Gas Extinguishing

Nitrogen Inert Gas-Fire Extinguishing Systems

Where to use an Inert Extinguishing System

Any operation that depends on its continuity for success needs adequate fire prevention management. This includes;

• EDP Areas
• Telecommunications
• Internet Co-location sites & Farms
• Logistics Control Areas
• Production Machinery
• Archive & valuable equipment stores

In many of these applications the equipment loss from a fire is a relatively low cost.

How Nitrogen works

Combustion takes place when fuel, oxygen and heat are present in sufficient quantities. For a fire extinguishing system to be effective one of these elements needs to be removed. Nitrogen fire extinguishing system reduces the oxygen concentration within the hazard from the normal 21% in air to below 15% - effectively and rapidly extinguishing fire without endangering personnel. Nitrogen has almost the same density as natural air, providing retention times in excess of the required 10 minutes and maintaining the extinguishing mechanism. On discharge nitrogen mixes with the air at a molecular level combining with air to produce an evenly reduced oxygen environment throughout the enclosure height.

Nitrogen inert gas fire extinguishing systems are designed to control and extinguish class A, B and C material fires

Nitrogen Systems

The use of nitrogen in fire extinguishing systems is not a new concept - it has been used as a propellant in halocarbon systems for many years. Nitrogen is colourless, odourless and electrically non-conductive. Fogging or misting on discharge does not occur - exit routes remain visible at all times. Nitrogen does not generate condensation, which could otherwise combine with combusted products and damage sensitive electronic equipment through corrosion or thermal shock.

Argon Gas Extinguishing

Argon Gas Extinguishing Inert gas systems are considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly ways of protecting areas from fire and Argus offer Argon suppression systems to suit many applications. Argon is especially suitable for extinguishing electrically generated fires and its neutral characteristics make it particularly apt for use within computer rooms and similar areas.

Argon is an equal blend of two naturally occurring inert gases, Nitrogen and Argon. It has neither ozone depleting nor global warming potential and it's the most environmentally acceptable of all gaseous extinguishing agents. Argon also complies with the NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agents as it is electrically non-conductive and leaves no trace, unlike non-brominated agents, which can produce harmful decomposition product upon contact with a flame.

Argon is easily configured to suit the requirements of BS6266: 1992 for either space or in-cabinet protection. As a result of its ability to rapidly inert a space, Argon is suitable for extinguishing fire in most applications where a surface is involved. When discharged into an area, the oxygen content is reduced from its ambient atmospheric level of 21% to 12% and at this reduced level; fires in most flammable materials are extinguished in 30 to 45 seconds. Odorised and non-toxic for extra safety, the effect on humans at oxygen levels of 12% and 14% is minimal and medical research has shown that there are no short or long term influences on the body. Argon contains no carbon dioxide and its toxic atmosphere potential is therefore zero.

The absence of 'fogging' during release helps vulnerable personnel to remain calm and unaffected during the evacuation process but for extra safety, an Argon system may be 'odorised' to ensure that personnel are alerted to the presence of the gas in either a discharge or leakage situation.

The quantity of Argon is accurately calculated for each risk area and installation of the system carried out with cylinders connected to a common manifold and pipe work distribution system terminating in strategically placed nozzles. The valve construction, cylinder size and pressure combined with computer calculated pipe and nozzle layouts ensure that Argon is released and distributed evenly throughout the protected space. And finally, the low working pressure of the release system means that existing Halon systems installed using BS1387 pipe may be converted in many Argon retro-fit programs without the need to reinstall using schedule 40 or 80 pipe.

Benefits & Features

• Clean and effective
• Non-damaging
• No Clean up
• Zero ozone depletion potential
• Zero global warming potential
• Electrically non-conductive
• Remote Storage
• Versatile range of cylinders, nozzles and ancillaries
• Extensively tested, recognised and approved worldwide

Applications

• Telecommunications
• Museums
• Switch Rooms
• Computer Rooms
• Archives
• Laboratories
• Paper Storage

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