Continuing Education
Course
Halon Replacement:
Water Mist Fire
Extinguishing Systems
BY RONALD R. SPADAFORA
TRAINING THE FIRE SERVICE FOR 134 YEARS
To earn continuing education credits you must successfully complete the course examination.
The cost for this CE exam is $25.00. For group rates, call (973) 251-5055
Halon Replacement:
Water Mist Fire
Extinguishing Systems
Educational Objectives
On completion of this course, students will:
● Gain an general understanding of ozone depletion and the
need for clean agent systems
● Identify the types of water mist systems and their components
B Y R O N A L D R . S PA D A F O R A
I
n the early 1980s, it was confirmed that the
earth’s ozone layer was being depleted. Although it makes
up a small percentage of the atmosphere, the ozone layer
is nonetheless essential to all living things. Located mostly in
the stratosphere, the ozone layer protects us from the sun’s
ultraviolet medium wave (UVB) light, which can be harmful
to humans (can be a factor in skin cancer), crops, and marine
ecosystems.
In 1987, the international document “Montreal Protocol on
Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer” was adopted to
protect the ozone layer. Originally, 25 countries, including the
United States, signed the Protocol. Eighty countries signed it
when it was amended in 1990. More and more countries have
been adopting it in a worldwide attempt to protect the environment. A provision of the Protocol was to ban the use of
halogenated hydrocarbons (halons), valuable fire extinguishing agents, because of their ozone-depleting effect: Halons
decompose into chlorine, fluorine, and carbon components
that react with the ozone in the atmosphere to eliminate it.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
mandated that a search be made for acceptable alternatives
for two of the most common halon firefighting agents, Halon
1301 and Halon 1211.
Halon 1301, a gas under normal conditions, is composed
of carbon, fluorine, and bromine. This effective extinguishing agent, which has a low degree of inhalation toxicity, is
discharged from nozzles in total flooding (enclosed space) applications. Halon 1211 is a liquefied, compressed gas containing carbon, fluorine, chlorine, and bromine. It has a slightly
greater toxicity than Halon 1301 and is used with hand-held
2 www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com
● Describe how a water mist system extinguishes a fire
● Describe how fire departments should interface with such
systems
1
(1) This rooftop backup electrical generator is protected by a
water mist extinguishing system. (Photos by author.)
portable fire extinguishers and wheeled and outdoor mobile
streaming devices.
SNAP PROGRAM
Under the Clean Air Act Amendment (1990), the EPA evaluates various substitute fire extinguishing agents that do not
destroy the ozone layer but also have a low global warming
potential (GWP) and atmospheric lifetime (ATL). Through the
Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, the EPA
is transitioning the United States from the halons to humansafe and environment-friendly systems.
The following extinguishing agents have been approved
as replacements for Halon 1301 under the SNAP program:
fluorinated ketones (FKs), fluoroiodocarbons (FICs), foam,
hyydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons
water mist systems ●
(HFCs), inert gases (Argon, Inergen), perfluorocarbons (PFCs),
powdered aerosols, and water mist.
SNAP approved substitute extinguishing agents for Halon
1211 include the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical,
foam, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), powdered aerosols,
and water mist.
WATER MIST SYSTEMS
This course examines water mist extinguishing agent
systems that can be used to replace Halon 1301 and Halon
1211. A water mist system is an automatic water-based fire
extinguishing system. Water mist is a fine spray with 99
percent of water volume contained in water droplets less
than one millimeter (1,000 microns) in diameter. Water mist
systems can be designed as a total flooding system protecting a large enclosure with sprinkler heads, spray heads, or
nozzles placed at intervals. They can also be used for local
streaming applications. This type of system has applicators or
nozzles aimed directly onto a specific piece of machinery or
equipment to be protected. In 1995, the EPA asked industry
to evaluate water mist as a halon alternative. A health panel
that was established determined that water mist systems did
not present a health hazard to humans when used in occupied spaces. Using this information, the EPA listed water mist
as a SNAP substitute.
How Water Mist Systems Work
Water divided into very fine droplets creates a greater surface area than standard droplets emitted from sprinkler system
heads. Water mist system droplets can be 20 times smaller and
have a surface area 400 times greater than sprinkler system
water droplets. This enhanced area allows more of the water
to absorb the heat from the fire. A greater amount of the water, therefore, will turn to steam, providing what is known as
the “latent heat of vaporization.”
