At 78.084 percent by volume, nitrogen gas is the principal component of the Earth’s atmosphere. This odorless, tasteless, colorless gas is known for being relatively inert. What does that mean? It doesn’t usually react with most substances and does not support combustion.
At 32 degrees Fahrenheit and one atmosphere of pressure, nitrogen gas has a density of 0.07807 lb/cubic foot (0.0012506 grams/cubic centimeter). Nitrogen gas in one atmosphere of pressure boils at -320.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nitrogen is a required element in the synthesis of many organic compounds. While many organisms cannot consume nitrogen, they can get a supply through a nitrogen fixation process. During this process, some bacteria synthesize nitrogen molecules from atmospheric nitrogen gas.
In addition, nitrogen in the air dissolves into the body’s tissues when a person breathes air under pressure. When removed from the pressure, the nitrogen gas comes out of the solution. This situation is known as decompression sickness but is also called “the bends.” This condition can be life-threatening and is also painful.
Approximately two-thirds of nitrogen sold and produced is in its gaseous form – the rest is a liquid. This non-reactive gas can also be used to prevent combustible dust explosions. Below are the common uses of nitrogen.
Because nitrogen gas is so non-reactive, it can be used as a preservative to prevent oxidation, preventing foods from turning colors and delaying rancidity. This gas can preserve freshness in packaged and bulk foods.
Did you know that nitrogen is used during steel making? Nitrogen helps improve steel’s mechanical and corrosion properties, and when added to austenitic steel, it can improve strength, wear, work hardening rate, and corrosion resistance.
Nitrogen is a versatile gas used in many electronics manufacturing applications. For example, high-purity nitrogen gas is used in lead-free solder applications. Its benefits include reduced dross on solder pots and surface tension. It can also be used for surface mount technologies (SMT), semiconductors, and more.
In the chemical industry, nitrogen is in the production of fertilizers, nylon, dyes, nitric acid, and explosives. Nitrogen is also used during sample preparation to reduce the volume of liquid samples.
Nitrogen can be used in fire suppression systems because these systems must reduce oxygen concentration. Reducing oxygen concentration in the air enables the fire to extinguish. Nitrogen is a safe gas because it’s safe for human exposure for a short period.
Nitrogen replaces carbon dioxide in drinks, especially in British ales. The gas is preferred in certain drinks because it produces smaller bubbles for a creamy, headier drink.
On Site Gas is a trusted supplier of nitrogen gas generators for commercial purposes. Whether you need nitrogen gas for food packaging or filling tires, On Site Gas can help with this.
We sell our nitrogen generators to customers with a variety of needs. Buying a nitrogen generator is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than purchasing nitrogen in canisters. Contact us to learn more, we’d be happy to answer any of your questions!
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