The Navy Technology Center for Safety and Survivability (NTCSS) is investigating water spray and water mist fire suppression systems for use in shipboard compartments. Water spray and water mist systems currently being tested include low-pressure [10 bar (150 psi)] water spray, with drop sizes on the order of 1000 μm or less, and high-pressure [138 bar (2000 psi)] water mist, with drop sizes on the order of 100 μm or less. The NTCSS is evaluating a laser-based particle/droplet visualization system at the Naval Research Laboratory-Chesapeake Bay Detachment (NRL-CBD) facility to simultaneously determine droplet size distribution and velocity at two positions in a 28 m~3 (1000 ft~3) fire suppression test compartment. The goal is twofold: (1) determine what mist/spray properties―drop size distribution, velocity, and number density―at the fire result in the most effective fire suppression; and (2) determine what mist/spray properties at the nozzle are required to provide the most effective spray/mist at the fire. Issues regarding implementation and limitations of the visualization system, including system protection, performance verification and sampling considerations are discussed.
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