When water changes from a liquid to a gas, it absorbs approximately 970 British thermal units (Btus) of heat energy
per pound. Each gallon of water, which weighs approximately 8.3 pounds, will therefore absorb more than 9,000
Btus (energy required to raise each pound of water to 212°F
plus the energy absorbed to change its state of matter). This
drastically reduces the combustion rate. The steam will also
occupy a much larger volume than if the droplet were in liquid form. The expansion ratio of gas to liquid is in the range
of 1,700 to 1. Steam will also create an inert atmosphere as
it displaces oxygen from the flame zone, thereby starving the
fire of its oxidizing agent, yet another vital element of the
fire triangle.
Atomized droplets being discharged continue to remove
heat from the fuel source even after the fire has been
extinguished. This prevents flammable vapors from being
emitted and keeps the fire from reigniting. These systems
also absorb and scatter radiant heat, reducing the amount
of energy projected onto the burning material as well as
room contents.
Water mist systems have been credited with enhancing
visibility inside the fire enclosure. Atomized droplets have a
unique smoke “scrubbing” quality that removes the soot from
the smoke during the fire. Nozzle spray characteristics, nozzle
spacing, ceiling height, smoke layer temperature, and the depth
of the smoke are all factors that have to be taken into consideration when quantifying the amount of smoke that will be
removed from the atmosphere. Water mist droplets have also
been attributed with filtering out corrosive and toxic vapors
generated by materials such as wood, plastics, and combustible
liquids. Water mist atomized droplets, however, cannot remove
insoluble toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, which is generated in abundance during interior structural fires.
CLASSES OF FIRE
Water mist fire suppression systems have been extinguishing solid and liquid fuel fires since the mid-1950s. They have a
wide range of applications against Class A fires (wood, cardboard, paper, cloth, textiles, rubber, and certain plastics). Water
mist systems have been successful in extinguishing Class A
fires inside high-rise office and residential buildings, using total
flooding applications. Cruise ship passenger cabins, places of
public assembly, hotel atriums, libraries, archives, museums, art
galleries, landmark/heritage structures, and storage warehouses
are just a few more examples of buildings and spaces containing these types of material.
Class B fires (liquid, fuel, oil, lubricant, alcohol, ether,
grease, and gas) originating in boiler rooms, engine rooms,
spray booths, machinery spaces, gas turbine areas, road and
rail tunnels, oil- and gas-production facilities, petrochemical
plants, and material conveyors are ideally safeguarded using
total flooding and local water mist system applications.
Water mist is also effective in extinguishing fires involving
energized electrical equipment, known as Class C fires (computer rooms, telecommunication centers, electronics equipment, wiring, cable tunnels, transformers, circuit boards,
electrical switchgear modules, and metro station and train
carriages). The shock hazard to firefighting personnel and
occupants is negligible. Additionally, the “scrubbing” effect
of water mist on carbon smoke particles helps to reduce soot
residue damage to sensitive electrical equipment. Both total
flooding and local application systems are used.
Water mist local streaming application systems are also used
on Class K fires, which involve commercial cooking and foodprocessing equipment that use vegetable oils (palm, olive,
soybean, canola, corn, sunflower, safflower, sesame, and rice
bran).
APPLICATIONS
Total Flooding
Total flooding systems are designed with nozzles that
discharge water mist throughout an enclosure to provide a
uniform extinguishing concentration. Enclosure openings are
typically installed with automatic closing devices that activate
prior to the discharge of the extinguishing agent.
Local
Nozzles discharge water mist directly onto the equipment
or material being protected. This type of application is ideal
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● water mist systems
(2) A heat detector (shown) is just one
of the ways a water mist extinguishing
system can be activated. (3) Stainlesssteel piping with compression fittings
flows nitrogen and water under high
pressure.
2
for outdoor protection, since it does
not rely on an enclosure to contain the
extinguishing agent during the course
of fire suppression.
Zoned
3
This system segments the area to be
safeguarded into spatial zones. Each
zone has its own detection and activation components. A zoned system can
provide more efficient use of a limited
water supply. Zoned systems are used
to protect sensitive equipment and
valuables found in complex floor layouts and compartments. Applicators
apply water directly onto the hazard
for dependable fire suppression. A detection system that can
determine the exact location of the fire as well as a piping
control system capable of opening and closing valves in the
water distribution piping is required. Recent successful fire
tests using zoned water mist systems in military and commercial airline passenger cabin, cargo, and lavatory compartments have earmarked this new technology as an alternate
replacement for existing halon extinguishing systems.
