How is the amount of water discharged from a sprinkler calculated?

The correct answer reflects the formula used to calculate the discharge from a sprinkler system, which is based on the coefficient of the sprinkler and the pressure in the system.

In this context, "K" represents the K-factor, a value that indicates the discharge rate of the sprinkler. "P" represents the pressure at the sprinkler head, typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The formula K x P² shows that the discharge is directly proportional to the K-factor and the square of the pressure.

This relationship is important because it accounts for how increases in pressure affect the volume of water discharged; as pressure rises, the increase in discharge is substantially greater due to the squaring of the pressure term in the equation. Thus, the volume of water that emerges from a sprinkler can be effectively calculated knowing these parameters, enabling accurate predictions for proper system performance and design.

Understanding this formula is essential in fire protection engineering, ensuring that systems are appropriately sized and capable of delivering adequate water to combat fire scenarios effectively.