Inert gas fire suppression agents

What Is An Inert Gas?

Inert gases are naturally occurring gases. These gases are often used as blends to create a fire suppression suitable agent. Inert gas blends are then used to reduce oxygen to below 15% and above 12% within the protected risk area. Oxygen levels below 15% will not allow a fire to burn as the oxygen is simply not high enough to fuel a fire. Levels of Oxygen between 15% and 12% are adequate to sustain human life. With Oxygen levels between 12% and 10%, a human being will show visible signs of asphyxiation. Oxygen levels below 10% are extremely dangerous, even life-threatening.

Inert Gas is a colorless, odorless, electrically nonconductive gas with a density approximately the same as air. Inert Gas is stored as pressurized gas within the cylinder assembly. When discharged into a protected space, it is clear and does not obscure vision. It leaves no residue and has zero ozone depleting potential and zero global warming potential.

These gases will never be re-classified as “hazardous waste” nor require special inspection procedures under the EU’s “F” Gas Regulations.

Inert gas fire suppression systems are the safe, natural way to extinguish a fire. Because of its unique patented valve assembly, inert gas agent enters the protected room within the industry required 60 seconds but at a steady flow rate — preventing destructive turbulence from occurring. This constant flow rate allows for the use of small-diameter, low pressure (and less expensive) piping from the inert gas container all the way to the nozzle. And, the necessary venting area is much smaller — reducing installation costs by as much as 60% on venting hardware.

Inert gas systems, previously available in 150 and 200 bar cylinders, are now available with 300 bar gaseous fire protection technology. That means more inert gas in each cylinder, reducing the number of cylinders and accessory equipment necessary. In addition to a sizable reduction in system cost, fewer cylinders translates into an inert gas fire protection solution that takes less valuable space.