance between sprinklers (optional)
  • Maximum distance from walls (Fixed value / Depending on the discharge density) (optional)
  • Minimum distance to the wall (optional)
  • Maximum allowable protection area (Fixed value / Depending on the discharge density) (optional)
  • Minimum protected area (optional)
  • Maximum space width (without central sprinklers) (optional) [only with "Standard sprinkler sidewall"]
  • Maximum space width (with central sprinklers) (optional) [only with "Standard sprinkler sidewall"]
  • Maximum spacing parallel to the slope (optional)
  • Maximum spacing perpendicular to the slope (optional)

• Checks to be carried out on the FHR
  The following checks can be activated and configured to be carried out on fire hose reels:
  • Minimum design flow
  • Minimum operating pressure

Design parameters

• Calculation equation
  Selects the equation for calculating the pressure drop:
  • Hazen-Williams
    The Hazen-Williams calculation method is one of the most widely used due to its simplicity of calculation, but it cannot be used with any liquid other than water. This is the default method selected.
  • Darcy-Weisbach
    The Darcy-Weisbach calculation method is more accurate than the previous one, but more complex, due to the calculation of the friction factor. This method is required in certain specific cases by some standards, such as NFPA 13. The choice of this calculation method allows the following parameters to be set:
    • Specific gravity
      Ratio of fluid density to water density at 4°C.
    • Relative viscosity
      Ratio of the kinematic viscosity of the fluid to that of water at 20°C.
    • Precision
      Convergence criterion used to indicate that the solution to the non-linear equation has not been found. The iterative calculation ends when the sum of all flow differences divided by the sum of all line flows is less than the number indicated in this section.

• Pressure drop in pipes
  Inserts a safety coefficient which increases the pipe lengths to simulate pressure losses due to singular elements such as elbows, crosses, tees, valves, etc.
  • Increase coefficient
    This value must be greater than the unit. For example, to represent a head loss increase of 15%, a value of 1.15 is entered.

• Pressure drop due to fittings (optional)
  By activating this option, fittings such as connections, elbows, tees or crosses are generated during the calculation according to the geometry of the network and can be displayed in the 3D representation of the system. Furthermore, in this section, the program can configure the head loss coefficient associated with the different types of fittings generated, both in the branch with direct flow and in the branch with change of direction, if applicable.
  • Connection (Direct flow)
  • Elbow at 45º (Change of direction)
  • Elbow at 90º (Change of direction)
  • Standard Tee (Direct flow, Change of direction)
  • Cross connection (Direct flow, Change of direction)

• Seismic analysis (optional)
  By activating this option and setting the following parameter, users can enter and analyse seismic bracings in the installation using the options in the "Bracings" group of the main toolbar.
  • Seismic coefficient 'Cp'
    This can be entered directly or using the wizard on the right to obtain it from the "Spectral response acceleration parameter at short periods (Ss)", according to "SEI/ASCE 7, Minimum Design Loads of Buildings and other Structures".

Pipe options

• Checks
  Activates and configures the following checks on the pipes:
  • Maximum velocity (optional)
    Maximum velocity of the fluids permitted in pipes.
  • Maximum allowable pressure drop (optional)
    Maximum allowable pressure drop ratio for any given pipe span, expressed as a percentage. If the pressure difference between the initial and final nodes is greater than the indicated value, a warning shall be displayed on the pipe warning that the span must be redesigned.
    This option is used to quickly detect spans that, due to their dimensions, produce large head losses and therefore need to be redesigned. The default value is 40%.

• Quantities
  • Generate the support quantities (optional)
    Activating this option automatically generates the measurement of the pipe supports from the geometry of the installation entered in the model. The option on the right configures this measurement by editing the "Maximum spacing between supports" for the different pipe materials and diameters.

Project data

Incorporates the following project data into the program so that it can be used and displayed in the report composition:

• Project name
• Location
• Drawing reference / Date
• Area of operation reference / Date
• Name of contractor
• Address
• Name of designer
• Authority having jurisdiction

Sizing rules

Configures the design criteria used by the program by clicking on the "Design" option in the "Calculation" group of the main toolbar:

• Diameter / Sprinklers (optional)
  The program will modify the diameter of the pipes according to the number of sprinklers it supplies.
  Some diameters are only available for polypropylene pipes.

