What is Happening to 150 bar Inergen Systems?

In the world of fire suppression, the safety of individuals and the protection of property are paramount. As technology advances, so do the methods we use to ensure maximum safety and efficiency in fire suppression systems. This is particularly evident in the shift from 150 bar Inergen gaseous extinguishing systems to those with higher pressures of 200bar and 300bar. But what drives this change, and why are companies making the switch?
 

Understanding Inergen Systems

Inergen systems are a blend of naturally occurring gases (nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide) that work together to suppress fires by reducing the oxygen level in a protected area to a point that prevents combustion from occurring, but still remains safe for any humans remaining in the area. These systems are favoured for their quick-fire suppression capabilities, safety for human presence, and environmental friendliness.
 

The Shift to Higher Pressures

The original 150 bar Inergen systems were among the first inert gas suppression agents available. However, they required a considerable number of cylinders to protect even a modest-sized room. This proved to be a significant drawback when compared to alternatives like FM200 or Halon.

The introduction of 200 bar and 300 bar systems marked a significant improvement. These higher-pressure systems require fewer cylinders to protect the same area, thereby reducing the storage space needed and potentially lowering installation costs. Moreover, the higher pressure allows for more efficient use of piping infrastructure, as gas can be delivered more effectively over longer distances and to more complex layouts.

While many Inergen 150 bar systems remain in service and continue to provide adequate protection from the threat of fire, the move to higher pressure systems has caused a massive reduction in demand for these dated gaseous systems throughout the industry. As a result, there is now a diminishing level of cylinder stock and spare parts to support the aging Inergen 150 bar installations in the UK.
 

The Advantages of 200bar and 300bar Systems

• Space Efficiency: Fewer cylinders means that less space is required for installation, which is a critical factor in urban environments where space is at a premium.
• Cost-Effectiveness: With fewer cylinders, the overall cost of the system, including maintenance and refills, can be reduced.
• Improved Safety: Higher pressure systems can deliver the extinguishing agent more rapidly and effectively, which is crucial in high-risk areas.
• Environmental Impact: While all Inergen systems are environmentally friendly, the reduced number of cylinders in higher-pressure systems means less manufacturing materials are used which results in a smaller carbon footprint.
   

Conclusion

The move towards 200bar and 300bar Inergen gaseous extinguishing systems reflects an industry-wide commitment to improve fire safety measures. By embracing these advanced systems, companies are not only enhancing safety but are also benefiting from increased space and cost efficiencies. As it continues to innovate, the fire suppression industry is set to become even more effective at protecting both people and assets from the dangers of fire.

Johnson Controls are at the forefront of technological changes within the Fire Suppression industry, and as such we are currently transitioning all our new gaseous suppression system installations to the higher pressure 200bar and 300bar solutions.

The reduction in availability of cylinders and spares for 150 bar systems poses a significant threat to existing installations. The scarcity of replacement cylinders means that if an existing system is discharged, it will become increasingly difficult to source replacement 150 bar cylinders. This could leave critical infrastructure unprotected if alternative solutions are not investigated as a matter of urgency.

To prevent any potential impact on the protection of current installations using 150bar Inergen systems, we strongly urge you to get in touch with us using the form below to discuss the implications of this change and identify potential upgrade options.

Please note that upgrading an Inergen 150 bar system could involve a complete system upgrade including pipework, wiring etc.