Nitrogen is a critical gas in the chemical production industry because it’s used in various processes. This gas is often employed for inerting — creating a barrier against oxidation. Oxygen’s involvement in many processes can lead to unwanted reactions, and nitrogen stops oxygen from entering processing areas.
Additionally, nitrogen is one of the most-used reactor cooling gases. In stirred reactors, synthesis requires multiple steps at different temperatures. Operations can use cryogenic nitrogen to generate below-freezing temperatures for specific synthesis phases.
Nitrogen is also used for solvent recovery to prevent volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from entering the atmosphere. Solvent recovery is often required by strict legal regulations to protect the environment.