Catalogue management

Manufacturer's catalogues can be downloaded using the Open BIM Database connection, making it easier to enter data into the program for project development.

Clicking on this option opens a window with the available manufacturer catalogues.

Catalogue download

For each manufacturer, the following options are shown:

• Download
  Download the manufacturer's catalogue. The products in the catalogue will be available in the project.
• Update
  Updates the selected manufacturer's catalogue to the latest version, deleting the version downloaded in the project.
• Delete
  Deletes the catalogue of the selected manufacturer. The products in the catalogue will no longer be available in the project.

Connection to the Open BIM Database

At the bottom of this dialogue box, the program allows users to log in with their Open BIM Database account and password.

Library of generic elements

Creates and manages the libraries of generic types of the following elements:

• Booster sets
• Pipe series
• Sprinklers
• Fire hose reels
• Series of fastenings
• Series of braces
• Series of anchors
• Valves

Importing predefined types

Importing predefined types for different elements is possible using the wizard available on the right-hand side.

Booster sets

Defines generic booster sets. These elements can be entered in the model from the "Booster set" option in the "Supply" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each type of booster set are as follows:

• Reference
  Booster set reference.
• Type of curve
  • Midpoint
    Enters the values defining the midpoint of the flow/pressure curve and displays a graph with the associated curve.
    • Flow
    • Pressure
  • By points
    Enters flow/pressure point pairs and displays a graph with the associated curve.
    • Flow
    • Pressure

Pipe series

Defines generic pipe series. These elements can be entered in the model from the "Pipe" option in the "Distribution" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each series of pipes is as follows:

• Reference
  Reference of the pipe series.
• Description
  Description of the pipe series.
• Hazen-Williams coefficient
  Coefficient used if the Hazen-Williams calculation equation is selected in "Design parameters" under "General options".
• Darcy-Weisbach coefficient
  Coefficient used if the Darcy-Weisbach calculation equation is selected in "Design parameters" under "General options".
• Pipe material (Steel / Threaded lightwall steel / Copper / CPVC / Polypropylene)
• Pipe sizes
  Enters the pipe diameters available in the series. For each diameter, the following data must be entered:
  • Reference
  • Pipe size
  • Outside diameter
  • Wall thickness
  • Weight (per linear unit)

Sprinkler

Defines generic sprinklers. These elements can be entered in the model from the "Sprinkler" option in the "Consumption" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each sprinkler is as follows:

• Reference
  Sprinkler reference.
• Type
  Selects the type of sprinkler from the following:
  • Standard sprinkler
  • Standard sprinkler sidewall
  • Residential sprinkler
  • ESFR sprinkler
• Installation orientation
  Selects the orientation of the sprinkler installation:
  • Riser
  • Hanger
• K-Factor
  Sprinkler discharge coefficient or factor.
• Thread type
• Type of response
  Sprinkler discharge coefficient or factor.
  • Standard
  • Quick

Fire hose reels

Defines generic fire hose reels. These elements can be entered in the model from the "Fire hose reels" option in the "Consumption" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each fire hose reel is as follows:

• Reference
  Fire hose reel reference.
• Size of the hose
• Analysis method
  It is possible to indicate that the fire hose reel provides a fixed flow rate to the system or to define a discharge factor for the fire hydrant, as in the case of sprinklers:
  • Fixed flow
  • K-Factor

Series of fastenings

Defines seismic bracing fastenings. These elements can be entered into the model from the "New" option in the "Bracing" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each series of fastenings are as follows:

• Reference
  Reference of the series of fastenings.
• Pipe material (Steel / Threaded lightwall steel / Copper / CPVC / Polypropylene)
• Fastenings
  This table defines the characteristics of each of the fastenings in the series:
  • Reference
  • Nominal diameter
  • Load (as a function of angle)
  • Dimensions A and B
  • Thickness C

Series of braces

Defines braces for seismic bracing. These elements can be entered into the model from the "New"  option in the "Bracing" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each series of braces is as follows:

• Reference
  Reference of the series of braces.
• Braces
  This table defines the characteristics of each of the braces in the series:
  • Reference
  • Nominal diameter
  • Length

Series of anchors

Defines anchors for seismic bracing. These elements can be entered into the model from the "New"  option in the "Bracing" group of the main toolbar.

