In Brief:

By using innovative low-pressure water mist technology, Minifog EconAqua water mist sprinkler systems offer particularly effective building protection. Compared to conventional sprinkler systems, EconAqua systems require up to 85 percent less extinguishing water, which reduces potential water damage to a minimum. The EconAqua pump room can be designed considerably more compact than conventional sprinkler pump rooms. This saves space, on-site costs and makes Minifog EconAqua water mist sprinkler systems ideal for retrofitting in existing buildings.

The new development of the EconAqua water mist sprinkler U16 now makes EconAqua the low-pressure water mist system with the widest range of applications on the market. Moreover, it is the only one which is approved by VdS for use in car parks and underground parking areas with a ceiling height of up to 3.6 meters.

Efficacy confirmed – VdS-certified
The effectiveness of the new EconAqua U16 sprinklers was proven in extensive fire tests, monitored by “VdS Schadenverhütung”, a German institute for corporate security. Numerous fire tests were carried out in the Minimax fire research center, based on VdS and EN standards. The efficacy of the EconAqua was compared with classic dry sprinkler equipment in line with VdS CEA 40001 (including a safety margin) in a test situation of a recreated model car park.

The EconAqua system passed the fire tests. Furthermore, it was proven that the EconAqua low-pressure water mist system provides fire protection on a par with classic sprinkler equipment but uses very little water and is more efficient.

Advantages at a glance

VdS-certified low-pressure water mist system with the widest range of applications on the market
More efficient utilization of extinguishing water and a reduction in the damage caused by extinguishing water
Also suitable for use in frost-prone areas as dry pipe systems can be set up
Smaller pipe diameters mean that less installation space is required
Certified in line with VdS 3883-4 and prEN 14972-5 test protocols

Design

Function

Extinguishing area EconAqua pump room Section valve sets

Extinguishing area

The nominal pipe diameters used in these areas mainly lie between DN20 and DN40 and are much smaller than those used in classic sprinkler pipework. In standby conditions the pipework in the sections is filled with pressurized water (wet system for frost-proof rooms) or with compressed air or nitrogen (dry system for rooms subject to frost hazard). In the event of a fire, the water mist sprinklers located in the immediate vicinity of the fire activate.

EconAqua pump room

In addition to the units which maintain the pressure in the pipework of the sections, the EconAqua pump room also includes the fire detection panel, the central alarm station, the master pump, a water source, and various other components that ensure safe operation of the fire-fighting system. The much smaller amount of water used in the Minifog EconAqua system means that the EconAqua pump room is up to 80% smaller than a classic sprinkler pump room.

The signals of the section valve sets and of the central alarm valve are transmitted to the fire detection panel. From here, alarms are set off to alert internal and external rescue teams. The main pump automatically starts if the pressure in the main distribution piping drops as a result of one of the section valve sets opening. The source of water may either be a water tank with automatic feed or – when using suitable safety devices – a direct connection to the public drinking water system.

Section valve sets

Every section is allocated an EconAqua valve set. In the event of a fire, i.e. after a sprinkler release, the pressure in the pipework of the affected section drops to a level such that the associated valve set is tripped and the fire-fighting process is started. At the same time a signal is sent to the fire detection control panel, in order to transmit an alarm and to better localize the fire.

Applications

The Minifog EconAqua water mist sprinkler systems can be used for a number of applications, covering several fire hazard classes. Classes which are defined in the VdS guidelines for sprinkler systems (VdS CEA 4001).