Droplet Size Analysis in the Development of Enhanced Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems

Developing fire suppression systems that meet the requirements of specific firefighting applications is an important goal. For certain fires, applying water in a fine spray or mist can be particularly effective, reducing water usage and minimizing equipment damage. In situations requiring fuel isolation, the use of foams is particularly advantageous. A system combining the benefits offered by water mists with those of fuel isolation is one of the aims of current research. This targets difficult environments such as engine compartment fires, which are traditionally extinguished using harmful gaseous suppressants. This article discusses the importance of particle size characterisation in the analysis of atomised sprays. Advances in modern particle sizing technology allow more indepth understanding of the mechanisms underlying spray behaviors and enables determination of the impact of surfactants on the effectiveness of water mists.