Forum discussion
NC-2009 WEp1: Water Use Reduction—20% Reduction
Hi everyone,
i have problems with the conversion of the flow rate. In Amerika the unit for flow rate of lavatory is gpm at 60 psi but in germany the flow rate is measured in l/min at 3bar? So the measurement is done at a different pressure. ( 3bar ist 43psi) So how can i convert this? Has anyone some calculation on this?
Thanks very much
Tatjana
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Josephine de Montmarin
Communication and Development OfficerMANEXI
26 thumbs up
June 16, 2010 - 5:47 am
Hello Tatjana,
I'm in France and had the same issue. I converted all the standard flow rates into litres (1 gallon = 3,78541178 Litres) to use as my reference rates.
Then I converted psi to bar: 60psi is 4 bar and 80psi is 5.5 bar.
I asked the manufaturer or provider for the flow graphs for each fixture. They show the flow rates from 1 to 5 (or 6) bars, which allows me to verify that the flow rates are respected at either 4 or 5.5 bars, depending on the fixture.
Of course, once you have determined that you are within the water use limits, you have to reconvert all you flow rates fom L/min into gallons to complete the form.
It's a bit tedious, but the equivalencies are there. What is important is to make sure you are calculating the flow at 4 and 5.5 bars since they are the reference for LEED, even if it is not the standard pressure for Germany (France is 3 bar as well).
I hope that helps. And if you come up with a simpler solution, I will be happy to hear of it!
Good luck
Josephine