Hypoxia technology
The HYPOXIA – Protection® system is a complex of devices designed for the generation and controlled supply of hypoxic air (or nitrogen) to the protected space, which leads to a reduction of the oxygen concentration below the flammability limit of the stored materials located in this space.
Oxygen sensors ensure continuous monitoring of the oxygen content in the protected space and send the measured values to the HYPOXIA – Protection control system, which regulates the distribution of hypoxic air (nitrogen) to maintain the required oxygen concentration in the protected space.
The display board and warning beacons with a siren are triggered if the oxygen concentration in the protected area decreases or increases above the set values. This information can also be sent to the EPS control center, the superior MaR or BMS system or in the form of SMS via an integrated GSM module.
Generation of hypoxic air (nitrogen)
The HYPOXIA – Protection technology produces nitrogen directly at the installation site, by separating the gases through a hollow fiber membrane or through sieves with activated carbon (PSA).
The technological parts necessary for gas separation can be seen in the diagram on the left.
PSA technology
The adsorptive gas separation process is based on the phenomenon of binding of the individual components of the gas mixture by a solid substance, called an adsorbent. This phenomenon is caused by the forces of interaction between the gas molecules and the adsorbent.
The workflow is designed so that easily adsorbed components are retained by the adsorbent, while poorly adsorbed and non-adsorbed components pass through the unit. In pressure schemes (PSA), the extraction of the gaseous nitrogen mixture takes place at a pressure above atmospheric pressure, and the regeneration stage of the adsorbent takes place at atmospheric pressure.
Membrane technology
The principle of operation is based on the separation of gas molecules using a hollow fiber membrane and their diffusion through this membrane. The rate of diffusion is different for different gases:
- Oxygen and water vapor have a higher diffusion rate and quickly diffuse through the membrane walls
- Nitrogen has a low diffusion rate and diffuses slowly through the membrane walls. Compressed, nitrogen-enriched air is released at the exit of the membrane.
Utility room
A separate technical room must be provided for the HYPOXIA system, where the machine part of the technology will be located.
The size of the technical room always depends on the size of the installed equipment, or the volume of the protected space. The size of the technical room can vary from 15 m² to 400 m².
We equip the technical room with complete automatic air conditioning to ensure sufficient ventilation in the summer and to ensure its own heating in the winter.
Exhaust fan
Oxygen sensors
Oxygen enriched air extraction
Exhaust of warm air from compressors
Exhaust grille
End elements of the system
The HYPOXIA – Protection system includes sensors for continuous oxygen measurement, acoustic
optical warning signal and information display before each entrance to the protected area.
I/O module
Acoustic optical warning signal
Display
Oxygen sensor
Nitrogen supply
Display
Acoustic optical warning signal
Nitrogen supply
Cable and pipeline routes
The system includes the installation of high-current distributions for powering the machine part of the technology, as well as the installation of low-current and communication distributions for oxygen sensors, warning signaling devices, remote I/O modules and imaging displays in the protected room.
The supply of nitrogen to the protected room takes place by means of pipelines (usually carbon steel or aluminum), the network of which is defined by the area and height of the protected space. At a height of more than 10 meters, at least 2 height distribution levels are always installed. Pipe dimensions range from DN 15 mm for peripheral distribution to DN 108 mm for backbone distribution. Nitrogen dosing to the respective zone is ensured by sectional valves.
Control system
The brain of the entire technology, which collects all data and automatically controls all processes, is the HYPOXIA Control System. Sending selected data to superior systems is standard equipment.
Protected space
HYPOXIA machine room
Air lock
HYPOXIA "Green line"
HYPOXIA Green line is a highly ecological variant of preventive fire protection based on oxygen reduction.
- low pressure PSA system
- compressors equipped with recovery exchangers for converting waste heat into water heating
- photovoltaic panels on the roof of the building and a specially adapted technology software that triggers the technology according to the current production from PV panels.
- complete delivery including photovoltaic power plant