Firefighting system uses mist to provide 98% radiant heat protection
LEADER Group has announced a new firefighting technology called the DIPHASIC system which provides up to 98% protection against radiant heat flux during fireground interventions.
The system was developed in collaboration with the Paris Fire Brigade and other fire services to address increasing operational challenges.
This technology uses an air and water mixture to generate a mist composed of more than 1.5 billion micro-droplets per litre.
Projected at high speed, these droplets disperse throughout a volume and move around obstacles to act directly on hot gases.
The system prioritises the effectiveness of each litre of water rather than increasing overall flow rates.
Operational deployment of the technology has been in place since 2023 following scientific validation and real-scale testing.
The company will present the system at INTERSCHUTZ 2026 in Hall 13 at Booth F20 / G20.
Reducing water consumption and structural damage
Fire crews using the mist can reduce water usage by four to six times in some configurations while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Lower volumes of water limit structural loading from accumulation and reduce flooding in residential or commercial buildings.
This reduction in water use also decreases restoration requirements following fire incidents.
The system is intended to stabilise fire behaviour including flashover and backdraft conditions.
Crews can use the technology for the rapid cooling of smoke and hot gases to improve safety during advancement.
It supports firefighting without a direct line of sight and improves visibility within compartments.
Tactical applications in confined and remote environments
The DIPHASIC system has been applied in structural fires, underground parking fires and naval or airport operations.
Its ability to move through enclosed volumes is intended to support firefighting in confined environments or remote locations with restricted water access.
LEADER Group explained that the system is designed to complement existing firefighting methods rather than replace them.
It is positioned as a tactical option for use alongside established equipment depending on fire conditions and crew judgement.
The technology contributes to wider discussions regarding whether operational strategy should prioritise higher flow rates or efficiency in water application.
LEADER Group has 40 years of experience in manufacturing firefighting equipment and supplies products to more than 120 countries.
Fire system contract for SPP Pumps at carbon capture site
SPP Pumps will supply fire water pumps to NZT Power for the world first gas-fired power station featuring carbon capture and storage (CCS).
The UK-based manufacturer announced the award for a large engineered pump house at the site.
This system incorporates diesel engine and electric motor driven FM approved split-case fire water pumps.
The fire pump system will be completed with a secondary start system and fire suppression system.
This installation includes OH2 pressure maintenance pumps and local control.
Safety equipment and other relevant components will complete the project.
Project scale and power generation
According to project details provided by SPP Pumps, NZT Power will be capable of generating up to 742 megawatts of flexible dispatchable power.
This capacity is equivalent to the annual electricity requirements of more than one million homes in the UK.
Up to two million tonnes of CO2 will be captured annually from the site.
Technip Energies leads a consortium with GE Vernova for the delivery of the project.
Balfour Beatty acts as the construction partner for the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.
Employment and apprenticeships
The Gloucestershire headquarters of SPP Pumps will assign 50 employees to work directly on this contract.
This project supports an apprenticeship programme that currently includes 15 individuals across the company.
The manufacturer plans to recruit an additional five apprentices over the next 12 months.
Tom Salmon, Group Business Development Manager, said: “The NZT Power project is an important milestone for SPP.
“While we have a long history of supplying pump equipment to energy, power, municipal, and other traditional sectors, the opportunity to work on a prestigious CCS project provides a strong foundation for our growth in the energy transition sector in the UK and abroad.”
The Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) infrastructure represents the first CO2 transportation and storage project in the UK.
Data Centres are contributing to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances pollution through cooling systems, semiconductors and fire suppressants, according to analysis published by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute on 9 April 2026.
The article states that Data Centres host tens of thousands of servers that run 24/7 to support virtual networks, cloud storage and computing, with equipment that depends on PFAS-based materials.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are described as a group of more than 15,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick products, water-resistant materials and firefighting products.
The article says the carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS are resistant to breaking down in the environment, leading to their classification as forever chemicals.
