DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION

They are based on the simultaneous application on all the protected areas of a deluge of water with the object of creating a cooling effect on all the structures and fittings in proximity of fire and of keeping control of fire before the Fire Brigade arrive.

The water deluge system requires control equipment through which water, at the desired pressure, can flow into the supply network for subsequent release. The control equipment operates in an on-off position and can therefore only be open or closed completely.

Operation of the system is activated by a fire detection device, either electronic or hydraulic, through closed sprinkler heads, pressurised with water or air.

When only one head opens, pressure flows out and the deluge valve opens.

It has to be remembered that the pipe network feeding water deluge systems, since it is subject to a wetting and drying effect, tends to produce rust and it is therefore recommended to use zinc pipes both internally and externally.

The water deluge systems are used on the open air for processing installations, oil tanks and huge transformers.


Thermal shield (water barrier)

Water barriers to create thermal shields are commonly used to protect areas near oil plants, railway stations (to stop smoke and hot gases released by locomotives on fire from obstructing exit routes), subways and railway tunnels. They are however subject to the presence of air streams.

Nozzles at medium speed are commonly used to produce water barriers so that a conic water jet evenly spread is obtained, particularly apt to absorb the heat.