Pipe type

You can use the drop-down to select the type of pipe material which you require. The number and type of pipes which are available are dependent on the pipe data table (PDT) which you have selected to use in the project data.

Head code

If you require a head to be added to the end of the pipe, then use this drop-down box to select the head you require. The heads which are available in the drop down box is dependent on the project and you can add and amend the heads in the project data, head codes tab.

Head area

For sprinkler systems and other types of systems where you're working with a design density it is important to enter the head area in m² otherwise FHC will not be able to calculate the head density for the individual head.

Added elbows

FHC will recognise when you are drawn two pipes which are connected and 90° that an elbow fitting is required, this elbow be automatically added.

You may also wish to add additional elbows to a pipe you can specify the number in this text box

Pipe size (DN)

Dependent on the pipe type which you have selected you will be given a selection of pipe sizes and you can select the one you require from the drop-down box. Note the DN is not the same a the internal pipe diameter for more information on this please see TDS2: Pipes, fittings and valves

Pipe direction

If you wish to change the direction of travel for the pipe when use the drop-down box to specify the new direction.

Pipe length

Enter a horizontal pipe length for the pipe you wish to add.

Pipe slope

Dependent on the pipe tight you selected you will be given a selection of pipe sizes which you can select in this drop-down box.

Valve and fittings

In this combo box to select a valves such as gate valve, check valve or alarm valve from the available list, you can only have one valve for each pipe. When FHC calculates a system it will add the equivalent length for the valve or fitting automatically.

The valves and fittings which are available in the combo box will be dependent on the pipe data table PDT which has been selected in the project data.

Remove head code

If you have a head or nozzle on the pipe you can quickly remove it by using this button.

Head density (optional)

The project where you are using design density the criteria the calculation you should set the global design density in the project data settings. If however you have some heads – nozzles where you require a different design density you may specify it in this text box.

Fixed pressure drop

In the fixed pressure drop text box you can specify a fixed pressure drop in Bar across the pipe in bar. This pressure drop is constant regardless of the flow rate.

Added pipe length

You can specify an additional length of pipe to the drawn length.  This can be useful as you can draw a pipe 10m in length and add an additional 90m, FHC will consider this to have the hydraulic length of 100 m.  You can also have a negative pipe length so for instance you could draw a pipe 50m and add -40m in the Add length text box then the total hydraulic length would be 10 m.  When the drawn pipe length and added pipes length are added together they can not be less than 0m.  You cannot use the added length in the UP or DOWN direction.

Orifice K-factor

You can specify a K-factor for an orifice plate which will produce a pressure drop across the orifice.
The preferred method for hydraulically balancing a system with a roof and rack system is to adjust pipe sizes. The Orifice K-factor option has been included for legacy systems or where balancing the a system is not possible by adjusting pipe sizes.  

Added Tees

FHC will recognise when you draw three pipes which are connected together at you will require a tee fitting in this tee will be automatically added.

You may also wish to add additional Tees to the pipe and you can specify the number in the add tees text box.

Hydrant flow

If you need to specify a hydrant or hose stream allowance and enter the flow requirement in L/min in to this box.  For more information see TDS 6 : risers, hydrants and water cannons

Victaulic joints

For NFPA and FM global projects you may be required to specify the number of Victaulic couplings on a straight run of pipe. You can specify the number in the Victaulic joints text box, for each joint FHC will add 0.3m of equivalent length.

+AF / +AB / +A

This commands is useful for specifying the pressure and flow requirement for devices such as hydrants, water monitors, hose reels and other devices. You must enter as a minimum flow and pressure required in the +AF & +AB text box. The +A command (Optional) allows you to specify an area and if you do so you will find that the average density is calculated in the head summary report. 

You find some further information on the users command in TDS 6 : risers, hydrants and water cannons

Zero +AF / +AB / +A

The 'X' button will quickly ZERO the +AF, +AB and + A and remove any flow, pressure and area which have been entered. 

Remove slope

The 'X' button can be used ZERO and remove any pipe slope.

Accept or reject changes

You can accept or reject the changes in the Edit command by using the tick or cross buttons.

Nudge pipe size

You can used the UP and DOWN arrows to nudge the pipe size up or down one size. For instance if as shown below you have a 32 mm pipe by press the up arrow the pipe size would be changed to 25 mm or the down arrow would change the pipe size to 20 mm.

FHC - Reference & Tutorial  |  Version 2.4 

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