Automated Water Cannon
Robotic Fire Suppression for Large and Open-Area Risks
Fires in large open areas – waste bunkers, storage piles, high-ceiling processing halls – often start small but escalate rapidly, and conventional suppression systems aren’t always practical or cost-effective at that scale.
An automated water cannon closes that gap: a fully automatic, robotic fire suppression system that detects a fire, aims itself at the source, and begins high-flow suppression within seconds, with no operator required.
Designed specifically for:
- Recycling and waste management facilities
- Large, open, or semi-open risk areas
Key Capabilities
- Fully automatic, robotic fire detection and suppression
- High-flow, targeted water suppression directed automatically at the fire area
- Fire suppression starts in as little as 10 seconds
- Can be added as a standalone system or integrated into an existing fire protection platform
- Remote monitoring and control via mobile app or secure web interface
- Scalable – multiple cannons can be networked and coordinated from a single interface
How an Automated Water Cannon Works
The protected area is divided into zones, with each zone continuously monitored by its own flame detector.
When a fire is detected:
- A signal is sent instantly and the alarm is activated
- The water cannon automatically aims at the fire
- The valve opens and suppression begins automatically
Fire suppression typically starts in as little as 10 seconds, and generally within 15 seconds. Once the fire is out, the system continues spraying briefly as a safety margin, then returns to its parked position and remains ready to respond to the next detection.
Normally, a single water cannon can cover up to 10 detection zones, depending on facility layout, risk profile, and coverage requirements.
Why Early, Automated Suppression Matters
In recycling and waste facilities especially, fires often start small in bunkers, storage areas, or open processing zones — but spread fast. Many traditional systems can detect a fire without being able to suppress it cost-effectively across a large area. An automated water cannon solves both problems at once: rapid detection paired with rapid, high-flow suppression directed precisely at the fire source, before it spreads out of control.
Key Benefits
Instant Detection & Suppression
Detects and targets fires within seconds, reducing the risk of catastrophic loss in high-risk zones like shredders and waste bunkers
Autonomous Operation (24/7/365)
Runs without operator dependency or external cloud services; manual override always available
Cost-Effective Coverage
One cannon can protect large zones, reducing system complexity and installation cost vs. multiple conventional systems
Precisely Targeted Response
High-flow water applied only where needed, minimizing unnecessary water damage
Robust Industrial Design
Stainless steel 316L construction, brushless DC motors, built for harsh environments
Scalable & Networked
Multiple cannons can be coordinated and monitored through a central interface
Remote App & PC Control
Full operator control from any iOS/Android device or secure web connection
High-Quality Manufacturing
Designed and manufactured to ISO 9001 standards
Technical Specifications
| Spec | DN50 (2") | DN80 (3") |
|---|---|---|
| Water flow | 925 L/min @ 5 Bar | 3,250 L/min @ 5 Bar |
| Operational reach | 30 m @ 5 Bar | 45 m @ 5 Bar |
| Max range | Up to 38 m @ 8 Bar | Up to 53 m @ 8 Bar |
| Max capacity | 1,600 L/min @ 8 Bar | 4,000 L/min @ 8 Bar |
| Coverage speed | 200 m²/min | 200 m²/min |
| Rotational movement | 360° | 360° |
| Vertical movement | 180° | 180° |
| Weight | 19 kg | 30 kg |
| Motor | 24V BLDC | 24V BLDC |
| Temperature range | -25°C to +70°C | -25°C to +70°C |
| Manual controls | Joystick, mobile app, web interface | Joystick, mobile app, web interface |
Typical Applications
An automated water cannon is most valuable in large, open, or high-ceiling spaces where conventional suppression coverage is costly or impractical. The applications below reflect where this technology delivers the strongest return on protection.
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is an automated water cannon?
An automated water cannon is a robotic fire suppression system that detects fires using zone-based flame detectors and automatically aims and activates high-flow water suppression at the fire source — without requiring an operator.
Why fully automatic instead of operator-controlled systems?
Automation removes dependency on operator availability or reaction time. Fire detection, targeting, and suppression all happen within seconds, with consistent performance even during unmanned or night-shift operation — critical in fast-growing fires, where the first seconds are often decisive.
Are there recurring monitoring costs?
No. The system is self-contained and autonomous — no external monitoring subscription or ongoing activation/operation fees are required. Full control stays with the facility, giving predictable ownership costs.
Is it safe to use a high-pressure automated water cannon in industrial environments?
Yes. The system typically operates at a nominal pressure of around 5 Bar, a well-established level for industrial applications and well below the 12 Bar threshold where studies indicate potential health risk. Operating pressure can be adapted to project-specific requirements.
Why use water instead of foam?
Water is environmentally friendly with no chemical additives, requires no special collection or disposal after activation, simplifies environmental compliance, and reduces cleanup complexity — making it particularly well-suited to recycling facilities where residue management matters. Foam can be used instead by request.
Is there a risk that the water cannon could spread the fire?
It depends on how suppression is applied — a high-pressure jet aimed directly at an active flame can disperse burning material. To manage this, the system can be programmed to first wet the surrounding area to contain and stabilize the fire, then target the core once control is established, using controlled spray patterns and movement to minimize the risk of fire spread.
How is water density/coverage dimensioned?
There’s currently no specific international standard for water density requirements on robotic water cannons in this application type, so hydraulic calculations are typically aligned with NFPA 13, engineered around defined risk areas, application type, and expected fire load. Design criteria and fire load assumptions should always be reviewed against site-specific requirements.
What factors determine the maximum range of the water cannon?
Coverage area depends on operating pressure, mounting height, elevation angle, initial cone angle, and horizontal reach radius. Coverage can also increase when the spray pattern is adjusted from a solid stream to a wider mist.
What performance can I expect from the system?
DN50: up to 38 m range and 1,600 L/min at 8 Bar; nominal 30 m range and 1,000 L/min at 5 Bar.
DN80: up to 53 m range and 4,000 L/min at 8 Bar; nominal 45 m range and 3,200 L/min at 5 Bar.