Inergen is a mixture of inert gases comprising 52% nitrogen, 40% argon and 8% carbon
dioxide, developed by the Wormald Group as a total flooding fire-suppressant agent.
Inergen uses oxygen displacement to suppress fires, lowering the oxygen content to a level
that will not support combustion, typically around 12%.
The Inergen gas mixture is stored under pressure as a gas, therefore the volume of Inergen
required to reduce the oxygen content to 12% is substantial. The gas volume requirement
necessitates large pressurised containers and consequently large storage facilities.
The carbon dioxide content in the Inergen mixture increases the human respiration rate
allowing the body to absorb oxygen at oxygen levels as low as 12% [6]. The inclusion of
carbon dioxide to the suppressant increases the safety of personnel in cases of accidental
discharge Inergen is suitable for occupied areas, but will add to the level of carbon dioxide
generated from fire by-products.