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CYPEFIRE Hydraulic Systems

Contour map diagrams of pipes in the 3D viewer of BIMserver.center

When the export is carried out from CYPEFIRE Sprinklers to the BIM project, the generated IFC file can optionally include several "gltf" files that contain the contour map diagrams of each result (flow rate, velocity, pressure losses...) in the three-dimensional view.

This allows users to visualise the contour maps in the 3D viewer of BIMserver.center, in the same way as was already done in other Open BIM applications such as CYPETEL Wireless or CYPELUX. These "gltf" files are independent of what was already generated for the sprinklers installation, so each of them can be viewed independently in the 3D viewer of BIMserver.center.

Contour map diagrams with pipe data

As of the new 2019.a version, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers includes a graphical representation of the data calculated using contour map diagrams on the pipes of the installation.

The representation of the results using contour maps is activated and configured in the program using two options that are included in the “Analysis” menu:

  • Graphical analysis of the results
    This option activates the graphical representation using contour map values on the sprinkler system, which allows for the following results, which are obtained from the application, to be seen:
    • Flow
    • Velocity
    • Pressure loss
    • Length
    • Height
  • Range of results for the graphical analysis
    This option allows users to define specific analysis intervals, so the program will only graphically represent the data that lies within each range.

This tool allows users to carry out a quick analysis of the sprinkler installation. For example, it is possible to instantly view where large pressure losses are being produced to design the network.

Reference drawings of the installation

The 2018.j version of CYPEFIRE Sprinklers contains two tools that allow users to define sprinkler installations with different installation planes, horizontal and sloped (such as sprinkler systems parallel to sloped roofs) more quickly and comfortably.

To do so, two new options have been included (“New” and “Elevation changes”) in a new section of the top tool menu (Installation planes):

  • New
    Allows users to quickly define a reference plane of the installation by introducing its outline, a reference and a height above the level of the floor that is currently being viewed. Users can define as many planes as they wish.

    Sprinklers and pipes that are to be placed in one of the planes that has been defined, must have the “Place the element in the reference plane of the installation” option marked (a new option of the panel that opens when a pipe or sprinkler is introduced) and then position them in the desired plane.

  • Elevation changes
    Using this option, users can define sloped reference planes. A horizontal reference plane must first be defined using the previous option. Then, using the “Elevation changes” option, three points are to be marked on the reference plane, indicating their elevation, which will define the corresponding sloped plane.

Automatic save

Two options regarding the automatic save of the project have been implemented (Configuration  > Automatic saving options). There are two options that can be activated individually or simultaneously.

  • Automatically save every “x” minutes
    Saves the project automatically each time the indicated period has passed.
  • Save after analysing or designing
    Saves the project automatically when the installation is designed.

Pressure drops

As of the 2018.i version, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers contains two new options for the hydraulic analysis which allows users to calculate any pressure drops in a more precise and controlled manner.

In the “General data” menu, the option, Pressure drops, has been added, which can be deactivated if these considerations are not to be taken into account. When it is activated, two options appear:

  • Increase coefficient
    This is a safety coefficient that the program applies to the existing pipe lengths of the program to simulate the pressure drops due to specific elements such as elbows, intersections, T-connections, valves, etc.

    The value provided by default is 1.15 and represents a pressure drop of 15%.

  • Maximum allowable pressure drop
    Is the maximum allowable pressure drop produced at any span of the pipe. If the difference in pressure between the initial and final node is greater than the indicated value, a warning will be displayed on the pipe to indicate that it must be redesigned.

    This option allows users to rapidly detect spans which, due to their dimensions, produce large pressure drops and must be redesigned. The default value is 40%.

Layer management

The section “View”, which contains the new tool “Layer management”, has been added to the top menu. This tool aids users to use the program when there are many elements on the floor plans that hinder the design of the sprinkler system. Using the layer management option, users can hide or show layers that contain “Protection areas”, “Area of operation”, “Influence zones” or “Racks”.

Influence zones of seismic supports

One of the main advantages of the 2018.g version with respect to the previous version is the new tool to create influence zones of seismic supports.  As of this version, the list of spans each seismic support must hold will be updated automatically depending on the type of support and the types of pipes that are located within its influence zone.

To introduce an influence zone, its outline must be marked and, if there are different seismic supports within that influence zone, choose the support to which this influence zone belongs.

