Review on Water Mist Fire Suppression System

Water mist fire suppression system (WMFSS) is one of the candidates in substituting the Halogen-based total flooding system. The system with strong spray momentum gives a satisfactory performance in extinguishing solid fires, liquid fires as well as kitchen fires under no ventilation. Nozzle with high discharge momentum and low operating pressure are the goal. Water mist discharged is assumed to evaporate completely when they meet the flame. In this way, a WMFSS can be used to extinguish electrical fires. However, it is observed that very fine water drops are very easily affected by indoor aerodynamics. The mist might not able to reach the flame if there is a strong upward air movement induced by the plume, and mechanical ventilation if there is any. Therefore, understanding this phenomenon is important for integrating the design of a WMFSS with the mechanical ventilation system. Measuring the extinguishing time could also indicate the effectiveness of the WMFSS under different conditions. This paper will review some characteristics of the WMFSS like nozzle design, extinguishing time and interaction with ventilation. Currently, to develop a practical design and testing guide for general application in premise is the most urgent need.