Industrial Uses of Nitrogen Gas: Applications & Benefits

Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere, covering almost 78% of the total gas available. With its special life-sustaining properties, it serves as a vital nutrient for life through the nitrogen cycle. Besides, Nitrogen is heavily used in various industrial settings to harness the power of nitrogen to keep the products fresh and spoilage-free.

In this comprehensive blog post, we will discover various industrial applications of nitrogen in different industrial settings. Also, we will cover how to choose a robust storage medium for storing nitrogen gas.

A] Understanding Nitrogen and Its Properties

Nitrogen (N2) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless, and invisible gas responsible for covering almost 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. It is a diatomic molecular element with two nitrogen atoms, the atomic number seven, and 14.007 atomic mass. Due to its diatomic molecular structure and relatively weaker intermolecular forces, it offers a low boiling point of -193℃ and inertness under normal conditions. Nitrogen comes in three major forms: liquid nitrogen, gaseous nitrogen, and compressed nitrogen. These forms of nitrogen are widely used within various industrial settings, which are described below.

B] Industrial Applications of Nitrogen Gas 

1. Food & Beverage Industry

Nitrogen is widely used in the food and beverage industry for packaging, preserving, and enhancing the quality of food items. Nitrogen prevents food items from being oxidised by displacing oxygen and eliminating the chances of spoilage. While packaging, nitrogen is usually mixed with carbon dioxide (CO2) to displace oxygen within the package and slow down the oxidation process. Doing so increases the product’s shelf life and prevents bacterial growth. Nitrogen is also used in cryogenic freezing of food, winemaking, and beverage production to prevent oxidation and spoilage. 

2. Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

Nitrogen is vital for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry as it extensively helps in maintaining sterility and cleanliness. It also helps to prevent essential medical ingredients from degrading due to oxidation. Nitrogen is used in pharmaceutical packaging to displace oxygen and moisture, ensuring the longevity of sensitive drugs. Cryopreservation of biological samples, including blood, tissues, and reproductive cells, relies on nitrogen’s low-temperature properties. In surgical procedures, nitrogen is used in cryosurgery to remove unwanted tissues and treat various medical conditions. 

3. Chemical & Petrochemical Industry

Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the chemical and petrochemical industry by providing a stable and inert environment for various processes. Blanketing and purging applications prevent unwanted reactions by displacing oxygen and moisture from storage tanks and pipelines. Inerting volatile chemicals significantly reduces explosion risks, ensuring a safer working environment. Nitrogen is also essential in catalyst regeneration within refining processes, helping restore catalyst activity for efficient production. These functions highlight the industrial applications of nitrogen, making it indispensable for safe and efficient chemical operations.

4. Electronics & Semiconductor Industry

The electronics and semiconductor industry heavily depends on nitrogen to maintain precision and prevent contamination. Semiconductor manufacturing facilities utilise nitrogen to keep production areas free from oxygen, ensuring high-quality chip fabrication. Cooling electronic components is another critical function, as nitrogen is used to maintain optimal temperatures and prevent thermal damage. As technology advances, what nitrogen is used for in electronics continues to expand, ensuring the industry benefits from its inert properties.

5. Metallurgy & Metal Fabrication

Metallurgical processes rely on nitrogen to enhance product quality and prevent unwanted oxidation. During heat treatment of metals, nitrogen creates a controlled atmosphere that prevents contamination and enhances the material’s properties. In laser cutting and welding, nitrogen ensures clean and precise cuts by reducing oxidation during high-temperature operations. Additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, utilises nitrogen in powder bed fusion processes to maintain material integrity. These common uses for nitrogen help the industry achieve high-quality results with improved efficiency.

6. Oil & Gas Industry

Nitrogen is extensively used in the oil and gas industry for safety and operational efficiency. During well drilling and enhanced oil recovery, nitrogen serves as an inerting agent to prevent explosions and uncontrolled combustion. Pipeline purging involves using nitrogen to remove hazardous gases, ensuring safe transport and storage of hydrocarbons. Storage tank blanketing with nitrogen prevents oxidation and combustion of flammable materials. These uses of nitrogen in the oil and gas sector ensure safer and more efficient operations in critical energy production processes.

7. Automotive & Aerospace Industry

The automotive and aerospace industry benefits from nitrogen in various ways, particularly in enhancing durability and safety. Tire inflation with nitrogen improves longevity by reducing pressure loss and minimising moisture buildup. In aircraft fuel tanks, nitrogen inerting reduces fire risks by displacing oxygen, significantly enhancing safety. The industry also relies on nitrogen for cold-shrinking metal components during manufacturing, ensuring precise assembly and performance. These nitrogen gas uses improve efficiency and safety in two of the most demanding industries.

8. Environmental Applications

Environmental protection efforts incorporate nitrogen to address various challenges, particularly in waste management and pollution control. In wastewater treatment, nitrogen helps remove dissolved oxygen, making the water safe for discharge and reducing corrosion in pipelines. Air pollution control systems utilise nitrogen to minimise NOx emissions, helping industries comply with environmental regulations. Additionally, landfill gas recovery involves nitrogen to enhance the extraction and processing of biogas, supporting sustainable energy production. These common uses of nitrogen contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, ensuring safer industrial gas applications.

C] Choosing the Right Compressed Gas Cylinders for Storing Nitrogen

Types of Compressed Gas Cylinders for Nitrogen

Nitrogen is commonly stored in high-pressure steel or aluminum cylinders. While aluminum cylinders are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, high-pressure steel cylinders are the superior choice due to their durability, higher pressure capacity, and suitability for industrial applications. Steel cylinders can withstand extreme conditions, making them ideal for long-term nitrogen storage.

Cylinder Pressure Ratings

Selecting a nitrogen cylinder with the right PSI rating is crucial. Steel cylinders typically handle pressures up to 3,000–6,000 PSI, ensuring a consistent nitrogen supply for industrial processes. Their robust design prevents leaks and enhances safety in high-pressure applications.

Size and Capacity Considerations

Nitrogen cylinders come in various sizes, from small portable options to large bulk storage tanks. Steel cylinders offer the best balance of capacity and strength, reducing the need for frequent refills and ensuring reliability for demanding applications.

Handling and Safety Features

Proper safety measures are essential when storing nitrogen. Steel cylinders support advanced safety features, including pressure regulators, valve protection caps, and secure labeling, minimising risks associated with high-pressure storage. Their rugged build further enhances workplace safety.

Conclusion

Nitrogen is a vital gas element widely used for various industrial purposes described above in this blog. As we know, nitrogen requires a robust and effective storage medium that allows nitrogen to be transported and dispensed without any hassle or safety issues. Rama Cylinder, a top and leading CNG cylinder manufacturer in India, offers robust, highly safe, and transport-friendly nitrogen cylinders for various industrial settings. Contact us today!