How a Micropac MP series Pressure test pump is the Fire Industry standard for testing Water Mist Systems
Water mist systems are widely used in all sorts of buildings in place of old fashioned water sprinkler systems, which can cause massive water damage. They have lots of different names, so whether you are talking, Fire Mist Systems, High Fog Systems or even Water Misting systems, you are talking about a similar technology.
Rather than a low pressure water main and a network of simple sprinklers that spray high volumes of water into a building, misting systems use much higher pressure fine nozzles to generate a “fog” which will kill the fire. A very fine mist uses up to 90% less water and also causes dramatically little damage.
Micropac MP MIST pressure test pumps have for years been used for proof testing the stainless pipe work on high pressure commercial systems, typically up to 300 bar on water. The lightweight alloy Micropac MP MIST series pressure test pump has been optimised for use in testing water mist systems. It is a highly effective tool on site and can be carried to the action. It is fully serviceable with low cost spares and offers long term service for Fire Professionals.
These systems have been used for many years in commercial premises such as shops and on ships. The ceiling misting nozzles are piped up with stainless steel tube and the flow controlled by solenoid valves. The high pressure water is provided by electric pumps or a pressurised water stored in gas over water accumulators. We have also seen pumps driven from a gas bottle. As the operation of the system is relatively short and infrequent, there is good reason to consider stored energy in gas bottles or accumulators. In a fire, there is the risk of the electricity supply being out, so stored energy has more advantages.
There are lots of different configurations of “misting” systems. Don’t confuse it with sprinkler or water spray systems, which are an older technology. Misting requires a defined volume to comprise droplets of less than a certain size. You can have low pressure systems at 12.5 bar or high pressure at over 35 bar. The medium can be potable water, water with antifreeze, water with additives or even water with an inert gas bottle in the system.
A good starting guide is the paper from the BRE (Building Research Establishment) on https://www.bre.co.uk/filelibrary/pdf/rpts/partb/Water_Mist_Guide_v2.pdf
There is rapid development in water mist systems or fog systems for domestic and residential premises. Our Micropac MP MIST series lightweight pressure test set is widely used for both commercial water mist systems and lower pressure domestic equipment.
These domestic water mist systems could well become a substantial part of the fire Industry. There are a number of firms in the market offering innovative equipment. It is unlikely that it will ever be DIY equipment, as the design, installation and servicing to maintain ongoing effectiveness is very much a professional activity. The new generation of misting systems or domestic fire sprinkler systems commonly run at lower pressures which allow the use of flexible tubing for easy installation. Domestic square footage will inevitably be smaller than large commercial premises, so the amount of water required will be smaller. These systems can be integrated with home automation, so we foresee a wide uptake in the future.
Micropac MP pressure test units supplied for testing these domestic or residential water mist fire protection systems are simply running at lower pressure. 80 bar is commonly used for testing.
To discuss Micropac pressure test pumps for your fire mist systems contact us on pumpsales@sarum-hydraulics.co.uk or call 0044 1722 328388. We can supply pump units and hoses from stock.
