Nitrogen purity grades for different industrial applications！

Due to its inert nature, gaseous nitrogen can be used in a variety of purging, covering and flushing operations. Depending on the type of process involved, different levels of nitrogen purity are required to meet unique manufacturing needs.

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What is Nitrogen Purity?

Nitrogen purity is the percentage of nitrogen present in a sample taken from its stream compared to the impurities present. Nitrogen can be classified as high or low purity based on the ratio of pure gas to contaminants such as oxygen, water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

This classification based on nitrogen concentration plays a key role in determining the suitability of nitrogen for any industrial process.

High Purity vs. Low Purity Nitrogen

The purity of a nitrogen sample is determined by the percentage/concentration of pure nitrogen in it. For a gas to be categorized as high purity, it must contain at least 99.998% nitrogen, whereas lower purity nitrogen typically contains a higher percentage of impurities.

High Purity Nitrogen

Gaseous nitrogen with a concentration above 99.998% is considered a high purity fraction. High purity nitrogen can be graded in different ways by different manufacturers, but they are mostly considered &#;zero grade&#; fractions. Zero-grade high-purity nitrogen is categorized as such because they contain hydrocarbon impurities of less than 0.5 parts per million.

Other key characteristics of high purity nitrogen are:

Oxygen concentration &#; 0.5 ppm

Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide not more than 1.0 ppm

Moisture not greater than 3 ppm

Low purity nitrogen

Nitrogen with a purity of 90% to slightly less than 99.9% is considered low purity.

Nitrogen Purity Classification

The classification of pure nitrogen is accomplished through a grading system using numbers within each lowest purity grade. The first number of each grade refers to the number of &#;nines&#; that appear within it, while the second number represents the number after the last nine digits.

Purity grades of nitrogen are categorized as N2.0, N3.0, N4.0, N5.0, N6.0, and N7.0.

What is ultra-high purity nitrogen?

Ultrahigh-purity nitrogen is nitrogen with a concentration of 99.999% and negligible impurities. Nitrogen specifications are stringent and variations invalidate the classification.

The gas must not contain more than two parts per million by volume (ppmv) of oxygen, 0.5 parts per million by volume of total hydrocarbons, and one part per million by volume of moisture). Nitrogen is commonly used for scientific applications.

What is oxygen-free nitrogen?

Oxygen free nitrogen (OFN) is defined as gaseous nitrogen containing no more than 0.5 parts per million (ppm) of oxygen. OFN gases are typically maintained at 99.998% purity. This grade of nitrogen is used in scientific research and calibration processes where oxygen impurities may alter results or cause incorrect results.

Nitrogen Purity Levels by Industry/Application

As mentioned above, the concentration of nitrogen required for different industrial processes varies greatly. The key consideration in selecting a nitrogen grade is the effect of impurities on the chosen application. Sensitivity to moisture, oxygen and other contaminants are key factors to consider.

Food Grade Nitrogen / Beverage Grade Nitrogen

Nitrogen is commonly used in different steps of food/beverage production, packaging and storage. Nitrogen in food packaging and processing is used to maintain the shelf life of processed foods/beverages by eliminating food oxidants, preserving flavor and preventing rancidity. The purity required for food grade nitrogen is typically in the range of 98-99.5%.

Pharmaceutical Grade Nitrogen

Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes require high purity to prevent contamination and alteration of the final product. Many pharmaceuticals require high grade nitrogen with purities between 97-99.99%. This high to ultra-high purity nitrogen is used to cover nitrogen tanks, containers and other drug manufacturing equipment.

High purity nitrogen is also used in pharmaceutical packaging to help maintain freshness and prevent deterioration of active ingredients.

Gaseous nitrogen with 95-99% purity is used in the oil and gas industry to reduce the risk of fire and explosion during the process. Inerting chemical storage tanks and purging pipelines with gaseous nitrogen helps minimize the risk of sudden combustion of their contents.

Pipeline maintenance services often use pressurized nitrogen for pipeline cleaning and pipeline decommissioning processes.

Industrial Nitrogen Grade Purity

Some industrial applications and their nitrogen grade requirements are outlined below.

Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing Grade Nitrogen

Typical nitrogen content requirements in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing are usually at least 99.99-99.999%. Some processes such as parts cleaning and adhesive coverage use lower concentrations of nitrogen (95-99.5%).

Plastics Manufacturing Grade Nitrogen

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Nitrogen grade requirements for plastics synthesis are 95-98% for injection molding, 99.5% for gas-assisted injection molding, and 98-99.5% for blown film extrusion.

Metal processing grade nitrogen

The nitrogen content of metal processing grade varies greatly, from 95-99% for heat treatment to 99-99.999% for laser cutting process.

Power generation grade nitrogen

Nitrogen in the 95-99.6% range is required for power generation processes such as air seal blowdown, boiler lining, natural gas pipeline blowdown and water softening overlay.

Nitrogen purity is a critical parameter in many industrial and scientific processes, affecting everything from semiconductor manufacturing to food preservation. Understanding nitrogen purity grades and their applications can help businesses and researchers select the right type of nitrogen for their needs, ensuring efficiency and compliance with industry standards.

In this article, we&#;ll delve into the different purity grades of nitrogen, explore their specific applications, and discuss how to choose the right grade for your needs. Whether you&#;re involved in high-tech manufacturing or everyday laboratory work, this guide will provide valuable insights into the role of nitrogen purity in your operations.

