Johnson Controls, a specialist in ‘smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings’, has launched the new AquaMist AM35 Ultra Low Flow (ULF) nozzle, completing the AquaMist ULF low-pressure water mist fire suppression portfolio to offer customers ‘full building water mist protection’.
“Water mist fire suppression systems continue to grow in popularity because they effectively suppress fires using less water, which results in reduced water damage so buildings can return to operation sooner,” explained Dirk Laibach, senior Global Product manager, Water Mist, at Johnson Controls. “The new AM35 nozzle allows our AquaMist ULF system customers to protect their entire facilities with a low-flow water mist suppression system that is reliable and rigorously tested to prove effectiveness against various fire risks.”
During testing, the AM35 nozzle cooled a room’s ceiling area more effectively than traditional fire sprinklers using fewer AM35 nozzles, further reducing the total water usage and damage. In certain applications, says Johnson Controls, because of the very fine droplet sizes, AquaMist ULF nozzles discharge up to 80 per cent less water per minute than standard sprinklers or deluge nozzles.
The business said: “The AquaMist ULF low-pressure system provides the same suppression benefits as a high-pressure water mist system using far less energy, which helps reduce its carbon footprint during operation. Less energy use allows the system to utilise more cost-effective water pumps and back-up power generators.” For greater cost savings, the AquaMist ULF low-pressure water mist system can be extended or retrofitted on many existing building sprinkler systems without the need for additional pumps or water supplies.
Johnson Controls emphasises that the reduced water demand, combined with lower pressures means less space is required for the overall system, making retrofits easier. It added: “AquaMist ULF systems provide a high level of reliability by using well-established Tyco low-pressure system components and the GRINNELL G-Press stainless steel piping system with its 10-year warranty.”