Watermist Fire Suppression
WatermistFire Suppression Systems
Watermist fire suppression systems work by using very small droplets of water to cool the flame as well as the surrounding gases that are fueling the fire. Smaller water droplets allow for more heat absorption with less water, while also creating steam to act as a secondary extinguisher. Our trained technicians will examine your facility, design, and lead installation on the best code compliant watermist fire suppression system to fit your needs. At Ahern, we are driven to do the best in everything we do and are committed to finding the best fire suppression and extinguishing solutions. We create and maintain systems that can save lives, protect your assets, and ensure peace of mind.
Design &Installation
Ahern’s qualified and experienced technicians are equipped to design the best watermist fire suppression system for your business or organization. We are prepared to both design and install watermist suppression systems to your specifications, as well as in compliance with NFPA 750 including a full discharge test, operational checks of system operation including detection, alarm, and actuation, checks for proper device labeling and protected area warnings for any personnel, and an overall inspection of the system as well as the hazard area.
Almost 65% of our certified or licensed service technicians have 10 or more years of industry experience.
Everyone involved at Ahern has been very flexible and cooperative. They make the effort to adjust to our schedules.
Advantages of Watermist Fire Suppression
Watermist fire suppression systems are a newer form of fire suppression. Differing from general water sprinkler systems, watermist systems extinguish fires two ways: the initial water droplet contact and the stream created when the water hits the flame. The steam adds humidity to the air surrounding the fire, leading to more heat absorption. This system is effective while conserving water compared to traditional fire sprinkler heads. Water damage can be costly, so the watermist fire protection system works well in places with flammable liquids and spaces that have a lot of equipment. Flammable liquid fires spread more rapidly than traditional fires. The watermist fire suppression system will work faster to extinguish the fire. Damaged equipment can be very expensive to replace, so this system is the best option to try and minimize the damage if a fire should occur. Hotels and offices are some more examples of where these types of systems would be a good idea, because it will limit water damage and offset damage costs large volumes of water would cause. Overall, watermist fire suppression systems can help curb expenses if a fire should start in places that would lead to high repair expenditures.
Types of Watermist Fire Suppression Systems
In this system, air pumps or pressurized nitrogen are used to create high-pressure water streams through special nozzles. These nozzles come from a single piping network. Single flow systems are better for smaller spaces.
Utilizing sperate piping networks for low-pressure water flow and high-pressure inert gas, water droplets are atomized, and the gas combines with the water. The inert gas typically used is nitrogen.
- Single Flow
- Twin Flow
Foam Expansion Rates
Foam agents excel in different areas depending on the rate of expansion. High expansion foams, for example, are better suited towards larger areas to cover ground more quickly. Ahern offers a variety of foam agents with varying expansion rates.
- Low Expansion Foam - Foam aerated to a bubble expansion ratio between 2 to 1 and 20 to 1. Bubbles contain higher water content at this level of expansion.
- Medium Expansion Foam - Expansion ratio between 20 to 1 and 200 to 1.
- High Expansion Foam - Expansion ratio above 200 to 1. At these expansion ratios, the bubble water content is lower, ideal for filling larger spaces such as warehouse floors or hangers and especially useful in extinguishing liquefied natural gas.
- CAF - Compressed Air Foam is a relatively new foam technology in comparison to Low/Medium and High Expansion, in the fixed fire protection systems industry. The unique structure of the foam generated with these systems can provide a three dimensional component to its fire suppression capabilities. Its ability to cling to vertical surfaces provides an advantage in challenging fire hazards.
In 2023, 91% of client survey responders said there were no unforeseen issues during service.
We are very pleased with the quality of work, attention to detail, and the value of maintaining a schedule that your personnel demonstrated.