The data associated with each series of anchors is as follows:

• Reference
  Reference of the series of anchors.
• Anchors
  This table defines the characteristics of each of the anchors in the series:
  • Reference
  • Bolt diameter
  • Anchor load capacities (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I)

Valves

Defines the types of generic valves. These elements can be entered into the model from the "Valves"  option in the "Distribution" group of the main toolbar

The data associated with each valve is as follows:

• Reference
  Valve reference.
• Loss coefficient
  Load loss coefficient associated with the valve.

Generate

Generates the spaces in the program from the spaces read from the BIM model.

To be able to use this option, the job must be connected to a project hosted in BIMserver.center that includes the definition of spaces and, also, in the initial wizard that appears when creating a new job or when using the "Update" option in the "BIMserver.center" group, the corresponding classification of the spaces read from the IFC file must have been established according to the specific types required by CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems.

Racks

Inserts racks into the model.

The existence of racks can affect the analysis of ESFR sprinklers: the "Maximum sprinkler spacing" or the "Maximum distance from walls" is limited depending on the height of the racks according to some standards such as NFPA 13. These limits can be considered and adjusted in "Checks to be carried out on the sprinklers", which can be found under "Checks by type of space", in the "General options", in the "Project" group.

When entering a rack type element, users can set the following parameters in the program:

• Reference
  Rack reference.
• Height
  Rack height.

Then, the contour of the rack is drawn in plan. The program automatically generates the rack geometry from this information.

When editing a previously entered rack, in addition to its "Height" and "Reference", it is also possible to modify the "Elevation above ground level" and the absolute coordinates "X" and "Y" of the vertices of the polygon that defines its plan outline.

Supply connection

Enters a connection into the public network to act as the initial supply point for the installation.

When entering or editing a public network connection, the following parameters can be configured, which can be evaluated by specific tests and which describe the capacity of the network:

• Reference
  Supply connection reference.
• Static pressure
  Value of the supply pressure measured with the fluid at rest.
• Residual pressure
  Value of the pressure in the supply connection measured at the residual flow rate of flowing water.
• Residual flow
  Water flow sustained by the public network while maintaining the indicated residual pressure.

Booster set

Enters a booster set into the installation

When entering or editing a pressure group, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Booster set reference.
• Catalogue / Selection
  The program allows users to select a booster set from "Manufacturer catalogues", if available, or from the "Generic elements library" using the wizard available on the right. These types of elements can be created and edited from the "Catalogue management" and "Generic elements library" options, respectively, within the "Project" group.

Valves

Inserts a valve into the distribution network. This way, the program considers the associated pressure losses.

When entering or editing a valve, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Valve reference.
• Selection
  The program selects a valve from the "Library of generic elements" using the wizard available on the right. These types of elements can be created and edited from the "Library of generic elements" option in the "Project" block.

Pressure regulating valve

Inserts a pressure regulating valve.

This element limits the pressure in the hydraulic fire extinguishing system downstream of its installation point.

When entering or editing a pressure regulating valve, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Pressure regulating valve reference.
• Limiting pressure
  Value of the pressure limited by the regulating valve.

Flow control valve

Inserts a flow control valve.

This element limits the flow in the hydraulic fire extinguishing system downstream of its installation point.

When entering or editing a flow control valve, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Flow control valve.
• Limit flow
  Flow rate value limited by the control valve.

Control valve set

Inserts a control valve set.

The control valve set is an assembly comprising the alarm valve, the shut-off valve, and all valves and fittings needed to control a hydraulic extinguishing installation.

The maximum size of the installation controlled by a control valve set depends on the risk of the building and is set out in the related codes.

The "Maximum protected surface by control valve set" can be defined for each type of space by activating the corresponding option under "General options" in the "Project" group of the upper toolbar.

If the maximum allowable limit is exceeded, the program will report this after the analysis so that the necessary measures can be taken.

When entering or editing a checkpoint, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Control valve set reference.

Branch line

Allows the generation of a network branch line, including the definition of the pipes and sprinklers along the branch.

