"EconAqua" is a synonym for a low pressure water mist extinguishing system based on sprinkler technology with a particularly low extinguishing water consumption.

Yes, but according to the valid regulations for classic sprinkler systems the smoke ventilation systems should be triggered later.

Why galvanised steel pipes and strainers with fine sieve have to be used at EconAqua systems?

This is a demand of the German VdS for an additional increase of the operational reliability. Thus the marginally smaller cross-sections of EconAqua sprinklers in comparison with classic sprinklers are compensated.

Which opportunities do exist, if customers or appropriate authorities do not wish galvanised steel pipes?

Alternative, suitable pipes made of stainless steel, copper or plastics can be used, provided that their utilisation in fire extinguishing systems is approved by appropriate authorities.

Is it possible to convert a classic sprinkler system into EconAqua?

Usually a retrofitting is not possible due to insufficient pipe qualities.

Is an admixture of foaming agents possible at EconAqua?

Yes, but it is not necessary for the above mentioned application range.

Is a flue gas cleaning effect obtained with EconAqua?

In general smoke particles are bound to a greater extent with water mist extinguishing systems than with classic sprinkler systems due to their smaller droplet size. Because this effect is primarily dependent on the smoke emission and particle size, it can be hardly estimated in the run-up in which scale a flue gas cleaning effect actually will occur.

Is there any danger that after a single EconAqua sprinkler was triggered the other sprinklers will be cooled down so far, that they will not trigger anymore?

No, as in the case of classic sprinkler systems the minimum distance between two sprinklers of 2 m must be adhered to. A spraying mutually is thus impossible.

Will the building authorities accept Minifog EconAqua instead of a classic sprinkler system as regards the compliance with the official requirements, e.g. for obtainment of a building permit?

This should be no problem, as Minifog EconAqua is a sprinkler system. Moreover, the VdS approval, proves a high quality. Nevertheless, early tuning with the competent authorities is of course recommended.

Do EconAqua sprinkler produce water fog?

Yes! In accordance with the NFPA750 and the CEN/TS14972 water fog is defined as follows: "Spray water, whose diameter Dv0,90 is smaller than 1 mm measured in a level with 1 m distance from the nozzle at the minimum operating pressure". Measurements of the University of Stuttgart prove that the EconAqua Sprinkler fulfils this limit.

How is the EconAqua water fog characterised?

EconAqua sprinkler produce a multi-layered drop spectrum that on the one hand makes a faster cooling of the environment possible and on the other hand show stability towards fire thermionics/convection and air movements.

Is the same insurance premium discount granted for EconAqua as for a sprinkler system?

Basically yes. However, as is the case with the classic sprinkler system, the insurer must of course be asked for the exact amount of the insurance discount.

Why are EconAqua systems more favorable for the customer than classic fire sprinkler systems.

Although at first sight the EconAqua system appears expensive with the assigned high-quality and equivalent reliable special components used, cost savings for the customer result among other things from the smaller pipings, the reduced space requirement in particular for the construction of the pump room as well as the connection of the water and power supply.

Are the same maintenance intervals for EconAqua like for classic sprinkler system valid?

There are the same maintenance intervals to be considered as is with classic sprinkler systems according to VdS CEA 4001.

Are there 25 yearly (at wet pipe systems) and 12,5 yearly (at dry pipe systems) routine inspections as in the case of classic sprinkler systems?

Yes. At the request of the German VdS, abbreviated maintenance intervals are valid for the time being. In fact 12,5 years at wet pipe systems and 5 years at dry pipe systems. The German VdS still want to gain further experiences in this subject, before longer intervals will be allowed.

According to German DIN 14 494 a strainer should be installed in front of each single nozzle with a nominal diameter smaller than 8mm. Why is this unnecessary at EconAqua?

This standard, released in 1979, refers on classic deluge systems. In the meantime it was realised, that due to the nominal diameter given at EconAqua sprinklers and the higher-order pipe quality it is completely sufficient to install several strainers with fine sieves in the pipework in front of the sprinklers. This solution also has met with the demands of German VdS.

How is it possible that EconAqua needs 85 % less extinguishing water than a classic sprinkler system?

This value is a result of the comparison between the water consumption of EconAqua and a classic sprinkler system installed according to the VdS CEA 4001. If EconAqua is designed in accordance with the product manual, in any case 60 % less extinguishing water are needed. But considering frequently granted cases at which only three or four sprinkler are triggered due to the larger protection area per sprinkler and a more favourable pressure ratio, approx. 85 % of the extinguishing water can be saved.

Does EconAqua achieve the same fire protection level like a classic sprinkler system designed according to VdS CEA 4001?

Yes. During the comparative fire tests carried out within the scope of the VdS-approval, EconAqua had even to prove the same effectiveness as a classic sprinkler system with a nominal water discharge density increased by 30%