The chemical element nitrogen, which is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and mostly inert diatomic gas, is stored and transported in specialised nitrogen cylinders. Commercial nitrogen, which is one of the varieties present in nitrogen cylinders, is often a by-product of air-processing for industrial concentration of oxygen for steel making and other purposes. When supplied compressed in nitrogen cylinders it is often referred to oxygen free nitrogen (OFN).
Nitrogen cylinders, which contain nitrogen stored at a high pressure, have in recent years begun to replace carbon dioxide as the main power source for paint ball guns. The downside to this conversion however is that nitrogen must be kept at higher pressure than Co2, making N2 tanks heavier and more expensive.
Nitrogen gas has a wide variety of uses across a number of industries, including serving as an inert replacement for air where oxidation is undesirable. Nitrogen is also used to aid in the preserve freshness of pre-packaged foods, as well as being used as an alternative to argon in light bulbs and being used in military aircraft fuel systems to reduce fire hazard.
Nitrogen, like all other controlled gases, needs to be handled with care. When handling or storing a nitrogen cylinder that is not in use, it must be ensured that the valve is closed. Never transport or store the cylinder with the regulator fitted valve. With nitrogen you will be working with gases stored at high pressures. The pressures are high enough to cause serious injury or death. Nitrogen is an asphyxiate – it will suffocate you in high concentrations. Always adhere to BCGA safety regulations while working with these cylinders. Compressed nitrogen cylinders should always be handled with care to avoid accidents.