Just to think out loud – I don’t have a perfect understanding of how very low 
flow works through backflows… but:

It seems like the system static that is locked in is usually pretty close to 
the flow test static. I wonder if the noticeable pressure loss to initially 
open the BFP, that goes down once flow starts, if that pressure drop might 
approach zero as the flow goes from positive back to zero.

That is – the pressure drop seen at a flow that is just barely over zero 
depends on whether you are approaching that flow from zero, or from [more than 
zero].

For example: if you slide a block across a table – the force it takes to move 
the block at a very low speed will depend a lot on whether you start from a 
standstill, or a faster speed. (that illustrates a different principle, but 
shows how the approach could change)

Thoughts?

Matt

From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On 
Behalf Of Roland Huggins
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 6:07 PM
To: SprinklerFORUM
Subject: Re: Static pressure after backflow preventer

I'm flying by the seat of my pants (with no lights) but until I prove to myself 
otherwise (or am beat into submission by the technical committee), I don’t see 
why we should beat ourselves up and default to what ever seems to be the most 
conservative.  Our supply curve is a straight line relationship from static to 
some lower residual pressure.  We now incorporate a device that has a crazy 
high initial pressure loss that then drops back into a more normal curve.  In 
looking at SYSTEM DEMAND are we well served by ignoring the actual available 
pressure that was otherwise lost due to accounting for a wiggle at the front 
end.

 For now, I’ll stick with my mantra:  Lead the way, Mr. Custer. I’m right 
behind you.


Roland Huggins, PE - Senior VP Engineering
American Fire Sprinkler Assn.
Dallas, TX
http://www.firesprinkler.org<http://www.firesprinkler.org/>

Fire Sprinklers Saves Lives




On Jan 11, 2017, at 12:27 PM, Dewayne Martinez 
<[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:

I have used the static without the backflow loss in the past but I noticed with 
the SprinkCad software I am running it uses the mfg curves and it was showing 
less static than I had figured.  If I take into account the BFP loss I can 
eliminate 6 pressure reducing hose valves…..Looks like I will err on the side 
of caution and design them in.
Thanks,
Dewayne


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