What Is Nitrogen Purging?
Nitrogen purging is a procedure that uses nitrogen gas to remove unwanted gases and impurities from a manufacturing system. Nitrogen is ideal for this process because it’s non-combustible and efficiently displaces oxygen and moisture without creating an unstable and dangerous atmosphere. By eliminating residual gas from a pipeline, you eliminate the risk of flammable mixtures developing and improve safety at your facility.
Common Pipeline Nitrogen Purging Procedures
Multiple nitrogen purging techniques are available; the ideal method depends on the system being purged and the location of outlets and inlets. Here are the four main nitrogen purging system strategies:
Displacement Purging
Displacement purging is easy to perform and ideal for systems that feature straightforward cross-sections. This method uses a pigging procedure and drives a bullet-shaped object through the pipeline to remove gaseous impurities. The system’s size and volume determine how much nitrogen is needed. This method is preferred because it doesn’t require any appreciable mixing.
Dilution Purging
Dilution purging is the preferred method for complex systems that feature kilns, columns, and reactors. This method combines nitrogen with the gas being purged and injects the mixture from the pipeline’s entry point to its exit point. The dilution purging method creates a more inert environment, but making sure the entry and exit points are far apart is critical for getting the best results.
Pressure-Hold Vacuum
The pressure-hold vacuum method works well with systems that feature a single vent. This procedure involves pressurizing the pipeline with nitrogen, diluting the vessel, and venting the gaseous combination. The amount of nitrogen used depends on how many times the process is repeated to remove contaminants.
Pressure Liquid Transfer
Consider using the pressure liquid transfer method when purging systems with space constraints. This procedure uses nitrogen gas to conduct liquids without an external pump. Pressure liquid transfer effectively pressurizes and purges the vessel to reduce the risk of oxidation.
Industries That Benefit From Nitrogen Purging
Many industrial processes are moisture-sensitive and require an oxygen-deficient atmosphere to maintain product quality. Some of the industries that benefit from regular pipeline nitrogen purging procedures include:
Metal Fabrication
The metal fabrication industry uses nitrogen purging to remove oxygen and other compounds that impact quality in stainless steel tube welding processes.
Oil and Gas
Nitrogen purging is a critical process in the oil and gas industry because it increases worker safety by removing oxygen and eliminating the risk of it mixing with hydrocarbons.
Chemical
Unnecessary gases in chemical industrial processes increases the risk of product alteration and damage to valuable equipment. Regular nitrogen and reactor purging eliminates unwanted impurities and maintains workplace safety.
Food and Beverage
Increasing product shelf life is critical for the food and beverage industry. Nitrogen purging displaces oxygen in packaging, which maintains food quality and removes unwanted gases from beverage piping systems.
Enhance Your Pipeline Nitrogen Purging Procedures With Oxygen Service Company
Employee safety is a top priority for any industry, and partnering with the right nitrogen service provider gives you peace of mind knowing your systems are clean. OSC has decades of experience with various nitrogen pumping systems and works with clients to make sure their facilities are safe. Our expert team performs onsite tests of your vessels using the latest technology, including:
High-Pressure Nitrogen Pumps
Nitrogen alone isn’t enough to purge a pipeline; it also needs to be delivered at specific pressures to eliminate impurities. We use high-pressure nitro pumps that allow our team to slowly raise the pressure of synthesized nitrogen gas to the necessary levels before purging.
Nitrogen Pumping Units
Nitrogen pumping units play an important role in purging by converting liquid nitrogen into gas. Our temperature-controlled pumping equipment is available 24/7 and has the following specifications:
- 180,000 cubic feet per hour
- 250,000 cubic feet capacity
- Unlimited volume capacities
Nitrogen Pumping Trucks
As an industry-leading provider of nitrogen purging solutions, we maintain a fleet of pumping trucks that serve a 500-mile radius from our St. Paul headquarters. We frequently communicate with our clients to make sure the trucks arrive with the right equipment to quickly purge your system.
Nitrogen Purge Regulators
Testing for leaks is another key element of the nitrogen purging process. We offer nitrogen purge regulators designed to meet the needs of any industry and create a safe environment for employees.
Our Bulk Nitrogen Delivery System
Many businesses rely on nitrogen for their daily operations, and running out of gas creates business disruptions. OSC’s bulk gas delivery system brings cylinders right to your company’s doorstep. Partnering with us increases productivity by eliminating cylinder handling, product run-outs, and inventory management problems.
OSC: Providing Nitrogen Purging Services and More Since 1959
OSC has been an industry-leading provider of welding, gas, dry ice, and robotic automation solutions for over 60 years. We’re a family-owned and operated company dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers by adhering to our five core values:
- Getting things done
- Staying professional
- Maintaining a customer-first mindset
- Staying positive
- Doing the right thing
Our expert team uses their decades of experience to help our clients make the best decision for their businesses. Contact us today and see how our nitrogen purging services raise productivity for our customers.
