Five Every Day Uses of Nitrogen

Gases
Nitrogen is one of those gases we all have likely heard about but know very
little about. It is the 7th most abundantly found element of the entire solar
system. Almost 80% of the earth’s atmosphere is made up of this gas. In terms
of mass, nitrogen gases make up around 3% of the human body and after
oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen it is the most relevant element in the body. We
can also find it in the nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) of our very makeup and it
is also essential in cell growth, energy production, and many other body
processes. As if this all was not amazing enough, nitrogen influences our lives
every day in the way it is used in various industries. The chemical industry uses
this gas in the production of fertilizers, nylon, nitric acid, dyes, medicines, and
explosives. Here are the five applications of nitrogen in everyday life.

Preservation of Food
Nitrogen gases are used for generating an altered or man-made atmosphere
condition where it is applied with carbon dioxide to help aid in the preservation
of packaged or bulk foods. It helps with food preservation by safeguarding
against oxidative damage which causes the decay and breakdown that causes
food to spoil. Pure nitrogen is also classified as a food additive by the European
Union with the E number of E941.

Use in
Pharmaceuticals
This gas has shown to be very influential in chemical reactions and compounds
and has been used, and still is being used, extensively in the pharmaceutical
industry. Many people are surprised to find that nitrogen can be found in some
amount in every major pharmacological drug class. It can also be used in other
gas mixes and compounds for other medicinal uses, such as what is seen with
nitrous oxide being used as an anesthetic. Nitrogen gases can also be used to
preserve sperm, egg, nerves, blood, stem cells, and various other biological
specimens.

Application in the Manufacturing

Industry
Nitrogen can also be used in the manufacturing field. It is commonly used for
shrinking fittings so they can be inserted and used easily and then as they return
to normal temperature they expand to form a tight-fitting connection that could
not have been achieved otherwise. It can also be used in liquid form and is
applied in a number of projects including tunnel creation and excavation during
manufacturing and construction work. Nitrogen is also at the heart of new
advances in technology and construction and manufacturing processes.

Use of Nitrogen Gases in Electronics

Nitrogen is even used in many electronics or the manufacturing of them. It is
used in the internal workings of many computers and helps to prevent them
from overheating and burning themselves up after hours of continuous use. It is
widely used in the fire suppression systems for Information Technology (IT)
equipment since normal water and extinguisher methods are not usually or
effective in these types of situations. Nitrogen is also used X-ray detectors
and other electronics used in the medical field!
 Nitrogen Gases
and Stainless Steel
Nitrogen has proven to be a versatile and useful gas and it has even found its
place with applications such as a purging gas in the steel industry. It is used to
help remove impurities during the production of stainless steel and is part of the
reason for the clean corrosion resistant qualities of the steel. It also finds
application serving as what is known as a shielding gas, which helps to
safeguarding technological processes against the corrosive process of oxidation.
Nitrogen gas has proven to be not only plentiful but very beneficial for several
key applications and industrial uses. To learn more about what this gas can do
for you, call our experts today and let us show you why US Gas is a leader for
industrial gases, including nitrogen!