The Practical Applications of Nitrogen Gas

Nitrogen gas is colourless, odourless, and inert, making it extremely versatile in its practical applications. On site nitrogen generators are an essential for a broad range of industries, from packaging to electronics, and more.

Food & Beverage

The food and beverage industry use nitrogen gas through its production and packaging processes, where food-grade nitrogen gas at a purity level of 99-99.5% is much more effective at preservation than oxygen. While food and beverages packaged with oxygen will spoil faster due to the oxidation process, nitrogen gas is used in breweries, wine production, and cheese packaging, for example, to prevent spoilage for longer, and to subsequently allow for further travel distances.

Scientific & Laboratory

Nitrogen gas generators are essential in scientific and laboratory settings, as the inert nature of nitrogen facilitates the highly specific atmospheric conditions which must be controlled and maintained in such settings. Oxygen levels, humidity, and temperature can all be controlled by nitrogen gas. The incubators used for IVF treatment and for cell research, for instance, are prime examples of the types of settings which require the stable environments that nitrogen generators provide.

Pharmaceuticals

Nitrogen gas is dry and sterile, which is essential in the pharmaceutical industry. Products such as specimen containers and sterile equipment are packaged with nitrogen gas, ensuring the safety of the products, as well as the durability of instruments which are at risk of corrosion or oxidisation otherwise.

Electronics

Electronics manufacturing requires a clean, dry environment to prevent both oxidisation of components, and to avoid the formation of dross when soldering. Nitrogen generators assist in ensuring clean, accurate finishes in electronic manufacturing and soldering.

Laser Cutting

The high purity level of nitrogen gas means that laser cutting can be clean and precise. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, the nitrogen gas forms a protective bubble around the laser beam path, reducing the likelihood of dust and debris. Secondly, the removal of oxygen means that the metals used will not oxidise, even with the application of heat.

Vehicle Tyres

Nitrogen gas has applications in both aircraft and motor sports tyres. Due to the unreactive nature of nitrogen gas, aircraft tyres filled with nitrogen can withstand the temperatures and atmospheric pressures encountered in flight. Similarly the pressure that tyres for motor sport vehicles must withstand means that nitrogen gas is the best option, as consistent pressure is guaranteed.

Fire Fighting Training

Fire safety training involves smoke simulators, and nitrogen gas offers a safe and realistic way of simulating smoke, due to the dense vapour. The non-combustible nature of nitrogen gas also means that the risk of a real fire breaking out is mitigated.

Paintballing

While many of the practical applications of nitrogen gas have been related to manufacturing and processing industries, nitrogen gas also has its uses in the leisure sector. The pressurised gas tanks provide the power for paintball guns, and are safe due to the ability of nitrogen to withstand high levels of constant pressurisation in the tank.

Nitrogen gas can be used across a broad range of sectors and industries, and we also offer safe, on-site nitrogen generators, which can save you money. For more information on how nitrogen gas could be of use to your business, please call 01933 222000 or get in touch via our online form.