Hand Hoseline
This system consists of a fuel- or electric-driven highpressure engine with an integral water mist nozzle, hose reel,
and water tank. Hand hoseline systems are designed to be
used manually for direct application of water mist onto the
fire. They are mounted to fire service all-terrain vehicles and
pickup trucks to enhance outdoor firefighting capabilities
when encountering automobile and
brush fires.
4
Fire Extinguisher
Hand-held extinguishers containing
water mist are portable extinguishing
tools that are clean and create no risk
to firefighters or occupants when used
inside hospitals and health-care facilities. They can also protect telecommunications and electronic equipment
rooms.
SYSTEM TYPES
The wet system uses automatic
nozzles attached to piping that is filled
4 www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com
with water under pressure. Water discharges immediately from thermally
activated nozzles. This type of system
is fast and highly effective.
The dry system uses thermally
activated automatic nozzles attached
to piping that contains air, nitrogen,
or inert gas under pressure. On
activation of the nozzle, the dry pipe
valve opens, allowing water to flow
through system piping and out any
activated nozzles. This system is designed to protect unheated buildings
or areas.
In the preaction system, the piping contains air that may or may not
be under pressure. This system has
a supplemental detection system
that, when activated, opens a valve,
allowing water to flow into the
piping and discharge through the
open thermally activated nozzles.
Preaction systems provide an added
safeguard against water accidentally
being discharged into an area containing delicate and valuable commodities.
The deluge system also has a detection system. When the
detector is activated, it supplies water throughout the piping
system. In this system, all nozzles are nonautomatic and of
open design. They work, however, by flooding the area to be
protected with copious amounts of water from all the nozzles.
Note: Water mist systems can be categorized as single fluid
or twin fluid. A single-fluid system uses a lone pipe to supply
water mist nozzles. The twin-fluid system uses dual piping to
supply water and compressed air or inert gas separately to
water mist nozzles.
SYSTEM PRESSURE
The size of the water mist droplet depends on the nozzle’s
orifice design and pressure. Pressure allows the droplets to
be projected over long distances so
that the water reaches the seat of
the fire. All three pressure systems—
low, intermediate, and high—can be
(4) This high-pressure water mist
nozzle is engineered to deliver micronized water droplets at a pressure of
more than 1,000 psi.
water mist systems ●
used for fixed (total flooding) and local
(streaming) applications.
5
Low-Pressure Systems
The water flows through the piping at
pressures similar to those of the standard
sprinkler type systems (175 psi or less).
Low-pressure systems are used in large
open-room areas and enclosures for
total flooding protection as well as local
applications. Aircraft hangers, fuel truck
garages, and car decks are just a few
types of structures where low-pressure
nozzles are found embedded in the floor
to extinguish fire below planes and vehicles. These “buried” nozzles operate in
conjunction with nozzles installed along
the ceiling for additional protection.
Intermediate-Pressure Systems
Intermediate systems use pressure in
the 175- to 500-psi range. Total flooding
systems using intermediate pressure generate water droplets that provide good circulation and prolonged hang time
throughout the protected space. These systems also demonstrate enhanced flame-cooling and oxygen-depletion characteristics. They are used inside large industrial enclosures.
High-Pressure Systems
Their piping can withstand pressures greater than 500 psi.
In general, this type of system requires fewer nozzles and
less water to achieve successful fire suppression results than
low- and intermediate-pressure systems. The high pressure
generates substantially smaller water droplets at the nozzle
than the other two systems, enhancing the surface area and
heat-absorbing capacity of the droplets.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Water Supply
Water mist systems must have at least one automatic water
source. The minimum amount of water should be capable of
supplying simultaneously the largest single hazard or group of
hazards to be protected. In general, a water supply for a minimum duration of 30 minutes is required. Pre-engineered and
specific-hazard systems may warrant a water supply duration
of more or less than 30 minutes. Water may be found stored
inside pressurized tanks, containers, or cylinders. All water
vessels have a pressure gauge. A fire department connection
is needed for systems protecting 2,000 or more square feet.
Twin-fluid systems and intermediate- and high-pressure systems supplied only by storage cylinders may be exempt from
the requirement for a fire department connection.
