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INERGEN Clean-Agent Systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I protect a flammable liquid hazard with INERGEN® agent?

Why does Ansul refer to 90% agent discharge and NFPA 2001 references 95% necessary to     achieve the minimum design concentration?

What are typical extinguishment times for INERGEN® systems?

 

1. Can I protect a flammable liquid hazard with INERGEN® agent?

Yes, but you need the proper percent concentration for the type of flammable liquid present.

2. Why does Ansul refer to 90% agent discharge and NFPA 2001 references 95% necessary to achieve the minimum design concentration?

NFPA only requires 95% of the agent mass necessary to achieve the minimum design concentration be discharged from the nozzles in the allowable discharge time for the type of agent being used. Utilization of the discharge times from the INERGEN® System Discharge Time Chart found in the INERGEN® Design, Installation, Recharge and Maintenance Manual will achieve the minimum design concentration within one minute (37.5%). This is 100% of the agent mass necessary to achieve the minimum design concentration in the allowable discharge time. (NFPA 2001 only requires 95%). The 90% referred to by Ansul in the quantity calculation and hydraulic calculation is 90% of the total agent quantity being supplied, not the agent mass required to achieve minimum design concentration. The 90% is used to assure the accuracy of the hydraulic calculation program.

3. What are typical extinguishment times for INERGEN® systems?

For a flammable liquid fire (2.5 sq. ft. steel pan, 6” deep with a 2’ minimum layer of n-heptane with a 2” free-board), extinguishment is typically 17 to 21 seconds, average of 19 seconds. For a Class A fire (Class A Crib, four layers of six, trade size 2” x 2’ X18” long kiln-dried spruce or fir lumber having a moisture content between 9% and 13%) extinguishment is typically 22 to 27 seconds, average of 24.25 seconds.

 

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Last modified: October, 2010