Nitrogen | Metro Welding Supply Corp.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Nitrogen (N2) is an inert, colorless, and odorless gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen gas is a crucial industrial gas known for its versatility and wide range of applications. Whether you're involved in manufacturing, food processing, or healthcare, understanding the properties and applications of nitrogen is essential for optimizing your operations. Common uses for nitrogen are food preservation, metalworking, and medical procedures, like cryopreservation, where biological samples and tissues are preserved at very low temperatures.

10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

1. Inertness: Nitrogen is chemically unreactive under normal conditions. It does not readily form compounds with other elements, making it an excellent choice for processes where non-reactivity is crucial.
2. Colorless and Odorless: Nitrogen is a colorless and odorless gas, making it imperceptible to human senses. This characteristic is important in various applications where the absence of color or odor is necessary.
3. Non-Flammable: Nitrogen does not support combustion. This property ensures safety in environments where flammability is a concern.
4. High Abundance in the Atmosphere: Nitrogen constitutes approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere by volume. This high abundance makes it readily available for extraction and industrial use.
5. Relatively Low Boiling Point: Nitrogen has a boiling point of -196 degrees Celsius (-321 degrees Fahrenheit), which allows it to be easily liquefied and used in cryogenic applications.
6. Low Reactivity at Normal Temperatures: While nitrogen is unreactive under normal conditions, at very high temperatures and pressures, it can form compounds with other elements.
7. Density: Nitrogen gas is less dense than air, which means it tends to rise in the atmosphere. This property is relevant in applications like aircraft tire inflation.
8. Purity Levels: Industrial-grade nitrogen is typically available in high purity levels, often exceeding 99.9%. This purity is crucial for applications where contaminants could interfere with processes.
9. Solubility: Nitrogen is sparingly soluble in water. This characteristic is relevant in applications involving the dissolution of gases in liquids.
10. Cryogenic Properties: Nitrogen can exist in a liquid state at extremely low temperatures. This property is used in cryopreservation, where biological samples are stored at very low temperatures.

10 COMMON USES

1. Food Packaging and Preservation: Nitrogen gas is used to displace oxygen in food packaging, extending the shelf life of perishable goods. It helps prevent oxidation and microbial growth, maintaining the quality and freshness of the food.
2. Cryopreservation: Nitrogen in its liquid form (liquid nitrogen) is used to preserve biological samples, tissues, and cells at ultra-low temperatures. This is crucial in medical and biological research.
3. Welding and Metalworking: Nitrogen is used as a shielding gas in welding processes. It prevents the formation of oxides and other impurities in the weld, resulting in stronger and higher-quality joints.
4. Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals Manufacturing: Nitrogen is employed for blanketing and purging to create an inert atmosphere, preventing the degradation or contamination of sensitive chemicals during processing and storage.
5. Tire Inflation: Nitrogen is used in automotive and aerospace industries to inflate tires. It provides more stable and consistent tire pressure, leading to improved fuel efficiency and safety.
6. Oil and Gas Industry: In oil and gas operations, nitrogen is utilized for various purposes including well stimulation, pressure testing, and purging pipelines. It enhances recovery rates and aids in safe operations.
7. Electronics Manufacturing: Nitrogen is used in the production of semiconductors and electronic components. It helps create controlled atmospheres, reducing the risk of oxidation and contamination during manufacturing processes.
8. Aerospace and Aviation: Nitrogen is used in aircraft tires to maintain proper tire pressure and structural integrity under extreme conditions. It is also used in fuel tank inerting systems to reduce the risk of explosions.
9. Environmental Testing Chambers: Nitrogen is used in environmental testing chambers to create controlled atmospheres for simulating various conditions, such as humidity, temperature, and pressure.
10. Fire Suppression Systems: Nitrogen gas is used in fire suppression systems, particularly in places where water-based systems may cause damage to sensitive equipment, like data centers and laboratories.