High Medium velocity water spray system (HVWS & MVWS)

A High-Velocity Water Spray (HVWS) system is a specialized fire suppression solution designed to rapidly extinguish fires involving flammable liquids with high flash points (typically 65°C or higher).

These systems are highly effective for protecting large-scale industrial equipment and facilities where heavy oil fires pose a significant risk. Common applications include:

• Electrical transformers

• Fuel oil storage tanks

• Furnace oil tanks

The 3 Principles of HVWS Fire Suppression

The high-velocity nozzles in an HVWS system are specifically designed to discharge a powerful jet of water at high speeds. This aggressive action quickly controls and extinguishes fires through a combination of three core principles:

1. Emulsification: The high-speed water droplets agitate the burning oil’s surface, creating a temporary, non-combustible oil-water emulsion that stops the fire.

2. Cooling: The water rapidly absorbs heat, lowering the temperature of the oil and surrounding equipment below the ignition point.

3. Smothering: As the water hits the intense heat of the fire, it converts to steam, expanding rapidly to displace oxygen and starve the flames.

High-Velocity vs. Medium-Velocity Water Sprayers

While HVWS systems are essential for heavy oils, different hazards require a different approach.

Medium-Velocity Water Sprayers (MVWS) discharge a fine water spray of finely divided droplets at a moderate speed. They are ideal for protecting hazards involving light oils, where the aggressive emulsification provided by high-velocity sprayers is not possible or necessary.