Difference between revisions 99743736 and 99952788 on enwiki

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

Inergen is composed of 52% nitrogen, 40% argon, and 8% carbon dioxide. 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 premiumis 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]] potentail. 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 excercise. 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 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 is designed to 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 is more expensive than carbon dioxide as it contains argon, which is much less abundant than either nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

* 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.

==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]]