Nitrogen, an inert and abundant element, makes up approximately 78% of Earth’s atmosphere. This colorless, odorless gas is widely used across diverse sectors due to its unreactive properties. From food preservation to industrial processes and medical applications, nitrogen’s versatility makes it a valuable resource. Its widespread use drives demand for reliable acquisition and handling.
Understanding Nitrogen Forms
Nitrogen is typically purchased as compressed gas or liquid. Compressed gaseous nitrogen is stored under high pressure in robust cylinders. This form is often used for applications like inflating tires, providing an inert atmosphere for welding, or in manufacturing processes. Cylinders come in various sizes, suitable for different scales of use.
Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is nitrogen cooled to an extremely low temperature of about -196°C (-320°F). It is contained in specialized, insulated cryogenic dewars. LN2 is commonly used for cryotherapy, scientific research, or rapid freezing in food processing. Different applications necessitate varying purity levels, such as industrial, food grade, medical, or ultra-high purity for research.
Where to Purchase Gaseous Nitrogen
Gaseous nitrogen is readily available from several types of suppliers, depending on volume and purity. Large industrial gas suppliers are primary sources, offering a broad spectrum of cylinder sizes and purity grades, often delivering directly to businesses. They cater to substantial commercial and industrial needs, providing solutions for applications like inerting chemical environments or food packaging.
Local welding supply stores also serve as common outlets for smaller cylinders, catering to individual users, small businesses, or those needing nitrogen for welding and cutting. For specialized requirements, such as scientific research or industrial processes, specialty gas distributors provide very high purity nitrogen or custom gas mixtures. Some online retailers offer smaller, pre-filled cartridges or kits for niche applications like culinary uses or tire inflation systems.
Where to Purchase Liquid Nitrogen
Purchasing liquid nitrogen necessitates suppliers equipped for handling cryogenic materials. Many large industrial gas suppliers that provide gaseous nitrogen also distribute liquid nitrogen, specializing in the necessary cryogenic equipment for its storage and transport. Liquid nitrogen is typically delivered in thermally insulated tank trucks and transferred into larger, on-site storage tanks, or smaller dewars for lower consumption. These vessels maintain the extremely low temperatures required to keep nitrogen liquid.
Scientific supply companies are a significant source for research institutions, academic laboratories, and educational facilities. They often provide liquid nitrogen with appropriate cryogenic storage equipment, such as specialized dewars for sample preservation. Companies distributing cryogenic equipment may also supply LN2, ensuring product compatibility. Medical and veterinary suppliers provide liquid nitrogen for specific applications like cryotherapy, tissue preservation, or artificial insemination.
Important Considerations for Buyers
Acquiring nitrogen, whether gaseous or liquid, involves several important considerations for safe and effective use. Safety is paramount due to the high pressure of compressed gas or the extreme cold of liquid nitrogen. Proper handling requires personal protective equipment, including insulated gloves, safety glasses, and face shields, to prevent frostbite or injuries. Adequate ventilation is essential, as nitrogen can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, leading to oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Storage facilities must be well-ventilated, dry, and cool, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Compressed gas cylinders should always be stored upright and secured with chains or straps to prevent tipping. Liquid nitrogen must be stored in specialized, vented dewars; never in a sealed container, as pressure buildup from vaporization can cause an explosion.
Buyers should match the nitrogen’s purity level to their specific application, as purity significantly impacts cost and suitability. Overall cost varies based on volume, purity, and delivery options, with suppliers often renting or selling necessary cylinders or dewars. Understanding local regulations for storage and transport of compressed gases and cryogenic liquids is important for compliance and safety.