New Mars Forums

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,263

Liquid Nitrogen - Production - safe keeping - Applications

Liquid Nitrogen has been proposed in this forum, for various uses.

A tank of LN2 exploded at a local manufacturing plant recently.

There are multiple potential causes, and this web site (apparently from China) provides an overview of requirements for safe handling of the material.

http://www.n2tank.com/news/industrynews … 0causes%3A

(th)

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,263

Re: Liquid Nitrogen - Production - safe keeping - Applications

From the article at:
http://www.n2tank.com/news/industrynews … 0causes%3A

Liquid nitrogen (often written as LN2), nitrogen is formed at low temperature liquid form. Nitrogen boiling point of -196 ° C, the normal atmospheric pressure if the following will form liquid nitrogen; if pressurized, can be higher temperature to get liquid nitrogen. In industry, liquid nitrogen is derived from air fractionation. First air purification, in the pressurized, cooled environment liquefaction, by the air in the different components of the boiling point to be separated. Nitrogen (78.09% of the volume of air) was first vented (and not liquefied), then 0.93% of argon in the air, and finally 20.95% of the oxygen. Liquid nitrogen consumption of natural evaporation every day and night for the 1--1.25 liters, so Sheng liquid nitrogen container should not be too tight to prevent the explosion. Liquid nitrogen tank explosion may be due to high temperature, impact, squeeze. The explosion will occur if the internal pressure increases or the cylinder strength decreases.

  Liquid nitrogen tank explosion causes:
    1. Force causes:
    (1) high temperature and high pressure liquid nitrogen is made by air compression cooling, gasification can be restored to nitrogen. Per liter of liquid nitrogen gasification, the temperature rose 15 ℃, the volume expansion of about 180 times. When the external temperature and pressure beyond the tank should bear the cooling temperature and pressure will occur when the explosion.
     (2) collision vibration liquid nitrogen container tank has a special shock design, in addition to standing storage, but also in the filling state of transport use. But the liquid nitrogen tank in the violent collision and vibration, will cause insulation layer or other parts of the damage, the external environment will directly affect the gasification, causing an explosion.
    (3) poor ventilation ventilation If the use of liquid nitrogen and storage environment ventilation is not good, will cause indoor nitrogen and nitric oxide gas concentration concentration dispersed, to the explosion limit, which led to the explosion.

    2. Quality factors
    (1) improper selection of liquid nitrogen container tank is generally made of pure aluminum foil and stainless steel hot and cold steel plate production, if the main material specifications and quality does not meet the standard requirements, can not meet the conditions of frozen liquid nitrogen, it is likely explosion occurs.
    (2) insulation difference liquid nitrogen tank from the inside and outside the composition of the gallbladder, the appearance of the inner wrapped around the multi-layer insulation, once the reflective material and insulation material off, it will cause the adjacent reflective material and direct contact with the outer bladder, so that the liquid Nitrogen rapidly swells until an explosion occurs.
    (3) valves, instruments and other accessories old aging, self-pressurized liquid nitrogen tank in the long-term use of the process, if the liquid nitrogen tank valves, instruments and other accessories do not pay attention to regular maintenance and replacement, once these accessories aging, The temperature rises or the liquid nitrogen leaks and explodes.

   If you are interested in the liquid nitrogen tanks or need other model, please click on our online customer service, or call us. Pchao, provide  different model of the liquid nitrogen container.
    Welcome sending your inquiry: Phone : +8613273728386
    Email: info@n2tank.com

The explosion of an LN2 tank after delivery to a local manufacturing plant is a reminder to us all that LN2 is held under pressure, so safety valves must be maintained in good working order, and all other needed safety practices followed with care, to avoid injury to workers or damage to property.

(th)

SpaceNut

Administrator

From: New Hampshire

Registered: 2004-07-22

Posts: 29,428

Re: Liquid Nitrogen - Production - safe keeping - Applications

There are lots of LN2 applications and uses that I have seen over the years and its just one reason that pressure vessels/tanks are inspected by states and towns to ensure safe use of the product.

I actually drive by a LN2 plant for work and wonder about its energy needs to pull it from the air and of course they can gather more than just that one gaseous elements.

.

tahanson43206

Moderator

Registered: 2018-04-27

Posts: 19,263

Re: Liquid Nitrogen - Production - safe keeping - Applications

For SpaceNut re #3

First, thank you for giving this new topic your support!  I would note that the explosion at the local plant would have occurred despite inspections by the state and whatever other authorities are in charge in this region.  In addition, I would guess (without having any details at this point) that all personnel involved were experienced in working with the product.  I'll watch for details that may be published in coming days.  It is likely a ** lot ** of attention will be given to this incident.

Second, thank you for the (to me surprising) news that there is an LN2 plant in your area.

That plant is undoubtedly making money.   It is undoubtedly paying salaries to your neighbors, and paying taxes to the state, county and city where it is situated.

This is an opportunity (if you have time and if you are interested) to find out how a capitalist enterprise succeeds in the American economy despite the pressures that are surely bearing down on it's leadership.

You could start by finding out if there is public data recorded for the company.  It may very well be part of a gigantic national or multi-national enterprise.  We have a couple such enterprises in the area, with distribution centers close by.

(th)