Nitrogen gas is non-flammable but it can be dangerous to humans. Its odorless, tasteless, and colorless qualities exacerbate the dangers of breathing it in. Very high levels of pure nitrogen can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation, and even death.

If you work with or handle nitrogen gas regularly, it’s vital to know proper handling and storage techniques to avoid its life-threatening risks and the liabilities that come with it. nexAir can help your company Forge Forward with its technical KnowHow of specialty gases like nitrogen and its uses in a wide range of industries.

How does nitrogen gas affect fire?

As one of the most abundant elements in the atmosphere, nitrogen gas doesn’t burn under regular circumstances. Because of its relatively low thermal conductivity compared to oxygen and hydrogen, it isn’t likely to combust either. In fact, nitrogen can’t sustain flames at the atmospheric level.

Nitrogen gas is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas. It is neither flammable nor explosive. On the contrary, nitrogen is a fire suppressant that helps regulate oxygen levels and extinguishes flames. Its exposure to flames also doesn’t result in any harmful by-products.

Other gases that don’t catch fire include argon, helium, neon, and other types of inert gases. They are not flammable, explosive, or toxic. However, exposure to extremely high concentrations can result in injuries and fatalities.

What gases are more likely to catch fire?

While nitrogen isn’t combustible or flammable, many other gases can cause or catch fire.

Here are examples of fuel gases that catch fire when they’re exposed to heat, an oxidant, or sources of ignition: acetylene, ammonia, hydrogen, methane, propane, and propylene. Other examples include liquid petroleum gas and refinery gas.

Three essential elements result in fire, flames, or combustion: oxygen, heat, and fuel. Together, these three elements make up a fire triangle. All three must be present in the equation, otherwise, fires aren’t capable of sustaining themselves. 

To extinguish flames, you must address any of these three elements. Since nitrogen reduces oxygen levels, it can help you extinguish fires.

Discover the Various Purposes of Nitrogen Gas

Nitrogen has various functions. For example, gaseous nitrogen can be used as a carrier or nebulization gas in analytical instruments. Meanwhile, liquid nitrogen assists in the preservation of bone marrow, cord blood, heart valves, and other biological materials. It’s also used in different lab equipment such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) instruments.

Industries That Rely on Nitrogen Gas

nexAir has deep skills and experience in dealing with a multitude of companies and industries that rely on nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas is used in the aerospace, automotive, chemical manufacturing, food and beverage, as well as welding and metal fabrication industries. 

To learn more about nitrogen gas and other specialty gases, get in touch with nexAir. We have the technical KnowHow to safely and expertly produce and transport a steady supply of nitrogen gas for your industrial needs. Allow us to help you Forge Forward with precise and quality gases.