Inert Gas Fire Protection System
How inert gas fire suppression works
Naturally present in the atmosphere, inert gases are an ideal way to suppress fires. They work by lowering the oxygen level in the room so that combustion can no longer continue.
When a fire breaks out, the system activates automatically and smothers the fire quickly, before it can spread, while still allowing people in the room to evacuate safely.
The Rotarex Firetec INEREX System uses argon (IG-01), nitrogen (IG-100) or a mixture (IG-55, IG-541). Inert gases are non-conductive, which makes them especially suitable for sensitive areas such as data centers.
Inert gas fire protection system for enclosed rooms
Gaseous fire protection system
Museum storage and data centers cannot rely on traditional methods such as sprinklers, because water or foam could cause irreversible damage. Inert gas suppresses the fire without leaving any residue, so activity can resume immediately with no costly clean-up.
Because inert gases are chemically neutral and not electrically conductive, sensitive electronic equipment stays safe. The INEREX System puts the fire out within seconds and avoids the risk of re-ignition.
Applications
Advantages of inert gas fire protection
Inert gas fire protection systems offer many advantages:
Effective and premium quality
Firetec inert gas systems combine reliable technology with exceptional quality.
Environmentally friendly
Inert gases occur naturally in the atmosphere: zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential.
Safe for humans
Suitable for occupied areas. The system operates within NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) limits.
Highly flexible system
Constant-flow technology allows long discharge piping distances.
Safe for equipment
No residue and electrically non-conductive. Silent nozzles are available to limit discharge noise in sensitive environments.
A proven technology
INEREX inert gas systems are certified by UL, FM & VdS, proof of their reliability and quality. They have passed numerous stringent tests and meet very high performance criteria.
All Rotarex manufacturing sites also comply with ISO 9001 quality standards.
Compatibility with inert gas extinguishing agents
The INEREX inert gas system is compatible with all inert gas extinguishing agents at a cylinder pressure of 200 or 300 bar.
Inert gases are naturally present in the air and have no environmental impact. They extinguish fire efficiently by reducing oxygen in the area below the level required for combustion (15%).
Inert gas fire protection systems for data centers: the right choice?
A gas suppression system is an ideal solution for data centers. Unlike water-based discharge, it puts out fires without damaging sensitive equipment, keeping disruption to a minimum.
Once the fire is suppressed there is no residue and no clean-up, so there is no downtime. Inert gases such as nitrogen and argon occur naturally in the atmosphere, making the INEREX® system safe for people and the environment.
The compatibility, performance testing and certification work is already done, and the patented constant-flow pressure regulator improves safety while delivering significant savings.
Downloads
INEREX Datasheet
Last update: Mar 04, 2025
Download
Inerex Overview Brochure
Overview of the UL, FM approved & VdS certified Inerex system
Last update: Mar 04, 2025
Download
INEREX Silent Nozzle Brochure
Key benefits and applications of the Silent Nozzle for inert gas systems
Last update: Mar 04, 2025
DownloadDiscover Firetec products that use inert gas extinguishing agent
Inert Gas Fire Protection System
Inert gas fire protection FAQ
What is an inert gas extinguishing system?
When a fire is detected, the inert gas system activates automatically and suppresses the fire before it spreads. The oxygen level drops enough to smother the fire while still allowing people to evacuate safely.
How does inert gas suppression work?
The system discharges gas into the protected area, lowering the oxygen level from about 21% to about 12–15%, depending on the burning material. This stops combustion while people can still breathe safely.
What types of inert gas are used in the INEREX system?
Rotarex Firetec offers 4 types of inert gas agents:
- IG100 (Nitrogen)
- IG01 (Argon)
- IG55 (50% Nitrogen / 50% Argon)
- IG541 (52% Nitrogen / 40% Argon / 8% CO2)
Can inert gas systems be used in occupied zones?
Yes. Inert gases lower oxygen just enough to stop combustion while keeping levels safe for short-term human exposure.
What are the INEREX certifications?
INEREX® by Rotarex Firetec is a complete UL, FM & VdS approved inert gas fire suppression system.
Inert Gas Fire Protection System
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