It adds that PFAS are present in air, soil, drinking water and the food chain, and that they can accumulate in the environment and in the body over time.
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute writes that Data Centres primarily use PFAS in server cooling systems and in clean agent fire suppression systems, with FM-200 and Novec 1230 identified as common examples.
The article says direct PFAS pollution from Data Centres is difficult to measure and likely limited because cooling systems generally operate as closed loops.
It also states that discarded microchips and other electronic equipment can release PFAS into the environment when they enter landfill.
Cooling systems and fire suppression
The article says water has historically been used as the main coolant in Data Centres, and that operators have been adopting alternative systems as 45% of facilities are located in water-stressed regions.
It identifies two-phase immersion cooling as a popular option because it is cost effective and highly energy efficient, adding that the technology uses carbon and fluorine.
These PFAS are said to break down into trifluoroacetic acid, which the article describes as a toxic chemical linked to reproductive health risks.
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute also says Data Centres are exposed to fire risk because of the heat produced by servers and the amount of electrical equipment on site.
It cites analysis of fire outbreaks at Data Centres since 2021 that identified causes including lithium-ion battery failure in semiconductors, water damage to electrical equipment and other equipment failures.
The article states that clean agent systems are typically used in place of water-based systems because they are non-conductive and residue-free, and because water can damage servers.
It adds that 3M announced in 2022 that it would stop producing PFAS, including Novec 1230, by the end of 2025, and that the company has since confirmed it has ended all PFAS manufacturing.
Regulation and costs
The article says regulation remains difficult because PFAS are used across everyday products and industrial applications, raising questions over where responsibility should sit.
Matt Dunn, a PFAS scientist at Tetra Tech, said: “Do you go after the user, or do you go after the manufacturer,”
“And understanding the difference there is very important.”
The article says many emerging technologies aimed at destroying PFAS are energy intensive and expensive, adding that this has raised debate over who should bear the cost.
It points to state-level action in Maine and Minnesota, including product restrictions and future bans affecting intentionally-added PFAS in some sectors.
The article also says there is no single direct federal route for PFAS regulation as of 2026, even though existing legislation provides several ways to address contaminants at different stages.
It adds that Congress has introduced measures including the PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025 and the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025, which it says could be applied to PFAS contamination from Data Centres.
The analysis presents PFAS use in Data Centres as part of a wider regulatory and operational issue linked to cooling systems, semiconductor production and fire suppression.
The article concludes with possible routes for future action including reporting standards, product bans and research into alternatives to PFAS.
Kentec has announced that its Sigma ZXT control panel has achieved an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing to the UL 864 10th edition standard, allowing the platform to support compliant fire detection and suppression systems in global markets.
Kentec said the listing applies to a panel designed for early-warning fire detection and suppression systems across the Americas, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The Sigma ZXT builds on the company’s Sigma A-XT range with additional features and compliance with the latest standards.
It can be configured with dual extinguishing outputs to support main and reserve cylinders, helping reduce downtime after a release.
A dynamic LCD display provides real-time system status using green, red, blue and amber indication for conditions including fire, faults and releasing stages.
The panel can also store 1,000 event logs in a downloadable record for diagnostics and investigation.
Technical details of the Sigma ZXT
Kentec said the panel is suited to high-risk applications including battery energy storage systems (BESS), where conditions that could lead to thermal runaway and fire need to be identified quickly.
Three initiating device circuits can be configured for coincidence activation so extinguishant release only occurs after confirmation of a fire event.
Three notification appliance circuits support horns, strobes and horn strobe devices from multiple suppliers, with patterns that indicate different stages of extinguishant release.
Six programmable volt-free relay outputs and two programmable inputs allow site-specific function control.
Remote indication and control can be provided through Sigma ZSi Status Units, with up to seven units connected on a monitored RS485 Data Bus.
Additional fixed-function relay outputs can be added through up to seven Sigma ZXT UL Ancillary Boards.
