A Review of Water Mist Fire Suppression Technology: Part II-Application Studies

The progress on the research and application of water mist technology in fire suppression has been substantial over the last decade. This paper, following our previous review on water mist fundamental studies, reviews recent water mist application for: the extinguishment of Class B spray and pool fires in machinery spaces, gas turbine enclosures, combat vehicles, and flammable liquid storage rooms; the extinguishment of Class A fires in residential occupancies, marine accommodations and public spaces, heritage buildings and libraries; the extinguishment of Class C fires in electronic equipment and computer rooms; and the protection of aircraft onboard cabin and cargo compartments. Some new applications, such as the use of water mist for the extinguishment of Class K fires in commercial cooking areas; and the use of water mist as a possible total-ship protection method, as well as the use of water mist for the protection of heavy goods vehicle shuttle trains, are also reviewed. Up- to-date development of corresponding test and design criteria for the installation of water mist fire protection systems and for the evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of water mist for fire suppression in some areas, such as machinery spaces, ship's cabins and corridors, and turbine enclosures, are discussed.