- Describe the methods by which a high pressure water-mist fire suppression system extinguishes fire, stating why it is more effective than a low pressure sprinkler system.(10)
Methods by which a high pressure water-mist fire suppression system extinguishes fire
High-pressure water-mist systems extinguish fires primarily through two mechanisms:
- Cooling: The fine water mist generated by these systems has a large surface area, which facilitates rapid heat absorption from the fire. This cooling effect lowers the temperature of the burning materials and surrounding environment, making it difficult for the fire to sustain itself. 1. How does the Marioff HI-FOG® water mist system fight fire? www.marioff.com2. Water mist fire protection in brief | Marioff HI-FOG® www.marioff.com
- Oxygen Displacement: As the water mist evaporates, it expands significantly in volume, displacing oxygen in the vicinity of the fire. This reduction in oxygen concentration inhibits the combustion process, further suppressing the flames. 1. Water mist fire suppression systems for marine applications : a case study – ResearchGate www.researchgate.net2. Advantages of Water Mist Fire Protection – Solar Fire Systems solarfiresystems.com
Advantages over Low-Pressure Sprinkler Systems
High-pressure water-mist systems offer several advantages over traditional low-pressure sprinkler systems in terms of fire suppression effectiveness:
1. Water mist fire suppression systems vs sprinkler systems – iCO Products
- Smaller Droplet Size: The high pressure used in these systems produces much finer water droplets (typically less than 100 microns) compared to the larger droplets from low-pressure sprinklers. These smaller droplets have a greater surface area-to-volume ratio, enabling faster evaporation and more efficient heat absorption. 1. Low vs. high pressure water mist extinguishing system – CWS www.cws.com
- Increased Heat Absorption: The larger combined surface area of the fine mist results in significantly greater heat absorption capacity, leading to faster cooling of the fire and surrounding environment. 1. Water mist introduction – VID FIREKILL vidfirekill.dk
- Efficient Oxygen Displacement: The rapid evaporation and expansion of the water mist displace oxygen more effectively than the coarser spray from low-pressure sprinklers, further hindering the combustion process. 1. Water Mist Systems Overview | NFPA www.nfpa.org
- Reduced Water Damage: Due to the smaller droplet size and efficient heat absorption, high-pressure water-mist systems require significantly less water to extinguish fires compared to traditional sprinklers. This results in reduced water damage to property and equipment. 1. Water Mist Systems Overview | NFPA www.nfpa.org
- Versatility: High-pressure water-mist systems can be used in various spaces, including machinery spaces, accommodation areas, and even sensitive areas with electronic equipment, due to their relatively low risk of water damage and non-conductivity. 1. Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems – Britannia Fire Technology www.britanniafiretech.co.uk
In summary, high-pressure water-mist systems offer superior fire suppression capabilities compared to low-pressure sprinkler systems due to their finer water droplets, increased heat absorption, and more efficient oxygen displacement. These advantages translate to faster fire knockdown, reduced water damage, and greater versatility in protecting various spaces on a vessel