Kentec outlines market use
Derrick Hall, director of sales at Kentec Electronics, said: “Achieving UL certification for the Sigma ZXT is a major step forward for Kentec.
“It allows us to bring a proven and trusted platform to a much wider global audience, particularly in regions where UL compliance is essential.
“Over the last five years, the ZXT has already demonstrated its reliability in the field.
“This certification ensures customers in new markets can benefit from the same high standards of performance and safety.
“As industries such as BESS continue to expand, the need for intelligent, early warning fire detection and releasing of fire suppression agents has never been greater.
“The ZXT platform provides a powerful solution to help protect both assets and operations.”
Inflexion has agreed to acquire Marioff, a Finland-headquartered supplier of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems, in a transaction that remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Inflexion announced the deal and said the investment will be made by its Buyout Fund VI.
Marioff was founded more than 40 years ago and is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland.
The company provides fire protection solutions and services across the value chain, including development, manufacturing, sales, turnkey project execution and lifecycle services.
Its HI-FOG technology is used in data centres, naval vessels, cruise ships and industrial facilities in more than 70 countries.
In the latest financial year, Marioff generated revenues of $266m.
Marioff operations and growth plans
Inflexion said Marioff operates in a market shaped by increasing safety regulation and stated that the company will continue to invest in innovation and its aftermarket offering.
The firm said it will support management in accelerating growth in land-based end markets.
It also said Marioff will retain its marine customer proposition and continue to grow its service capabilities.
Inflexion described the transaction as its seventh investment in the Nordic region.
The firm also cited previous investments in safety-critical and compliance-focused businesses including Kee Safety, Noventis Safety, BES, Phenna and Celnor.
Comments from Inflexion and Marioff
Flor Kassai, Partner and Head of Buyout, Inflexion, said: “Marioff is a global leader in a truly mission critical niche, supported by strong structural growth drivers.
“Its market leading high pressure water mist technology and blue chip customer base provide an outstanding platform for further international expansion.
“We have been hugely impressed by Juha and his team and are delighted to be partnering with them for the next phase of Marioff’s growth.”
Richard Booth, Partner and Head of Industrials, Inflexion, said: “Marioff is a global champion with strong opportunities for further growth worldwide.
“We look forward to leveraging our strong sector experience to supporting the team as they build on the company’s leading position and expand its presence across key international markets.”
Juha Ilvonen, Chief Executive Officer, Marioff, said: “Inflexion’s investment recognizes the strength of our people, technology and customer relationships.
“This partnership marks the start of a new phase for Marioff – building on our 40-year foundation to accelerate growth, expand our global presence, and further strengthen the high-quality solutions we deliver to our customers.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Britannia Fire has called for greater fire safety around lithium-ion batteries after new figures showed record numbers of e-bike and e-scooter fires attended by fire and rescue services in 2025.
Britannia Fire cited a Press Association investigation which found there were 432 e-bike fires and 147 e-scooter fires attended in 2025, up 38% and 20% on reports from the previous year.
Andy Spence, Managing Director of Britannia Fire, said: “Lithium-ion battery fires are by nature more unpredictable and intense than conventional fires.
“They are harder to extinguish, often behave differently to typical fires and can spread quickly, meaning that standard fire protection measures aren’t always adequate.”
The company linked the figures to the Government’s product safety consultation published at the end of March.
The consultation identifies unsafe e-bike batteries, conversion kits and chargers sourced from online marketplaces as a serious hazard.
It also proposes new duties on producers, suppliers and online marketplaces to improve safety standards in products containing lithium-ion batteries.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) is also developing a fast-tracked Publicly Available Specification (PAS) for batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters and conversion kits.
Products launched for lithium-ion fire response
Britannia Fire recently launched the P50 AVD fire extinguisher and the AVD fire blanket in response to the rise in lithium-ion battery fires.
The AVD fire blanket is available in three sizes for different battery-powered products.
It is designed to be placed over a device to contain flames, block heat radiation and prevent fire spread.