Compressed Gas Supply
When an atomizing medium (air, nitrogen) is used as part of
a twin-fluid water mist system, it, too, should be automatically
(5) Water supply cylinders secured behind
a metal cage. Each cylinder holds approximately 13 gallons of water. Note the
nitrogen cylinder, used to pressurize the
system, at the extreme left of the photo.
supplied from a dedicated source in concurrence with the water being delivered
on the fire. Look for a nameplate or placard on or near the gas containers specifying the type of gas, the nominal gas
volume, and the container’s pressurization
level. Pressure gauges and a fire control
panel will help firefighters to monitor the
amount and pressure of the gas. A reserve
supply may be required when the compressed gas cannot be readily replaced on
activation.
Foam Additive Supply
Some water mist systems have an additive injection component to introduce Class A or Class B foam concentrate into the
piping. A small amount of foam concentrate added to the water
supply can significantly improve the water mist system’s performance when suppressing buried ordinary combustibles and
liquid fuel spill fires. The resulting thin layer of foam solution
blanketing the fuel spill reduces the amount of vaporization
and inhibits the amount of radiant heat energy absorbed by the
fuel.
NOZZLES
Water mist nozzles are thermally activated, using quickresponse glass bulbs that have operating temperature ratings
from 135°F to 650°F. They are color coded based on their
temperature classification. The nozzles incorporate a high-capacity filter to shield against impurities in the water. Nozzles
are designed for use in accommodation and service spaces.
Other types of nozzles do not use glass bulbs. They are
opened by valves that can be activated manually or automatically by an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic signal. They
consist of an assortment of nozzles of different sizes, depending on the fire hazard. Nozzles have total flooding and
local applications. Water mist nozzles are defined in National
Fire Protection Association 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire
Protection Systems, 2006 edition, as special-purpose devices
containing one or more orifices designed to produce and
deliver a water spray and can be of the automatic, nonautomatic, or “hybrid” type.
PIPING
Water mist extinguishing systems use small-diameter, stainless-steel or copper/copper alloy piping. Filters and strainers
are provided at each water supply connection or system riser.
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● water mist systems
PUMPS
Centrifugal fire pumps are used in low- and intermediatepressure water mist systems. High-pressure systems require
positive displacement pumps. These pumps will be driven by
electricity, diesel fuel, or gas. Fire pumps for water mist extinguishing systems are designed to exceed flow rate and pressure
demands by a minimum of 10 percent. Pump installations must
have a metal plate that provides the rated capacity and pressure
of each pump.
DETECTION
All detection systems used to actuate water mist systems will
be automatic. Very early (air-aspirating) smoke detection systems
are commonly used in conjunction with water mist systems.
ACTUATION
An emergency release device activated by a single manual
operation is required for all water mist systems. This device
must be accessible, and its intended purpose must be clearly
recognizable.
ADVANTAGES VS. STANDARD SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS AND GASEOUS (CLEAN) AGENTS
• Control of flammable liquid fires (sprinklers).
• Effective cooling of fuel and space protected (gas).
• Electrically nonconductive (sprinklers).
• Enhanced visibility (sprinklers) (gas).
• Environmentally friendly (gas).
• Extinguishing agent readily available (gas).
• Improved aesthetics (sprinklers).
• Less cleanup time (sprinklers).
• Less smoke damage (sprinklers) (gas).
• Less water damage (sprinklers).
• Low water supply requirements (sprinklers).
• Lower in cost (gas).
• Maintenance of the oxygen level (gas).
• Nontoxic (gas).
• Prevention of reignition (gas).
• Reduced water flow rates (sprinklers).
• Low space and weight requirements for extinguishing
agent (sprinklers).
• Space reoccupied and operational in short time (sprinklers).
• Uses fewer materials in construction (sprinklers).
• Washing of toxic and corrosive gases (sprinklers) (gas).
DISADVANTAGES VS. STANDARD SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS AND GASEOUS (CLEAN) AGENTS
• Cannot be used on metals that react violently with water (gas).
• Depend on electrical power to start the fire pumps (gas).
• Difficulty in extinguishing deep-seated and obstructed
Class A fires (gas).
• High skill level required to install system (sprinklers).
• More expensive (sprinklers).
• More expensive in small applications (gas).
• Requires more engineering, design time, and resources
(sprinklers).
6 www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com
•S
uccessful extinguishment depends on the geometry of
the room (gas).
