less water +++ effective cooling +++ local inerting effect +++ does not harm humans +++ environmental friendly +++ cost effective +++ proven to international protocols and standards +++ reliable & flexible ...
less water +++ effective cooling +++ local inerting effect +++ does not harm humans +++ environmental friendly +++ cost effective +++ proven to international protocols and standards +++ reliable & flexible ...

Conference Papers

IWMC Antwerp 2024 - abstracts

23rd International Water Mist Conference in Antwerp (Belgium) on 18th and 19th September 2024

IWMC Copenhagen 2023

22nd International Water Mist Conference in Copenhagen (Denmark) on 11th and 12th October 2023

  • Kemal Sarp Arsava, RISE, Norway: High-Pressure Water Mist Applications for Facade Fires
  • Are Brandt (IWMA President), Norwegian University for Science and Technology: The Future of Water Mist in a historic Perspective
  • Massimo Farnesi, Ultra Fog, Italy: Water Mist on Trains - Evolution of UNI 11565 Italian Standard & Case Study
  • Chris Gill, Viking, Luxembourg: ESG - A unique Opportunity for the Water Mist Industry to build more out of what we do
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Water Mist protects the National History Museum in Copenhagen
  • Max Lakkonen, IFAB, Germany: Performance-based Fire Safety Design - An opportunity for the Water Mist Industry
  • Dirk Laibach, Johnson Controls International, Germany: Update on EN 14972
  • Luciano Nigro, JensenHughes Europe, Italy: The Matrix - an essential Tool for Fire Engineers doing Specifications, Review and Acceptance of Water Mist Systems
  • Carl Pettersson, RED Fire Engineers, Sweden: Introduction to Fire Safety in Timber Buildings
  • Bogdan Raciega, Baltic Fire Laboratory, Poland: Protection of Aircraft Hangars by Water Mist Systems based on full-scale Fire Tests
  • Hans Schipper, Johnson Controls International, The Netherlands: Water Mist Fire Protection for protecting whole Buildings
  • Karolyn Steranka, JensenHughes, USA: Feasibility Analysis and FDS Modeling of Water Mist Fire Suppression for Protection of Aircraft Hangars
  • Martin Thielens, JensenHughes, Belguim: Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling of Water Sprays in Fire-driven Flows (IWMA Young Talent Award / Ph.D. Winner 2023)
  • Patricio Valdes, Mapa Fire, Chile: Performance-based Analysis of Water Mist Protection System in a Conveyor Belt using VFD ... and the paper!

Towards the end of conference day 1, panelists will discuss the following topic: " Water Mist Systems - simple or (too) complex?" The IWMA Board of Directors will decide who to invite to the panel at a later stage.

 
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order. To open the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname.
IWMC Madrid 2022

21st IWMC in Madrid (Spain) on 9th and 10th November 2022

 

General

  • Are Brandt, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway: Water Mist – State of the Art and the Way ahead
  • Yusuf Muhammad, Plumis, UK: An Assessment of Performance vs Reliability of electronics vs mechanical systems (abstract)

Codes & Standards

  • Marcel Eipl, VdS; Germany: VdS Guidelines regarding Water Mist Component Testing (abstract)
  • Francisco Garcia, Marioff, Spain: Water Mist in high-rise Buildings Application – How to meet Codes and Standards Requirements (abstract)
  • Hans Schipper, Johnson Controls International, The Netherlands: Water Mist – Building Protection in Accordance with EN 14972 and other Guidelines (abstract)

Research & Testing

  • Azad Hamzehpour, Univ. of Turin, Italy: CFD Modeling of Water Mist Systems for Suppressing Shielded fires in Enclosures Using FDS (abstract) (paper)
  • Massimo Farnesi, Ultra Fog, Italy: Water Mist in Tunnels - Experience of Fire Testing in Spain
  • Max Lakkonen, IFAB; Germany: Using CFD to analyse the impact of forced ventilation on water mist and sprinkler systems (abstract)
  • Haydn Lewis (IWMA Young Talent), USA: Factors influencing the Generation of Carbon Monoxide in Fires partially suppressed by Water Mist Application (abstract) (interview with Haydn in IFP International Fire Protection)
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Wind Turbine Nacelle Enclosure Protection with Water Mist (abstract)

Applications

  • Giancarlo Franchini, Cristanini, Italy: Water Mist for open Areas - New Problems and new Solutions (sorry, not available for publication)
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Spanish Congress Palace in Madrid – A challenging Project (abstract)
  • Joseph Perry, consultant, Israel: A hybrid/nitrogen Mist extinguishing Technology used for Firefighting Bomb Development (abstract) (paper)
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections.The presentations will be published on day two of the conference. To read the presentations (once they are published), please click on the speaker's surname. To be put in touch with the authors, please check the last page of the presentation (which should include the speaker's contact details) or contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Warsaw 2021

20th IWMC in Warsaw (Poland) on 27th and 28th October 2021

 

General

  • Dirk Laibach, Johnson Controls International, Germany: Collecting Water Mist Data
  • Arnstein Fedøy, Igneus AS, Norway: What do we know about Sprinkler Reliability and can this Knowledge be used for other water-based Extinguishing Systems?  
  • Alex Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Update on EN 14972-1:2020 (no abstract)
  • Piotr Tofilo, Polish Suppression Systems Foundation, Poland: Introduction to water-based Fire Suppression Systems in Poland (no abstract)

Research & Testing

  • Yoon Ko, The National Research Council Canada: Effectiveness of Water Mist Systems for the Protection of Mass Timber Buildings
  • Max Lakkonen, IFAB, Germany: Using CFD to assess the Impact of different Design Variations for a Water Mist System
  • Kamil Swietnicki, VdS, Poland: VdS 3883 – The new Fire Test Protocol Series and other new Developments
  • Nicharee Thinnakornsutibutr, Tokyo University of Science, Japan: Experimental Study of Gases produced from Polymers burning with Water Mist – Influence of Droplet Size of Spray - and there is more ...
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global: Water Mist Extinguishment of Exhaust Duct Fires

Applications

  • Giancarlo Franchini, Cristanini, Italy: Upgrading Performances and Safety of Fire Attack Systems (sorry, abstract not available for download)
  • Christopher Gill, Viking, EMEA: New Technologies for tackling Corrosion in active Fire Protection Systems
  • Ada Malagnino (GAe Engineering) & Massimo Ferretti (Marioff): Comparison of Water Mist and Sprinkler System to ensure Fire Framework to ensure Fire Safety for the Bonnet Tower
  • Simone Parolo, Trasporti Provinciali Sondrio, Italy: Bus Garage Water Mist Protection Project at the Sondrio Provincial Transport Company
  • Bogdan Raciega, Ultra Fog, Poland: Water Mist Fire Protection of Archives – New Approach with Fire Laboratory
  • Hans Schipper, Johnson Controls International, The Netherlands: Protection of Industrial Oil Fryers
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. The abstracts will be availablle until the the first day of the conference (please click on surname). The presentations will be published on day two of the conference. There will be a password protection for the first six months after the event. The password will be made available to delegates and members of IWMA. To read the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname and enter the password! To be put in touch with the authors, please check the last page of the presentation (which should include the speaker's contact details) or contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Berlin 2019

19th IWMC in Berlin (Germany) on 23rd and 24th October 2019

 

General

  • José Luiz Fernandez, SFPE, USA: Qualified Engineers for adequate Fire Protection
  • Quentin de Hults, Modern Building Alliance, Belgium: A European Framework to ensure Fire Safety in taller Buildings
  • Nicolas Lochet, Allianz Risk Consulting, France: The Challenges for promoting Water Mist Systems in the Insurance Industry
  • Alex Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Update on prEN 14972
  • David Sherrington, Ultra Fog, UK: Opportunities for Water Mist Firefighting in a Low Carbon Future
  • Kamil Swietnicki, VdS, Germany: Revised VdS Guideline for Water Mist Systems VdS 3188 - A general Overview and important Improvements

Research & Testing

  • Jonathan Carpenter, FM Approvals, USA: Fire Test Protocols for Water Mist System Protection of Non-Storage Occupancies, Hazard Category 2 (HC-2) and Hazard Category 3 (HC-3)
  • Max Lakkonen, IFAB, Germany: New Energy Carriers and related new Fire Risks for Underground Facilities - Possibilities for Water Mist Firefighting (SUVEREN Research Project)
  • Topi Sikanen, Markku Kauriala Oy, Finland: Simulation of Transport, Evaporation and Combustion of Liquids in large-scale Fire Incidents (Winner of the IWMA Young Talent Award)

Applications

  • Giuseppe Amaro (GAe Engineering, Italy) & Massimo Ferretti (Marioff Italy): Water Mist and tall Buildings
  • Joachim Gabran, Marioff, Finland: Water Mist Fire Protection for historic Sites
  • Josef Hainzl, Aquasys, Austria: High-Pressure Water Mist for Laboratories and highly sensitive Areas
  • Gary Howe, Zurich Risk Engineering, UK: Water Mist Protection of travelling Ovens using the Zurich recognised Technology
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Fire Protection for sensitive Roof Structures
  • Daniel Krieg, FIPE, Switzerland: Press-fitting Technology for high-pressure Water Mist Installations
  • Hans Schipper, Johnson Control International, The Netherlands: Protection of Heritage Buildings with Water Mist
  • Mohamed Sorour, Deutschland Technology, Egypt: 65 Pump Units in one Water Mist Mega Project (sorry, not available)
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. The abstracts will be availablle until the the first day of the conference (please click "abstract"). The presentations will be published on day two of the conference. There will be a password protection for the first six months after the event. The password will be made available to delegates and members of IWMA. To read the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname and enter the password! To be put in touch with the authors, please check the last page of the presentation (which should include the speaker's contact details) or contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!

 

IWMC London 2018

18th IWMC in London (UK) on 19th and 20th September 2018

 

The Annual International Water Mist Conference revealed not only an increasing uptake for the technology in some applications but also just how much more untapped potential lies ahead.

Water mist is becoming the technology of choice for protecting urban mass-transit environments and is also increasingly being used for incident response through the power of turbines, delegates heard in London in September 2018.

The benefits of water mist for the protection of underground mass-transit facilities were presented by Ruediger Kopp of Fogtec through an ongoing project in Budapest, Hungary, where works are currently under way on metro Line 3.

 

 Rüdiger Kopp

The characteristics of water mist lend themselves well to this application and indeed water mist installations have been used in underground stations for nearly two decades.

Fire protection in underground mass-transit facilities requires a holistic approach because the firefighting system is only one part of a solution that also includes smoke extraction, fire cooling to aid evacuation as well as clearly marked emergency exit routes. Water mist is regarded as advantageous because it rapidly cools a fire to create a safe environment whilst also reducing the amount of smoke requiring extraction.

The City of Budapest operates four metro lines, including one of the oldest in the world which was opened in 1896. In the 1970s Lines 2 and 3 were added. In 2014 a fourth line was added, resulting in a total of 40km of underground network and 52 stations.

Having considered the economic losses that the interruption of rail flow would lead to, in 2000 the operator reviewed fire protection in all lines, and particularly Line 1, which was still operating older vehicles from Soviet times. The risk assessment was carried out using a holistic approach that included evacuation, fire detection, firefighting, smoke extraction and –last but not least – a life-cycle cost evaluation.

A high-pressure water mist system was favoured due to its high capacity for cooling; the low volume of water required; and the low water-damage potential.

However, key for the uptake of the system was that a full-scale fire test be carried out to prove that it could indeed do the job, whilst not causing short-circuits in the electrical equipment. “It also was important for them that the same technology was used in all risk areas, including those where a gaseous extinguishing system would normally be used,” said Kopp.

Protected areas would not just include entrances, escalators and platforms, but also cable tunnels and equipment rooms. “Also important was that a fire along the entire length of the platform could be suppressed, in the case of a train arriving on fire.”

A test was devised consisting of a 20m-long mock up comprising a rail track and underground train. The test was designed to account for the major fire risks, namely a fire in the drive unit of the train; cable fire underneath; and fire in a machine box. The acceptance criteria were based on VDS 2728 standard, which describes survivability conditions for people to self-evacuate and specifies a temperature limit of 65C. The water-mist suppression system developed consisted of nozzles positioned along the floor between rails, spraying upwards, but with no direct impact of water mist on the fire. The test fuels were diesel – to simulate ruptured hydraulic or lubrication pipe – and plywood.

Following the success of the test, where all acceptance criteria were met, nine stations in two metro lines were fitted with the system, followed by a further 10 stations on the new Line 4, in addition to the control tower, train depot and service area. Currently, the first six metro stations of Line 3 are being fitted with the system, and more are expected to follow in the next few months.

“On Line 2 there was an accidental discharge triggered by the alarm system; it was ascertained that the discharge of water mist did not create panic and people could be safely evacuated,” noted Kopp, adding that this incident helped to reassure the operator regarding the implementation of water-mist technology.

Francesco Fritz of EMI Controls presented some of the results of a fact-finding exercise regarding real fire incidents where its water-mist turbine technology had been used.

Francesco Fritz

Water-mist turbine technology combines the power of water-mist’ small droplets with a turbine, enabling the mist – which may contain an additive such as foam - to be projected 70m or further. The benefits are identical to water mist on its own; quick knockdown; reduced volume of foam; gentle application.” Our approach is to reduce the water consumption and use water mist to increase the efficiency of water,” said Fritz.

The technology may still be relatively young, only three to four years in the market, but in this time not only has it been installed in petrochemical facilities around the world but has also been used to extinguish numerous fires. “We got to the stage of realising that in the time the technology had been in the market, some people now had more information, knowledge and experience of its capabilities than we did,” said Fritz, adding that first-hand information had been gathered from over 30 incidents.

Since October 2017 an unnamed European power grid company has had a water-mist turbine mounted on a robot to protect an electric transformer substation. The turbine is used to protect equipment that can carry up to 220Kv, and which carries up to 60 tonnes of cooling oil. “There was no incident, but they told us the two most important challenges were the electrical tension and the oil, where the benefits of the water mist are that electrical conduction is theoretically not possible and there is no risk of an oil explosion. Of course there can be a residual risk, as it is still water, but this risk is solved by using a turbine robot so the user is at a safe distance.”

Details were gathered, however, about a fire that occurred at a chemical production site in Germany involving a corrosive flammable liquid. Initial extinguishing attempts were just moderately successful, but the fire was dealt with in minutes with the water-mist turbine, even though the leakage involved a chemical that reacts violently in contact with water. “The fire brigade commander said that the robot was able to get closer to the hot spots, thanks to the camera system, whilst allowing the operator to stay 300m away.”

During a major fire in a recycling centre in May this year in Carinthia, Austria which involved 150 firefighters, the turbine was used to put out the fire following an initial surface attack. “The fire was still continuing to burn under the waste, so the entire waste mound had to be shifted, shovel by shovel, and doused with a mixture of water mist and foam using the turbine,” said Fritz.

The final case study presented by Fritz was a tunnel fire in Styria, Austria that happened August 2016 and involved a burning bus inside the tunnel, resulting in temperatures of around 1,000C as well as large amounts of smoke. The robot was used for damping down operations and to cool down the infrastructure. “The water mist turbine technology is being used by the fire brigade as a safety device that enters first, lays down the smoke and assists with smoke ventilation. Once the turbine has gone ahead and cooled the temperature, the crew can go ahead,” he said. One of the learning point for EMI, added Fritz, were the issues associated with laying hoses for the turbine over long distances in such aggressive environments.

Yoon Ko of the Fire Safety Unit of National Research Council Canada presented the results of the evaluation of a hybrid fire extinguishing system consisting of high-pressure water mist and aerosol for the protection of engine rooms in marine environments.

An aerosol system is a gaseous fire extinguishing system that only requires a canister to be installed in the ceiling of any room. Once activated it generates ultra-fine aerosol particles which interfere with the free radicals of the flames, terminating propagation of the fire and providing quick extinguishment.

Yoon Ko

Ko’s research aimed to find answers to a number of questions, such as: how does water mist interact with aerosol particles? Will the mist scrub the aerosol? Would a hybrid provide the benefit of both systems? What should be the best activation sequence?

The answers were provided via a number of fire tests using a test method developed for aerosol systems, IMO 1270, in a machine room mock-up in VTT’s fire lab in Finland. Various fire scenarios were tested; diesel pan, spray (heptane), plastic crib, and wood crib.

After going through the test results in detail, Ko presented the conclusions. The new hybrid system did indeed provide the benefits of both the high-pressure water mist and aerosol systems. No significant scrubbing of the potassium nitrate aerosols were detected by the water mist. And, in most cases the hybrid system was slightly more effective when the water mist system was activated first, or at the same time, as the aerosol one.

“Future study is required to show that a hybrid system is feasible and effective. High-pressure water mist and aerosols require different design specifications, and one of the concerns is that aerosols require air tightness in an enclosure. Another thing is that an enclosure will experience pressure changes, particularly with the activation of aerosols, and then again after activation of water mist, when a sudden pressure drop will be experience. So there must be some design element to deal with these pressure issues,” concluded Ko.

General

  • KEYNOTE Jim Glockling, Fire Protection Association, UK: Grenfell - A Look forward at what needs to change
  • Paul Morrison, Zurich Risk Engineering, UK: Water Mist Fire for Property Insurance Purposes
  • Yusuf Muhammad, Plumis, UK: How the Fire Industry can influence the Future of IoT (paper)
  • Kamil Swietnicki, VdS, Germany: The VdS Approval Process for a Water Mist System based on a practical Example
  • Ragnar Wighus, RISE Norway: 20 Years of Water Mist (and a bit more)

Research & Testing

  • KEYNOTE Max Lakkonen, IFAB: Water Mist and NECs - SUVEREN Research Project
  • Are Brandt, RISE Norway (for Magnus Arvidson, RISE Sweden): Testing of residential Sprinklers and Water Mist Nozzles in residential Area Fire Scenarios
  • Siaka Dembele, Kingston University London, UK: Modelling Fire Suppression by Water Sprays in CFD: A Review of Progress and Challenges
  • Sylvain Desanghere, Lombardi, France: Experimental and numerical Studies to assess the Benefits of Water Mist System in the Mont-Blanc Tunnel
  • Yoon Ko, National Research Council Canada (Fire Safety Unit): Evaluation of a Hybrid System of High-Pressure Water Mist and Aerosol Fire Suppression Systems (paper)
  • Maarit Tuomisaari, Marioff, Finland: Towards performance-based Dimensioning of Water Mist Systems
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Ceiling Height Limits for effective Water Mist Protection of FM Global HC-2 and HC-3 Fire Hazards in Open Environment

Applications

  • Christophe Balayre, Danfoss Semco: High-rise Buildings - Design and Commissioning Challenges (sorry, not available for download)
  • Anders Bergström, Firefly, Sweden: Developing of a new Fire Test Protocol for quick Suppression Systems
  • Michael Bindreiter, Aquasys, Austria: High-Pressure Water Mist for the Protection of high-rise Buildings
  • Beihua Cong, Shanghai Tongtai Fire & Security Technology, P.R. China: Compensation for missing Fire Partitions by Water Mist
  • Giancarlo Franchini, Cristanini, Italy: A new Frontier for Water Mist Cutting Extinguishers (sorry, not available for download)
  • Francesco Fritz, EMI Controls, Italy: Case Reports of real Fire Accidents between 2016 and 2017 treated with Water Mist Turbines
  • Joachim Gabran, Marioff, Finland: Water Mist Fire Protection Systems for Machinery local Protection
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Water Mist Fire Protection for Underground Mass Transport Facilities (this presentation on YouTube)
  • Ann Micheli, Ultra Fog, UK: Safeguarding Escape Routes within high-rise Buildings
  • Dennis Visser, Johnson Control, UK: Protection of Ordinary Hazard Compartments with Sidewall Water Mist Nozzles (sorry, not available for download)
Speakers are listed alphabetically within the different sections. The pdf-files of the presentations and papers will be made available for IWMA members and attendees after the closure of the conference!Please click on the surname of the speaker to open the pdf-file.The pasword will be liftged six months after the event.
IWMC Rome 2017

17th IWMC in Rome (Italy) on 25th and 26th October 2017

 

General

  • C.J. Walsh, FireOx International, Ireland: Sustainable Fire Engineering: a necessary ethical and creative Design Transformation
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Water Mist Fire Protection - Application Opportunities and Development Issues

Research & Testing

  • Axel Cablé, INSA Centre Val de Loire, France: Comparative Study of the Flow within Water Mist and Sprinkler Fire Protection Systems by means of CFD (... and there is more: a paper!)
  • Gary Howe, Zurich Risk Engineering, UK: Witness and Proving Testing for Water Mist Systems
  • Jingjie Ren, Dalian Univ. of Technology, China: Effect of ultrafine Water Mist on Methane / Air Explosions in a close Vessel with Obstacles
  • Max Lakkonen, IFAB, Germany: Testing Low-Pressure Water Mist Systems for Protection of Wood Board Press
  • James Patrick White, FM Global, USA: Measurement and Simulation of Suppression Effects in a Buoyant Turbulent Line Fire (Winner of the IWMA Young Talent Award / Ph.D)

Applications

  • Mick Cory, Firestorm, Australia: Retrofit 2,248 Buses for Engin Bay Protection using High-Pressure Water Mist
  • Massimo Farnesi, Ultra Fog, Sweden: Water Mist Protection on Railway Vehicles - The Italian Approach
  • Giancarlo Franchini, Cristanini, Italy: Development of a portable Cutting Fire Extinguisher for Industrial, Maritime and Civil Use (sorry, not available for download)
  • Nino Frisina, Marioff, Finland: Water Mist and Heritage Buildings: St. Mark's Basilica
  • Francesco Fritz, EMIControls, Italy: Efficiency of Water Turbines in stationary Fire Prevention Systems for Hangars and Recycling Centres
  • Johan Hoogeweg & Ronald Oldengarm. DGMR, The Netherlands: Case Study: Water Mist in a historic Place
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Proven Firefighting Efficiency for Large Transformers with High-Pressure Water Mist
  • Rudolf Krause, Direkt.T, Germany: Fire Protection Concept to preserve a historical Building and to add additional Storeys
  • Anna Lada, Telesto, Poland: Low-Pressure Water Mist for effective Firefighting of small and medium Fires
  • Tim Nichols, Tyco Fire Protection Products, UK: Protection of containerised Generator Enclosures with Water Mist
  • Giancarlo Minardi, Marioff, Finland: Hi-FOG Designer Water Mist System Design Tool (sorry, not available for download ... )
  • Luca Tarozzi (Bettati Antincendio) & Paolo Santangelo (Univ. degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia), Italy: Water Mist Systems for Fire Protection of Saunas
  • Antonio Terio, Danfoss Fire Fighting, Denmark: High-Pressure Water Mist Fire Protection Systems for the Protection of Shopping Centres in historical City Centres
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Vienna 2016

16th IWMC in Vienna (Austria) on 21st and 22nd September 2016

 

General

  • Joachim Böke, Minimax, Germany: Update on European Standardization Work
  • Ragnar Wighus, SP Fire Research Norway: Water Mist: State of the Art and the Way ahead

Research & Testing

  • Ralf Lehmann, IFAB, Germany: Proof of Suitability of a Water Mist Fire Protection System in a Hotel Atrium as compensatory Measure combining different Engineering Methods - and there is more ...
  • Daniel A. Martin, Jensen Hughes Associates, USA: The Use of a Water Mist Curtain as a Radiation Shield (Winner of the IWMA Young Talent Award)
  • Keisuke Nakahara, Tokyo Denki University, Japan: Inhibition Effectiveness of Water Mist on Ignition of Propane / Air Mixture
  • Raùl Ochoterena, SP Fire Research Sweden: Electrosprays for Fire Suppression (sorry, not available for download ...)
  • Ning Ren, FM Global, USA: FireFOAM Modeling of Water Mist Suppression of Compartment Fires
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Factors affecting Efficiency of Water Mist Suppression of Solid Combustible Fires in open Space

Applications

  • Angel Abbud-Madrid, Colorado School of Mines, USA: Water Mist in Space - The ISS Fine Water Mist protable Fire Extinguishers
  • Mark Davies, UltraFog Ltd., UK: Delivering High Quality Water Mist Solutions
  • Mattias Eggert & Roger Barrett James, Unifire AB, Sweden: Advanced Fully Automatic Fire Detection and Extinguishing Systems Utilizing Robotic Nozzles
  • Francesco Fritz, EmiControls Srl, Italy: Aerosol Turbines for Mitigation of harmful Emissions and Firefighting - Efficiency Comparision vs. traditional Techniques
  • Joachim Gabran, Marioff, Finland: Water Mist Fire Protection for the Food Industry
  • Jim Glockling, FPA, UK: Local Water Mist Protection Systems - Demonstrating Competent Design
  • Josef Hainzl, Aquasys, Austria: High Pressure Water Mist Firefighting System for Data Centre Protection
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Compensation of missing Fire Partitions with High Pressure Water Mist
  • Luciano Nigro, Jensen Hughes European Alliance, Italy: The Quality of Water Mist Systems (Panel Discussion)
  • Lasse Sørensen Laustsen, Danfoss Semco, Denmark: 250,000 m2 University Hospital entirely protected by High Pressure Water Mist System
  • William Makant, Plumis, UK: A residential Water Mist Suppression System with a 6 Litres per Minute Flow
  • Tim Nichols, Tyco, UK: Local Application Water Mist for Landbased Risks
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Amsterdam 2015

15th IWMC in Amsterdam (Netherlands) on 28th and 29th October 2015

 

IWMA Chairman Ragnar Wighus welcomes the delegates

General

  • Magnus Arvidson, SP Sweden: Practical Experience from actual Water Mist Installations: What can be learnt?
  • Paul Bryant: Fire Cubed LLP, UK: The Use of Water Mist Protection as a Part of a Fire Strategy for complex Buildings
  • Johan Hoogeweg & Ronald Oldengarm, DGMR, Netherlands: (“Unconditional”) Confidence in Sprinkler … Do we have Confidence in Water Mist?    
  • Erling Mengshoel, Prevent Systems AS, Norway: KEY NOTE: Market Perspective: A Manufacturer’s Point of View  

Research & Testing

  • Jonathan Carpenter, FM Approvals, USA: Fire Test Protocols for Water Mist System Protection of Data Processing Rooms / Halls  
  • Bjarne Husted, Lund University, Sweden: Comparison of Experiments and numerical Simulations of High Pressure Water Mist Curtain as a Radiation Shield   
  • Alexandre Jenft, CNPP, France: Large Scale Fire Suppression Tests with Water Mist Systems in Power Transformer Building   
  • Kati Laakkonen, Marioff, Finland: Sprinkler Activation with Porous Suspended Ceiling  
  • Nadia Mofidi, Narfoam Kar Co., Iran: Simulation of Water Mist in ICUs (paper)
  • Raúl Ochoterena, SP Sweden: Studies of Water Mist produced by Low Pressure Cluster Nozzles
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Physical Scaling of Water Mist Protection of 260-m3 Machinery Enclosure

Applications

  • Mark Davies, Ultra Fog, Sweden: Machinery Space and Gas Turbines – Engineering a Solution for real World Design
  • Dirk-Jan de Jong, Van Wijk & Boerma Firepacks B.V., Netherlands: Design and Development of the WB Firepacks High Pressure Water Mist Pump Set     
  • Henk Jan Kooijmans, Unica Groep, Netherlands: High Pressure Water Mist in Data Centres
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec Fire Protection GmbH & Co. KG, Germany: Water Mist for ventilated large Scale Cable Tunnels  
  • Willem Nater, Nater Gas & Vloeistofsystemen BV, Netherlands: Mobile Water Mist Units – Experience and Project Description
  • Tim Nichols, Tyco Fire Protection Products, UK: Data Centre Low Pressure Water Mist Solutions
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Istanbul 2014

14th IWMC in Istanbul (Turkey) on 22nd and 23rd October 2014

 

IWMA chairman Ragnar Wighus (SP Norway) welcomes the delegates

General

  • Ragnar Wighus (IWMA Chairman) SP, Norway: Opening Address (State of the Art)
  • Alan Brinson, EFSN, UK: How does Water Mist fit into the Water-Based Fire-Fighting World?
  • Rajko Rothe, IFAB, Germany: The IWMA Research Project

Codes & Standards

  • Magnus Arvidson, SP Fire Research, Sweden: The Background and Development of the Guidelines in IMO Resolution A.800 (19) 
  • Jonathan Carpenter, FM Approvals, USA: Planned Updates to FM Approval Standard Class 5560, Water Mist Systems, for 2015 Revision
  • Stefan Kratzmeir, VdS, Germany: Fire Protection with Water Mist Systems – the View of VdS: VdS 3188 Guideline for Planning and Installation

Research & Testing

  • Fernando Arnáiz (RG Systems) & Mariano Lázaro (University of Cantabria), Spain: Experimental Characterization and Computer Modelling of Water Mist Systems
  • Hai Jiang, United Technologies Research Center, USA: Water Mist-Based Fire Suppression Modeling of an Office Space Scenario
  • Kristian Hox, SP Fire Research, Norway: Reflections about Fire Test Protocols for Protection of Cable Ducts
  • Einar Kolstadt, Stord/Hausgesund University College, Dept. of Engineering, Norway: The Effect of applying Auto Ignition Temperature in FDS Simulation
  • Nadia Mofidi, Narfoam Kar Co., Iran: CFD Simulation of Water Mist and Sprinkler System in Resalat Tunnel of Tehran - and there is more ...

Applications

  • Dr. Gökhan Balik, Etik Muhendislik Danismanlik, Turkey: The Use of Air Atomizing Nozzles to produce Sprays with fine Droplets  - and and there is more ...
  • Gary Howe (Zurich Insurance, UK) & Alex Palle (VID Fire-Kill, Denmark): Water Mist Protection of Saunas (Sorry, not available for download)
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Fire Protection for Printing Machines with Water Mist
  • Dr. Rudolf Krause, Direkt T, Germany: Some practical Applications to Water Mist Technology 
  • Zygmunt Lada, Telesto, Poland: Rotor Technology to generate Water Mist for local Applications
  • Dr. Tim Nichols, Tyco Fire Protection Products, UK: Fire Protection of compact Archive Storage using Water Mist
  • Alex Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Vulnerable Person fixed System – A Case Study 
  • Marco Pesaola, Eusebi Impianti, Italy: Protection of critical and innovative Buildings with Water Mist High Pressure Systems
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speaker's surname! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Paris 2013

13th IWMC in Paris (France) on 16th & 17th October 2013

 

IWMA Chairman Ragnar Wighus during his presentation

General

  • Ragnar Wighus, SINTEF, Norway: KEYNOTE: The State of the Art of Water Mist Technology

Codes & Standards

  • Luciano Nigro, Marioff Italy: Status of the Standardization of Water Mist Systems
  • Marco Pesaola, Eusebi Impianti, Italy: New Water Mist Solutions according to Annex B of CEN TS 14972 - "Guidelines for developing Fire Test Procedures for Water Mist Systems"

Research & Testing

  • Elizabeth Blanchard, CSTB, France: Smoke Layer and Water Spray Interaction - Impact on Visibility and Thermal Conditions
  • Dr. Siaka Dembele, Kingston University London, UK: Water Spray Curtain for Shielding Hydrogen Flames - Effect of Flame Spectrum on total Transmissivities
  • Louise Jackman, BRE, UK: Water Mist Protection of domestic and residential Occupancies - Approvals Approach
  • Alexandre Jenft, CNPP, France: Identification of Fire Suppression Mechanisms by Water Mist - Experimental and Numerical Analysis
  • Einar Kolstadt, Stord/Hausgesund University College, Dept. of Engineering, Norway: Simulation of Engine Room Fire and Water Mist
  • Alexander Saß, IFAB, Germany: Requirements on Fire Test Scenarios to approve Water Mist Extinguishing Systems in OH Hazard Applications - recent Findings of OH3 Test Series
  • Jukka Vaari, VTT, Finland: Experimental Characterization and CFD Modelling of High-Pressure Water Mist Spray
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: A Fire Test Protocol for Off-Road Vehicle Fire Extinguishing Systems

Applications

  • Christophe Balayre, Danfoss Semco, Denmark: Protection of Data Center – Application with high-pressure Water Mist Systems
  • Evrard Borg, Herakles-Group Safran, France: An innovative extinguisher for fire protection
  • Pierre Breillout (Marioff France) & Luciano Nigro (Marioff Italy): Radio France – A Case Study of Archive Fire Protection (available in French only!)
  • Márton Horváth, Tüzör, Hungary: The secrets of smoke extraction and high-pressure water mist in the Hungarian Parliament in Budapest
  • Mats Norling, Ultra Fog, Sweden: Protection of Transformers and Gas Turbine Enclosures and “how to check function of an automatic Sprinkler Head”
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Increasing Fire Safety of Cologne Main Station by high-pressure Water Mist
  • Stuart Lloyd: Zurich Insurance, UK: Industrial Oil Cooker Protection from the Insurance Point of View
  • Ingrid Staurheim (KA Assn. f. Employers in the Church of Norway and Church-Related NGOs, Norway) & Ragnar Wighus (Sintef, Norway) Protecting wood Churches with water-based Fire-Fighting Systems
  • To view the pictures to Ms Staurheim's presentation please click HERE!
  • Kenneth Steenberg Jaquet, SØren Jensen A/S, Denmark: Water mist in performance-based Buildings
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speakers' surnames! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Barcelona 2012

12th IWMC in Barcelona (Spain) on 14th & 15th November 2012

 

The Danfoss Semco delegation together with Mr. Oliver Callies (Callies GmbH, 2nd, left) and Mr. Patrick Brogan (Semco Maritime, 2nd, right)

General

  • Ragnar Wighus, SINTEF, Norway: KEYNOTE: The State of the Art of Water Mist Technology

Codes & Standards

  • Gordon Biezeveld, Underwriters Laboratories, Netherlands: Water Mist Fire Protection – Revision to UL 2167 and NFPA Standards
  • Luciano Nigro, Marioff Italy: Water Mist available Fire Test Protocols and the current Status of the European Water Mist Fire-Fighting System Standard 14972-1

Research & Testing

  • Bianca van Agtmaal, Efectis, Netherlands: Shielding Effects of Water Mist
  • Bart Boonacker, TNO, Netherlands: Fire Protection in Ammunition Storage Spaces on Board Naval Craft – An Evaluation of the Water Application Rate - and there is more ... 
  • Are W. Brandt & Christian Sesseng, SINTEF, Norway: Quantifying the Effectiveness of Water Mist Systems using Oxygen End Humidity Measurements
  • Arnaud Breton, CNPP, France: Technical Evaluation of Water Mist Systems for the Protection of Diesel Generators
  • Louise Jackman, BRE, UK: Water Mist Protection of low Hazard Occupancies – Approval, Approach
  • Mariano Lázaro, University of Cantabria, Spain: Development and full-scale Tests of a Water Mist System inside high speed Trains
  • Mercedes Lago & Tony Lemaire, Efectis, Netherlands: Effect of longitudinal Ventilation on the Efficiency of Water Mist in Tunnel Applications
  • Mats Norling, UltraFog, Sweden: Developing an anti-ligature Nozzle for Prisons or Institutions and how to test the Function of an automatic Sprinkler Nozzle
  • Rajka Rothe, IFAB, Germany: A Comparison of conventional Sprinkler and Water Mist, Reproducibility vs. Representativeness within OH1 Approval 
  • Prof. Paolo Tartarini, DIEF, Univ. degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Italy: Advancements in understanding Water Mist Systems – from Spray Characterization to real-scale Applications
  • Ragnar Wighus, SINTEF, Norway: Deluge Systems for open Spaces
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Using well-stirred-reactor Modeling and physical Scaling to develop a Water Mist Protection to extinguish ignitable liquid Fires in a naturally-ventilated Building

Applications

  • Erik Christensen, Novenco, Denmark: Examples of Water Mist Protection of essential Equipment as Part of a total Protection Concept for industrial Facilities
  • Andreas Flock, TPG, Germany: The Combination of high-pressure Water Mist and controlled Ventilation as a new Application for the Protection of Openings in Ceilings along with Escape Routes
  • Henrik Johansson, TYCO Sweden: Nordic Hospital and Care-House Protection – The Aquamist Solution
  • Alex Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Protection of cultural Heritage Applications with low-pressure Water Mist Systems
  • Marco Pesaola, Eusebi Impianti, Italy: Complete Fire Protection with EI-Mist of a 540 m tall Tower
  • Kurt Schebel, Arup, USA: St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, NY, USA (to watch a video on the Trinity Catheral Fire please click HERE!)
  • Fred van Veenen, Unica, Netherlands: Case Study – The Isala Hospital in the Netherlands
Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speakers' surnames! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Hamburg 2011

11th IWMC in Hamburg (Germany) on 12th & 13th October 2011

 

... the annual IWMC in Hamburg

General

  • Luciano Nigro, Marioff Italy: The Water Mist Industry today – inside Views and outside Views
  • Ragnar Wighus, SINTEF, Norway: KEYNOTE: The State of the Art of Water Mist Technology
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: On Establishing common Requirements for Water Mist Systems in protecting ordinary combustible Fires

Codes & Standards

  • Luciano Nigro, Marioff Italy: TS 14972 – Current Developments 
  • Research & Testing
  • Andreas Flock (TPG; Germany) & Bernd Konrath (IFI, Germany): The Impact of the Combination of high-pressure Water Mist and intelligent Ventilation Mechanisms on the System Performance (available in German only! To obtain this presentation, please contact IWMA!)
  • Fabien Kritter, BG Consulting, Germany: Water Mist Effect on large Fire Tests, Use of CFD to investigate untested Conditions
  • Sullivan Lechêne, CSTB, France: A Water Mist System Evaluation based on real scale Fire Tests  - and there is more ... 
  • Amir Omidvar, Shiraz University, Iran: The Effect of Water Spray Temperature on the Effectiveness of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems
  • Bob Whiteley, TYCO, UK: Heat Collectors – Will they work?
  • Dan Xu, Center of Maritime Technologies: CFD Simulation of the Water Mist Effect on Fire
  • Michael Zölck, Protecfire, Germany: The Development of a new System from the Idea to the final Solution (available in German only!)

Applications

  • Eric Christensen, Novenco, Denmark: Successful Water Mist Protection of a Food Processing Plant - and there is more ... 
  • Jörg Franke, TYCO, Germany: High-pressure Sample Applications in Europe – An Overview about Opportunities
  • Philipp Guth, Callies GmbH, Germany: Fields of Application for modern high-pressure Water Mist Systems (sorry, not available!)
  • Ingrid Naus, Cauberg-Huygen Ingenieurs BV, Netherlands: Water Mist Installation in the Dutch Textile Museum (to obtain this presentation, please contact IWMA!) 
  • Carsten Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Newest Developments for low-pressure Water Mist Systems
  • Marco Pesaola, Eusebi Impianti, Italy: Water Mist Systems designed for Earthquake Conditions
  • Rajko Rothe, Fogtec, Germany: Fire Protection of Underground Facilities with innovative Water Mist Systems

 

Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speakers' surnames! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!
IWMC Prague 2010

10th IWMC in Prague (Czech Republic) on 3rd & 4th November 2010

 

 

The IWMA audience is listening ...

