What is the typical diameter measurement for a discharge pattern at 15 gpm from a sprinkler?

The typical diameter measurement for the discharge pattern from a sprinkler at a flow rate of 15 gallons per minute (gpm) is commonly around 16 feet. This measurement is derived from standard performance and design considerations for sprinkler systems, which aim to provide adequate coverage and efficiency in irrigation or fire protection.

When determining the effective spray pattern of a sprinkler, various factors influence the result, including the type of sprinkler head, nozzle size, and water pressure. At 15 gpm, a well-optimized sprinkler head is designed to achieve a distribution that allows for uniform coverage across the targeted area, which for many conventional sprinklers would result in a coverage diameter approximately 16 feet.

In contrast, smaller diameters, such as 4 feet or 12 feet, would typically be expected from very low flow rates or specific applications that require limited coverage. A 20-foot diameter, while possible under certain circumstances, generally represents an output suited for higher flow rates or larger systems, which is outside the norm for a 15 gpm sprinkler setup. Understanding these measurements helps determine the appropriate spacing and layout for effective irrigation or protection in installation practices.