•••
Successful research efforts using water mist systems during
the past decade should bring this fire extinguishing technology
to the forefront in the United States. New methods include combining total flooding and local applications to enhance cooling
and ensure complete extinguishment where the configuration
of the enclosure may provide areas of protection for fire. In
locations where water supplies are limited, water mist systems
are an ideal option to traditional sprinkler systems. Using water
mist systems to protect occupants in residential buildings and
private dwellings, where most fire deaths in the United States
occur, is still in the experimental stage.
The need for halon replacements may also accelerate the
transition to this human and environmentally safe fire protection system. The International Halon Replacement Working
Group, sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration, is
developing minimum performance standards and certification
criteria for halon replacements for engine nacelles, cargo bays,
and lavatory and portable extinguishers. The U.S. Navy recently
initiated a program to use water mist as a total ship protection
system. Additional research will ensure reliable and cost-effective water mist systems that provide practical applications in
fire suppression well into the 21st century. ●
References
Arvidson, Magnus, “Water Mist Usage and Application,” Technical
Research Institute of Sweden, 2007, http://www.touchbriefings.co.uk/
pdf/2590/Arvidson.pdf/.
“Pollution Prevention Fact Sheet #14: Alternatives to Halon & Other Halocarbon Fire Extinguishing Agents,” Environment Canada, Ontario RegionEnvironmental Protection Branch, Federal Programs Division, December
2000, http://www.p2pays.org/ref/19/18382.pdf/.
Gagnon, Robert M, P.E., “Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems--Theory
and Applications,” National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors,
Chicago, IL, 2007, http://www.nafed.org/resources/library/wmist.cfm/.
“Halon 1211 Replacements,” Joint Service Pollution Prevention Opportunity Handbook, Revision date 11/03, http://p2library.nfesc.navy.mil/P2_Opportunity_Handbook/3_III_1.html/.
“Halon 1301 Replacements,” Joint Service Pollution Prevention Opportunity Handbook, Revision Date 11/03, http://p2library.nfesc.navy.mil/P2_Opportunity_Handbook/3_III_2.html/.
Kim, A., “Overview of Recent Progress in Fire Suppression Technology,”
National Research Council Canada, Proceedings: 2nd NRIFD Symposium,
Tokyo, Japan, July 17-19, 2002, 1-13, irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/fulltext/nrcc45690/.
Kim, A.K., “Improvement of Water Mist Performance with Foam Additives,”
National Research Council Canada, Proceedings: Fire Suppression and
Detection Research Application Symposium, Orlando, FL, Feb. 7-9, 2001,
439-447, irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/fulltext/nrcc44240/nrcc44240.pdf/.
Kopp, Rudiger, “High Pressure Water Mist-Optimal Protection for Office
Buildings,” International Water Mist Conference, Vienna, Austria, April 4-6,
2001, www.iwma.de/calimero/tools/proxy.php?id=12938/.
Liu, Z.G. and A.K. Kim, “A Review of Water Mist Suppression Technology:
Part II-Application Studies,” Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, 11(1):
6-42, Feb. 2001.
Liu, Z.G.; A.K. Kim; D. Carpenter, “A Study of Portable Water Mist Fire
Extinguishers Used for Extinguishment of Multiple Fire Types,” Fire Safety
Journal, Jan. 2007; 42:25-42.
water mist systems ●
Liu, Z.G.; A.K. Kim; D. Carpenter; P.L. Yen, “Portable Water Mist Fire
Extinguishers as an Alternative for Halon 1211,” National Research Council
Canada, Proceedings: Halon Options Technical Working Conference, April
24-26, 2001, 435-439.
Pepi, Jerome S., “Advances in the Technology of Intermediate Pressure
Water Mist Systems for the Protection of Flammable Liquid Hazards,” Proceedings: Halon Alternatives Technical Working Conference, Albuquerque,
New Mexico, May 12-14, 1998.
Maranion, Bella A., “Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Systems: Demonstrating
Success in Fire Protection and Environmental Protection,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.iwma.de/calimero/tools/proxy.php?id=12844/.
“Water Mist Extinguishers,” Reliable Fire Equipment Company, last
modified May 27, 2007, http://www.reliablefire.com/portablesfolder/watermistextinguishers.html/.
