Pipe Schedule for High-Pressure Express Risers

7/15/2019

Are there guidelines/best practices for recommended pipe schedule in tall high-rise standpipe express risers?

The height could force the working pressure in the pipe to exceed 300 or more psi. Unless there is a better method I'm assuming the preferred joint is roll-grooved.

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3 Comments

7/15/2019 11:27:32 am

My experience has been using the roll groove couplings for this.

However care should be taken to brace the riser due to the constant pressure ups and drain downs you could get pipe creep and in some cases would expand then pinch the rubbers in the couplings.

In addition to the vertical bracing of piping as required by NFPA 13, we would use a pipe clamp above and below the floor penetration. I have also added a flanged connection every few floors to help with this.

pjd

7/15/2019 11:28:24 am

You will want to use high pressure rated couplings. Victaulic, groove lock, etc. have 1000 psi rated couplings.

Colin L.

7/16/2019 12:13:39 pm

I believe the question was regarding the pipe type (schedule). I've always used Schedule 40 for anything with a pressure above 300psi. NFPA 14 seems to only address materials up to 300 psi, and says that "Pressure limitations for steel pipe shall be in accordance with listing requirements". I looked up the listing of Wheatland Schedule 40 AND Schedule 80 and FM only rates them at 300 psi. Every listing on UL for "metallic sprinkler pipe" also topped out at 300 psi.

I know that engineering calculations for schedule 40 allow for a 500+ psi pressure rating.

I'm interested to know what other's thoughts are on getting around the 300 psi listing for Schedule 40 steel pipe when designing standpipe systems with pressures above 300 psi.

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