Calculation of the distance between supports and seismic supports

As of the 2018.g version, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers automatically calculates the distances between supports and seismic supports. This calculation is carried out as follows:

  • Supports
    The distance is calculated via the cross mains or branch lines until the closest support is found.
  • Lateral support
    The distance is calculated via the cross mains or branch lines until the closest lateral support is found.
  • Longitudinal support
    The distance is calculated via the cross mains until the closest longitudinal support is found.
  • 4-way support
    The distance is calculated via the risers until the closest 4-way support is found.

Classification of pipes

As of the 2018.g version, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers classifies horizontal pipes into branch lines and cross mains. This classification allows for a better analysis of the sprinkler system to be carried out, for example when calculating distances between supports and for the automatic selection of pipes to be held by seismic supports within their zone of influence (which have been implemented in this version).

Therefore, horizontal and vertical pipes (the latter were already divided into different classes as of previous versions) are classed as follows:

  • Branch lines
    Pipes that supply sprinklers directly or via hanging pipes.

  • Cross mains
    Pipes that supply the branch pipes, directly or via vertical pipes.

  • Riser
    Vertical pipes that supply cross mains via different floors.

  • Vertical pipe
    Vertical pipes that supply cross mains within the same floor.

  • Hanging pipe
    Vertical pipes that supply the sprinklers from the branch lines.

Vertical pipes

In the 2017.k version, the possibility was implemented to introduce risers to connect installations of different floor plans.

Now, in the 2018.f version, vertical spans can be introduced and edited within the same floor plan, with the purpose to avoid horizontal pipes colliding against other elements such as beams, air conditioning ducts, etc.

To do so, the option: “Vertical pipe” has been implemented. In the “Pipes” section of the top toolbar, the name of the option: “Riser” has been changed. Now, it is called “Vertical” and it contains “Risers” and the new option “Vertical pipe”.

To introduce vertical pipes, users must indicate the reference, pipes catalogue to use and the diameter. Then, the point of a horizontal pipe as of which the vertical pipe will begin must be selected. If two vertical pipes are introduced, it is possible to change the elevation of the horizontal span lying between the two vertical pipes.

Improvements in the generated installation project format

The presentation format of the project has been modified. The results are now displayed in a more clear and concise manner. The report of the seismic supports that have been introduced in the model is also included.

Seismic supports for sprinkler systems

To avoid the sprinkler systems from being damaged during an earthquake, the NFPA 13 code prescribes the use of seismic supports that resist the horizontal loads inflicted on the system. The 2018.e version of CYPEFIRE Sprinklers includes the introduction and check of seismic supports for the sprinkler system in accordance with the prescriptions of this code.

The NFPA 13 code classifies the seismic supports into 3 groups and can be introduced in CYPEFIRE Sprinklers from the “Support” menu of the toolbar:

  • Lateral support
    Prevents movement in the direction perpendicular to the pipe.
  • Longitudinal support
    Prevents movement in the direction parallel to the pipe.
  • 4-way support
    Prevents movement in the 4 directions.

Before introducing them, the main components of the seismic supports must be defined: fastenings, braces and anchors. Users can define, amongst other catalogues, the catalogues for fastenings, braces and anchors in the “General options” dialogue (“General options” menu of the toolbar). Standard catalogues, which are included in the program, can also be used and imported into projects to use directly or modify with user values.

  • Fastening
    This is the element that holds the pipe to the brace. To define it, users must simply complete the dimensions of this element for each fastening of the catalogue.
  • Brace
    This is the main element of the seismic support, consisting of a Schedule 40 pipe that has to resist the horizontal loads caused by the earthquake. To define it, users must introduce the length, diameter of the pipe and loads it can support at 30-44º, 45-59º and 60-90º.
  • Anchor
    The anchor is the part that keeps the support connected to the structure of the building. In this version of the program, the limits that have been applied are those of anchors to steel structures. In upcoming versions, anchors to timber or concrete structures will be added. To define them, the diameter of the anchorage bolt and load the anchor can resist for each type of assembly must be introduced.

For CYPEFIRE Sprinklers to be able to carry out the required checks on seismic supports, the field “Weight per unit length” has been added to the pipe catalogues of the sprinkler systems (General options > Pipes catalogues) and the seismic coefficient Cp must be defined (General options > General data).

Once all the aforementioned elements have been defined, users must introduce each support that is going to be used at its corresponding position and define its influence zone, i.e. all the pipe spans that are to be held by each seismic support.

With the data indicated above, CYPEFIRE Sprinklers will ensure all the necessary checks are complied with for each type of support. The program generates the report required by the NFPA 13 code.

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