When entering a branch, in the window that appears when this option is selected, the program allows users to select the sprinklers and the pipes included in it (both the branches and the spans up to the sprinklers):

• Sprinklers
  • Catalogue / Selection
• Pipes
  • Catalogue / Series / Branch line / Drop distance (opcional)

The following parameters can be configured for the branch generation options:

• Spacing between sprinklers
  Separation value between sprinklers in the branch.
• Protection area (Rectangular / Circular)
  Specifies the type of area protected by the sprinklers in the network.
• Width (only if the protected area is rectangular)
  Width of area protected by branch sprinklers.

Cross main with branch lines

Generates a network consisting of a manifold with branches to the left and right of it, including the definition of the pipes and sprinklers along them.

When entering a manifold with branches, in the window that appears when this option is selected, the program allows users to select the sprinklers and the pipes included in them (both the manifold and the branches or the spans up to the sprinklers):

• Sprinklers
  • Catalogue / Selection
• Pipes
  • Catalogue / Series / Cross main /Branch line / Drop distance (optional)

The following parameters can be configured for the generation options of the manifold with branches:

• Protection area (Rectangular / Circular)
  Specifies the type of area protected by the sprinklers.
• Spacing between sprinklers
  Separation value between sprinklers in the same branch.
• Separation between branch lines
  Separation value between branches along the manifold.
• Number of sprinklers in each branch line on the left / Number of sprinklers in each branch line on the right
  Sets the length of each branch to the left and right of the manifold by defining the number of sprinklers to be installed in the manifold.

Grid system

Generates a grid system consisting of a perimeter manifold together with parallel branches joining points along the perimeter, including the definition of the pipes and sprinklers along them.

When entering a grid system, in the window that appears when this option is selected, the program allows users to select the sprinklers and the pipes included in them (both the manifolds and the branches or the spans up to the sprinklers):

• Sprinklers
  • Catalogue / Selection
• Pipes
  • Catalogue / Series / Cross main /Branch line / Drop distance (optional)

The following parameters can be configured for the grid system generation options:

• Grid system (Between cross main centres / With branch lines to the left of the cross main / With branch lines to the right of the cross main.
  Defines the position of the manifold and the branches with respect to the network insertion points in the work area.
• Protection area (Rectangular / Circular)
  Specifies the type of area protected by the sprinklers.
• Spacing between sprinklers
  Separation value between sprinklers in the same branch.
• Separation between branch lines
  Separation value between branches along the manifolds.
• Number of sprinklers per branch line
  The length of the branches and therefore the spacing between opposing manifolds of the grid system can be established, defining the number of sprinklers to be installed in the branches.

Fire hose reels

Inserts a fire hose reel.

When entering or editing a fire hose reel, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Fire hose reel reference.
• Catalogue / Selection
  The program can be used to select a fire hose reel from the "Manufacturer's catalogues" if available, or from the "Generic elements library" using the wizard available on the right. These types of elements can be created and edited from the "Catalogue management" and "Generic elements library" options, respectively, within the "Project" group.

The checks to be carried out on fire hose reels can be defined for each type of space in "General options" in the "Project" group of the top toolbar.

Emitters

Inserts a generic emitter.

The emitters allow the simulation, analysis and hydraulic design of any element of a fire extinguishing installation (sprinklers, fire hose reels, hydrants, etc.), without depending on the geometric and hydraulic restrictions of the sprinklers and fire hose reels that are entered through the other options in this group.

When entering or editing an emitter, the following parameters can be configured:

• Reference
  Emitter reference. Identifies the element entered in the report.
• K-Factor
  Discharge factor of the emitter for calculating the flow rate.

The program does not perform any checks on the emitters but, thanks to the EPANET calculation engine, it is able to perform the hydraulic analysis of the designed system. Furthermore, on the program interface, the flow and pressure data obtained for each of the emitters entered can be displayed.

Assign

Used to assign or unassign elements in the fire extinguishing system (sprinklers, fire hose reels and emitters) to any of the defined design scenarios, to indicate that they are open, active or in operation.

If an element is not assigned to a scenario, the program will consider that it is not in operation and will not perform a hydraulic check on it.

Visible

Used to display a design scenario for the work area.

The program marks the position of the elements that are assigned to the viewed scenario with spheres.

To distinguish it, the operating area of the sprinklers active in the selected scenario, formed by the sum of the areas protected by each sprinkler, is also marked with a colour.

With the data supplied, when carrying out the analysis, the program performs the following checks on the seismic brace, which can be checked and listed in the corresponding section of its editing panel.

