Nitrogen Gas – FAQs

At Adams Gas, we deal with a number of different gases on a daily basis, so we are familiar with the properties and features of these different gases. With this in mind, we want to help you to get to know these gases so you can use them safely and effectively as well as learn more about what you could be using them for! So, read on to find out more about nitrogen gas and what you need to know about this interesting gas.

What is Nitrogen?

Nitrogen is an odourless, colourless gas which makes up 78% of the earth’s atmosphere. It is an inert element so it doesn’t easily react with other elements.

We need nitrogen to live as it allows us to make proteins – the same is true for animals and plants.

What are the Properties of Nitrogen?

• Atomic number – 7
• Atomic symbol – N
• State at room temperature – gas
• Melting point – -210°C
• Boiling point – -195.79°C

What can Nitrogen be Used for?

There are a huge number of industries that use nitrogen in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

• Agriculture
• Textiles
• Food
• Electronics
• Manufacturing
• Automotive

These industries use the gas in a number of ways. For example, the food industry often uses nitrogen to preserve food and wine. It is selected for this application partly due to the fact that it is an inert gas. This means that it doesn’t readily react with other elements and it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. When used to preserve wine, it creates a barrier, displacing oxygen and reducing the effects of the oxidation process.

Does Nitrogen Present any Dangers?

Simply put, yes. There are some risks and dangers associated with using nitrogen if you do not follow proper safety practices.

Liquid nitrogen is incredibly cold so can cause severe frostbite if it touches the skin. There is also a risk when it is used with food and beverages that it can be ingested, causing frostbite internally. Liquid nitrogen can also cause suffocation, explosions and non-combustible materials to burn rapidly if not stored or used properly.

Despite the fact that nitrogen accounts for 78% of the air we breathe, if the gas is too pure, it can cause asphyxiation particularly quickly. As it is odourless, colourless and tasteless, it can be difficult to recognise that there is a problem in time to take action.

This is why it is so important to use, store and handle nitrogen in the correct way.

Nitrogen is an incredibly useful element that can be used in a number of applications. At Adams Gas, we provide nitrogen gas bottles for applications such as air conditioning, food and wine preservation and motorsports.

You can find out more about our products and how you can use them by getting in touch with a member of our friendly team. Simply call us on 01843 220 596 or drop us an email to sales@adamsgas.co.uk and we will be more than happy to help. In the meantime, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.