Fires are one of the disasters that have always threatened humanity from past to present.
Mankind has developed ways to cope with all kinds of difficulties in order to ensure the continuity of its lineage.
With the increasing development of technology, it has become much easier to intervene in fires.
There are many systems used to fight fires. Water extinguishing systems, foam extinguishing systemsCO2 extinguishing systems are some of them.
Water, which is mainly used to stop flames, may not be used for extinguishing in some cases.
At this point, different extinguishing methods are used.
The Water Mist system can be used in fire types where water cannot be used directly.
For example, water mist extinguishing systems are used in fires caused by electricity or in areas where documents are not to be damaged.
Water mist fire extinguishing system is a very effective alternative in terms of environmental approaches and reducing water damage in sprinkler extinguishing systems.
An Overview of the Water Fog System
Water mist fire extinguishing system was first seen in the 1930s.
The first designs of this system were in the form of hand nozzles and later systems with micro nozzles and fixed pipes were created.
In water mist systems, water is used as a cloud of mist.
Water fog absorbs the heat in the fire area to reduce the temperature and allows it to evaporate.
The water mist system, which can provide a temperature difference of approximately 900 degrees to 50 degrees, is very effective in controlling fires.
There are particles in the water mist system and these particles expand and allow oxygen to escape.
Considering the effect of oxygen on the spread of fire, this is very important in terms of stopping the fire.
A kind of suffocation effect of inert gases is seen here.
Water mist system, which is used in many parts of the world, can stop the fire by collapsing on the flames in the form of a fog.
The water fog system is basically divided into two types.
One is single-agent and the other is double-agent.
The double-agent water mist system is more commonly used.
What are the Advantages of Water Mist Extinguishing System?
There are some reasons why water mist fire extinguishing systems are frequently preferred.
Especially when compared with conventional extinguishing methods, water mist fire extinguishing systems have many advantages.
The advantages of this system briefly include the following:
Ø Since the diameter of the pipes used in the water fog system is small, the area covered is small.
Ø Sprinkler extinguishing systems, fire pumps and water extinguishing methods such as fire hydrant elements use almost only 10% of the water used.
This low water consumption is an advantage.
Ø It does not have a feature that threatens human health.
Ø The area where the water fog system will be applied does not need to be completely closed.
Ø It removes oxygen from the fire environment.
Ø Smoke absorption can be realized.
Ø Water mist fire extinguishing system does not cause any damage to the environment.
Ø This system has a 3D extinguishing effect.
Ø It provides protection of the items in close proximity to the fire from heat energy radiation.
Ø It contains a high level of efficiency according to the tests applied in type A and B fires.
Water Mist Working Principle and Water Mist Nozzle
In the working mechanism of water mist extinguishing systems, water waits passively in the system and takes action when the fire is detected.
This water first moves through the water pipes and reaches the outlet.
Meanwhile, thanks to the water mist nozzle, the water comes in a circular motion and sprinkles on the fire.
With the water mist nozzle, 1 liter of water can be sprayed over an area of 200 square meters.
Unlike extinguishers sprayed with conventional hoses, the water mist system can spread over a very large area by dispersing the water.
Where is the Water Fog System Used?
NFPA’s requirements for water mist systems are contained in NFPA 750: Water Mist Fire Protection Systems Standard.
Water mist provides a great advantage over gaseous fire extinguishing methods.
Especially after the prohibition of Halon gas, which is frequently used in extinguishing systems, water mist extinguishing systems have become much more widespread.
Water mist systems can be seen in many areas where sprinkler systems are used.
The main areas of use are as follows:
- Electricity rooms
- Archives
- Fuel chambers
- Hydraulic chambers
- Museums
- Tunnels
- Ship engine rooms
- Escalators
- Kitchen hood systems
- IT rooms
What are Water Fog System Components?
Water mist fire extinguishing systems should be designed by making a good hydraulic calculation.
After obtaining the necessary approvals, water mist can be applied in all areas deemed appropriate.
Water mist system components may include:
- Water mist sprinkler heads
- Water mist spray nozzles
- System mounting elements
- Valves
- Piping systems
- Fitting material
What is Water Mist System?
Water mist system, also known as water mist system, is divided into two types: high and low pressure.
In the high-pressure water mist system, constant water is sprayed onto the flames using high pressures ranging from 80 to 200 bar.
The low-pressure water mist system is applied with a pressure of approximately 4 bar in areas where fire risks are less.
What is Water Fog?
Water mist is a fog/cloud of water broken down into small particles.
Thanks to these particles, the heat of the environment can be absorbed.
In addition, thanks to the expansion properties of these particles, the oxygen content in the environment can drop from 21% to 17%.
Can High Pressure Water Mist Systems Harm Humans?
The water mist velocity is easily reduced after it is discharged, so sprayed water mist sprays are harmless.