
A misting fire suppression system is a type of fire protection system that uses a fine mist of water or other fire suppressant to extinguish fires.
These systems are designed to be more effective and efficient than traditional sprinkler systems, which can be bulky and wasteful.
Misting fire suppression systems are ideal for areas with high ceilings or where traditional sprinkler systems are impractical.
They can be used in a variety of settings, including commercial kitchens, laboratories, and data centers.
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What is fire suppression?
Fire suppression systems are designed to extinguish fires quickly and effectively, and one type is the water mist fire suppression system. This system uses small droplets of water to cool and displace oxygen, making it a flexible option for certain situations.
Unlike standard sprinkler systems, water mist suppression systems have smaller piping and higher system pressure. This allows for a more precise distribution of water mist.
Water mist fire suppression systems are particularly well-suited for areas with sensitive equipment, such as computer rooms and data processing equipment rooms, due to their cooling effects and oxygen displacement.
How Fire Suppression Systems Work
A misting fire suppression system is a type of sprinkler system that uses very small droplets of water to extinguish fires.
Water mist systems are activated in the event of a fire and can be triggered automatically, nonautomatically, or electronically by fire detection or control equipment.
The nozzle on a water mist system can discharge water immediately when extreme heat is detected, or it can be filled with air that releases when introduced to heat and allows the water to flow.
Water mist systems offer flexibility in their application and can be targeted precisely at specific hazards or objects for localized protection, or they can flood an entire compartment with mist to provide comprehensive coverage.
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Self-Contained Works Functionality
AquaMist systems can be designed to be self-contained, meaning they have all the necessary components to function independently without relying on external systems.
Water mist systems can be activated automatically, nonautomatically, or even electronically by some sort of fire detection or control equipment.
These systems come in various types, including wet, dry, deluge, and pre-action, each with its own unique characteristics.
Wet pipe systems use automatic nozzles that discharge water immediately when extreme heat is detected, making them a reliable option for fire suppression.
Deluge systems utilize a valve that is connected to an independent detection system; when a fire is detected, the valve opens and releases water to extinguish the flames.
Pre-action systems are the most complex, combining elements of both dry and deluge systems, and include valves, a supplemental detection system, and an air supply that may or may not be pressurized.
Water mist systems offer flexibility in their application, allowing them to be targeted precisely at specific hazards or objects for localized protection.
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How Does a Deluge Work?
A deluge is a type of fire suppression system that uses a combination of water and air to extinguish fires.
This system is designed to cool the fuel and prevent re-ignition, making it effective for suppressing fires in areas where electrical equipment is present.
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A deluge system typically consists of a network of pipes and nozzles that distribute water throughout the protected area.
The system is usually activated by a fire alarm or manual pull station, and can be designed to operate in conjunction with other fire suppression systems.
In a typical deluge system, water is pumped from a storage tank to a network of pipes, which are then distributed throughout the protected area.
The nozzles in the pipes are designed to spray a fine mist of water, which helps to cool the fuel and prevent re-ignition.
A deluge system can be designed to operate at a variety of pressures, depending on the specific needs of the protected area.
The system can be used to protect a wide range of areas, including computer rooms, data centers, and other areas where electrical equipment is present.
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Discharges
Water discharges play a crucial role in fire suppression. The Micromist system uses relatively short pulses of water to aid in extinguishment.
These pulses are designed to minimize property damage associated with continuous discharges. This is a key advantage of the Micromist system over traditional fire suppression methods.
Water mist systems like HI-FOG also use discharges to fight fires on multiple fronts. By targeting different aspects of a fire, these systems can be highly effective against various types of fires.
The short pulses of water used in the Micromist system help to reduce the amount of water needed to extinguish a fire. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
Water mist fire suppression systems come in three main categories: Local-Application Systems, Total Compartment Application Systems, and Zoned Application Systems.
Local-Application Systems are designed to provide complete distribution of mist on or around a specific hazard or object to be protected.
Total Compartment Application Systems are designed to provide complete protection of an entire enclosure or space.
Zoned Application Systems are designed to protect a specific portion of a compartment by activating a selected group of nozzles.
Properly designed water mist systems can be effective on both liquid fuel (Class B) and solid fuel (Class A) fires.
