Benefits of SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist fire fighting system The SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system is increasingly being considered as a suitable and competitive option for the protection of public and commercial buildings. After conducting a comparative analysis with a conventional sprinkler system on each specific project, key benefits of effective fire protection with high-pressure water mist system can be appreciated by end users as well as the opportunity to identify and quantify important savings. In many circumstances, the high-pressure water mist “solution” is proving to be a cost-effective solution, leaving more space for other money generating activities and providing a lower total cost of ownership. Less water consumption, water damages & minimum downtime Small droplet size and fast evaporation of water, yet sufficient droplet speed to penetrate the fire means less water. There is reduced water consumption and no need for a large water supply reservoir. The size of the water supply reservoir is up to 66% smaller than with a conventional sprinkler system. In case of a fire, there is little water damage to furniture and equipment. The clean-up is easier with no business interruption and, consequently, lower risk of losing market shares and lower insurance costs. Simplicity & flexibility in installation High-pressure water mist is a minimally invasive technology, with a piping network that is easier to integrate into both retrofit installations and modern buildings. The stainless steel pipes are easy to handle due to low weight and they can be bend on site, due to the very small diameter. The weight of the installed water mist pipes, including water, is typically 85% less than a traditional sprinkler system. The installation of the SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system is up to 70% faster. The SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system will not compromise the architectural design, increasing architectural freedom. The modular design of the system provides flexibility for future extensions to cover more protected areas. Lower costs for maintenance All key components of the SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system are high-quality components that are manufactured in-house. Danfoss high-pressure pumps are multi-axial piston pumps made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Water is used as a lubricant, making the pumps virtually maintenance free. The piping network, nozzles and section valves are also made from corrosion- resistant stainless steel. This ensures a long service life for the system installed. 4 Danfoss Fire Safety A/S · Fire fighting technology
CFD simulations: the future in fire fighting solutions Water mist standards are focused on controlling, suppressing or extinguishing a fire, like traditional sprinkler systems. The base function of the water mist system can be documented through the fire test reports issued by an internationally recognized third-party laboratory and/or through the approval certificates issued by an international notified body. Very often only the equivalencies with sprinkler systems are documented. The important cooling effect and absorption of radiation are only indirectly included in the fire test protocols. The capability to control smoke & gas from the fire is not included at all. High-pressure water mist system is not only a modern fire suppression system, but a new technology with a better performance than more traditional active systems such as sprinkler systems. Besides the traditional benefits of the SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system, Danfoss has been looking at how to further prove very important indirect benefits of the SEM-SAFE® system. CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations have been introduced to reproduce the results of SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system fire testing for use in extended fields of application based on results from large scale fire tests. Rigorous CFD calculations show: Superior cooling effect for reliable fire fighting High-pressure water mist has superior capabilities to absorb heat from the fire and is characterized by effective cooling of combustion gases in enclosure and steel structures. Absorption of heat radiation for fire control High-pressure water mist is characterized by effective absorption of heat radiation (the transfer of heat from a fire caused by electromagnetic waves). The droplets absorption of heat from the gas layer and/or the plume can be calculated and verified. Smoke & gas control for safer evacuation High-pressure water mist helps with controlling smoke and reduction of soot & particles from a fire. The droplets’ capability to control smoke and gasses can be estimated. CFD calculations for SEM-SAFE ® testing Danfoss Fire Safety A/S · Fire fighting technology 5