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POSITION PAPER
ON WATER MIST
FOR FIRE FIGHTING APPLICATIONS
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2 Introduction
Water mist fire fighting systems provide fire protection for life and property without any
adverse impact on the environment. It is important to recognise in categorising the
efficacy, and thus applicability, of any water mist system that a distinction should be
made between:
Fire Control: where the design purpose of the system is to restrict and reduce fire
propagation until other mitigating measures are taken, and
Fire Extinguishing: where the design purpose is to ensure complete suppression and
extinction of all combustion.
It is a further characteristic of water mist systems that the resultant fire protection is
dependent on the location of the distribution nozzles relative to the fire. There are many other
effective fire fighting systems which use water, gaseous and other media.
Gaseous extinguishing agents are discussed in a separate paper entitled Eurofeu position paper
on gaseous alternatives to Halons in fire fighting.
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Water mist systems have been used since the mid 19 century, and may also be known
as water fog systems, fine water spray systems, and other synonyms.
Water mist systems are usually classified based on three nozzle pressure ratings: low,
medium and high. Each pressure rating has its technical characteristics and benefits, but
the effects of water in mist form on the fire and on materials are essentially the same.
The differences between water mist systems of each class are of a more commercial nature and
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3 Protection of equipment
Water mist may be suitable for applications such as combustible liquids where rapid fire
development is expected. It is however necessary to take into account the details of the
application which are crucial for the system engineering.
The effectiveness of water mist systems in particular applications should be demonstrated by
accredited third party testing. It is important to understand the scope and limitations of such
testing in order not to make unjustified extrapolations regarding its validity when applied to real
hazards.
Before engineering a system a number of aspects have to be dealt with very carefully, each of
which could influence system performance.
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there are obstructions between the mist source and the fire (e.g. pool fires under open
floors) and / or
Foam should only be added when the equipment protected is not likely to be affected by the
corrosive degreasing properties of foam and appropriate cleaning is scheduled after a discharge.
The system must have been fully fire tested in combination with this foam additive.
3.10
Water supply
Consideration should be given to the duration and availability of the water supply, especially
where rapid suppression cannot be guaranteed or reignition is likely to occur.
4.1 Use
Here are some typical examples where water mist has been successfully used:
Rotating machinery
Liquid hydrocarbon process risks
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Machinery spaces
Gas turbines
Chipboard machines
Fully enclosed conveyors
Painting equipment
Steam turbines
Diesel generators
Engine test cells
Cable tunnels
Indoor transformers
However, even in some of these cases, water mist may not be suitable, e.g. if there is also an
explosion hazard or where parameters such as size, ventilation, geometry etc. are different from
the tested scenarios.
Water mist protection systems should only be designed and installed for applications for
which they have been properly tested. The characteristics of the specific application should
be consistent with the testing. It is dangerous to extrapolate from test data for water mist
systems. The efficiency of a system is very sensitive to many variables, including:
4.2 Limitations
Water mist should not be used on fires in materials that are incompatible with water.
Risks involving gases and airborne powders are not appropriate for protection by a water mist
system. Risks involving light hydrocarbons would normally require an additive.
Water mist is transient in nature. It does not produce a lasting inert atmosphere, nor does it
maintain a total flooding concentration in an enclosed space once the discharge has finished.
Consequently, permanent extinguishment may not be attained if re-ignition sources, such as open
flame or electric arcing are present. Fuel sources should be fitted with automatic shut off devices.
Watermist systems should not be used outdoors unless fully fire tested in representative
environmental conditions.
5 Physical behaviour
The main principles governing fire control, suppression or extinguishment, with water mist, are
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cooling and inerting. The water droplets offer a significant surface-to-volume ratio, which results
in a high heat absorption capacity.
The cooling action is often sufficient for fire control, suppression or extinguishment. Inerting is
achieved when the droplets evaporate as they approach the fire source. The expansion of water to
steam helps to limit the supply of oxygen to the seat of the fire and its immediate surrounding
area.
Water mist often controls, suppresses or extinguishes fire rapidly and efficiently. Discharge of the
water mist onto a fire significantly reduces the surrounding temperatures and blocks radiation
produced by the fire. The mist also helps to strip smoke and other particles from the air and
absorbs some of the soluble gases. The absorption of acid gases in water may lead to increased
risk of corrosion.
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7 Environmental impact
Water mist using potable water is benign to nature and does not present an environmental hazard
unless the water absorbs dangerous substances from the fuel or fire. In such cases careful
consideration should be given to preventing water entering the drainage system or the ground
8 Conclusions
Water mist provides industry with a valuable fire protection option. This paper has set out generic
guidance on its applicability and limitations of use. Specialist advice should always be sought to
attest to the appropriateness of a water mist application for a specific purpose, and provide
comparison with other fire protection options.
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