Mawhinney, Jack R., “A Critical Discussion of Claims of Smoke Scrubbing
by Water Mist,” Proceedings: International Water Mist Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, April 10-12, 2002, www.iwma.de/calimero/tools/
proxy.php?id=12903/.
Rojo, Aurelio and Gabriel Santos, “Water Mist-Application in Metro
Systems and Tunnels,” International Water Mist Conference, ww.iwma.de/
calimero/tools/proxy.php?id=12852/.
Mawhinney, Jack R. and Robert Solomon, “Water Mist Fire Suppression
Systems,” Fire Protection Handbook-18th Edition, National Fire Protection
Association, Quincy, MA, 1997.
NFPA 750, “Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems,” 2006 Edition,
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2006.
“Halon System,” OBS company, 2001, http://www.fireturnkey.com/sys_halon.htm/.
Palle, Carsten, “Low Pressure Water Mist Systems-System Characteristics,”
Proceedings: International Water Mist Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, April 10-12, 2002.
Palle, Carsten, “Low Pressure Water Mist Technology for Large Volume Applications,” IMWA conference Madrid 2003. www.iwma.de/calimero/tools/
proxy.php?id=12850/.
Wickham, Robert T., “Water Mist Extinguishing Systems for Shipboard Machinery Spaces,” IMWA conference, Madrid 2003, http://rtwickham.home.
comcast.net/images/wickham-iwma-water-mist-paper-0309.pdf/.
● RONALD R. SPADAFORA is a deputy assistant chief with
the Fire Department of New York, an adjunct professor of
fire science in the Department of Public Management at
John Jay College and CUNY, and a senior instructor for Fire
Technology Incorporated. He has an MPS degree in criminal justice from LIU-C.W. Post Center, a B.S. degree in fire
science from John Jay College, and a B.A. degree in health
education from Queens College, CUNY. He is an editor and
frequent contributor to WNYF.
Notes
www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com 7
Continuing Education
Halon Replacement: Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Systems
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COURSE EXAMINATION
1. The earth’s ozone layer protects us from:
a. infrared medium light
b. ultraviolet medium wave light
c. ultraviolet high wave light
d. infrared low light
2. The Montreal Protocol was adopted in:
a. 1997
b. 1995
c. 2002
d. 1987
3. The Montreal Protocol was created, in part, to eliminate the
production of:
a. halons
b. brines
c. chemical foams
d. dry chemicals
4. SNAP refers to:
a. Substantial Natural Alternative Proposal
b. Significant Narrated Alternative Program
c. Significant New Alternatives Policy
d. Substantial New Alternative Program
5. To be considered water mist, water droplets must be smaller than:
a. 10 millimeters
b. 100 millimeters
c. 100 microns
d. 1,000 micron
6. Typically, the surface area of sprinkler discharge droplets are how
many times smaller
than water mist droplets?
a. 1,000 times
b. 2,000 times
c. 3,000 times
d. 400 times
8 www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com
7. Water expands how many times when converted from liquid to
gas?
a. 1,500
b. 1,700
c. 2,100
d. 2,700
8. With respect to smoke soot, water mist tends to:
a. turn it to acid
b. keep it suspended in the compartment
c. coagulate it
d. scrub it
9. Water mist systems which are designed to suppress an entire
compartment are called:
