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AUTOCAD INTERFACE PROGRAM FOR USE WITH SPRINK1000
ASPRINK is a program that enables a user to draw ASPRINK or hydrant system in AutoCAD in such a way that an input data file can be generated ready for use by SPRINK1000. The layout is entered as a line diagram on AutoCAD and all the pipe fittings, sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, etc., are added with the appropriate technical data (discharge, k factor, etc) entered as symbol attributes. ASPRINK then extracts the pipe lengths and other data to generate an input data file for SPRINK1000 which is then run to perform the hydraulic calculations. The user can then generate a final layout drawing with specific sprinkler & hydrant symbols included. Users can incorporate their own symbols onto the final drawing.
Features of the program include:
- The use of ASPRINK enables the user to enter the data for SPRINK1000 much faster and because the final layout drawing is being produced at the same time, there are additional time savings.
- Only the part of the network that is required to be analyzed can be downloaded to the SPRINK1000 data file.
- All functions including draw pipes, locate sprinklers, set pipe material, etc., necessary to construct the layout are available through pull down menus. Parameters such as k factor and minimum flow are entered via convenient dialogue boxes which include drop down selections lists. Sprinklers can initially be drawn at the one level and then "sloped" to match pitched or saw tooth roofs.
- Pipes of the same material and size are entered on the same layer and are identified by different colours for easy visualization.
All standard AutoCAD features such as COPY, MOVE, etc, can be used to assist in quickly constructing the piping layout
Sprinkler/hydrant locations can be laid out individually, in a line or by arraying and can be located at specified distances from walls and automatically spaced.
All lengths and elevations are extracted from the drawing and pipes and nodes are numbered automatically as the network is downloaded to the SPRINK1000 input data file.
Sprinklers on drop nipples below branch lines and hydrant or hose reel risers are entered quickly by specification of the drop nipple length as a parameter rather than drawing in 3D.
Different operating sprinklers can quickly and conveniently be selected by windowing and a revised hydraulic calculation carried out in seconds.
The layout must be in 3D but features such as setting a default elevation enable much of the network to be drawing using x, y co-ordinates only.
Entering the layout graphically and using the various viewing capabilities of AutoCAD provides a visual check on the entered layout.
