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.

Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

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.

Free Signup

Subscribe and learn something new each day:

Community

Thank You to Our Top
August 2020 Contributors!

1. SK
2. Near Engineer
3. NinaB
4. Brenton
5. Mike

6. Sean
7. Dan Wilder
8. Tim D.
9. Rob B.
10. Jonathan

Your Post

SUBMIT A QUESTION

The Toolkit

Sprinkler Designer or Engineer?

Get all of our tools, including the Sprinkler Database, Friction Loss Calculator, Fire Pump Analyzer and more:

FREE 30-DAY TRIAL

GET THE TOOLKIT

Filters

Exam Prep

2020 PE Prep Guide
(Available Now!)

PE Prep Series
(Available Now!)

2020 PE Prep Series
Current Leaderboard
(Click to enlarge)

PE Problems

Visit July-October for daily Fire Protection PE Exam sample questions.

Solutions are posted the day after posting.

Comment with your solutions, questions or clarifications.

Please note that questions posted are unofficial and in accordance with NCEES rules are intended to be similar to actual exam questions, not actual exam questions themselves.

RSS Feed

Home - About - Blog - Contact - Exam Prep - Store

Copyright © 2020 MeyerFire, LLC
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.