Thermal analysis using liquid nitrogen (LN2) involves utilizing its extremely low boiling point of -196°C (77 K) for cooling, material characterization, and rapid heat removal in engineering and scientific applications. The use of liquid nitrogen prevents oxidation and contamination of sensitive samples during analysis and provides an environmentally friendly alternative compared to some chemical refrigerants.
The Use of Liquid Nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen, due to its extremely low boiling point (-196°C) and high cooling efficiency, can achieve rapid and controllable low-temperature environments, making it an indispensable refrigerant in the field of thermal analysis.
Key Applications of Thermal Analysis
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): uses liquid nitrogen to accurately detect the glass transition, cold crystallization, and low-temperature phase transition of materials below -180°C; thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is used to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion and phase transition volume change of materials from cryogenic to room temperature; dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA) is used to study the viscoelastic behavior of materials at low temperatures.
Surface Area Analysis (BET): nitrogen is used as an adsorbate at -193°C for the measurement of specific surface areas and pore size distributions in porous materials.
Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA): enables cooling the analyzer to cryogenic temperatures for measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion, glass transition, and thermal stress in materials, often used to simulate real-world cold conditions.
Low-Temperature X-ray Diffraction (LT-XRD): cools samples to study changes in crystal structure, phase transition behaviors, or to reduce thermal vibrations for high-resolution data in materials research.
On-Site Generation Benefits for Thermal Analysis Applications
Traditionally, dewar deliveries have been the most common method for obtaining a liquid nitrogen supply. These days, many organisations are opting for a more predictable and reliable supply method through on‑site generation.
Reasons for choosing an LN₂ generator include:
Safety: a liquid nitrogen generator eliminates the need for manual handling of heavy dewars and reduces the risks associated with high‑pressure cylinders. On‑site generation allows LN₂ to be produced at low pressure and stored safely, improving overall laboratory safety.
Continuous supply: generators provide a steady, uninterrupted supply of liquid nitrogen, removing the risk of running out mid‑experiment or waiting on delivery schedules. This is especially important for thermal analysis instruments that require consistent cryogenic cooling.
Sustainability: by producing liquid nitrogen on demand, facilities reduce the carbon footprint associated with delivering and transporting dewars. On‑site systems consume only the energy needed for generation and remove the emissions linked to delivery vehicles.
Cost‑effectiveness: on‑site generation eliminates recurring delivery charges, rental fees, evaporation losses, and the hidden costs of handling and storage. Over time, this makes LN₂ generation significantly more economical, especially for high‑usage environments.
Why Choose a Noblegen Liquid Nitrogen Generator?
For laboratories relying on thermal analysis, a stable and predictable supply of liquid nitrogen is critical. Traditional dewar deliveries, however, often introduce uncertainty, from delays and evaporation losses, to handling risks that can disrupt workflows. A Noblegen on‑site generator removes these variables entirely by producing liquid nitrogen exactly where and when you need it.
Noblegen generators extract nitrogen directly from the air and liquefy it on demand, ensuring your instruments receive a consistent, precisely controlled cryogenic environment. This uninterrupted supply helps safeguard experiment integrity, supports accurate temperature regulation, and ultimately improves the reliability and repeatability of your thermal analysis data.
Noblegen offers three tailored generator ranges to match different operational needs.
- Triton systems provide compact, space‑efficient solutions, delivering up to 20 litres/day; ideal for smaller laboratories or single‑instrument setups.
- Callisto generators offer mid‑range performance up to 60 litres/day, balancing output with footprint for busy analytical environments.
- Titan skid‑based units deliver industrial‑scale production of up to 800+ litres/day, supporting high‑throughput facilities and multi‑instrument operations.
Each Noblegen system is engineered for maximum safety, reliability, and ease of use. Automatic standby prevents overfilling by pausing production when internal storage is full, while intelligent level sensors continuously monitor liquid levels, purity, and system status through a clear, intuitive touchscreen interface. Dispensing is simple and controlled via a dedicated hose/flask system, with an emergency stop available for immediate shutdown if required.
Efficiency is further enhanced by optimised operating pressures that reduce boil‑off losses and built‑in safety valves that maintain stable internal conditions. Vacuum protection technology captures and reliquefies boil‑off gas, minimising waste and reducing operating costs.
The result is a safer, greener, and more cost‑effective way to supply liquid nitrogen, purpose‑built for the demands of modern thermal analysis.