INERGEN agent is a mixture of three oxygen diluent (inert) gases consisting of 52% nitrogen, 40% argon and 8% carbon dioxide. The INERGEN system reduces the probability of combustion of flammable materials within a confined space by lowering the oxygen content below the combustible level. INERGEN is a breathable gaseous agent that releases the correct mixture of gases while allowing a person to continue breathing even in a low oxygen atmosphere. In fact, it improves the body’s ability to absorb oxygen as a result of increased carbon dioxide levels.
The atmosphere of a room, under normal conditions, contains 21% oxygen and less than 1% carbon dioxide. When the oxygen content is below 15%, most fuels stop burning. The INERGEN agent reduces the oxygen content to approximately 12.5% while increasing the carbon dioxide content to approximately 3%. The increase in carbon dioxide increases a person’s breathing rate and the body’s ability to absorb oxygen. Higher levels of carbon dioxide stimulate the human body allowing a person to breathe more deeply and quickly. It essentially compensates for the lower oxygen content in the atmosphere.
Design and Installation of the INERGEN System
The INERGEN fire suppression system is manufactured by Ansul and uses a fixed nozzle agent distribution network. The system is designed and installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2001 Standard, “Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems”. , and C hazards by reducing the oxygen content below the combustion level. The INERGEN agent has also been tested by FMRC for inerting capabilities. These tests indicated that the INERGEN agent successfully inserted propane/air and methane/air mixtures in concentrations between 40% and 50%.
These fire suppression systems can be activated by detection and control equipment for automatic system operation along with local and remote manual operation as required. Accessories are used to provide alarms, ventilation control, door locks, or other auxiliary shutdown functions. A system installation and maintenance manual is available containing invaluable information. Includes system components and procedures related to design, operation, inspection, maintenance, and recharging. The system should only be installed and serviced by authorized dealers who are fully trained by the manufacturer.
Basic use of the INERGEN system
The INERGEN system is used to suppress fires in a number of dangerous situations. It is particularly useful where an electrically non-conductive medium is essential; where cleanup of other agents presents a problem or where the hazard is occupied and requires a non-toxic agent.
The following are typical hazards protected by INERGEN systems:
Computer or server rooms
· Subfloors
tape storage
Telecommunications / Switchgear
vaults
· Process equipment
· All electronic areas normally occupied or unoccupied where the equipment is highly sensitive or irreplaceable