Where Do You Get Nitrogen?

Nitrogen mainly comes from the Earth’s atmosphere, where it makes up 78% of the air we breathe. While it’s all around us, converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms requires specific processes and technology.

In this guide, we discuss these processes to show you where nitrogen for industrial and commercial uses comes from. We’ll also show you how to choose the right nitrogen source depending on the specifics of your operations.

WestAir supplies nitrogen across California and Arizona.

Natural Abundance and Atmospheric Extraction of Nitrogen

The air around us is nature’s biggest nitrogen reservoir. When you need nitrogen for industrial or commercial applications, the most practical approach is to extract it directly from the atmosphere.

Modern extraction methods have made this process efficient and cost-effective. The three main methods for extracting nitrogen from the air are:

1. Pressure swing adsorption (PSA)
2. Membrane separation
3. Cryogenic distillation

Each method has its sweet spot in terms of application, purity requirements, and production volume – so let’s take a closer look at them.

Further Reading: Is Nitrogen a Greenhouse Gas?

Industrial Production Methods: Finding the Right Fit

PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) systems work like a molecular sieve. They use specialized materials that trap oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases while letting nitrogen pass through.

This method is particularly useful for medium-scale operations that need reliable, on-site nitrogen generation. It’s more cost-effective than buying liquid nitrogen for many applications and can achieve purities up to 99.999%.

Membrane separation uses hollow fiber membranes to filter out unwanted gases. This method is great for applications that don’t require ultra-high purity levels and prefer a continuous, maintenance-friendly operation.

Finally, cryogenic distillation comes into play when you need the highest purity levels or large volumes. This process involves cooling air until it liquefies, then separating the components based on their different boiling points.

Commercial Sources and Supply Options

Businesses looking for nitrogen have several supply options to choose from. The right choice depends on your volume requirements, purity needs, and operational setup.

Here are the most popular options and their key benefits:

• Bulk liquid nitrogen delivery: this option is ideal for high-volume users. The nitrogen is stored in large cryogenic tanks and regularly replenished by your gas supplier.
• Gas cylinders: Individual cylinders work well for smaller volumes or occasional use. They’re portable and don’t require special storage equipment beyond proper safety measures.
• On-site generation: Generating your own nitrogen using PSA or membrane systems can be the most cost-effective option for medium to large-scale continuous users. While the initial investment is higher, the long-term operating costs are typically lower.

Making the Right Choice for Your Operation

When choosing the right nitrogen source, consider these factors:

• Required purity level for your application
• The volume of nitrogen needed
• Frequency of use
• Available space for storage or generation equipment
• Initial budget vs. long-term operating costs

If you need help evaluating these factors, find a reputable supplier you can consult. They can analyze your usage patterns and requirements to recommend the best option.

The most fitting solution often comes down to understanding your specific application. For example, food packaging might need different purity levels than tire inflation, while medical applications have their own strict requirements.

Your nitrogen needs might change over time, so starting with cylinders and transitioning to on-site generation as your business grows is a common pathway to follow.

Find the Right Source of Nitrogen for Your Operations

Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, or any other industry, there’s an optimal nitrogen solution for your needs. By choosing the right one and getting nitrogen from a trusted vendor, you’ll have a reliable, cost-effective nitrogen supply that meets your quality requirements while fitting your operational structure.

Regardless of where your nitrogen comes from, regular maintenance and monitoring of your supply system is crucial for maintaining efficiency and reliability. The right supplier can help establish the right maintenance schedule for your setup to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Nick Vasco

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