Tema Fire Day reveals the power of Water Mist firefighting innovation. An immersive experience to live firsthand the design, manufacturing and stunning effectiveness of Aquatech® systems in the presence of top National Fire Brigade.
TEMA FIRE DAY, an event of national significance organized by Tema Sistemi SpA and dedicated to innovations in the firefighting sector, was held in Taranto on June 4. Between full-scale experimentation tests and presentation of cutting-edge research projects, the event was a great success as well as an important moment of discussion among experts in the field including Eng. Eros Mannino, Central Director for Prevention and Technical Safety of the National Fire Brigade.
Full-scale test: effective extinguishment of an outdoor transformer fire with Aquatech® technology. An exciting demonstration that leaves everyone speechless.
During the morning, at Tema Sistemi SpA’s test field, guests had the opportunity to witness a spectacular test of controlling and extinguishing a fire on an electrical transformer.
A water mist system with 3% Firefive® additive was used for the test.
The demonstration took place outdoors on the simulacrum of a transformer without side compartments, difficult conditions that tested the effectiveness of the system.
The transformer simulacrum, made with an electrical rating of 230 kV and dimensions of 8×5 meters by a height of 3.25 meters, was subjected to a fire with a rating of 65 MW.
The weather conditions of the day reported a wind speed of 2 to 4 meters per second and a temperature of 30°C.
Transformer protection data detail table
| SIMULACRUM AND TEST DETAILS | DATA |
| Electrical power transformer | up to 230 kV |
| Transformer dimension | 8x5x3,25 mt |
| Tank dimension | diameter 1,8 mt, x 5 mt |
| Oil tank volume | 12.7 mc |
| Oil tank surface | 28.6 mq |
| Side surface+ floor plan + serb | 84.5+40+28.6=153,1 mq |
| Plant operating pressure | 100 bar |
| Fire size | TANK 3,72×6,72=25 mq |
| Fuel | Diesel fuel |
| Fire power | 65 MW ignition 5 liters of heptane |
| Total water qty used for quenching | 1500 LT |
| % mixing Firefive® additive | 3% |
| Temperature at the time of the test | 30°C |
| Wind speed at the time of the test | 2/4 mt per second |
Temperature trend graph
| Ignition time T=8 |
| Pre-burn time T=38 |
| Turning on the system T= 40 |
| Fire extinguishing T= 250 |
| Cooling structures = 22° – 24° |
RESULT: SHUTDOWN IN 3.40 MIN / POST SHUTDOWN STRUCTURE TEMPERATURE 22 – 24 °C.
Despite the adverse conditions, the water mist system demonstrated extraordinary effectiveness. In just 3 minutes and 40 seconds, it was able to control and extinguish the fire, as well as cool the transformer structure. At the end of the test, the temperature of the plates was measured between 22° and 24°C, significantly lower than the ambient temperature of the day, which was 30°C. The photo shows how the operator, following the extinguishment, was able to touch the structure with his bare hands, a demonstration of the low temperatures recorded on it.
Advantages of the Water Mist System
The trial showed the superiority of water mist technology over traditional waterspray systems. While both systems are effective in extinguishing fires, the water mist system offers a significant advantage in terms of effectiveness and water efficiency. In fact, a traditional waterspray system would require a significantly higher discharge density than the water mist system, posing a greater risk to electrical equipment.
Moreover, extinguishing the fire so quickly ensures minimal damage to the protected asset, allowing for quick repairs and the rapid restoration of operational functionality.
The result obtained becomes even more surprising when we consider the disadvantageous conditions under which it was decided to conduct the test: the pre-burning time of 38 seconds is a condition that in a real case would not occur since, the system, would start immediately through the detection system, further reducing the extinguishing time.
This result was widely appreciated by the event participants, underscoring how technological innovation can help improve fire safety while reducing environmental impact.
As Engineer Giuseppe Merendino, Commander of the Taranto Fire Brigade, said, “In a city like Taranto that has very particular major accident hazard companies like the refinery and the steel plant, this is a type of plant that can be borrowed and used for real situations that subsist on these plants.”
Afternoon Session: Insights into New Technologies
In the afternoon, the event continued with a theoretical session, during which experts in the field discussed new technologies applicable to industrial and civil firefighting.
Of particular note was the talk by Eros Mannino, Central Director for Prevention and Technical Safety of the National Fire Brigade.
Mannino stressed the importance of research and innovation in a field that requires a multidisciplinary approach and constant updating. He outlined the key issues on which current efforts are being focused: Environment, Energy Transition, Operator Safety, Heritage Preservation, and finally Training and Maintenance.
Technological Innovations Presented by Tema Sistemi SpA
Next, Roberto Borraccino and Gennaro Epifani, Founder and Sales Manager of Tema Sistemi SpA, respectively, delved into the technical features of the most advanced fire protection systems. They highlighted solutions designed to improve the efficiency and aesthetic integration of fire protection devices in various contexts.
One of the highlights of the presentation was Firefive®, a new-generation additive that, when mixed with water in small percentages, significantly increases extinguishing power. During the practical demonstration, the difference between a drop of pure water and a drop of water enriched with Firefive® was shown. The experiment showed that the additive reduces the surface tension of the water, allowing it to cover a larger surface area, accelerate evaporation and, as a result, extinguish the fire more quickly and cool structures.
Design Solutions for Artistic Value Environments
Finally, ASN, a new design water mist solution, ideal for environments with high artistic value, was presented. ASN is distinguished by its ability to blend seamlessly into the contexts in which it is installed, becoming a true complement to the décor. This feature makes it particularly suitable for the protection of museums, art galleries and historic buildings, hotels, yachts and luxury environments where the preservation of aesthetics is paramount.
Conclusions
TEMA FIRE DAY provided an important opportunity to promote a culture of safety and innovation in the firefighting industry. Through a combination of practical demonstrations and theoretical insights, the event offered a comprehensive overview of current challenges and available technological solutions, helping to strengthen the commitment to a safer and more efficient future.
As a manufacturer with 34 years of experience, Tema Sistemi SpA is constantly committed to the research and development of new technologies with 100% Made in Italy production. The goal is to stimulate professionals and operators in the sector not to settle for obsolete systems but to always choose the best to ensure maximum safety of people and goods: investing in the future means adopting cutting-edge technologies.