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Around The Home

Automist Smartscan puts a targeted fire-fighting mist jet in the wall

By Ben Coxworth
December 31, 2015
Automist Smartscan puts a targeted fire-fighting mist jet in the wall
The Automist wall unit delivers a fire-extinguishing water mist at a rate of 5.6 liters (1.5 US gal) per minute
The Automist wall unit delivers a fire-extinguishing water mist at a rate of 5.6 liters (1.5 US gal) per minute
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The Automist wall unit is relatively subtle-looking when not in use
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The Automist wall unit is relatively subtle-looking when not in use
The Automist wall unit delivers a fire-extinguishing water mist at a rate of 5.6 liters (1.5 US gal) per minute
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The Automist wall unit delivers a fire-extinguishing water mist at a rate of 5.6 liters (1.5 US gal) per minute
A diagram of the Automist system
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A diagram of the Automist system
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With regular ceiling-mounted sprinkler systems, the whole room gets soaked when fire is detected – even if the flames themselves are just in one part of the room. London-based tech firm Plumis, however, is out to change that. The sprinklers for its Automist Smartscan system are located in the walls, and they only target areas where fire is present. As a result, the system reportedly uses 90 percent less water, causing much less water damage while offering the same fire-fighting performance as ceiling systems.

Here's how Automist works …

First of all, a single ceiling-mounted device senses when there's excessive heat in the room. This activates the wall unit, causing it to scan the room with its infra-red pyrometer. When it detects the hottest point in the room, it shoots a stream of water mist at that location, continuing to do so until the heat signature lessens to the point that it no longer poses a threat.

A diagram of the Automist system
A diagram of the Automist system

The wall unit can apparently be installed much more easily than a ceiling sprinkler system. It doesn't require its own water tank or additional piping, instead just running off the existing water system via a 3/4-inch hose attachment. Additionally, it's only 50 mm (2 in) deep, so not much behind-the-wall room is necessary. That said, it does require a 10-amp/230-volt electrical supply.

Automist Smartscan isn't available to buyers just yet, but is listed as "coming soon." Interested parties can contact the company through either of the websites listed below.

More information is available in the following video.

Sources: Plumis, Automist Smartscan

Automist Smartscan by Plumis - Testing at Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI)

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6 comments
Ben Coxworth
Ben Coxworth
Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.

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6 comments
Bob
Good idea but it has one big weakness. A little thing called rust and mineral buildup in the water lines. Using less water would be ideal but trying to force dirty water through a sprayer will only clog it up. I remember using an eye wash fountain at work. I had a chemical splash into my eye. No problem, I just walked over to the eye wash fountain and flushed my eyes. So much rust and scale came out that I had a real medical emergency. Even though these fountains were tested monthly,only a small quantity of water was run through them. A full flow for several minutes brought up a huge amount of sludge and scale. You would never be able to flush enough water through a mister to keep it dependable.
Buzzclick
This concept is good for property owners as well as insurance companies, but it is doubtfully of any use in kitchens. How can this unit tell the difference between a gas flame or hot element from the stove and an actual dangerous fire? In the video, the burning pan in the kitchen demo did not have the stove operating.
Also, it's hard to understand why it needs a 10amp/230V wiring to operate. The video doesn't explain why such a hefty circuit is needed.
Bruce H. Anderson
Each sprinkler head has its own release system, but it can throw a lot of water.
To Bobs point, sprinkler water is nasty, and there are valid concerns about the nozzle plugging.
I have real concerns about a garden hose attachment method, as would the local fire marshall and plumbing inspector.
At least two units would be required to provide adequate coverage in a room.
It would seem that something like a dry Christmas tree would eat this thing for breakfast.
What happens when the power is out?
This unit is interesting, and cute, but until NFPA or FM Global approves this will have an uphill battle in any area except residential (where sprinklers are not required). I wouldn't install this for all the tea in China.
PlumisTechnical
Hi guys, the system is dry pipe and will 'ideally' (assuming there is no activations and a fire to extinguish) run only during annual servicing. The water is drained after use. We also include filtration on the inlet to prevent containments from entering the water path. In our tests we verified that there is no detectable change in nozzle performance over multiple hours of use, in a far more aggressive usage pattern than a real system would encounter. The system will only begin scanning once it has been triggered by a ceiling mounted heat alarm and therefore will only activate under the same conditions as a traditional sprinkler. The sustained ceiling temperature required for activation are very hard to replicate within a normal domestic environment. Heat detection is one of the most reliable ways of detecting a fire. The scanning head then uses an intelligent algorithm to locate the fire. Electrical supply requirements are comparable to traditional sprinklers on a separate circuit from the protected volume to avoid nuisance “trips” compromising safety. Automist Smartscan has passed all the fire performance tests applicable to BS 9251 in the UK and UL 1926 / 2167 (a 2kW fire load). We are in the process of listing the product. More details will be available on the Plumis website over the coming months.
MrsDavies
Wow, some negative comments here and I am so surprised. I have an Automist system installed and have done since early last year when I decided to add value to my property by undergoing renovations to make it open plan in the kitchen and living areas. My version is not the one shown here but I will be looking to get this version on my next property project. I am very satisfied with the system and it fits with my stylish interior, it is unobtrusive, was actually much cheaper than a sprinkler system and what on earth are you going on about washing your eye out in a water fountain? That's what eye wash is for! I have had no problems with the water or from any rust forming. It is under a maintenance contract so I feel confident that any problems, which can occur with anything, let alone this system, are found at the earliest stage. I can only say what a relief it was when a candle burning set the curtains alight that I had Automist to tame the fire, thankfully, no damage was caused by the fire as it was able to be dealt with using this system. There were no problems with the water that it pumped out to produce the mist, so I think you above really have no idea what you're talking about. I would highly recommend, love the product, love my home and it saved the day for me and my family.
soryu2222
@MrsDavies I find your posting suspicious and unbelievable. Perhaps you should restrict yourself to doing whatever you do normally and leave writing bogus testimonials to professionals. Also, an eyewash fountain is what those of us who work in industrial settings have. Not the squeeze bottles.