How Is Nitrogen Stored?

Nitrogen is stored as a compressed gas in high-pressure cylinders or as a liquid in cryogenic tanks at -196°C (-320.8°F). Cryogenic tanks handle large-scale storage. Cylinders cover smaller quantities.

Below, we break down the main storage methods, plus the safety basics you need to get right.

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How Is Liquid Nitrogen Stored?

Below, we cover the small-scale and large-scale storage options for liquid nitrogen.

Small-Scale Storage Options

Dewars are the go-to storage solution for smaller amounts of liquid nitrogen. These specialized containers come in various sizes (typically ranging from 1 to 400 liters), which makes them ideal for laboratories and medical facilities.

Dewars have a cylindrical body with a tapered neck. That shape minimizes heat intrusion and slows evaporation.

Dewars use layered insulation: vacuum insulation combined with aluminum foil and glass paper to hold -196°C (-320.8°F).

Think of a thermos keeping your coffee hot. Dewars are the industrial-strength version of that same vacuum flask tech, dating back to 1892.

Large-Scale Storage Options

For storage of large volumes of liquid nitrogen, cryogenic storage tanks are the industry standard. These tanks are designed to hold thousands of liters of liquid nitrogen and are commonly found in industrial plants, food processing facilities, and research institutions that need a continuous supply.

These tanks are built from high-grade stainless steel with double-walled, vacuum-layer insulation. Many also add multi-layer insulation (MLI) with reflective aluminum foil to cut thermal conductivity even further.

To ensure safe and efficient operation, large-scale tanks are equipped with pressure relief valves, level sensors, and venting systems that manage internal pressure and prevent over-pressurization.

Nitrogen Gas Storage Methods

Nitrogen in gas form requires different storage methods than its liquid counterpart. You should use high-pressure cylinders for storing nitrogen gas.

These cylinders are built from carbon steel or aluminum and handle pressures up to several thousand PSI. Sizes range from 20 to 300 cubic feet, so you can match the cylinder to the job.

High-pressure cylinders also feature specialized valves and regulators that control the flow of gas and ensure safe operation.

Advanced Storage Technologies: Nitrogen Vapor Freezers

If you’re looking for high-end nitrogen storage solutions, you can opt for a specialized option like a nitrogen vapor freezer. These systems store samples in nitrogen vapor instead of liquid, offering precise temperature control in the range of -150°C (-238°F) to -190°C (-310°F).

These freezers come with advanced monitoring and backup systems to lock in consistent temperatures. Research facilities and biobanks rely on them when even small temperature swings put samples at risk.

Vapor phase storage offers many benefits over liquid storage:

• Reduced cross-contamination risk: samples sit above the liquid nitrogen in the vapor zone, holding cryogenic temperatures without any direct liquid contact.
• Easier access to stored materials: no need to work around submerged samples.
• Better sample integrity: DNA, RNA, cell cultures, and blood components stay safe from liquid immersion that might compromise them.

Storage Safety Considerations

Proper safety protocols and measures are essential when storing nitrogen in any form. The most important ones include:

• Pressure relief mechanisms: all storage containers must be equipped with pressure relief mechanisms to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.
• Adequate training: personnel handling nitrogen storage systems must be properly trained in safety procedures and emergency protocols. This includes understanding the risks of oxygen displacement and the proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Effective ventilation: storage areas need proper ventilation so a nitrogen leak doesn’t silently displace oxygen. This is a life-threatening hazard.
• Install oxygen monitors: in the event of a nitrogen leak, an oxygen monitor provides an early warning of oxygen depletion.
• Ongoing monitoring: regular monitoring of storage systems is crucial and includes checking pressure levels, inspecting for damage or wear, and ensuring proper ventilation in storage areas.

Effectively Store Your Nitrogen

Now that you know how to store nitrogen gas and liquid nitrogen, you can choose the right method for your specific nitrogen use case(s). From compact dewars used in labs to massive cryogenic tanks for industrial applications, each solution offers unique advantages depending on the purpose and scale.

Prioritize pressure relief systems, staff training, and proper ventilation. That’s what keeps operations running and people safe.

Further Reading: Where Do You Get Nitrogen?

Nick Vasco

Nick is an experienced B2B writer who brings his skill for crafting clear, easily digestible content to the industrial gas space.