What is Nitrogen Purity?

Nitrogen purity refers to the percentage of nitrogen in a gas mixture compared to other components, such as oxygen, water vapor, or hydrocarbons. It&#;s usually expressed as a percentage, with higher values indicating greater purity. Purity is crucial because it impacts the effectiveness and safety of various applications. For instance, in semiconductor manufacturing, even trace impurities can cause defects, so ultra-high purity nitrogen is required.

Nitrogen Purity Grades

High Purity Nitrogen (99.999% and above)

• Characteristics: Contains minimal impurities, typically less than 5 ppm (parts per million).
• Applications: Used in semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace where even trace contaminants can affect the process or product quality.

Industrial Grade Nitrogen (99% to 99.9%)

• Characteristics

  : Contains higher levels of impurities than high purity nitrogen, but still suitable for many industrial processes.

• Applications: Commonly used in chemical manufacturing, food packaging, and metal processing where high purity is not as critical.

General Purpose Nitrogen (90% to 99%)

• Characteristics

  : Suitable for general applications where high purity is not required.

• Applications: Employed in laboratories, construction, and oil and gas industries where the primary concern is to create an inert atmosphere.

Purity Testing and Certification

The purity of nitrogen is tested using various methods, such as gas chromatography, which measures the concentration of impurities in the nitrogen gas. Certifications, like those from ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), ensure that the nitrogen meets specific quality standards.

• High Purity Nitrogen: According to industry standards, nitrogen with a purity of 99.999% is considered ultra-high purity. This level of purity is necessary for applications where even the smallest impurity can cause significant issues .
• Industrial Grade Nitrogen: Typically contains up to ppm of impurities, which is sufficient for many industrial processes but not for applications requiring ultra-high purity .

Applications of Nitrogen Purity Grades

High Purity Nitrogen (99.999% and above)

• Semiconductor Industry: Used in the production of microchips where contaminants can affect performance and reliability. The purity levels required are among the highest to ensure defect-free products .
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Ensures the integrity of sensitive chemical processes and drug formulations. High purity nitrogen is critical for maintaining sterile conditions and preventing contamination .
• Aerospace Industry: Used in the manufacturing and testing of aerospace components where the atmosphere needs to be controlled to prevent corrosion or degradation .

Industrial Grade Nitrogen (99% to 99.9%)

• Chemical Manufacturing: Acts as an inert gas in chemical reactions to prevent unwanted oxidation or reactions with air .
• Food and Beverage Industry: Utilized in packaging to extend shelf life by displacing oxygen and preventing spoilage .
• Metallurgical Industry: Employed in heat treatment processes to provide an inert atmosphere and prevent oxidation of metals .

General Purpose Nitrogen (90% to 99%)

• Laboratory Applications: Provides an inert environment for various experiments where high purity is not essential .
• Oil and Gas Industry: Used for pipeline inerting and maintenance to avoid explosive atmospheres .
• Construction and Maintenance: Helps create a controlled atmosphere during construction activities to prevent contamination .

Factors Influencing Nitrogen Purity Requirements

Industry-Specific Requirements

• Semiconductor and Electronics: Ultra-high purity nitrogen (99.999% and above) is required to prevent contamination that could affect the quality and reliability of semiconductor devices.
• Pharmaceuticals: High purity nitrogen is essential to maintain the integrity of pharmaceutical products and ensure compliance with stringent quality standards.
• Food and Beverage: Industrial grade nitrogen (99% to 99.9%) is sufficient for food packaging, where it helps in preserving freshness and extending shelf life.

Cost Considerations

Purity vs. Cost: Higher purity nitrogen is more expensive due to the additional processing required. For applications where high purity is not crucial, opting for industrial or general-purpose nitrogen can be cost-effective without compromising on performance.

Environmental and Safety Standards

Regulatory Compliance: Different industries have specific regulations governing nitrogen purity to ensure safety and environmental protection. Compliance with these standards is essential to avoid legal and operational issues.

Application Sensitivity

• Precision Requirements: Applications requiring high precision, such as semiconductor manufacturing, necessitate the use of high purity nitrogen to avoid any impact on the final product.
• General Use: For less sensitive applications, such as inerting in pipelines or general laboratory work, lower purity levels can be used effectively without compromising the outcome.

Choosing the Right Nitrogen Purity

Selecting the appropriate nitrogen purity involves assessing your specific needs:

1. Assessing Your Needs: Consider the criticality of purity for your process. High-tech applications require higher purity, while general use can tolerate lower grades.
2. Consulting with Experts: Professional advice can help in selecting the right purity level and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations .

Future Trends in Nitrogen Purity

1. Technological Advancements: Innovations in nitrogen purification technologies are making it more efficient and cost-effective to achieve ultra-high purity levels .
2. Evolving Standards: Industry standards are continuously evolving, impacting purity requirements and applications .

To select the right nitrogen purity, assess the specific needs of your application and consult with experts to ensure compliance and optimize performance. Minnuo as a professional nitrogen plant manufacturer and supplier, our professional engineers can help you choose the right nitrogen purity and nitrogen plant, then contact us quickly!

FAQs

Industrial grade nitrogen is used in chemical manufacturing, food packaging, and metal processing where high purity is not as critical.

Assess your specific application requirements and consult with industry experts to select the appropriate nitrogen purity level.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Lab Nitrogen Generator​. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.