a. Total extinguishing
b. Total flooding
c. Complete extinguishing
d. Complete flooding
10. A zoned system may be found in a(n)
a. airplane
b. office floor
c. school floor
d. hospital floor
11. Piping in dry water mist systems may contain:
a. Air
b. Ethylene glycol
c. Argon
d. Helium
12. Intermediate water mist system pressures range from:
a. 150 psi – 250 psi
b. 175 psi – 500 psi
c. 400- 750 psi
d. 250 psi - 500 psi
Continuing Education
Halon Replacement: Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Systems
13. The minimum water supply duration for a water mist system is:
a. 20 minutes
b. 15 minutes
c. 30 minutes
d. 60 minutes
a. centrifugal pumps
b. double acting
c. twin-flow
d. Positive displacement
14. What class of foam can be introduced into water mist systems?
a. A and B
b. B and C
c. B and C
d. B and D
15. Water mist nozzle are automatic, non-automatic, and:
a. dual acting
b. dual action
c. hybrid
d. double action
16. Water mist piping is made of copper/copper alloy or:
a. stainless steel
b. iron
c. steel
d. plastic
17. High pressure pumps are:
18. A disadvantage of water mist systems compared with gaseous
systems is that water mist systems
a. produce toxic gases
b. produce corrosive gases
c. have difficulty extinguishing deep-seated fires
d. allow re-ignition of fire
19. Nozzles in water mist systems use glass bulbs that actuate
between:
a. 100 F to 200 F
b. 125 F to 250 F
c. 135 F to 750 F
d. 135 F to 650 F
20. A fire department connection must be installed on systems over:
a. 1,500 square feet
b. 2,000 square feet
c. 2,500 square feet
d. 3,000 square feet
Notes
www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com 9
Continuing Education
Halon Replacement: Water Mist Fire Extinguishing Systems
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Answer Form
Please check the correct box for each question below.
Last Name (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY OR TYPE)
First Name
Profession/Credentials License Number
Street Address
Suite or Apartment Number
City/State Zip Code
1. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
11. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
2. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
12. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
3. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
13. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
4. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
14. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
5. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
15. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
6. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
16. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
7. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
17. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
8. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
18. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
9. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
19. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
10. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
20. ❑ A ❑ B ❑ C ❑ D
Daytime Telephone Number with Area Code
Course Evaluation
Fax Number with Area Code
Please evaluate this course by responding to the following statements, using a scale of Excellent = 5 to Poor = 1.
E-mail Address
1. To what extent were the course objectives accomplished overall?
5
4
3
2
1
traditional compleTION INFORMATION:
2. Please rate your personal mastery of the course objectives.
5
4
3
2
1
Mail or fax completed answer sheet to
Fire Engineering University, Attn: Carroll Hull,
1421 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa OK 74112
Fax: (918) 831-9804
3. How would you rate the objectives and educational methods?
5
4
3
2
1
4. How do you rate the author’s grasp of the topic?
5
4
3
2
1
PAYMENT & CREDIT INFORMATION
5. Please rate the instructor’s effectiveness.
5
4
3
2
1
Examination Fee: $25.00
6. Was the overall administration of the course effective?
5
4
3
2
1
Credit Hours: 4
Should you have additional questions, please contact Pete
Prochilo (973) 251-5053 (Mon-Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm EST).
7. Do you feel that the references were adequate?
Yes
No
❑ I have enclosed a check or money order.
8. Would you participate in a similar program on a different topic?
Yes
No
❑ I am using a credit card.
9. If any of the continuing education questions were unclear or ambiguous, please list them.
My Credit Card information is provided below.
❑ American Express ❑ Visa ❑ MC ______________________________________________________________
❑ Discover
Please provide the following (please print clearly):
10. Was there any subject matter you found confusing? Please describe.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Exact Name on Credit Card
11. What additional continuing education topics would you like to see?
Credit Card # Expiration Date
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Signature
PLEASE PHOTOCOPY ANSWER SHEET FOR ADDITIONAL PARTICIPANTS.
AUTHOR DISCLAIMER
The author(s) of this course has/have no commercial ties with the sponsors or the providers of the unrestricted
educational grant for this course.
INSTRUCTIONS
All questions should have only one answer. Grading of this examination is done manually. Participants will
receive confirmation of passing by receipt of a verification form.
COURSE CREDITS/COST
All participants scoring at least 70% on the examination will receive a verification form verifying 4 CE credits.
Participants are urged to contact their state or local authority for continuing education requirements.
SPONSOR/PROVIDER
No manufacturer or third party has had any input into the development of course content. All content has been
derived from references listed, and or the opinions of the instructors. Please direct all questions pertaining to
PennWell or the administration of this course to Pete Prochilo, [email protected].
EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER
The opinions of efficacy or perceived value of any products or companies mentioned in this course and
expressed herein are those of the author(s) of the course and do not necessarily reflect those of PennWell.
RECORD KEEPING
PennWell maintains records of your successful completion of any exam. Please go to www.FireEngineeringUniversity.
com to see your continuing education credits report.
Completing a single continuing education course does not provide enough information to give the participant
the feeling that s/he is an expert in the field related to the course topic. It is a combination of many educational
courses and clinical experience that allows the participant to develop skills and expertise.
© 2009 by Fire Engineering University, a division of PennWell.
COURSE EVALUATION and PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK
We encourage participant feedback pertaining to all courses. Please be sure to complete the survey included with
the course. Please e-mail all questions to: Pete Prochilo, [email protected].
10 www.FireEngineeringUniversity.com