Fire Extinguishing with Water Mist (Water Atomizing Turbines)
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Fighting fires using water mist has been a known concept for over 20 years in Europe. However, the use of water atomizing turbines for covering large roofs and improving mist-based systems is new.
The core of the solution is the turbine. All products share this element, which must be flexible relative to the mist-producing devices. The turbine must also help achieve the following goals:
Objectives:
- Large surface area coverage of atomized water particles
- Accurate application in areas of maximum efficiency
By atomizing the water the consumption is significantly reduced. Compared to traditional high-pressure mist systems (60–80 bar), this system does not require extremely high pressures, meaning less expensive and easier-to-maintain equipment.
The goal was to create a more efficient method of firefighting and reducing dangerous gas emissions, by combining water atomization and integrating these inactive devices onto work platforms and vehicles.
Operating Principle of Water Atomizing Turbines (Water Mist)
Large water droplets → small coverage area
Small water droplets → large coverage area
Efficiency:
The water mist extinguishing principle generates a paradigm shift in firefighting.
The smaller the droplets, the larger the heat-exchange surface. Small particles remain longer in suspension and reach hidden surfaces of the fire source. Thus a smaller quantity of water provides a larger cooling and extinguishing area, as well as improved fixation of smoke and gases.
Surface covered with 1 liter of water:
1,000 μm → 6 m²
100 μm → 60 m²
10 μm → 600 m²
Advantages:
- Atomized water produces a significantly larger contact surface, resulting in better heat transfer and faster cooling.
- The water or water-foam mixture is applied to the burning surfaces and, through runoff, provides protection across all exposed areas. Traditional systems cannot effectively cover concealed structural elements located on the opposite side of the spray pattern.
- Mist drastically reduces smoke and gases.
- Much less water is required.
- The system can be operated remotely (joystick control).
- Precious time is gained if installations are already mounted.
- The system is easily adaptable by changing nozzles or monitoring settings.
Applications of Water Atomizing Turbines
Chemical plants and refineries
A fire in a chemical, petrochemical, or refinery facility poses a major hazard to employees, nearby residents, firefighters, and the environment. Traditional water-based extinguishing systems are expensive. In contrast, a mist generation system can bring a fire under control much more quickly. Water dispersion is improved, cooling is faster, and the smothering effect—caused by the displacement of oxygen-rich air with steam—leads to rapid fire suppression.
Airports
The large amounts of fuel in aircraft present significant fire hazards. For these applications, mobile units and specialized fire vehicles with built-in tanks have been developed. Atomization provides near-instant encapsulation of the burning object. The covered surface area is larger due to aerosols, and cooling efficiency is increased. The mist jet also creates an evacuation corridor for passengers.
Forest fires
Wildfire crews are often required to use hoses over long distances and are limited by the available water supply in fire vehicles. Aerial dispersion of fire retardants helps control the fire, but precision is often lacking. A system with reduced water consumption is therefore highly beneficial. Fire inhibitors can also be added and dispersed using the same equipment, but with improved accuracy.
Urban areas
Urban fires can be controlled much more efficiently with this solution. The mist captures smoke and soot, reducing gas emissions during fires. Since less water is used compared to traditional systems, water damage to neighbouring properties is significantly reduced.
- Professional expertise
- Over 15 years of activity
- Know-how and innovation
- Tailored approach to each project according to specific criteria
