The ultra-high pressure water jet, combined with abrasive, quickly pierces all known building materials. As the material is pierced, a fine water mist is created, reducing the temperature in the fire compartment. The pierced hole is small, adding no extra oxygen to the fire. The fine water mist creates a large effective surface area that cools the fire gases very effectively.
The ultra-high pressure water jet generates a velocity of 200 m/s at the nozzle – creating turbulence and a stirring effect on the fire gases in the room. In addition, Cobra uses only 60 litres of water per minute, compared to traditional firefighting hoses, which use 400 litres per minute. This has a major impact on water damage and contaminated water run-off, an important consideration for both the environment and property.
The Cobra SAVE Method minimises the firefighter’s exposure to high temperatures, toxic smoke from fire gases and other risks, decreasing short- and long-term occupational health effects.
Cobra can create a window of opportunity that enables the incident commander and crew to carry out tasks, such as rescue operations, that they otherwise would not have been able to do.
Long range & small water droplets | Small entrance hole & water jet prevents air entrainment | High cooling effect by inversion
Cobra
Benefits of using Cobra
- Safe work from the outside
- Minimum exposure to fire gases
- Less water used
- Reduced risk of water damage
Short range and lots of water | Limited inversion | Exposed firefighter | Water damage
Traditional firefighting
Potential risks with traditional firefighting
- Exposure to toxic fire gases
- Heat exposed firefighter
- Poor visibility
- Extensive water damage
Maximising efficiency
Considerable research involving Cobra has demonstrated its very high efficiency and effect. Studies show that the droplets produced by Cobra are a fraction of the size of those produced by conventional equipment, including other high-pressure systems. The small water droplets create a large surface area of water, per unit of water used. Combined with the high velocity of the water jet (>200 m/s), which significantly increases turbulence, this leads to a rapid temperature drop of the hot fire gases.
In most situations, 90% of the water evaporates, minimising water and environmental damage and maximising Cobra’s total suppression efficiency.
Research from RISE Research Institutes of Sweden and Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB).
