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Watermist systems are suitable and effective for the protection of spaces on board ships and are an emerging technology for life safety building applications on land.
Residential and domestic watermist fire suppression systems consist of a water supply, filter, non-return valve, stop valve, priority demand valve (where required), automatic alarm system and pipework to automatic watermist nozzles. A water mist system discharges a spray of small water droplets.
We are generally dealing with system pressures no greater than 12.5 bar.
Watermist fire suppression systems for residential and domestic applications are designed to provide an additional degree of protection of life and property, above that achieved by the installation of smoke and/or fire detectors and systems.
The applicable British Standard is BS 8458: 2015 Fixed Fire Protection Systems – Residential and Domestic. As a code of practice, it takes the form of guidance and recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification. The guidance document does, however, presume that the watermist fire suppression system will form part of an integrated fire safety system as part of the building design.
We can also design to BS 8489-1: 2016 Fixed Fire Protection Systems – Industrial and Commercial Watermist Systems.
All watermist systems are more sensitive than traditional sprinkler systems to small design changes, which can compromise their effectiveness.
Smaller bore waterways and small orifice size in nozzles are more prone to being blocked by particles and debris. Attention to good quality installation and commissioning practices coupled with adequately maintained filtration by means of strainers is therefore essential.