Is Nitrogen Flammable (And How To Handle It Safely)?

Nitrogen is not flammable and doesn’t support combustion.

That said, you need to be careful when handling nitrogen because of its large expansion ratio and risks of oxygen displacement in confined spaces.

Below, we discuss nitrogen’s properties that affect its flammability, as well as the key safety guidelines to follow when using it.

Nitrogen Explained: Properties and Behavior

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas used to prevent fires in many industrial settings.

It’s generally an “inert gas”, which means it doesn’t readily react with other substances under normal conditions.

Nitrogen’s Paradox: Enhancing Safety While Posing Risks

In certain situations, nitrogen itself is used for safety purposes. But in other situations, it poses risks.

Nitrogen is useful for safety purposes because it is non-flammable. Power plants use it to purge fuel lines and prevent fires in electrical equipment. It’s also used in pipelines to clean and maintain systems without risking combustion.

Further reading: Nitrogen Purging: Here’s What You Need to Know

But here’s the catch – while nitrogen won’t burn and isn’t considered an explosion hazard, it can create dangerous situations by displacing oxygen. This can lead to asphyxiation in confined spaces, which is why proper ventilation and monitoring systems are crucial.

Risks can also stem from improper storage. Nitrogen is stored at pressures of 10 to 3,000 psig (0.7 to 207 bar), though the range can expand to 10,000 psig (690 bar). In case of inadequate storage, this high pressure can cause a pressurized nitrogen jet, which is strong enough to rupture pipes or cause serious injury.

Tip: your facility may benefit from a well-built nitrogen pump.

Liquid Nitrogen Comes with Risk

Liquid nitrogen – which is commonly used in cryogenics and industrial cooling – has its own set of risks.

Nitrogen liquefies at extremely cold temperatures (-196°C), so direct contact with it can cause severe cold burns and frostbite.

If liquid nitrogen is discharged (e.g., as a result of a leak), it can create vapor clouds that might cause asphyxiation – even in outdoor areas – if the cloud is large and nitrogen-rich enough.

How To Avoid Nitrogen Hazards: Best Practices for Handling and Storage

While nitrogen is not combustible, it’s important to safely handle it and completely adhere to safety protocols.

The key best practices to follow include:

• Inspecting and maintaining your equipment: storage tanks need regular inspection and maintenance, while distribution systems must include appropriate safety valves and monitoring equipment.
• Using personal protective equipment: workers handling nitrogen should always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including long-sleeve shirts, trousers without cuffs, and safety glasses.
• Following established safety procedures: outline policies and procedures for working in well-ventilated areas and using oxygen monitors when working in confined spaces.
• Conducting regular training: effective training is essential for anyone working with nitrogen systems. This includes understanding the gas’s properties, recognizing danger signs, and knowing emergency response procedures in case of nitrogen hazards.

Make Sure You Use Nitrogen Safely

While nitrogen is non-flammable and useful for many industrial applications, proper safety measures are crucial.

Understanding potential risks helps ensure safe operations in power plants, pipelines, and other industrial settings.

Regular training, proper equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential for preventing accidents and protecting workers.

With a well-defined and enforced set of guidelines, you can get the most out of nitrogen without hazards.