Water as a Three-Dimensional Fire-Extinguishing Agent
Abstract
It is generally believed that, because of its ability to absorb large quantities of heat, a mist of water droplets would be an excellent fire-extinguishing agent. A device has been constructed to disseminate a high volume of fine droplets of a liquid agent (water) in such a way as to make the liquid droplets permeate an enclosure. This device is capable of dispersing a water mist throughout a volume. Thus, the water mist can act as a three-dimensional agent, much like gaseous agents. The device consists of two equally pressurized cylinders, fast-acting solenoid valves, a mixing chamber, and the necessary hardware to complete the system. One cylinder contains a vaporizable liquid, such as CO2, and the second contains a liquid agent, such as water or water-based solution pressurized with CO2 or nitrogen. Upon activating the solenoid valves, two liquid streams (CO2 and water or water-based solution) are directed into a mixing chamber, such as a vortex mixer. The two streams are blended intimately in the chamber. Upon exiting the mixer into a nozzle, the vaporizable liquid flash evaporates and expands throughout the volume of an enclosure. This expanding gas carries droplets of the liquid agent with it as it permeates the volume. The droplets of liquid act as the principal fire-extinguishing agent. The high aerodynamic drag of the small droplets is an advantage as they are swept along by the expanding gas moving throughout the enclosure. The vaporizable liquid's main purpose is to carry the liquid fire-extinguishing agent throughout the enclosure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387975
Entities
People
- Anthony E. Finnerty
- Dawnn Saunders
- Lawrence J. Kieft
- Philip J. Peregino Ii
- Robert Mcgill
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory