A high-pressure water mist system has been installed in an underground system in Germany.
FOGTEC installed the system at three stations in Offenbach am Main to improve smoke management in the event of a fire.
How the System Works
The system generates microscopic water droplets that effectively extract energy from the fire and lower the ambient temperature.
This has a positive effect on smoke propagation and visibility is maintained for longer, which gives more time for evacuation.
Each of the three stations has its own high-pressure water mist system and the pumps, power supply, water storage and main pipes are housed directly in the stations.
The stations – Kaiserlei, Ledermuseum and Marktplatz – were divided into several sections which will allow for targeted activation is possible in the event of a fire and keep water consumption low.
Challenges of Fires in Stations
In analysing the stations, it was found that without additional measures available external rescue time would not be
sufficient to comply with the applicable requirements for maximum permissible smoke levels and safe
evacuation.
The installation of the system – which mainly took place at night to minimise disruption – not only improves the conditions for rapid evacuation, but also makes it much easier for the fire brigade to respond in an emergency.
