Inergen
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Inergen is a blend of inert atmospheric gasses that contains 52% nitrogen, 40% argon, and 8% carbon dioxide. It is considered a clean agent for use in gaseous fire suppression applications. Inergen does not contain halocarbons, and has no ozone depletion potential. It is non-toxic. Inergen is used at design concentrations of 40-50% to lower the concentration of oxygen to a point that cannot support combustion.
The most significant component of Inergen is carbon dioxide, which allows the human body to adapt to the environment of reduced oxygen that is present after discharge of the agent. Discharge of Inergen results in an approximate 3% concentration of carbon dioxide within the space. This is similar to the buildup of carbon dioxide that occurs within the lungs during prolonged exercise. This directs the human body to take deeper breaths and to make more efficient use of the available oxygen.
The nitrogen and argon components are used to offset the weight of the carbon dioxide, which allows the Inergen blend to have the same density as normal atmosphere. This is done in order to prevent special considerations from needing to be taken in order to prevent agent leakage.
Advantages:
- Inergen does not contain halocarbons. It has no ozone depletion potential and unlike halocarbon agents, does not chemically react with the fire to create acid byproducts.
- Inergen is safer to use than carbon dioxide in applications where evacuation may not be possible prior to discharge of the agent. Inergen is designed to be breathable after discharge. Pure carbon dioxide is not.
- Inergen is non-toxic, and does not create the same health risks as the use of halocarbon agents. In certain concentrations, halocarbon agents can cause heart palpitations.
- Inergen has the same density as normal atmosphere. No special considerations are needed in order to prevent agent leakage.
Disadvantages:
- Inergen requires more space for storage tanks. Unlike carbon dioxide or halocarbon agents, Inergen agent does not liquify under pressure.
- Inergen requires that 40-50% of the room atmosphere be replaced with Inergen in a short amount of time. This creates a large amount of pressure, which must be relieved in order to prevent damage to the enclosure.
