Experimental study on blocking fire and smoke by water curtain

Fire resisting constructions can be substituted by drencher system for big construction projects in the Far East. The discharged water curtain is useful in blocking thermal radiation from the fire compartment to the neighboring area for normal fires. There are concerns on whether smoke spreading can be blocked. Performance of water curtain on blocking heat and smoke was evaluated experimentally with a two-room structure. There would be different blocking effects on smoke emitted from burning different fuels. Better smoke obstruction of water curtain was observed for smoke with larger particles. More smoke can be blocked by discharging several water layers. Smoke filling time in the protected room can be extended upon discharging a water curtain. This is very useful for allowing longer time to evacuate occupants.