The P50 AVD fire extinguisher is the newest addition to the company’s P50 composite range.
Britannia Fire said the extinguisher can be discharged under the blanket edge to cool and extinguish the fire and prevent reignition.
The company added that the P50 AVD has a 20 year lifespan, requires servicing once every 10 years and is fully recyclable.
Spence said: “We welcome the Government’s recognition that the current framework needs strengthening, and the focus on online marketplace accountability is long overdue.
“While regulatory reform takes time, lithium-ion fires continue to endanger lives and properties today.
“It’s important for landlords, facilities managers and business owners to consider extra precautions, particularly for locations with charging stations or clusters of battery-powered devices.”
He added: “As a nation we are using many more products and devices containing lithium-ion batteries than ever before.
“It’s vital that we introduce measures to make these products safer at the point of purchase, and it’s also important that fire safety equipment keeps pace with this growing trend, to keep people and property protected.”
Britannia Fire said its AVD products are suited to locations including bike storage areas in residential blocks or offices, IT equipment rooms and office environments, schools, universities and public sector buildings.
BIOEX has presented its wildland firefighting range, made up of ECOPOL F and BIOFOR, with both concentrates described as 100% fluorine-free and fully biodegradable for forest fire operations.
The French manufacturer BIOEX outlined the range as suitable for wildland firefighting across different terrains, seasons and delivery platforms.
ECOPOL F and BIOFOR are free of PFAs and are described as non-toxic to animals and vegetation.
Both products are stated to comply with current and future environmental regulations including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stewardship Program and the European Groundwater Directive.
BIOEX details ECOPOL F applications
ECOPOL F operates at concentrations from 0.1% as a wetting agent to 1% as a foam agent.
Its surfactant technology is described as driving water into burning solids to extinguish embers and reduce re-ignition.
At 0.1% to 0.5%, the product is intended for wetting applications involving vegetation, timber, tyres, plastics, car fires and structure fires.
At 0.5% to 1%, it forms an adhesive foam blanket that clings to vertical surfaces at low, medium and high expansion.
It is also described as suitable for contained Class B hydrocarbon fire scenarios involving diesel, kerosene and petrol.
The concentrate is listed for aerial and ground delivery including airtankers, helicopters, compressed air foam systems and foam proportioners.
A nitrate-free corrosion inhibitor is included alongside a 10-year warranty.
ECOPOL F is listed on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service QPL and is GreenScreen Certified.
BIOFOR is positioned for year-round use
BIOFOR is designed for wildland firefighting in remote terrain, cold weather and large-scale aerial coverage.
Its Newtonian viscosity enables pumping with standard proportioning equipment and its freeze-protection formula removes the need for heated storage.
The product supports low, medium and high expansion within a single concentrate.
Wetting properties are described as enabling water to penetrate burning solids more quickly, addressing embers at the fire’s core.
It also creates visible firebreaks on the ground to support tactical operations.
The formulation is suitable for use in winter and cold-climate zones without heated storage.
A low concentration rate is described as reducing storage requirements and supporting operational flexibility.
Following the highly successful Manchester conference, the International Water Mist Association (IWMA) is once again introducing a fresh element to the format.
The regular 1.5-day conference programme will be complemented by a dedicated half-day training workshop focusing on the design and effective utilisation of water mist systems.
With this initiative, IWMA continues to invest in educating the fire protection industry on how to apply water mist technology more efficiently and confidently in practice.
CPD certificates will be issued to workshop participants.
Ongoing development of water mist applications
Water mist technology, developed into its current form over the past three decades, is today a mature, well-established and environmentally friendly fire protection solution.
While the fundamental principles remain unchanged, significant progress has been made in expanding applications, strengthening validation methods and increasing international approvals.
These developments will be reflected in Prague.
Speakers will present case studies, discuss standards and guidelines, and address both achievements and remaining challenges.
Topics will include emerging risks, broader application areas and continued technological evolution.
Networking, awards and exhibition opportunities
Just as importantly, the conference provides valuable networking opportunities in an open and collegial atmosphere.
