Learn about IG-100 (Nitrogen) gas fire extinguishing system

NGÀY ĐĂNG 17/09/2025

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The IG-100 (Nitrogen) fire suppression system is one of the most modern, safe, and environmentally friendly fire protection solutions. With its ability to extinguish fires by reducing oxygen levels without harming humans or equipment, IG-100 is widely used in data centers, server rooms, storage facilities, and other critical areas. So how does this system work? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Let’s explore the details in the article below!

What is the IG-100 (Nitrogen) fire suppression system?

The IG-100 fire suppression system is a fire protection solution that uses 100% pure nitrogen (N₂) to extinguish fires. Nitrogen, which makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-conductive gas. In the IG-100 system, nitrogen is stored in high-pressure cylinders, typically ranging from 200 bar to 300 bar, and is released into the fire area when the system is activated. This process lowers the oxygen concentration below the level required to sustain combustion, typically below 13.9%, effectively extinguishing the fire.

Using nitrogen in the IG-100 system offers several benefits, including safety for humans, protection of equipment, and environmental friendliness, as nitrogen leaves no residue after discharge and does not harm the ozone layer.

The Role of the IG-100 (Nitrogen) Fire Suppression System in Fire Protection

The IG-100 fire suppression system, utilizing pure nitrogen (N₂), plays a crucial role in fire protection due to its outstanding features:

1. High Fire Extinguishing Efficiency: Nitrogen extinguishes fires by reducing the oxygen concentration in the air below the level required to sustain combustion, typically under 13.9%. This process quickly and effectively stops the fire.

2. Safe for Humans: Nitrogen is an inert, non-toxic gas that does not pose health risks. However, when the system is activated, it is essential to evacuate the area to prevent asphyxiation due to reduced oxygen levels.

3. Protects Equipment and Assets: Nitrogen is non-conductive and non-corrosive, making it safe for electronic equipment and valuable assets. After discharge, nitrogen leaves no residue, minimizing post-fire cleanup costs and time.

4. Environmentally Friendly: Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere and does not harm the ozone layer or contribute to the greenhouse effect. Using nitrogen for fire suppression is an eco-friendly solution.

5. Versatile Applications: The IG-100 system is widely used in high-risk areas where water or chemical-based suppression methods could cause damage, such as:

   • Computer rooms, data centers
   • Electrical rooms, substations
   • Libraries, document storage facilities
   • Control rooms, telecommunication centers
   • Laboratories, research facilities

Choosing the IG-100 fire suppression system ensures safety for people, protects assets and the environment, and effectively meets fire protection requirements across various industries.

Structure of the IG-100 Fire Suppression System

The IG-100 fire suppression system uses pure nitrogen (N₂) to extinguish fires by reducing the oxygen concentration in the protected area. Its structure consists of the following key components:

1. Nitrogen Storage Cylinders:

   • Description: Made of high-pressure-resistant steel to ensure safe storage of nitrogen at pressures up to 200-300 bar.
   • Size: Commonly 80 liters in capacity, but can vary depending on the system’s specific design.

2. Valve System:

   • Cylinder Valve: Installed on each storage cylinder to control gas discharge when activated.
   • Selector Valve: Directs gas flow to the specific fire-affected area, especially useful in multi-zone fire protection systems.

3. Piping and Nozzles:

   • Gas Piping: Designed to withstand high pressure, delivering nitrogen from the storage cylinders to the protected area.
   • Nozzles: Evenly distribute nitrogen throughout the area to ensure effective fire suppression.

4. Gas Release Control Panel:

   • Function: Monitors and controls the entire system, receiving signals from fire detectors and triggering gas discharge when necessary.
   • Features: Includes I/O connections for emergency release buttons, emergency stop buttons, fire alarms, and other related devices.

5. Fire Detection and Alarm System:

   • Fire Detectors: Includes smoke and heat detectors that detect early signs of fire and send signals to the control panel.
   • Alarm Devices: Bells, sirens, and warning lights installed in appropriate locations to alert people in the area.

6. Emergency Push Buttons:

   • Emergency Release Button: Allows manual activation of the gas discharge system when needed.
   • Gas Discharge Delay Button: Used to pause gas release in case of false alarms or safety concerns.

The IG-100 fire suppression system provides an advanced, reliable, and eco-friendly fire protection solution, ensuring the safety of people, assets, and critical environment

Advantages and Disadvantages of the IG-100 System

Advantages

• High Fire Extinguishing Efficiency: Nitrogen gas is an inert gas that extinguishes fire by reducing oxygen concentration. In enclosed spaces, most fires can be extinguished within 60 seconds when oxygen levels drop below 15%.

• Safe for Equipment and Assets: Nitrogen gas is non-conductive, non-corrosive, and leaves no residue after discharge, ensuring no damage to electronic devices and valuable assets.

• Human-Friendly: Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas. When the system activates, it does not obstruct visibility, allowing safe evacuation.

• Environmentally Friendly: Nitrogen is naturally abundant in the atmosphere, does not harm the ozone layer, and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Disadvantages

• Requires Large Installation Space: Nitrogen gas must be stored in high-pressure cylinders (up to 200 bar), requiring a significant amount of space for system installation.

• Reduced Effectiveness in Open Spaces: Since nitrogen is lighter than air, its fire suppression efficiency decreases in ventilated or open areas.

• Risk of Asphyxiation: While nitrogen is non-toxic, a drop in oxygen concentration below 19.5% in enclosed spaces can lead to oxygen deficiency and asphyxiation.

• Risk of Equipment Explosion: Nitrogen is stored in high-pressure cylinders; if there is a sudden phase change due to increased pressure, it may cause an explosion.

Applications of the IG-100 Fire Suppression System

The IG-100 fire suppression system, using pure nitrogen (N₂), is widely applied in various fields due to its outstanding advantages, such as high fire extinguishing efficiency, safety for equipment and humans, and environmental friendliness. Below are some common applications of this system:

• Data Centers and Computer Rooms: These environments house critical electronic equipment that requires high-level protection. Water-based fire suppression methods can cause severe damage, making IG-100 an ideal solution as nitrogen is non-conductive and harmless to electronics.

• Electrical Equipment Rooms and Substations: In electrical rooms and substations, using water or foam for firefighting can be hazardous and damaging. The IG-100 system effectively extinguishes fires without compromising electrical operations.

• Libraries and Document Archives: Libraries and archives store valuable books and documents that can be irreversibly damaged by water. The IG-100 system uses nitrogen to suppress fires without leaving residue or harming these cultural and historical assets.

• Laboratories and Research Facilities: These locations often contain sensitive equipment and chemicals that may react adversely to traditional fire suppression methods. The IG-100 system ensures safety while preventing unwanted chemical reactions and equipment damage.

• Telecommunication Centers and Control Rooms: In telecommunication centers and control rooms, operational disruptions can have severe consequences. The IG-100 system rapidly extinguishes fires without harming electronic equipment, ensuring continuous and safe operations.

The selection and installation of the IG-100 fire suppression system must comply with fire protection standards and regulations to ensure efficiency and safety in its application.