Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, nontoxic and noncombustible gas comprising approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Nitrogen gas is also inert, meaning it does not react with other chemical substances. Nitrogen is somewhat lighter than air and slightly soluble in water. Although it is not poisonous, nitrogen can cause suffocation in animals. The nitrogen that humans breathe assists with protein synthesis and is an essential component of amino acids.
The Meritus Gas Partners distributor near you can be your full-service nitrogen gas supplier. Receive a high-quality product that meets your needs and experience exceptional service from start to finish.
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While many view nitrogen gas as expensive, it is typically less costly than other commonly used gases like carbon dioxide. Factors that influence the price include container size and purity as well as the relative distance between your use point and the nearest production facility. Buying nitrogen gas as a packaged commodity is usually the most practical solution for businesses. It is generally readily available from suppliers who sell it by the tank.
Nitrogen gas is available in high-purity and low-purity versions. The appropriate purity level depends on the application and industry.
This industry typically uses ultra-high purity (UHP) nitrogen featuring a gas concentration of 99.999%. The oxygen content can be no higher than two parts per million by volume, and the amount of hydrocarbons cannot exceed 0.5 parts per million. Examples of applications include blanketing storage tanks during drug manufacturing and packaging to protect the ingredients and retain freshness.
Various electronics manufacturing processes utilize industrial-grade nitrogen with a purity between 99.9% and 99.999%. Processes such as blanketing adhesives and cleaning require a lower nitrogen concentration of 95% to 99.5%.
The use of nitrogen gas in metalworking encompasses processes such as heat treating and laser cutting. The desirable nitrogen concentration is 95% to 99% for the former and 99.999% for the latter. The type of metal determines the specific purity level.
The injection molding process is a primary use of nitrogen gas in plastics manufacturing applications. A suitable purity for the gas-assist technique is 99.5%, while blown film extrusion requires a lower purity of 98% to 99.5%.
The power generation industry depends on nitrogen gas to prevent boiler corrosion and enhance safety when working on natural gas lines. Processes like water blanketing and gas line purging require a nitrogen gas purity level of 95% to 99.6%.
Food-grade nitrogen gas applications require a purity of 99% to 99.9%. Nitrogen plays a prominent role in various food production and packing processes. It helps to preserve flavor, extend the shelf life of packaged foods and prevent spoilage.
Safety is paramount at oil and gas job sites. Nitrogen gas with a purity between 95% and 99% contributes to a safer work environment by helping to reduce the explosion risk. Using the gas to purge pipelines and chemical storage tanks can help prevent potentially catastrophic spontaneous combustion.
Specialty-grade nitrogen gas can minimize fire hazards in aircraft fuel systems to enhance flight safety. It can also help to suppress existing fires by reducing the oxygen concentration and causing them to extinguish.
Many tire filling systems use nitrogen gas because it avoids the issues caused by oxygen and moisture. Nitrogen is less likely to escape through the rubber, ensuring maximum tire pressure stability.
Lightbulb manufacturers use non-reactive nitrogen gas because it will not cause the hot tungsten wiring inside the bulb to combust. Nitrogen is also more readily available and less expensive than other inert gases like helium and argon.
The chemical industry uses nitrogen gas when preparing samples for chemical analysis by targeting and removing liquids from the specimens. It is also essential when manufacturing products like fertilizers, dyes, explosives and nitric acid.
High concentrations of nitrogen gas can be dangerous and require careful handling. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires mandatory testing when using or storing nitrogen in confined industrial spaces. Forced draft air circulation in these areas will significantly reduce the accumulation of toxic and potentially lethal fumes.
Whether you’re looking for pure nitrogen gas for sale or a low-purity option, a Meritus Gas Partners distributor has what you need. You’ll also receive service from a locally-operated company that cares about your business’s success.
Contact us for more information and to locate a nitrogen gas supplier in your area.