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Inergen
{{advert|date=September 2012}}
{{inline|date=October 2012}}

'''INERGEN''' is a blend of inert atmospheric gases that contains 52% [[nitrogen]], 40% [[argon]], 8% [[carbon dioxide]], used for fire suppression system agent. 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 35-50% to lower the concentration of oxygen to a point that cannot support combustion, but still safe for humans.

Inergen has replaced the use of [[CO2|CO<sub>2</sub>]] in fixed [[firefighting]] applications due to the dangers associated with lack of oxygen following activation of a CO<sub>2</sub> system. The name is a [[portmanteau]] of the name of the lead [[engineer]] on the project, Dr Innes R. Geneson (and assisted by Dr Alan Steele).

A 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 agent. Discharge of Inergen results in an approximate 2% concentration of carbon dioxide within the space. This directs the human body to take deeper breaths and to make more efficient use of the available oxygen. (Is taking deeper breaths advisable when in a smoke filled room?)

The nitrogen and argon components offset the weight of the carbon dioxide, which allows the Inergen blend to have the same density as normal atmosphere. This eliminates the need for special considerations to prevent agent leakage.

==Environmentally perfect==
(contracted; show full)
* Inergen has almost the same density as normal atmospheric air. No partiucalar support or precautiions are needed should agent leakage occur.
* Normal in gas suppression is the "fogging effect" and because Inergen creates no 'fog' during discharge, escape routes during fire is still visible.

==Disadvantages==
* Unlike carbon dioxide or halocarbon agents, Inergen agent does not liquefy under pressure. Hence Inergen requires more space for storage tanks.

Inergen like all Inert gases requires over pressure relief venting to prevent serious damage to the building in which it is installed.
==See also==
* [[Argonite]]
* [[FE-13]]
* [[FM-200]]
* [[Halon 1211]]
* [[Halon 1301]]

==References==
*[http://www.ansul.com/en/products/clean_agent_systems/inergen.asp ANSUL Fire Protection]
*[http://www.wormald.co.nz/fire-systems/gaseous-agents/inergen-gaseous-system Wormald Fire Protection Page]

==External links==
*[http://www.wormald.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/73909/Inergen.pdf MSDS for Inergen]
*[http://ansul.com/msdsviewer/temp/inergen%20msds%20canada%20english.pdf MSDS for Inergen]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_qEJJHEImI&feature=related Inergen Video]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuEylKMvbjw Inergen Dump Video]

[[Category:Fire suppression agents]]

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