Patent ID: 8256525

Claim:
An inerting method for reducing a risk of fire outbreak in an enclosed space, wherein the method comprises: introducing into the enclosed space at least one inert gas or an inert gas mixture having a different gas density (ρ Gas ) from a mean gas density (ρ Gas ) of an ambient atmosphere of the enclosed space such that a gas stratification comprised of a first gas layer (A), a second gas layer (B), and a transition layer (C) situated between said first and said second gas layer (A, B) forms in the enclosed space without any structural separation, wherein an oxygen content in the first gas layer (A) corresponds substantially to an oxygen content of the ambient atmosphere, wherein an oxygen content in the second gas layer (B) corresponds to a specific, definable oxygen content which is lower than the oxygen content of the ambient atmosphere, wherein a temperature of the first gas layer (A) and a temperature of the second gas layer (B) are measured, and wherein the gas stratification formed in the enclosed space is maintained by setting and maintaining a specific temperature difference between the temperature of the first gas layer (A) and the temperature of the second gas layer (B).