Experimental studies on patterns of water curtain discharged from eight nozzles of drencher system

A drencher system might be installed to substitute fire resisting construction in the Far East. Whether the discharged water curtain (or screen) can block thermal radiation and prevent smoke spreading depends on the air voids or porosity. This can be visualized by taking photographs of the spray pattern. Eight nozzles commonly used in the industry were selected. Photographs of the water curtain discharged from the nozzles were taken with suitable optical arrangement. Results radicated that the water curtains discharged from the selected nozzles are not continuous water layers. There are many air voids inside. Therefore, only thermal radiation can be blocked, but not smoke.