1. What is the Fire Duration Formula?

The fire duration formula calculates how long a fire can be sustained given the available reserve storage, fire demand, and pump capacity. It helps in planning fire protection systems and emergency water supply.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( t \) — Duration of Fire (seconds)
• \( V_R \) — Reserve Storage (m³)
• \( F \) — Fire Demand (m³/s)
• \( P \) — Capacity of Pump (m³/s)

Explanation: The formula calculates how long the reserve water supply will last when accounting for both the fire demand and the pump's replenishment capacity.

3. Importance of Fire Duration Calculation

Details: Accurate fire duration calculation is crucial for designing effective fire protection systems, ensuring adequate water supply during emergencies, and meeting safety regulations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter reserve storage in cubic meters, fire demand in m³/s, and pump capacity in m³/s. All values must be positive, and fire demand must be greater than pump capacity for a valid calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is reserve storage in fire protection?
A: Reserve storage refers to the additional water capacity maintained specifically for firefighting purposes beyond normal operational requirements.

Q2: How is fire demand determined?
A: Fire demand is typically calculated based on building type, occupancy, fire hazard classification, and local fire code requirements.

Q3: What if pump capacity exceeds fire demand?
A: If pump capacity exceeds fire demand, the formula becomes invalid as it would result in negative time. This indicates the pump can supply water faster than the fire consumes it.

Q4: Are there standard values for these parameters?
A: Values vary based on specific applications, building codes, and local regulations. Consult relevant standards and fire protection engineers for appropriate values.

Q5: Can this formula be used for other fluid systems?
A: While developed for fire protection, the basic principle can be applied to any system where a reserve supply is being depleted at a certain rate while being replenished.