Mechanisms of water mist and their use in practice

Abstract

Water mist systems are being increasingly used in nowadays and these systems can be found in wide range of applications. Water is a cheap, effective and environmentally friendly extinguishing medium based on water mechanisms. Mechanisms are divided into primary and secondary mechanisms. One of the primary mechanisms is capability of water in reducing ambient, flame and fuel temperature. Water is capable to displace oxygen and flammable gases from fire area and attenuate radiant heat. Water is also capable of wetting the fuel and preventing the spread of flames to unburned fuel. Secondary mechanism is ability of trapping toxic particles and other smoke or dust particles from the air. Kinetic and dilution effect should also be mentioned. Due to these mechanisms, water mist systems are considered effective in fire suppression and extinguishing. In practice, we can encounter water mist systems from commercial buildings, historical buildings to marine vessels. Water mist can also be used in other applications beyond fire protection. Water mist systems are used in industry, where the water's ability to reduce temperature and dust in the workplace is exploited or in agriculture, where are used to humidify operation of poultry and cattle breeding. The mechanisms of water and the use of water mist are described in this paper.