Nitrogen, due to its inertness, is widely used in various industrial applications to create safer and more efficient working environments. Some of the most common uses of nitrogen are blanketing, purging, and sweeping. This article will discuss the differences between these three applications.
Nitrogen Blanketing Procedure
Also known as tank padding, nitrogen blanketing is a process where storage tanks or other containers are filled with high-quality nitrogen to maintain a positive pressure in the vapor space. The inert gas displaces oxygen and other breathable substances, thus preventing any potential fire or explosion hazards.
In the blanketing process, the storage tanks are typically equipped with a nitrogen tank blanketing system, which includes a blanketing valve that controls the flow of nitrogen into the tank. The valve opens and allows nitrogen into the tank when the pressure falls below a set point, and it closes when the pressure is slightly higher than the set point.
By maintaining a constant positive pressure, nitrogen blanketing protects the stored product from contamination, reduces oxidation, and prevents the buildup of combustible gases in the empty space of the tank.
Nitrogen Purging
While blanketing uses nitrogen to maintain a positive pressure in a storage tank, purging employs nitrogen to remove undesirable gases or contaminants from a system. Nitrogen purging is typically used during system maintenance, prior to system repairs, or before the final packaging of products in the food and beverage industry.
The purging process often involves flowing nitrogen through the system at a set pressure until the oxygen level or the level of other unwanted gases reaches an acceptable level. The specific purging procedure will vary depending on factors such as the type and size of the system, the nature of the unwanted gases, and the acceptable residual gas concentration.
Nitrogen Sweeping
Nitrogen sweeping, also known as nitrogen sparging, is similar to nitrogen purging in the sense that it’s used to remove unwanted gases from a system. However, instead of flowing nitrogen through the system, as in purging, sweeping involves nitrogen pumping at a low velocity, allowing it to “sweep” through the system and displace the unwanted gases gradually.
This process is commonly used in the wine industry to remove oxygen from wine barrels and tanks before the wine is added, thus preserving the wine’s quality by preventing oxidation.
Hydrotech: Your Partner in Nitrogen Applications
While nitrogen blanketing, purging, and sweeping all involve the use of high-quality nitrogen, the applications are different based on the specific needs and operational processes of the industry. Each of these applications plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, product quality, and process efficiency.
At Hydrotech, we are experts in delivering effective and reliable nitrogen-based solutions. From designing custom nitrogen blanketing systems to providing nitrogen purging and sweeping services, we have the expertise to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to find out how our nitrogen services can support your operational and safety requirements.
