Inert gases

Benefits

• Clean agent;
• Made up solely of gases present in the atmosphere;
• No emission of combustion products;
• No reduced visibility during release.

Legal Aspect

Obligation to install a depressurization trap (NFPA 2001 A. 5.3.6). The room must be perfectly sealed (NFPA 2001 A. 7.7.2.3).

Required Considerations

• Occupies a lot of space because stored in its natural state;
• Flexible in terms of hydraulic elements (cylinders at 300-400 feet);
• Reduced exposure time for occupants depending on agent concentration (NFPA 2001 A. 1.5.1.3);
• Costly maintenance of equipment.

Environmental Sustainability

• Contributes slightly to global warming;
• No ozone depletion potential (ODP).

Equipment Re-Activation Time

Long and costly