Nitrous Oxide Cylinders: 10 Facts and Myths
Nitrous oxide is a non-flammable, colorless, non-toxic gas that has a sweet odor. It is also classified as an asphyxiant. Nitrous oxide has medical, scientific, and recreational uses. Its medical uses include anesthesia during surgery and pain relief during childbirth. Nitrous oxide is also used in rocket propulsion and as a racing car oxidizer.
Nitrous oxide can be used as a gas or in liquid form. When used as a gas, it is stored in cylinders under pressure. Nitrous oxide is also used in liquid form in some medical procedures.
nitrous oxide cylinders are manufactured to very tight tolerances and have a working pressure of 2,200 psi or 15 MPa. There are two main types of nitrous oxide cylinders: seamless and welded. Seamless cylinders are made from a solid piece of metal that is machined to shape. Welded cylinders are made from a rolled piece of steel that is welded together and then machined to shape.
Nitrous oxide cylinders are usually made from steel or aluminum. The most common type of steel used is high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel. Aluminum cylinders are usually used for smaller sizes or where weight is a consideration, such as in racing cars. The use of laminated composite cylinders is becoming more prevalent, particularly in SCUBA diving and medical applications where weight is less of a concern.
Composite cylinders are typically manufactured by winding high-strength composite material around a central aluminum or steel liner. The most common method of manufacturing composite cylinders is through the use of a filament winding process. In this process, the composite material is wound around the liner in a precise, computer-controlled pattern. The composite material is then cured, or set, using heat and/or pressure.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is safe to use.
Fact: Nitrous oxide can be dangerous if not used correctly. It can cause asphyxiation and death if inhaled in high concentrations.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not flammable.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is not flammable, but it can support combustion.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not toxic.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is not toxic, but it can cause asphyxiation if inhaled in high concentrations.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not an asphyxiant.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is an asphyxiant. Inhalation of high concentrations can cause asphyxiation and death.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not a greenhouse gas.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas. It is a major contributor to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide does not contribute to ozone depletion.
Fact: Nitrous oxide contributes to ozone depletion.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not combustible.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is not combustible, but it can support combustion.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not a fire hazard.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is not a fire hazard, but it can support combustion.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not an explosive.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is not an explosive, but it can be a fire hazard.
- Myth: Nitrous oxide is not a health hazard.
Fact: Nitrous oxide is not a health hazard, but it can be a fire hazard.
