Nitrogen as a Suppression For Fire Hazards

• Nitrogen is inert gas naturally present in the atmosphere, therefore its green-house effect is nil and its ozone layer depletion potential is zero.

• It is chemically inert, non-conductive, colourless, odourless and flavourless.

• Nitrogen suppression systems are based on the principle of reducing the oxygen concentration to a specific level.

• Additional nitrogen (lower oxygen) cannot be detected by the sense of smell.

• However, nitrogen is safe to breath only if it is mixed with an appropriate amount of oxygen.

Introduction

Effects of Oxygen Deficiency on the Human Body

Atmospheric Oxygen Concentration (%) Possible Results

20.9 Normal

19.0 Some unnoticeable adverse physiological effects.

16.0 Increased pulse and breathing rate, impaired thinking and attention, reduced coordination.

14.0 Abnormal fatigue upon exertion, emotional upset, faulty coordination, poor judgment.

12.5 Very poor judgment and coordination, impaired respiration that may cause permanent heart damage, nausea, and vomiting.

<10 Inability to move, loss of consciousness, convulsions, Death.

Source: Compressed Gas Association, 2001

Facilities & Areas where Incidents Occured

NN100 System

• Fire suppression systems are also in the new stage where it must meet requirements given from the point of view of the global environmental protection and safety for human beings.

• It is an ideal fire extinguishing system which must give no adverse affect to the natural environment and have the affirmative capability of fire extinguishing.

Why is fire extinguished with Nitrogen?

Continuous combustion requires more than 15% of oxygenconcentration by volume. The NN100 system will suppress afire by reducing the oxygen concentration down to 12.5% withnitrogen gas discharged.

Features

• Zero ODP and zero GWP• No toxicity to human beings• Low cost to refill• Pressure adjustable for existing piping classes• Clear view to exits• No damage to properties• Centralized cylinder station allowed

Applications

• For expensive and/or critical equipment• For irreplaceable items (historical items, client’s data)• No tolerance to downtime acceptable• Data Centre• Telecommunications Room• Control Room• Electrical Room• Generator Room• Mechanical Room• Archives• Art Work Storage

International Recognition

• Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL)• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)• Environment Protection Agency (EPA)• Fire Protection Equipment and Safety Center of Japan

(FESC)

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