A pre-action water mist system is a type of fire suppression system that combines elements of both fire sprinkler and water mist systems. It is designed to provide early fire detection and prevention in areas where water damage needs to be minimised.
The system consists of stainless-steel piping filled with air or nitrogen (dry pipe), with water mist nozzles strategically placed throughout the protected area. When a fire is detected, the system charges, allowing water to flow into the piping network.
The Water Mist nozzles have heat sensitive bulbs, if this bulb is broken by heat, then water is then discharged as a fine mist through the nozzles, helping to suppress the fire.
The pre-action feature requires an additional detection event, such as heat or smoke detection, to open the water control valve of the zone detected and fully activate the system. This dual detection mechanism helps reduce the chances of accidental water discharge and provides an added layer of protection.
This system is an ideal solution for water sensitive environments where the risk of false discharge needs to be minimised.
Data Centre Applications –
Using water mist to protect a data centre from fire offers several benefits:
1. Effective fire suppression: Water mist systems provide highly efficient fire suppression by discharging a fine mist of water droplets. This mist rapidly evaporates, absorbing heat and reducing oxygen levels near the fire, effectively extinguishing it. The small droplet size allows for better penetration into hard-to-reach areas, ensuring thorough coverage.
2. Minimal water damage: Water mist systems use significantly less water compared to traditional sprinkler systems. The fine mist helps minimize water damage to sensitive electronic equipment and reduces the risk of collateral damage to surrounding areas. This is crucial in data centres where water damage can result in costly downtime and data loss.
3. Rapid cooling and reduced smoke: Water mist systems rapidly cool the fire source, suppressing the release of smoke and toxic gases. By minimizing smoke generation, water mist systems enhance visibility within the data centre, aiding evacuation efforts and facilitating emergency response.
4. Enhanced safety: Water mist is non-toxic, making it safe for human occupants in the data centre during a fire event. It also reduces the risk of thermal shock, as the mist cools the surrounding environment gradually, minimising temperature differentials that could cause structural damage.
5. Quick response and activation: Water mist systems can be designed for rapid response and activation, allowing for early fire detection and suppression. This swift action helps minimize the spread of fire, limiting potential damage to critical infrastructure and equipment.
6. Scalability and flexibility: Water mist systems can be tailored to suit the specific requirements of a data centre, including its layout, size, and level of fire risk. They can be designed to protect specific zones or equipment areas within the data centre, providing scalability and flexibility.
We are here to help you.
Call us on 01628 902107 or email [email protected]
