Nitrogen Liquid
Liquid nitrogen is inert, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, nonflammable, and extremely cold. Nitrogen makes up the major portion of the atmosphere (78.03% by volume, 75.5% by weight). Nitrogen is inert and will not support combustion; however, it is not life supporting. Nitrogen is inert except when heated to very high temperatures where it combines with some of the more active metals, such as lithium and magnesium, to form nitrides. It will also combine with oxygen to form oxides of nitrogen and, when combined with hydrogen in the presence of catalysts, will form ammonia.
Handling and Storage
Store and use this product with adequate ventilation. Do not store in a confined space. Cryogenic containers are equipped with pressure relief devices to control internal pressure. Under normal conditions, these containers will periodically vent product. Do not plug, remove, or tamper with any pressure relief device. Never allow any unprotected part of the body to come in contact with uninsulated pipes or equipment that contains cryogenic product. The extremely cold metal will cause the flesh to stick fast and tear when one attempts to withdraw from it. Use a suitable hand truck for container movement. Containers should be handled and stored in an upright position. Do not drop, tip, or roll containers on their sides. Do not remove or interchange connections. Contact the vendor if you experience any difficulty operating the container valve or with the container connections. Discontinue use. Use the proper connection. DO NOT USE ADAPTERS!
Use piping and equipment designed to withstand the pressures to be encountered. On gas withdrawal systems, use a check valve or other protective apparatus in any line or piping from the container to prevent reverse flow. To prevent cryogenic liquids or cold gas from being trapped in piping between valves, the piping should be equipped with pressure relief devices. Only transfer lines designed for use with cryogenic liquids should be used. Some elastomers and metals such as carbon steel may become brittle at low temperatures and will easily fracture. These materials must be avoided in cryogenic service. It is recommended that all vents be piped to the exterior of the building or to a well ventilated indoor space.
