The power of a water drop.
Water Mist system features
Water-mist fire-fighting systems can extinguish the most serious fires by means of very fine droplets. The rapid extinguishment of fire makes maximum use of Water-Air combination. The key factor to Water-Mist system success is the ability to generate a mist of directionable droplets flowing through spray nozzles and specific sprinkler systems.
The size and distribution of the small drops are optimised by test pressures and nozzles technology. Water in the nozzles is subjected to a turbulent motion which causes the formation and release of a proper water mist. The efficacy of this system is nowadays well recognized in those scenarios where previous applications would not consider water as a possible solution.
Water-mist fire suppression takes place through the following three simultaneous stages:
1) Radiant heat blocking
The jet of the small droplets produced causes the absorption of heat and prevent re-ignition. It is calculated that in order to evaporate a litre of water at a temperature of 25°absorbs a theoretical thermal power of 2.6 MW. A prudential absorption of MW 2.0 is estimated though, being the efficacy not homogeneous.
2) Oxygen displacement and cooling effect
Before approaching flame the droplets on their way out begin to evaporate. As soon as steam spreads out, it increases the water volume by 1600 times. The oxygen needed for combustion is displaced locally at the fire source and fire suppression finally produced. The cooling effect on combustion source and in the direct vicinity of the flames is strong enough to prevent fire spread.
3) Gas and/or smoke knockdown
When approaching fire the tiny droplets absorb water-soluble smoke and gases,
increasing the chances of people’s survival.
As a result of the water being finely atomized, the droplets convert to steam,
contrasting the convection ascendant motions of the residual combustion products.
Tema Sistemi S.p.a. Website - VAT 01804440731
Head Office:
Via della Transumanza, 5 - 74100 Taranto - e-mail: info@temasistemi.com
Website designed by Sabacom