“Prague is more than a conference,” says Max Lakkonen, President of IWMA.
“It is where the global water mist community comes together to share knowledge, challenge ideas, shape the future of fire protection – and enjoy doing it together.”
As always, the Ragnar Wighus Award will be presented.
In 2026, it will honour the author of the best master’s thesis dedicated to smaller droplets.
The deadline for submitting synopses has been extended to 31st May 2026.
The event will – as always – be accompanied by an exhibition.
Tabletops can already be booked.
The number of exhibition spaces is limited to 15.
Available are three different sponsorship categories.
Per Aredal of Firemiks AB explores proportioning challenges in transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foams
The phase-out of fluorinated foams and the move towards synthetic fluorine-free firefighting concentrates (SFFF) is one of the most significant material shifts the fire protection industry has navigated in decades.
For those specifying or operating fixed suppression systems, the change raises an important and often underestimated question – not just which concentrate to use, but whether the proportioning system in place can handle what comes next.
Per Aredal, International Sales Director at Firemiks AB, makes the case that getting the proportioning system right is where future-proofing the installation begins.
Water driven volumetric proportioning
At its core, a water driven volumetric pump proportioner is ingeniously self-regulating.
The system relies on positive displacement for both its water motor and concentrate pump.
The water motor – driven entirely by the flow of extinguishing water – powers the concentrate pump, which injects the correct amount of firefighting concentrate into the water stream.
The dosing ratio is determined by the volumetric relationship between the two components, requiring no electricity, engines or power take-off (PTO) units.
This autonomy has direct operational consequences.
Start-up and commissioning are straightforward, and the system is less susceptible to the failure modes that come with dependence on external power or fuel.
Installation can be decentralised (placed close to the hazard) which can meaningfully reduce response times in demanding environments.
Four decades of refinement
The FIREMIKS system is rooted in the volumetric water motor design first developed in the late 1970s by the grandfather of the company’s current management.
What began as an innovative mechanical concept has been continuously refined over more than four decades, yielding a wide operating range across both flow and pressure.
The self-regulating nature of the system is one of its defining characteristics.
It accurately tracks flow changes and oscillations in real time, remaining largely unaffected by pressure variations across its operating range.
A single unit can cover varying fire area sizes or service multiple simultaneous fires and does so without requiring recalibration when conditions or concentrates change.
The concentrate storage arrangement adds further flexibility.
An atmospheric tank configuration makes it easy to inspect concentrate levels, take samples, and replenish or swap tanks even during active firefighting operations.
Fixed and mobile tanks – including IBC containers or tank trailers – can be combined for uninterrupted operation.
For installations requiring periodic performance verification, the optional Dosing/Return Valve (DRV) with dual flow meters allows accurate testing without releasing any concentrate to the environment, reducing both cost and disposal concerns.
Certified for variable viscosity
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the FIREMIKS range is its FM approval classification as a “Variable Viscosity Pump Proportioner.” Under FM Standard 5130 (May 2021), eighteen 3% models across seven flow sizes – 450, 800, 1800, 2400, 4000, 6000 and 8000 lpm – have been certified to maintain accurate dosing across a very wide viscosity range: from 1 cP up to 7,288 cP at a shear rate of 5 1/s.
This is particularly relevant as the industry transitions to SFFF concentrates, many of which are non-Newtonian and exhibit higher viscosity than their AFFF predecessors.
Unlike bladder tank systems, which are typically designed around a narrow viscosity window and require recalibration if the concentrate or its properties change, a FIREMIKS unit does not need recalibration when a different concentrate is introduced, provided its viscosity falls within the certified envelope.
The shear rate curves approved for our different FM-approved models are as follows:
Shear rate 1/s
Viscosity (cP)
450 & 800 lpm
1800, 2400 & 4000 lpm
6000 & 8000 lpm
5
3934
6422
7288
10
2141
3545
3942
20
1157
1945
2110
50
529
882
959
100
302
497
533
600
80
128
132
If a concentrate’s shear rate curve falls at or below the figures for a given unit size, it will perform within approved dosing tolerances, including the latest generation of fluorine-free concentrates.
