Patent ID: 7156184
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: A62C

Abstract:
1. A device for carrying out an inert rendering method for at least one of preventing and extinguishing fires in an enclosed target area wherein an oxygen-inhibiting gas is introduced into the target area in order to create a first basic level of inertion with a reduced oxygen content in comparison with natural conditions, and wherein an oxygen-inhibiting gas is further introduced in a gradual or sudden manner (in the case of a fire) into the target area in order to create one or more levels of inertion with a further reduced oxygen content, the inert rendering method comprising the steps of: a) generating a buffer gas volume by introducing an oxygen-inhibiting gas in at least one enclosed buffer space which is connected to the target area via supply lines, wherein the oxygen content of the buffer gas volume is so low when the buffer gas volume mixes with the ambient air in the target area, that a level of inertion with a further reduced oxygen content is reached; and b) guiding the buffer gas volume via the supply lines into the target area, where it is used by mixing the ambient air of the target area, thereby providing the first basic level of inertion with the buffer gas volume to create a level of inertion that differs from the first basic level of inertion, the device comprising an oxygen measuring device positioned in a target area; a source of an oxygen-inhibiting gas; an enclosed buffer space that is connected to the target area via gas supply lines in which, by introducing an oxygen-inhibiting gas, a buffer gas volume is generated whose oxygen content is low, so that when mixing the buffer gas volume with the ambient air in the target area, a full level of inertion for an extinguishing operation can be reached; and a mixing unit for mixing the ambient air of the target area with the buffer gas volume.