Water Mist Systems

Precision suppression using fine droplets to cool fire and displace oxygen with minimal water usage and zero chemical residue.

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Nighttime rocket engine hot-fire test on an outdoor propulsion test stand, a high-hazard water mist application

What is a water mist system?

A water mist system utilizes very fine water droplets—typically 1,000 microns or less—to suppress or extinguish fires through two primary mechanisms: cooling and oxygen displacement. By atomizing the water, the system increases the surface area for heat absorption, converting water to steam rapidly which then locally displaces oxygen at the flame front.

This technology uses approximately 70-90% less water than traditional sprinklers, making it an ideal choice for environments where water supply is limited or collateral damage from water discharge is a critical concern, such as heritage sites or sensitive electronic equipment areas.

System Classifications

Low-pressure Systems

Operating at 175 psi (12 bar) or less; often used for standard light hazard applications.

Intermediate & High-pressure

Pressures up to 1,500 psi (100+ bar) to create the finest droplet sizes for rapid vaporization.

Total Flooding

Protects entire enclosures, creating a uniform mist density across the volume of the space.

Local Application

Directs mist specifically at a high-hazard object, such as a turbine or oil-quench tank.

Design Criticality

Unlike standard sprinklers, water mist systems are performance-based and highly dependent on listing-specific criteria. Our engineering focus includes:

  • Mitigation of collateral damage in sensitive or heritage environments.
  • Protection of machinery and high-energy hazard processes.
  • Listing and approval-based design verification (FM/UL).
  • Critical nozzle spacing and obstruction analysis.
  • Minimization of water storage requirements and infrastructure.

How Lacuna approaches it

01

Analyze

Deep-dive review of the space, fuel loading, and ventilation conditions.

02

Verify

Selection of listing/approval-based design criteria specific to your hazard.

03

Engineer

Complex hydraulic calculations and optimized nozzle layout for high-pressure flow.

04

Coordinate

AHJ coordination to ensure standard compliance for non-traditional systems.

05

Execute

On-site construction support and commissioning of specialized pumps and controls.

Applicable codes & standards

NFPA 750Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems.
FM 5560Approval Standard for Water Mist Systems.
UL 2167Standard for Water Mist Nozzles for Fire Protection Service.
IBC / IFCInternational Building Code and Fire Code requirements for specialized suppression.
IMO MSC/Circ.International Maritime Organization standards for marine applications.
FM Global Data SheetsProperty-insurer criteria for water mist protection, where FM Global–insured.

Specific design parameters are derived from manufacturer-specific UL/FM testing protocols.

Where it's used

Machinery SpacesTurbine EnclosuresHeritage & HistoricMarine VesselsData CentersMuseums & Cultural

Protect your assets with precision.

Request a review of your high-hazard project.

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