Inergen

Inergen the brand name for a patented mixture of nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide, which is used as an extinguishing agent for fire fighting. The name is an invented word, a contraction of the term " inert gas " (argon) and " nitrogen " (nitrogen) composed.

When reduced by deletion with Inergen oxygen content in the ambient air, the oxygen uptake of human respiration is largely maintained.

Inergen consists of 52 volume percent (vol. - %) of nitrogen to 40 vol - % argon and 8 vol - % of carbon dioxide. All of these gases are odorless and tasteless. Nitrogen (N2) and argon are non-combustible, carbon dioxide splits only on at about 2000 ° C in oxygen and carbon monoxide.

By resulting from its composition density Inergen escapes slowly from relatively close confined spaces. Thus, the concentration of extinguishing gas can be maintained over a long period. It is used in accordance with the extinguishing principle only in stationary plants, not in portable fire extinguishers or the like.

Inergen is stored in bottles of 200 or 300 bar. The partial pressure of CO2 therein is at most (0.08 * 300 bar =) 24 bar, so that at room temperature no liquefaction ( 57 bar steam pressure) takes place. Lack phase transition occurs while relaxing not so strong as with cooling liquid CO2 and thereby also occurs not so strong vision due to condensation of water mist on. The cubic volume of space must be provided for Inergen 1.65 to 2.2 liters ( bottles ) Storage volume.

Human compatibility

Important for the human compatibility of Inergen is the physiological effect of carbon dioxide ( CO2). It accelerates from lack of oxygen respiration, so that people present in the room can breathe.

The human body continuously produces CO2. The body tries to keep the pressure in the blood constant (about 40 Torr ) so that it does not come too acidic (acidosis ) or too low acidity ( alkalosis). The brain noted any change in the CO2 concentration and stimulates the lungs to to exhale or hold back either more CO2. If there is less oxygen in the air circulation is present as normal, breathing should be increased in order to keep the body functioning. But the opposite is the case, as by an increased breathing more CO2 would have to be made ​​, as can be resumed. However, now located in the ambient air CO2 concentration that can strike a balance, respiration is increased. The acidity is kept constant and the blood circulation in the brain does not let up. The CO2 concentration in a room may thereby Vol 5 - Do not exceed %.

If only deleted Inergen place with inert gases, the oxygen concentration to 14 to even 10 volume can - % be lowered, without this leading to death.

Swell

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• Extinguishing media