HydroRack

HydroRack is an engineering application built for fire protection engineers, MEP consultants, and safety designers to calculate, layout, and visualize storage rack fire sprinkler systems compliant with NFPA 13 (2025 Edition).

Whether designing for Ordinary Hazard (Group 1 & 2) or Extra Hazard (Group 1 & 2) occupancies, HydroRack streamlines the workflow of in-rack sprinkler sizing, flue space detector layout, and hydraulic matrix calculations into an intuitive mobile workspace.

Parametric Rack & Storage Setup

• Input total pallet counts (vertical & horizontal arrangement), rack width/height, and aisle dimensions.

• Select commodity classes (Class I–IV, Group A/B/C Plastics), pallet materials (wood, plastic), and storage packaging types.

• Define fire water supply inputs: static pressure, residual pressure, test flow rate, and inlet header size.

NFPA 13 (2025) Rules & Logic Engine

• Automated calculation for high-ceiling storage (> 9.1 m / 30 ft) per Section 19.2.3.2.5.

• Enforces mandatory density adjustments (+30% area penalties) and K-factor restrictions (disallowing K < 160 or extended coverage K ≤ 320 where prohibited).

• Automatic determination of ceiling-only protection vs. required In-Rack Sprinklers (IRAS).

• Integrated heat and smoke detector placement rules within transverse and longitudinal flue spaces.

Iterative Hydraulic Solver Engine

• Full Hazen-Williams matrix network solver calculating friction loss, node pressures, and pipe velocities.

• Generates system demand flow rates ($Q$) and minimum required inlet pressures ($P$).

• Compares total system demand against your water supply curve ($P$ vs. $Q^1.85$).

3D Graphics & 2D CAD Drawings

• Interactive 3D Viewport: Real-time 3D model displaying the rack structural framework, pallet loads, main header, branch lines, sprinkler heads, and flue detectors.

• General Arrangement (GA) Drawings: Auto-generated Top Plan section views and Side Elevation drawings complete with pipe diameters, lengths, and spatial dimensions.

Professional Submittals & Export

• PDF Submittal Reports: Export formal hydraulic calculation sheets, node summary tables, pipe segment loss tables, and water supply curves.

• DXF File Export: Export 2D section views and 3D piping grids to .DXF for direct import into AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, or Navisworks.

Designed for Fire Protection Engineers (FPE), MEP Designers, Sprinkler Contractors, and Industrial Safety Inspectors looking for fast, accredited design verification in the field or office.