Reduce insurance premiums with a nitrogen fire suppression system

This is due to its ability to quickly reduce the oxygen in ambient air that can spread a fire. This rapid result minimizes potential damage. Additionally, since it’s a gas, N₂ is noncorrosive and doesn’t wreck sensitive equipment like water-based sprinklers can. Nitrogen is also an inert gas with minimal environmental risks, which may make an NFSS eligible for sustainable standards insurance rewards. Finally, installing an NFSS shows an business’ overall commitment to safety and mitigating risks. All of the above can help lower premiums as a company with a lower risk profile is attractive to insurers.

When working out premiums, it’s important to discuss your setup with your insurance company to determine the most advantageous premiums. If you’d like more information on the benefits of a NFSS, read on below. 

In addition to potentially lowering your insurance premium, and protecting expensive equipment, there are other benefits to using N₂. Since N₂ is a naturally occurring gas, it is generally safe for humans and the environment. In addition, as mentioned above, it doesn’t corrode pipes when compared to liquid sprinkler systems. There’s also the possibility of generating N₂ on-site to cut down costs – making it a cost-effective solution.

Adding to the point about human safety, the air we breathe is made of 21% O₂, 78% N₂, and 1% other gases. With this, oxygen is only flammable above 15%. This means N₂ levels only need to increase by 7% to suppress a fire. Also, since it’s a clear gas, it doesn’t impair visibility or create any other issues when evacuations are necessary. N₂ also prevents any fires from starting up again, after they’ve been extinguished.

The only real logistical concern with N₂ is how it’s supplied. Like pointed out, it’s possible to generate your own supply on-site. This requires an N₂ generator set-up and comes with some upfront investments. However, when considering the possibility of lowering insurance premiums and never having to pay for N₂ deliveries, this equipment usually pays for itself.

In addition, an NFSS requires a scaled-down infrastructure with lower installation and maintenance costs, as it uses small tubes rather than the large pipes of water-based sprinkler systems. 

While N₂ delivery is possible, there are logistical variables to consider. It becomes an added thing to manage. It is also less environmentally friendly due to the CO₂ generated from the transportation required. When generating N₂ on-site, you control variables such as purity and supply. Although additional equipment is required, there are various solutions available, including all-in-one skids.

That said, if using N₂ solely for a fire suppression system, you’ll likely find a membrane generator sufficient. This is because membrane generators have a lower investment cost and are easier to maintain. Also, the amount of N₂ needed for fire suppression is relatively low.

However, if your needs extend beyond fire suppression, and you use N₂ for high flow applications, then it’s worth considering a PSA N₂ generator. These machines also deliver 99.999% purity, whereas membrane generators offer purity levels up to 99.5%. When investing in such equipment, it’s important to consider all factors to determine the best solution.