Inert extinguishing gases have become a crucial tool in fire prevention and extinguishing, due to their unique properties and ability to suppress fire without harming the environment or compromising human safety.
And technology has played a fundamental role in the search for more effective and safe solutions.
Next, we are going to explain in detail the applications of inert gases to extinguish fires in different environments, among other aspects.
What are inert gases and how do they work in extinguishing fires?
These are chemical compounds that do not react with other substances under normal conditions. This means they are non-combustible and non-reactive, making them a safe and effective option for firefighting. When released in an area affected by a fire, inert extinguishing gases displace oxygen, thus reducing the concentration of this essential element for combustion.
It has the effect of suppressing the fire by depriving it of the oxygen necessary to sustain itself, without generating harmful residues or leaving any type of residue that must be cleaned later:
- Physical and chemical properties: Inert gases, such as argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, are chemically stable and non-combustible. Its main function in extinguishing fires lies in its ability to displace oxygen and reduce the concentration of this gas in the area affected by the fire.
- Mode of action: When released in an area where a fire has started, the inert gas mixes with air and displaces oxygen, creating an environment with an insufficient concentration of this gas to sustain combustion. This disrupts the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen and heat), resulting in extinguishing the fire.
- Does not leave residue or collateral damage: One of the main advantages is that they do not leave residue or generate collateral damage. Once the fire has been suppressed and the area ventilated, no trace of the extinguishing agent remains, making it easier to clean and restore the affected area.
Types of fire extinguishing with inert gases INERGEN®
INERGEN® inert gases have proven to be a highly effective and safe solution for extinguishing fires in a variety of environments.
With four different types available, each tailored to meet specific needs, these extinguishing agents offer reliable and effective protection. Let’s look at their individual features and applications:
IG01 Gas: Argon
Argon is an inert gas that occurs naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere, making it an environmentally friendly option for firefighting. It is colorless, odorless and tasteless, making it easy to apply in a variety of environments:
- Physical and chemical characteristics: Argon is a chemically neutral gas that does not react with other substances. This makes it safe and effective for use in fighting fires.
- Automatic extinguishing: IG01 gas works by reducing the oxygen concentration in the fire area, disrupting the fire triangle without damaging the surrounding environment or leaving residue.
- Visibility: During automatic extinguishing with IG01, good visibility is maintained for people in the event of evacuation, which guarantees safety during the extinguishing process.
IG100 Gas: Nitrogen
Nitrogen is a dielectric inert gas obtained by distilling air, making it a clean and environmentally friendly option. It is safe for use in extinguishing fires in environments occupied by people and sensitive equipment:
- Safety and cleanliness: Nitrogen is a clean gas that burns without residue or toxicity, making it safe for use in extinguishing fires in environments occupied by people.
- Visibility: Again, when extinguishing with IG100, great visibility is maintained for people in the event of evacuation.
IG55 Gas: Mixture of Argon and Nitrogen
IG55 gas is a composition of argon and nitrogen in equal parts, which combines the individual characteristics of each gas to offer an effective and safe solution for extinguishing fires:
- Combination of properties: The mixture of argon and nitrogen preserves the individual characteristics of each gas, resulting in an extinguishing agent that leaves no residue or toxicity.
- Effective Extinguishment: IG55 gas works by reducing the oxygen concentration in the fire area below the level necessary to sustain combustion, resulting in extinguishment of the fire.
IG541 Gas: Mixture of Argon, Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide
IG541 gas is a composition of argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, specifically designed for the protection of electrical materials in the event of fire. This mixture offers a safe and effective solution for environments where cleanliness of the extinguishing agent is crucial:
- Protection of electrical materials: IG541 gas is especially suitable for the protection of electrical materials in the event of fire, since it is safe and does not leave residues or toxicity.
- Extinguishing systems: The extinguishing system with IG541 can be single or double row, allowing it to adapt to a variety of environments and specific needs.
Its applications in the prevention and extinction of fires
These types of extinguishing gases are used in a variety of applications and environments. Some of the most common include:
- Server rooms and data centers: By suppressing fire without damaging electronic components, they help minimize service interruptions and protect the integrity of stored information.
- File and document storage facilities: By leaving no residue or generating collateral damage, inert gases are a safe and effective option for protecting sensitive documents.
- Laboratories and research areas: Their ability to suppress fire without compromising the safety of occupants makes them ideal for this type of applications, where hazardous materials and flammable chemicals are handled.
- Industrial and commercial facilities: From factories and manufacturing plants to warehouses and retail stores, they are an ideal choice for fire protection due to their effectiveness and versatility.
- Vehicles and means of transport: In vehicles and means of transport, such as planes, trains and ships, they are key, both to protect passengers and cargo against fires in transit.
Benefits of using inert gases
The use of inert gases in fire prevention and extinguishing offers a number of significant benefits in terms of safety, effectiveness and sustainability. Some of the main benefits include:
- Safety: they are a safe option for the prevention and extinguishing of fires, since they are not toxic or flammable and do not represent risks to human health or the environment.
- Efficiency: They are highly effective in suppressing fires by removing oxygen from the environment, thereby cutting off the fuel supply needed to maintain combustion.
- Speed of action: They act quickly to extinguish fires, helping to minimize property damage and reduce downtime in operations.
- Compatibility with sensitive equipment: They are compatible with sensitive equipment and electronic components, making them an ideal choice for fire protection in environments where sensitive equipment is used.
- Sustainability: they are environmentally friendly and do not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer or climate change, which makes them a sustainable option for the prevention and extinction of fire.
Fleximecan: Supplier of Extinguishing Systems for Companies
Fleximecan is a leading provider of fire safety solutions, offering a wide range of extinguishing systems designed to meet the specific needs of companies in various sectors.
With a focus on innovation, quality and customer service, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for companies seeking to protect their assets, employees and operations from fire risks.