Difference between revisions 80572979 and 99743736 on enwiki

{{Expand|October 2006}}
'''Inergen''' agent is a product of the Ansul Corporation. It is a mixture of inert atmospheric gases. It is that are used as a [[fire extinguisher|fire extinguishing]] agent in [[gaseous fire suppression]] installations. As iIt does not contain [[halocarbon]]s, it and has no [[ozone depletion]] potential and i. It is non-toxic. 

Inergen is composed of 52% nitrogen, 40% argon, and 8% carbon dioxide. ⏎
⏎
In 40-50% concentrations Inergen can make the mixtures of [[methane]]/air and [[propane]]/air non-flammable by diluting their oxygen and fuel content.

Halocarbon systems require significantly smaller storage space than Inergen tanks, and in some cases are less costly.

==See also==
* [[Argonite]]
* [[FE-13]]
* [[FM-200]]
* [[Halon 1211]]
* [[Halon 1301]In technical publications it is sometimes referred to as IG541 (Inert Gas 5:4:1), because of the approximate mix ratio of its component gases.

Inergen is often used in 40-50% concentrations, which lowers the available oxygen from 21% of the available atmosphere to approximately 10.5-12.6%- which is too low to support most combustion. The unique composition of Inergen allows certain advantages and disadvantages relative to other fire suppression agents.

'''Advantages:'''

Inergen is non-toxic, and does not contain halocarbons. Inert gases are non-reactive and do not chemically interact with the fire to create acid byproducts. (Unlike halocarbon agents)

Inergen does not require excessive precautions to be taken in order to prevent agent leakage. It is neither heavier, nor lighter than the surrounding atmosphere and will tend to remain in place unless subjected to forced air ventillation.

Inergen can safer to use than carbon dioxide for similar applications, despite the reduction of available oxygen within the space. This is because of the role of carbon dioxide in regulating the breathing function of humans. (The high concentration of carbon dioxide is similar to the buildup of carbon dioxide that would occur within the lungs under a state of exertion. This provokes the human body into a more efficient use of the available oxygen.)

'''Disadvantages:'''

Inergen agent is more expensive than pure carbon dioxide. Argon comprises 40% of the Inergen mixture, and is much less plentiful than either nitrogen or carbon dioxide. It also requires blending in order to achieve the proper ratio of gases.

Inergen does not liquify under storage pressures within the tank. This means that more tanks are required to store Inergen than would be required with either carbon dioxide, or halocarbons. This can make the agent less convenient for use in applications where physical space is at a premium.

==See also==
* [[Argonite]]
* [[FE-13]]
* [[FM-200]]
* [[Halon 1211]]
* [[Halon 1301]]

==External Sources==
[http://www.ansul.com Ansul Corporation]

[[Category:Fire suppression agents]]

[[de:Inergen]]