Fine droplets, smaller than 400 microns, are essential for extinguishing Class B fires, while larger drop sizes are effective for Class A combustibles.
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Benefits of HI FOG
HI FOG systems are a game-changer when it comes to fire protection.
HI FOG fire protection systems are a result of a simple yet brilliant innovation which allows fighting fire with minimal water amounts. This innovation has led to significant benefits in various areas.
The droplet size of HI FOG systems is generally much smaller than that of standard fire sprinkler systems, which allows for smaller piping and reduced water usage. This is a notable advantage in situations where space is limited.
HI FOG systems typically use far less water than fire sprinkler systems, making them better suited for areas with limited room for tanks and storage. This reduced water usage also means less water damage in the event of a fire.
Higher system pressure is a trade-off for the benefits of HI FOG systems, but overall, they offer a more efficient and effective way to fight fires.
Components and Features
Our misting fire suppression system is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing just one unit to protect multiple zones. This creates endless possibilities for system design and configuration.
Only specific materials are used on the system, including stainless steel, copper, and CPVC, which are resistant to metal oxidation and MIC (microbiologically influenced corrosion).
Nozzles Create
Nozzles are designed to shear water into small droplets, which are effective at producing water vapor when they make contact with the fire. This is a crucial feature for firefighting, as it helps to cool the surrounding area and reduce the intensity of the flames.
The design of the nozzle is critical in achieving this effect, and it's what sets it apart from other firefighting tools.
DuraQuench Features
One of the standout features of DuraQuench is its ability to protect multiple zones with just one unit, opening up endless possibilities for system design and configuration.
The system's components and fittings are carefully selected to resist metal oxidation and MIC, or microbiologically influenced corrosion, which can be a major concern in certain environments.
Stainless steel, copper, and CPVC are the only pipe system components and fittings used on the system, providing the necessary protection against corrosion.
This thoughtful design approach helps ensure that the system remains reliable and efficient over time, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
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Materials to Avoid Protecting?

When working with water mist systems, it's essential to know what materials to avoid protecting.
Reactive metals like lithium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium are off-limits for direct water mist application.
These metals can produce violent reactions or hazardous products when exposed to water, making them a safety risk.
Metal alkoxides, metal amides, and carbides should also be avoided, as they can react with water to produce hazardous products.
Halides are another group of materials that should not be protected with water mist systems.
Industry and Applications
Water mist suppression systems are effective in protecting various industries and applications. They have proved effective in controlling, suppressing, or extinguishing many types of fires.
Gas jet fires, flammable and combustible liquids, hazardous solids, and Class A combustible fires such as paper, wood, and textiles are all well-suited for water mist suppression systems.
Electrical hazards, such as transformers, switches, circuit breakers, rotating equipment, and cable tunnels, are also protected by these systems.
Effective Industries and Applications

Water mist suppression systems are effective at protecting a wide range of industries and applications.
They can control, suppress, or extinguish fires involving gas jet fires, flammable and combustible liquids, hazardous solids, and more.
Class A combustible fires, such as paper, wood, and textiles, can also be effectively protected by these systems.
Electrical hazards like transformers, switches, and circuit breakers can be safeguarded as well.
Highway and railway tunnels, fighter aircraft hangers, light aircraft hangers, and helicopter hangers are also suitable for water mist suppression systems.
These systems have proven effective in various settings, making them a reliable choice for many industries.
When to Choose High-Pressure Firefighting
High-pressure firefighting systems are best suited for fires with specific types of combustible fuels, known as fire classes. Each fire class has a corresponding HI-FOG system type.
Fires are divided into fire classes based on the type of combustible fuel present, and the right system type is crucial for effective firefighting. Check the table of suitable system types for each fire class.
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You can install a high-pressure mist system directly to the incoming mains water supply, which can be as little as 25 mm for modest houses. This requires a dedicated power source and a flow switch that activates the smoke alarm in the event of activation.
High-pressure mist systems use far less water to tackle a fire compared to standard sprinkler systems, making them a more efficient option. This is particularly useful for fires in areas with limited water supply.
A RAD-mist system installation can be performed by highly qualified and experienced engineers, ensuring a professional and effective service.
