Inert gas systems are considered to be one of the most environmentally
friendly ways of protecting areas from fire and World Halon
offer Argon suppression systems to suit many applications.
Argon is especially suitable for extinguishing electrically
generated fires and its neutral characteristics make it particularly
apt for use within computer rooms and similar areas.
Argon is an equal blend of two naturally occurring inert
gases, Nitrogen and Argon. It has neither ozone depleting
nor global warming potential and it's the most environmentally
acceptable of all gaseous extinguishing agents. Argon also
complies with the NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agents as
it is electrically non-conductive and leaves no trace, unlike
non-brominated agents, which can produce harmful decomposition
product upon contact with a flame.
Argon is easily configured to suit the requirements of
BS6266: 1992 for either space or in-cabinet protection.
As a result of its ability to rapidly inert a space, Argon
is suitable for extinguishing fire in most applications
where a surface is involved. When discharged into an area,
the oxygen content is reduced from its ambient atmospheric
level of 21% to 12% and at this reduced level; fires in
most flammable materials are extinguished in 30 to 45 seconds.
Odorised and non-toxic for extra safety, the effect on humans
at oxygen levels of 12% and 14% is minimal and medical research
has shown that there are no short or long term influences
on the body. Argon contains no carbon dioxide and its toxic
atmosphere potential is therefore zero.
The absence of 'fogging' during release helps vulnerable
personnel to remain calm and unaffected during the evacuation
process but for extra safety, an Argon system may be 'odorised'
to ensure that personnel are alerted to the presence of
the gas in either a discharge or leakage situation.
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