Enhancing Fire Safety with Water Wall Systems

Enhancing Fire Safety with Water Wall and Tank Cooling Systems:
A Comprehensive Guide to Nozzle Applications

Water walls are a crucial safety measure designed to create a protective barrier by spraying water to shield personnel and equipment from intense heat, hazardous gases, and flames. The effectiveness of a water wall increases with the volume of water sprayed, as a larger volume provides better fire suppression and shielding. High-pressure and high-flow rate nozzles are essential in these systems, as they project water more quickly and over greater distances, creating a more substantial buffer between the heat source and the protected areas.

Types of Nozzles for Water Walls

Water wall systems typically utilize two main types of spray patterns: flat fan and full cone. Flat fan nozzles can be effective for certain applications, producing a thin, planar barrier of water. However, full cone nozzles, especially those with wide coverage spiral designs, are generally more effective. These nozzles create a conical spray of water, offering a more robust and comprehensive shield compared to the thin plane produced by flat fan nozzles.

Case Study: Oil Rig Protection

A notable example of water wall application is a case involving an oil rig, where a customer needed to enhance their existing protection system against the extreme heat from a natural gas flare. The initial setup, which included a few nozzles on the flare boom, was insufficient to handle the intense heat. BETE Applications Engineers recommended using wide-angle spiral nozzles, specifically the N5W model, to meet the required flow rate and improve the system’s effectiveness.

Using BETE’s advanced modelling software, the engineers were able to simulate the spray coverage and trajectories of each nozzle when deployed horizontally. This detailed analysis provided the customer with the assurance that the new design would offer superior protection for both the equipment and personnel on the rig.

Conclusion

In summary, water walls are a critical component in fire protection systems, particularly in high-risk environments like oil rigs. The choice of nozzle and spray pattern plays a significant role in the effectiveness of these systems. Full cone nozzles, especially those with wide coverage, offer superior protection by creating a more substantial and effective barrier. Advanced modelling and precise engineering ensure that these systems can be tailored to meet specific needs, providing confidence and safety in even the most challenging conditions.

Recommended Nozzles:

NF - High Impact Flat Fans

The NF series nozzles are designed to produce a high-impact flat fan spray pattern. These nozzles are constructed as a single piece with no internal parts, making them durable and clog-resistant. They are ideal for applications requiring uniform distribution with tapered edges for overlapping sprays. The NF nozzles are available in various sizes and spray angles, ranging from 0° to 120°, and can handle flow rates from 0.160 to 2810 litres per minute (lpm).

FF - Extra Wide-Angle Flat Fans

The FF series nozzles are known for their extra-wide spray angles, which can reach up to 145°. These nozzles are also constructed as a single piece, ensuring durability and resistance to clogging. The spray pattern is formed by deflecting the liquid off an external surface, creating a wide, flat fan spray. This makes them suitable for applications requiring broad coverage and medium-impact sprays. The FF nozzles are available in various sizes and can handle flow rates from 0.0510 to 757 litres per minute (lpm).

AFF - FM Approved Extra Wide-Angle Flat Fans

The AFF series nozzles are specifically designed for fire protection and are FM-approved. These nozzles feature a one-piece construction that is clog-resistant and durable. They produce an extra-wide spray angle of 145°, making them ideal for creating extensive water walls. The spray pattern is achieved by deflecting the liquid off an external surface, similar to the FF series. The AFF nozzles are available in various sizes and are designed to meet stringent fire protection standards.

Full Spiral Range of BETE Nozzles

The full spiral range of BETE nozzles includes the TF series, which are known for their high energy efficiency and clog-resistant performance. These nozzles produce a full cone or hollow cone spray pattern, with multiple concentric cones of varying droplet sizes. The TF nozzles are available in a wide range of spray angles (50° to 180°) and flow rates from 1.9 to 10,700 lpm. They are commonly used for applications such as quenching, scrubbing, and evaporative cooling.

These nozzles are designed to provide optimal performance in various fire protection and industrial applications, ensuring safety and efficiency.