The computer program ASPRINK is a program that enables a user to draw a sprinkler or hydrant system in AutoCAD in such a way that an input data file can be generated ready for use by the fire sprinkler and hydrant system analysis program SPRINK-1000. 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 SPRINK-1000 which is then run to perform the hydraulic calculations. The user can then generate (on a separate set of layers) a final layout drawing with specific sprinkler & hydrant symbols (blocks) included. A capability is provided for users to use their own symbols on this final drawing. The program was developed under contract to ACADS by MicroCAD, who are a registered distributor of AutoCAD located in Melbourne.

The main features of the program are:-

• The use of ASPRINK enables the user to enter the data for SPRINK-1000 much faster and because the final layout drawing is being produced at the same time, there are additional time savings.
  
• Only that part of the network that is required to be analysed can be downloaded to the SPRINK-1000 input data file by switching off parts of the piping network.
  
• All functions including draw pipes, locate sprinklers, set pipe material, etc., necessary to construct the layout are available through convenient pull down menus whilst parameters such as k factors, minimum flows, etc; 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.
  
• Parameters for sprinklers, hydrants, the units to be used, design data, etc. are all entered via convenient dialogue boxes..
  
• Pipes of the same material and size are entered on the same layer and are identified by different colours for easy visualisation.
  
• Convenient tool bars are provided for different sized pipes and for different types of sprinklers
  
• 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 the standard features of AutoCAD such as COPY, MOVE, etc, can be used to assist in quickly constructing the piping layout
  
  

• The layout must be in 3D but features such as setting a default elevation enables much of the network to be drawn using x, y co-ordinates only.
  
• Sprinklers on droppers below range pipes and hydrant or hose reel risers are entered quickly by specification of the dropper (riser) length as a parameter rather than drawing in 3D.
  

Sprinkler (Flow 60, k factor 8) with 25 diameter 2.5m Dropper and a Tee

• Entering the layout graphically and using the various viewing capabilities of AutoCAD provides a visual check on the entered layout.
  
• Different operating sprinklers can quickly and conveniently be selected by windowing and a revised hydraulic calculation carried out in seconds.