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Which gas is used in inert gas fire extinguishing system?
Carbon dioxide
Methyl bromide
Hydrogen peroxide
or B
or B
Quick Summary: Inert gas fire extinguishing systems utilize gases that are chemically inactive or have low reactivity to displace oxygen or inhibit the combustion chain reaction. Both Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and Methyl bromide ($CH_3Br$) have historically been employed in specialized fire suppression applications due to their effectiveness in blanketing fires.
Inert gas fire extinguishing systems utilize gases that are chemically inactive or have low reactivity to displace oxygen or inhibit the combustion chain reaction. Both Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methyl bromide (CH3Br) have historically been employed in specialized fire suppression applications due to their effectiveness in blanketing fires.
Cvol=Vm×S — where m is the mass of gas, S is specific volume, and V is the enclosure volume to calculate concentration.
These gases work primarily by the mechanism of oxygen displacement (reducing the oxygen concentration below the combustion threshold) and cooling effect. CO2 is commonly used for electrical fires as it is non-conductive, while Halogenated agents like Methyl bromide (though now restricted due to ozone depletion) chemically interfere with the flame combustion chain reaction.
Carbon dioxide is effective for Class C (electrical) fires because it is non-conductive.
Inert gas systems are often used in server rooms, archives, and switchgear panels.
Methyl bromide is a Halon-type agent, now largely replaced by newer, eco-friendly agents due to environmental regulations.
Extinguishing concentration is the minimum concentration of an agent required to suppress a specific fuel.
Leaves no residue after discharge
Non-conductive properties protect sensitive electrical components
Risk of asphyxiation for personnel in enclosed spaces
Methyl bromide has significant ozone depletion potential (ODP)
Electrical Substations
Data Centers
Telecommunication facilities
| Feature | Carbon Dioxide | Methyl Bromide |
|---|---|---|
Conductivity | Non-conductive | Non-conductive |
Standard: NFPA 12 governs Carbon Dioxide extinguishing systems.
Methyl bromide was traditionally used as a fire suppressant but is classified under the Montreal Protocol for phase-out.
D is correct — Both Carbon dioxide and Methyl bromide function as gaseous agents used to suppress fires by displacing oxygen or inhibiting chemical reactions.
Always verify if an extinguishing agent is electrically conductive; CO2 is preferred for electrical panels, while water-based agents must be avoided to prevent short circuits.