Measurements of the transmission of radiation through water sprays

The effectiveness of water spray curtains in preventing fire spread depends on the amount of thermal radiation transmitted through the spray. The authors have measured the transmission of radiation through spray curtains from a sprinkler and a nozzle producing a flat spray at both high and low water pressures. They conclude that with proper nozzles, a water curtain of low transmission could be produced from water flows comparable with those of sprinkler installations. Note: The following equivalents may be helpful in perusing this paper: 1 cm=.394 in.; 1 m=3.28 ft; 1 atmosphere=14.7 psi; temperature (°C)+17.78×1.8=temperature (°F); 1 milliliter per second=.0159 gpm; 1 cal/sec/cm²=13,272 Btu/hr/ft².