Chemical Symbol: N2
Synonyms: LIN
Description
Nitrogen is colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, inert and represents
78.08 percent of the atmosphere. Nitrogen is nonflammable and does
not support combustion. It is slightly soluble in water and most other
liquids. Nitrogen does not conduct heat and electricity well.
Uses
Nitrogen has a wide range of uses. As a gas it is used for heat treatment,
blanketing of oxygen sensitive liquids, production of semiconductor
electronic components, blowing of foam type plastic, food processing
and packing, inhibition of aerobic bacteria growth and magnesium reduction
of aluminum scrap. It is also used for pressurizing aircraft tires
and emergency bottles to operate landing gear, as well as purging of
air-conditioners, refrigerators, electronic devices, high-voltage compression
cables and pipelines.
Liquid nitrogen is used for freezing of perishable foods, deflashing
of rubber tires, cooling of concrete, cooling of electronic equipment,
pulverizing plastics and simulating the conditions in outer space.
Furthermore, liquid nitrogen can be used for freezing of liquids in
pipelines for emergencies, low temperature stabilization and hardening
of metals, preservation of blood, sperm and other biologicals and refrigeration
of foods, as well as in missile and space programs.
