Assessment of extinguishing efficiency of hybrid system using water mist and inert gas during class A fires

Abstract

Fixed hybrid fire extinguishing system, a new technology used in fire protection all over the world in the last years, was discussed. A four-head twin pipe system supplied with water mist and inert gas (air or nitrogen) was applied. A pile of 50 pine wood boards was used as a combustible material (class A fire). It was located in the corner of the compartment while the nozzles were mounted symmetrically in the centre (volume suppression). The extinguishing processes differing in the proportion of water mist to gas were analysed. The extinguishing time was taken as the most important parameter indicating the extinguishing efficiency. The impact of water flow on extinguishing process was discussed. The clear dependence of extinguishing time on the water/gas ratio was proven. The best performance of the hybrid system at water flow 3 dm3/min and nitrogen as inert gas was observed. The results obtained during experiments can be useful in developing new international standards e.g. NFPA.