For installations requiring flows above 8,000 lpm, two units can be configured in parallel, either on a base skid or in a “double-decker” arrangement, to reach 12,000 or 16,000 lpm.
Why proportioning system choice matters
The shift to SFFF is not a simple one-for-one swap.
It involves regulatory compliance, environmental assessment, logistics and equipment compatibility – each link in a long chain.
Firemiks focuses specifically on one critical link: ensuring that the proportioner can deliver the correct dosing rate regardless of viscosity, within approved limits.
The practical implications are straightforward.
A variable viscosity system means no need to replace or recalibrate the proportioner when switching concentrate suppliers or brands.
It means minimal downtime if a change becomes necessary for operational, commercial or regulatory reasons.
And it means reliable performance even as concentrate viscosity shifts due to ageing, temperature fluctuations or batch variation – provided the concentrate remains within the approved viscosity envelope.
For specifiers and end users planning installations that may span several decades, this is not a trivial consideration.
The concentrate landscape is still evolving, and future-proofing an installation against that uncertainty is a sound engineering decision.
Matching the pump to the application
One further differentiator in the FIREMIKS range is the availability of two concentrate pump types – piston and gear – each suited to distinct application profiles and viscosity characteristics.
Piston pump models use a reciprocating mechanism in which the plunger draws in and then expels concentrate in each revolution, taking the fluid from zero to maximum shear rate twice per cycle.
For low-viscosity or mildly non-Newtonian concentrates this works well, and the piston configuration performs particularly effectively in applications with low start-up flows relative to maximum flow, such as sprinkler systems.
The wide operating range makes it a versatile choice across many installation types.
Gear pump models take a different approach.
Counter-rotating gears generate a smooth, consistent flow without agitation, which makes them well-suited to handling very high-viscosity fluids -particularly those that exceed the shear rate envelope verified by FM approval for the piston pump models.
This characteristic makes gear pumps the preferred option for deluge systems, large fire monitor installations, and any application operating at the higher end of the maximum flow range.
When advising clients, Firemiks prioritises understanding the concentrate type and viscosity alongside flow and pressure requirements before recommending a pump type – ensuring that the specified system performs reliably across its full operating life.
Per Aredal is International Sales Director at Firemiks AB, with more than 35 years of experience in the design, production and global delivery of water driven volumetric pump proportioners. He can be reached at per.aredal@firemiks.com, +46 76 139 70 34, or via www.firemiks.com.
The International Code Council (ICC) has published Spanish language fire safety provisions drawn from the International Building Code (IBC), creating a route for jurisdictions to move toward future use of the full code.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) said the document, titled Aspectos Esenciales de Seguridad Contra Incendios, was developed to reduce barriers to IBC adoption in Latin America.
The publication extracts fire safety design provisions from the IBC and adds expert commentary in Spanish.
It is intended for countries and jurisdictions that may lack the resources or capacity to implement the full IBC and have prioritised fire and life safety in buildings.
Jurisdictions that adopt the language in the document can transition to the full IBC in future.
Building Code market figures and wider interest
ITA said the work was a key deliverable of ICC’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP), which it supported for five years.
The fire and life safety provisions can be paired with structural or material design standards published by U.S.-domiciled international standards developers including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Concrete Institute (ACI).
According to the source material, adoption of the fire safety provisions alone would increase the likelihood of U.S. sales to the $3B Latin America market for fire safety products such as sprinkler systems.
Adoption of the full IBC would open access to a $584B Latin American market for the wider range of building products.
The source material also states that officials in Brazil, Syria and several Southeast Asian countries have expressed interest in future editions in Portuguese, Arabic and other languages.
For Southeast Asia, the market for fire safety products is listed at $34B, with the broader market for all building materials put at $539B.