Different Types Of Nitrogen Cylinders

Submitted by: Ellie Lewis

The two different types of nitrogen containers are based on the form of nitrogen that needs to be stored. Nitrogen can be stored in liquid or gaseous form. Compressed gas cylinders store gaseous nitrogen and cryogenic cylinders store liquid nitrogen. Gaseous nitrogen makes up about three quarters of the earth s atmosphere. It is part of all living creatures and is also used to preserve food, manufacture ammonia, and reduce fire hazards. Liquid nitrogen is used for freezing and preservation for a variety of things including tissue, biological samples, and food. Liquid nitrogen needs to be handled with care and stored in appropriate containers.

Storage containers for liquid nitrogen need to protect against the temperature of the substance. Liquid nitrogen is nonflammable, odorless, and noncorrosive, but it is also cold. It is so cold; in fact, it can instantaneously freeze human tissue to the point of cracking. Educators have long used liquid nitrogen for classroom experiments and demonstrations. They often warn kids they need to use extreme caution by dipping a hot dog into the liquid nitrogen for merely a second, removing it, and shattering it on the countertop because it has frozen solid.

Containers in which liquid nitrogen is stored are pressurized and jacketed with insulation and vacuum. They feature rupture discs and safety valves to monitor the pressure. The safety features include liquid valves, vent valves, pressure building regulators, relief valves, gas valves, and economizer regulators. Most containers are able to store between 80 and 500 liters of material. The containers must be stored in a well-ventilated area so there is no problem with pressure or a buildup of heat. Proper storage of containers is just as important the storage container itself.

Portable containers usually fill with fewer than 100 percent nitrogen. If there are amounts in the containers lower than 95 percent, they could combust because the space is shared with oxygen. It is very important, obviously, to have an accurate measuring system to ensure the proper balance of nitrogen and oxygen. These containers are used to supply nitrogen to machines and pressure chambers. The containers often come in groups of six to reduce the number of times containers need to be refilled. Users simply swap one container for another without having to transport the containers back and for to a filling station. When handling portable nitrogen containers, it is important to be very careful and avoid impact and pressure.

Dewar containers are used to store and transport liquid nitrogen. They are capable of withstanding high temperatures. They can also resist impact and pressure. Their walls are insulated with a form made of urethane. The containers come in a variety of sizes and are made from glass, plastic, aluminum, or enameled or stainless steel. There are numerous types of Dewar containers, ranging from insulating to box shaped flasks. Though flasks and Dewar containers are more stable than nitrogen containers alone, they still need to be treated with extreme care. When using a container, make sure you choose the right kind.

About the Author: Ellie Lewis recently met with a skilled

compressed gas cylinders

installer for an engineering project she is working on. She ordered

cryogenic cylinders

to be delivered at her warehouse.

Source:

isnare.com

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