Protecting stored contents from oxidation and contamination is crucial in industries relying on oil storage, transformers, and storage tanks.
Nitrogen blanketing and padding use inert nitrogen gas to protect storage tanks, transformers, and sensitive products from oxidation, combustion, and moisture, ensuring safety, purity, and long-term preservation.
Keep reading to understand how nitrogen blanketing works, why it’s critical for your operations, and how to select the right nitrogen generator for your facility.
What Is an Inert Gas System?
An inert gas system is designed to replace the oxygen in an enclosed environment with an inert gas—typically nitrogen—to reduce the risk of combustion, oxidation, or contamination. These systems are commonly used in industries such as petrochemicals, oil storage, and electronics, where volatile compounds must be handled safely. By introducing nitrogen gas into storage tanks or piping systems, the oxygen concentration is lowered to levels that prevent the ignition of flammable vapors or the degradation of sensitive products.
Inert gas systems can be either fixed or mobile and include components like nitrogen generation, pressure control valves, and gas analyzers. PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology is widely used in onsite nitrogen generators due to its efficiency and ability to produce nitrogen with customizable purity levels. BODA GAS TECH’s PSA nitrogen generators, for example, deliver nitrogen with purity up to 99.9995%, making them ideal for high-sensitivity applications.
The Benefits of an Inert Gas Generator
Using an on-site nitrogen generator brings several advantages for industries that rely on nitrogen blanketing. First, it eliminates dependence on cylinder delivery, which reduces logistical costs and storage requirements. On-site nitrogen generation ensures a constant, uninterrupted supply of high-purity nitrogen, improving safety and operational reliability in storage tanks, oil storage facilities, and other installations.
Second, nitrogen generators, especially PSA types like those from BODA GAS TECH, are highly energy-efficient and require minimal maintenance. The modular structure design, low energy consumption, and customizable output make them adaptable for various industrial needs. Additionally, companies gain better control over gas purity, pressure, and dew point, essential for maintaining inert conditions. In the long run, an on-site nitrogen generator significantly reduces operational costs and enhances production safety and consistency.
Is Nitrogen an Inert Gas?
Yes, nitrogen is considered an inert gas under most operating conditions. Although it is technically not a noble gas, nitrogen behaves inertly in environments lacking extremely high temperatures or pressures. In storage tanks, transformers, and oil storage facilities, nitrogen’s non-reactive nature makes it ideal for blanketing applications.
Nitrogen’s stability is due to its strong triple bond (N≡N), which requires a significant amount of energy to break. This chemical stability ensures it doesn’t support combustion or oxidation, making it an effective medium for protecting stored contents from air and moisture. In industries handling flammable or sensitive materials, using nitrogen as an inerting agent adds a vital safety layer and extends the shelf life of products.
What Is Nitrogen Blanketing?
Nitrogen blanketing, also known as tank padding, involves the controlled application of nitrogen gas into the vapor space of storage tanks. The primary goal is to displace oxygen and moisture, preventing chemical reactions that could degrade the contents or create hazardous conditions. This process is commonly used in storage tanks containing volatile or oxygen-sensitive materials, such as oil, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Blanketing maintains a positive pressure inside the tank, which helps prevent ambient air from entering. This technique also reduces the risk of explosions by eliminating oxygen, a key component in the fire triangle. BODA GAS TECH’s nitrogen generators are specifically engineered to meet these needs, with remote monitoring options and energy-saving controls to ensure efficient operation and consistent gas quality.
Nitrogen Blanketing Procedure
The nitrogen blanketing procedure starts with installing a pressure control system and a nitrogen source—typically an onsite nitrogen generator. The procedure can be continuous or on-demand, depending on the volatility of the stored material. In a continuous system, nitrogen constantly flows to maintain overpressure, while in demand-based systems, it only activates when tank pressure drops below a threshold.
Blanketing systems are equipped with pressure regulators, safety valves, and monitoring units to ensure stability. The tank is initially purged with nitrogen to remove ambient air, then sealed. Any vapor losses due to loading or temperature changes are compensated by nitrogen infusion. BODA GAS TECH provides customizable systems with optional touch-screen control, dew point detection, and multiple communication protocols for seamless integration and monitoring.
Common Nitrogen Inert Gas Systems
There are several common types of nitrogen inert gas systems used across industries. These include standalone PSA systems, skid-mounted units, and containerized systems. Standalone systems are cost-effective and suited for indoor installations, while skid-mounted units offer plug-and-play convenience, ideal for small to mid-scale needs. Containerized nitrogen generators, such as those from BODA GAS TECH, are weather-resistant and equipped with insulation, air conditioning, and noise control for remote or outdoor deployment.
Additionally, carbon-loaded and hydrogenation purification systems can be added for ultra-high purity applications. These systems offer flexibility for use in oil storage, electronic manufacturing, or pharmaceutical processing. The choice of system depends on factors such as required nitrogen flow rate, purity, pressure, and dew point. BODA’s engineers provide tailor-made solutions to ensure optimal performance and cost-efficiency.
Why Is Nitrogen Padding Necessary?
Nitrogen padding is necessary to protect storage tank contents from oxidation, moisture, and other environmental contaminants. Without proper padding, exposure to air can degrade sensitive materials or cause dangerous chemical reactions. In oil storage and petrochemical industries, nitrogen padding is essential to prevent fire hazards and product deterioration.
Moreover, padding helps reduce emissions by containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the tank. It also prevents vacuum formation during emptying, which could damage the tank structure. Installing nitrogen padding systems supported by onsite nitrogen generators ensures a consistent supply of inert gas. BODA GAS TECH’s solutions include modular systems with precise control, allowing industries to meet both safety and environmental compliance requirements efficiently.
What Is the Main Purpose of Nitrogen Blanketing in Storage Tanks?
The main purpose of nitrogen blanketing in storage tanks is to maintain an inert atmosphere that protects stored materials from oxidation, contamination, and combustion. By replacing the oxygen-rich air inside the tank with nitrogen, the risk of fire, explosion, and product degradation is minimized.
This process is especially critical for industries handling oil, chemicals, and electronics, where even trace amounts of oxygen or moisture can impact safety or product quality. Nitrogen blanketing also reduces the formation of explosive vapor-air mixtures and prevents corrosion inside storage tanks. For manufacturers like BODA GAS TECH, precision control of nitrogen flow, purity, and dew point is vital to ensuring consistent and reliable tank protection, especially in challenging environments.
Conclusion
Reliable nitrogen blanketing starts with the right onsite nitrogen generator tailored to your specific needs.
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