Nitrogen gas (GN2) is nitrogen in its gaseous state at room temperature and pressure, making up 78% of the atmosphere. Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is nitrogen cooled below its boiling point of -195.8°C. In laboratory use, the two serve entirely different functions: liquid nitrogen is used for cryopreservation and biological sample storage; nitrogen gas is used for blanketing, purging, and inerting applications in chemistry and manufacturing.
Conversion and expansion
When liquid nitrogen vaporises, it expands to approximately 700 times its liquid volume as nitrogen gas. This expansion is both useful — driving pressure in autofill systems — and hazardous, as it rapidly displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces. HSE sets the safe minimum oxygen concentration at 19.5%, making oxygen monitoring mandatory in any room housing LN2 storage vessels. Cryolab supplies liquid nitrogen storage tanks to laboratories and fertility clinics worldwide.
Cryolab supplies liquid nitrogen storage tanks and cryogenic equipment worldwide. Visit cryolab.co.uk or call 01243 781 121.
