Water Mist Fire Suppression for Raised Subfloor Spaces

Over 100 experiments have been conducted at the University of Maryland to evaluate the performance of a water mist fire suppression system for protection of an interstitial space below a raised subfloor. Experiments are conducted as part of an ongoing research effort to compare the fire suppression capabilities of various water mist system designs in a raised subfloor space. Water mist system design parameters considered in the investigation include means of actuation, concentration of water mist required for extinguishment of fires, and delivery mechanisms of water mist within close proximity to the fire. Delivery of the required concentration of water mist within close proximity to the fire is a principal factor governing the adequacy of water mist systems. Two sets of experiments have been conducted to document the performance of water mist system designs. One set is involved in documenting the concentration of water mist as a function of position within the space. The second set of experiments is concerned with the ability of water mist system designs to control fires in the space. One result of the research is the assessment of the ability of a water mist system to control fires at particular locations as a function of water mist density at that location.