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Contact Rad Fire Sprinklers
Contact RAD Fire Sprinklers for expert advice and installation of mist fire sprinkler systems in your London home.
They have been installing fire suppression systems in London and the Southeast of England for many years.
Their skilled team of engineers can advise and guide you to ensure the right system is installed in your home.
If you're considering installing a mist fire sprinkler system, make sure to contact RAD Fire Sprinklers.
Their office is located at 58A St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9NY.
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Installation and Maintenance
A misting fire suppression system requires a dedicated power source, which is an essential aspect of its installation.
The unit can be connected directly to the incoming mains water supply, with a minimum size of 25 mm for modest houses.
Highly qualified and experienced engineers perform all installation work to ensure a professional service.
The installation of a misting fire suppression system is a crucial step in protecting your property and the people within it.
A flow switch within the unit activates the smoke alarm in the event of an activation, providing an added layer of safety.
To guarantee that your needs and expectations are met, it's best to collaborate closely with the installation team.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the system continues to function effectively and efficiently.
The team at RAD Fire Sprinklers has years of experience designing and installing sprinkler systems, including mist fire suppression systems.
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History and Standards
The misting fire suppression system has a rich history dating back to the 1970s.
The first misting systems were developed for use in computer rooms and other high-value areas where traditional sprinkler systems were deemed too invasive.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been instrumental in establishing standards for misting fire suppression systems since the early 1980s.
NFPA 750, the standard for water mist fire protection systems, was first published in 2004.
The standard has undergone several revisions since its initial publication, with the most recent update occurring in 2019.
Misting systems have been shown to be effective in suppressing fires in a variety of environments, including computer rooms and data centers.
In fact, a study cited in the article found that misting systems can reduce fire damage by up to 90% compared to traditional sprinkler systems.
Comparison and Alternatives
Water mist systems are generally better suited for situations with limited space for tanks and storage.
The smaller droplet size and reduced water usage of water mist systems make them ideal for areas where water damage is a concern.
Higher system pressure is a notable trade-off for the benefits of water mist systems.
Sprinkler vs. System
The main difference between a sprinkler system and a water mist system is the droplet size, with water mist systems using much smaller droplets than standard fire sprinkler systems.
Water mist systems use significantly less water than fire sprinkler systems, making them a great option for spaces with limited room for tanks and storage.
One of the downsides of water mist systems is that they require higher system pressure.
Water mist systems can also reduce water damage, a significant advantage over traditional fire sprinkler systems.
Difference Between a Sprinkler
High-pressure mist systems have alleviated the problem of water usage in fire suppression by utilising far less water to tackle a fire.
The introduction of high-pressure mist systems has been a game-changer in fire safety, using significantly less water than traditional sprinkler systems.
Typical RAD-mist installations within small dwellings, as shown in Fig B, demonstrate the compact and efficient design of these systems.
This efficient water usage makes high-pressure mist systems a more attractive option for those looking to reduce water consumption while still maintaining effective fire protection.
The RAD-mist system's ability to use less water is a significant advantage over traditional sprinkler systems, which can be wasteful and inefficient.
Specific Systems and Products
Water mist systems can be tailored to specific needs, with options like low-flow and high-velocity systems available. These systems use less water than traditional sprinkler systems, causing less damage to high-value assets.
There are various types of water mist systems on the market, including those designed for general protection, deluge, and clean agent protection. Water mist systems can be used in a range of applications, from industrial settings to high-rise buildings.
Low-flow water mist systems use less than 1 gallon of water per minute, making them ideal for applications where water conservation is a priority. High-velocity water mist systems, on the other hand, can reach velocities of up to 100 feet per second, making them suitable for applications where a high-pressure system is required.
Water mist systems can be powered by a variety of sources, including pumps, compressors, and even solar power. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for applications where a reliable and sustainable fire suppression system is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NFPA code for water mist system?
The NFPA code for water mist systems is NFPA 750. This standard provides guidelines for installation, testing, and maintenance of water mist systems to ensure effective fire suppression.
What are the disadvantages of water mist?
Water mist systems have several disadvantages, including lower efficiency for shielded fires and potential for water damage. Additionally, they may not be effective in enclosed spaces with small fires.
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