Simplified Calculation Method for Determining Smoke Downdrag Due to a Sprinkler Spray

A simplified method has been developed to predict smoke behavior subject to a sprinkler spray. The method considers whether downdrag is likely to occur and the distance that smoke is then pulled down should downdrag be present. The method is validated using third party experimental data. Empirical equations are applied in the calculations to determine the heat loss from a smoke layer due to the sprinkler spray and therefore the smoke layer temperature. Comparative results show that the simplified method might expect the onset of smoke downdrag regardless the difference in temperature predictions. The empirical equation to predict the penetration depth of downdrag smoke is based on previous research and compared with third party experimental data. The predicted depths are acceptable for engineering use. For a 15 mm nominal sprinkler the water flow rate that leads to the onset of downdrag for typical smoke layers up to 2 m in depth is less than 100 L/min which leads to an operating pressure being less than 0.16 MPa. Experimentally data for sprinklers other than the 15 mm nominal sprinklers are unavailable and therefore the method should be used with care for any other sprinkler.