Nitrogen Cylinder

Nitrogen is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas, whose molecule consists of two nitrogen atoms (the chemical formula is N2). Nitrogen, the fourth most abundant element in the Solar System (after hydrogen, helium and oxygen) and one of the most abundant elements on Earth, makes up most of the Earth's atmosphere, where its content is estimated at 75.6 % (by mass) or 78.084 % (by volume), it is also contained in the Earth's crust and world ocean waters. Nitrogen is liquefied at -195.8 °C and takes the form of a colorless, water-like liquid, it freezes at -209.86°C, turning into a snow-like mass or large snow-white crystals. Gaseous nitrogen is obtained from atmospheric air by low-temperature rectification.

APPLICATION:

Cylinders are not hazardous cargo until they are taken into use, but in any case they should be transported in conditions that exclude mechanical damage. Cylinders filled with gaseous nitrogen shall be transported by all modes of transport in accordance with cargo carriage regulations applicable to this mode of transport, as well as safety rules for transportation of dangerous goods by rail. Cylinders may be transported in special containers, as well as without containers in an upright position, always with spacers between them and secured against possible falling. The cylinders must be transported with caps screwed on.

Cylinders designed for storage and transportation of gaseous nitrogen must not be used for storage and transportation of other gases, and it is prohibited to perform any operations that may contaminate their internal surface and degrade the physical and chemical properties of the gas. It is forbidden to make any modifications to the cylinder bodies using welding or mechanical tools, which can lead to damage to the integrity or appearance of defects that degrade the technical characteristics of the cylinders. When using cylinders for gaseous nitrogen it is not allowed to install them in the places of people passage, movement of goods and passage of vehicles. Cylinders must be located at least 1 m away from radiators and other heating devices and at least 5 m from heat sources with open flame. When working in a nitrogen atmosphere, it is necessary to use oxygen insulating devices or a hose gas mask. The nominal pressure of nitrogen at 20 °C in the cylinders should be (15.0±0.5) MPa (150±5) kgf/cm2 or (20.0±1.0) MPa (200±10) kgf/cm2. The gas in the cylinders must not be completely consumed when in use. The residual gas pressure in the cylinder must be at least 0.05 MPa (0.5 kgf/cm2). Also, when using, it is always necessary to remember that the pressure of nitrogen in the cylinder changes with the temperature. For example, a cylinder filled with nitrogen at a temperature of +20 °C to a pressure of 150 kgf/cm2, when the temperature rises to +30 °C will have a pressure of 157 kgf/cm2, and when lowering to 0 °C - 136 kgf/cm2, to -20 °C - 122 kgf/cm2, to -40°C - 109 kgf/cm2.

Cylinders with gaseous nitrogen can be stored both in special rooms and in the open air, in the latter case they must be protected from atmospheric precipitation and sunlight. Cylinders filled with gaseous nitrogen may be stored in open areas together with other air separation products provided that the storage areas are separated from each other by non-combustible barriers with a height of 1.5 m, joint storage with cylinders filled with combustible gases is also allowed, provided that the storage areas are separated from each other by non-combustible protective walls not less than 2.5 m high. Storage of cylinders should be carried out with the caps screwed on.