General

  • Petter Aune (Computlt, Norway) & Are Sæbø (SINTEF, Norway): Advanced CFD Modeling of Water Mist Fire-Fighting – Simulation and Comparison with Test Results (sorry, not available)          
  • Roberto Borraccino, Tema Sistemi, Italy: Low-pressure Water Mist Fire Protection Systems with F-500 Encapsulator Agent
  • Carsten Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Intelligent low-pressure Water Mist – A Glimpse into the Future
  • Paolo E. Santangelo, Modena University, Italy: Water Mist Systems in Mass Production Industries
  • Ragnar Wighus, SINTEF, Norway: KEYNOTE: Advances in Water Mist Technology

Codes & Standards

  • Chris Conway, Bandweaver Ltd., UK: The Integration of prEN54 Part 22 Compliant Fibre Optic Line Type Heat Detection Systems for Activation of Water Mist Suppression Systems (sorry, not available!)
  • Alkis Staikouras, IFEX Technologies: What is Fire?
  • Bob Whiteley, TYCO, UK: An Overview of the Draft BS Systems - Codes of Practice for Design and Installation

Research & Testing

  • Bjarne P. Husted, Stord/Hausgesund University College, Norway: Improvement of Test Methods for Water Mist Systems in Offices – CEN/TS 14972: 2008, Annex A.3
  • Yusuf Muhammad, Plumis, UK: Evaluating Automist - Assessing an innovative Solution without an established Product Class
  • Luciano Nigro, Marioff Italy: Tested versus approved Water Mist Systems – current experiences and the build-up of a wider Water Mist Market
  • Aurélien Thiry, Laure Mimouni, LCPP, Slovenia: Full scale tests in a nine Storey Building using high-pressure Water Mist Systems with Regards to Fire Safety (to obtain this presentation please contact IWMA!)
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Development of a Water Mist Protection for flammable Liquid use in Occupancy using physical Scaling Approach

Applications

  • Cong Beihua, Shanghai Yatai Fire Engineering, PR China: Fire Protection with Water Mist in a Tobacco Warehouse
  • Lukas Blaha, PPS, Czech Republic: Introduction to the Installation in the National Library Prague (sorry, not available!)
  • Patrick Joyez, Eurotunnel, France: The Evaluation of Water Mist from an End User’s point of view – The Eurotunnel - and there is more ...
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: Fire Protection for innovative Light Structure high rise Buildings based on high-pressure Water Mist Technology
  • Stefan Kratzmeir, IFAB, Germany: High-pressure Water Mist for the Protection of the Risk of Oil Mists Explosions
  • Marco Pesaola, Eusebi Impianti, Italy: Fire Protection with Water Mist in Nuclear Plants
  • Hemdan Shalaby, IdF: The Influence of Droplet Size of Water Mist on Extinguishment of Fire Plume

Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speakers' surnames! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!

IWMC London 2009

9th IWMC in London (UK) on 23rd & 24th September 2009

General

  • Ragnar Wighus, SINTEF, Norway: The IWMA Scaling Project - Scaling of Fire Suppression Characteristics in Machinery Spaces

Codes & Standards

  • Henrik Abrahamsen, DFL, Denmark: IMO Standards Status Quo, Interpretation, Problems and Suggestions
  • Henrik Bygbjerg, Danfoss Semco, Denmark: The Danish Standard and the associated Approval Process
  • Bob Whiteley, TYCO, UK: The Development of the UK Water Mist Standard
  • Hong-Zeng (Bert) Yu, FM Global, USA: Introducing the new FM Approvals Standard Class 5580 – Hybrid (Water and Inert-Gas) Fire Extinguishing Systems

Research & Testing

  • Magnus Arvidson, SP, Sweden: Large-scale Ro-Ro Deck Fire Suppression Tests – Part 1: Water Spray System Tests
  • Magnus Arvidson, SP, Sweden: Large-scale Ro-Ro deck Fire Suppression Tests – Part 2: High-Pressure Water Mist System Tests (both presentations in one file!)
  • Ricky Carvel, University of Edinburgh, UK: Approximate Travelling Distance of Water Mist Droplets in Tunnels - and there is more ...
  • Louise Jackman & Kelvin Annable, BRE, UK: Understanding the Mechanisms for successful Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
  • Leander Noordijk, EFECTIS, Netherlands: Research into the use of small Scale Tests combined with CFD Simulations to assess the Efficiency of Water Mist in Tunnels
  • Paolo E. Santangelo, Modena University, Italy: On the Characterization of Sprays produced by Water Mist Injectors

Applications

  • Henrik Bygbjerg, Danfoss Semco, Denmark: The Protection of an Office Building in a Power Plant with high-pressure Water Mist
  • Eris Cesmat, CSTB, France: The Mont Blanc Tunnel Project
  • Stéphane Coquard, Rodio, France: High-pressure Water Mist in high rise Buildings
  • Rüdiger Kopp, Fogtec, Germany: The Protection of the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall with Water Mist
  • Carsten Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Evaluation of Water Mist Systems for Fire Protection in large Occupancies
  • Fathi Tarada, Halcrow, UK: Quantitative Risk Assessment for a Fire Suppression System in the new Tyne Crossing in Newcastle

Poster Session

  • Elizabeth Blanchard, CSTB, France: Comparison of numerical Simulations of Radiation Propagation through Water Mists - and there is more ...
  • Pascal Boulet, CNRS, France: Water Sprays used as radiative Shield Investigations at Laboratory Scale
  • Andre Cufer, Orbi Park, Slovenia: The Emperor’s new Clothes for Tunnels (sorry, not available!)
  • Thomas Hermodsson, DBI, Denmark: Results from Tests performed at the IWMA conference 17th – 18th September 2008 (sorry, not available!)
  • Stefan Kratzmeir, Fogtec, Germany: Water Mist Systems for the Protection of Storage Areas of burnable Liquids Fire Tests and Case Study
  • Alex Palle, VID Fire-Kill, Denmark: Full Scale Tunnel Tests with low-pressure Water Mist
  • Diep Ngoc Phan, Novenco, Denmark: The Approval Process for the Application of low-pressure Water Mist Systems in Office Buildings
  • Marco Pesaola, Eusebi Impianti, Italy: High-pressure Water Mist System – alternative Solution for critical Civil Applications
  • Howard Tomlin, TYCO, UK: The efficient Protection of Food Processing Equipment with Water Mist Technology (sorry, not available!)
  • Zhigang Liu, CAFS Unit, PR China: Low-pressure Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems for industrial Oil Cooker Protection ( sorry, not available!)

 

Speakers are listed in alphabetical order within the different sections. To read the presentations, please click on the speakers' surnames! To be put in touch with the authors, please contact the IWMA office in Hamburg!