Getting liquid nitrogen delivered in dewars or cylinders is a common way of securing your supply. However, it is not without dangers, especially when transportation includes hallways with poor ventilation, multi-storey buildings, or confined spaces such as elevators or corridors.
Human error cannot be completely eliminated, as demonstrated by the incident that inspired this article. In 2019, Peak International Group’s founder and chairman, Robin, was visiting a university in Australia when he witnessed the dangers of unsecured liquid nitrogen deliveries firsthand: a dewar fell into the road, just meters from his car. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Had this occurred indoors, the outcome could have been far more serious, potentially causing cryogenic burns or asphyxiation. Exposure to rapidly evaporating nitrogen gas can quickly lead to breathing difficulties and even lung damage.
Leaks and container damage pose risks that can be mitigated (but never entirely eliminated) due to human error. Poorly managed pressurized vessels or damaged dewars may result in spillages, which are extremely dangerous and can cause severe tissue damage upon contact.
Why Choose a Nitrogen Generator Instead?
Liquid nitrogen generators offer a safer, more convenient, and modern solution for laboratory, industrial, and commercial applications. On-site generation significantly reduces the risks associated with transportation and handling, as well as operational challenges such as supply delays, order management, and the risk of running out.
Even with trained staff, accidents can still happen - as seen in the Australian example. On-demand generation at the point of use eliminates the need to transport LN₂ through stairwells, elevators, or poorly ventilated areas, reducing hazards and improving operational efficiency. It also ensures supply stability, lowers costs, and reduces carbon emissions from road deliveries.
Built-in Safety Features
Noblegen’s LN₂ generators are designed with safety and ease of use in mind, incorporating multiple features that provide peace of mind and consistent monitoring.
The system automatically switches to standby mode when internal storage is full, preventing overfilling. Intelligent level sensors allow real-time monitoring on a user-friendly touchscreen, giving operators clear visibility of pressure, liquid levels, and purity at all times.
Dispensing is made safe and simple through a dedicated hose/flask system, complemented by an emergency stop function for immediate shutdown if needed. Pressure is carefully optimized to minimize boil-off losses, while integrated pressure release and safety valves offer additional protection. Vacuum protection further enhances efficiency by reliquefying boil-off gases, reducing waste and cost.
Unlike sealed vessels, Noblegen generators actively regulate internal pressure and prevent transportation losses associated with frequent deliveries. This is a common source of boil-off waste, where customers typically bear the full cost of lost nitrogen supply. Read more about boil-off losses.
Conclusion
Getting liquid nitrogen delivered will never be as safe as generating LN₂ at the point of use using the latest safety technology. Using a generator, advanced monitoring technology ensures consistent purity and flow, even without constant supervision and handling risks.
Ready to make the switch?
You will never have to worry about running out of supply or experiencing downtime, which can lead to serious consequences. Even short interruptions can result in sample or instrument warming, compromising operations or critical research.
Get in touch with our team to find out more about Noblegen's mission and how your application can benefit from on-demand generation.