• Pipe size
  Checks that the pipe size of the sway brace is equal to or greater than the diameter of the pipe it holds.
• Distance between hangers
  Checks that the distance between hangers does not exceed the maximum value.
• Maximum brace load
  Checks that the load assigned to the brace does not exceed the maximum value allowed by the selected component types.
• Maximum fastener load
  Checks that the load assigned to the fastening does not exceed the maximum value allowed by the selected component types.

Also, by clicking on the "Consult checks" option, a complete data sheet with the data, the detail plan and the analysis results of the selected bracing can be obtained.

Assign

Assigns or unassigns pipes of the fire extinguishing system to certain seismic bracing.

When clicking on a seismic brace, a dialogue box appears where users choose whether they wish to "Assign" or "Unassign" pipes to it. After accepting, the program lights up the pipes that are already assigned to it or those that are not yet assigned, depending on the selected operation. This way, the desired pipes can be selected to complete the operation.

Update results

This will analyse the entered system according to the latest changes, including all design scenarios, update the calculated parameters in the elements and check if they are within the permitted ranges.

The result is a direct display with error or warning messages about the parts of the system that have a problem or fail a check, as well as the results and reports available after the analysis in the "Checks" section of the editing panel of the elements that have this feature.

Design

Selects a design scenario and sizes the network accordingly, i.e. it automatically selects the pipe size.

In the editing panel of some elements such as tanks, the program also allows partial designs with the corresponding tool in the lower right-hand area.

Show/Hide results

If this option is activated, the elements in which an error has occurred are highlighted. By hovering the cursor over these elements, the message describing the error can be displayed.

Checking results on screen

After carrying out the analysis, the program displays the results in the tooltip or information text that appears when the cursor is hovered over an element in the system. To do this, the "Show information texts" option in the top right-hand toolbar must be checked.

Checks in the editing panel

The program also displays the "Checks" of the last analysis performed in the corresponding section of the editing panel for each element, as well as its compliance status.

Graphical analysis of the results

Using the "Graphical analysis of the results" option in the "Calculation" group of the main toolbar, the calculated values of different quantities are displayed with the spans of the water distribution system marked with colours.

By default, the program displays the minimum and maximum values of each factor obtained in the calculation for the entire system. However, the colour scale can be adjusted according to the specific ranges of minimum and maximum values defined in the corresponding dialogue box.

The results available in the graphical analysis of results are as follows:

• Flow rate
• Velocity
• Pressure loss
• Length
• Head

Job reports

The program can also print the following reports directly with the printer or generate HTML, PDF, TXT, RTF or DOCX files:

The reports are obtained via the "Reports" option in the "File" menu or via the specific option at the top left of the interface.

• Project
  Displays a project report that includes the following sections:
  • Index
  • Hydraulic analysis
    This includes the general data of the project and the flow/pressure graph of the system.
  • Nodes
    • Node reference.
    • Elevation of the node.
    • Type of node.
    • Flow in the node.
    • Pressure in the node.
  • Pipes
    • Reference of the initial and final nodes.
    • Initial and final elevation.
    • Diameter.
    • Length.
    • Flow and velocity of the flow.
    • Initial and final pressure.
    • Loss coefficient.
    • Friction factor.
  • Seismic bracing
    Justification sheets of the seismic bracings provided.

• Material schedule
  Displays the material schedule with the measurement of the elements arranged in the system.

Drawings in DWG, DXF or PDF format

This allows users to print the job drawings of the single-line diagram on any graphic peripheral that is configured on the computer, or to create DWG, DXF or PDF files.

The following options can be configured when editing the drawing:

• Views to be drawn
• Options
  • Generate vector images
  • Draw the DXF/DWG template
  • Include .glTF files in drawings
• Resolution
• Scale
• Details

The drawings can be obtained through the specific option at the top left of the interface or through the "Drawings" option in the "File" menu.

Update

Update information contained in models previously imported into the project or import new models if desired.

In the update process, just like the process of creating a new job, the spaces in the BIM model can be read and assigned to one of the types of spaces defined in the project options. This way, the program generates the spaces automatically or updates them according to the latest changes.

Share

Exports the system information developed with the program to BIMserver.center to share it with other users.

During the export process, information related to the identification of the files to be exported can be defined:

• Name
• Description