What is Nitrogen?
Nitrogen (N₂) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, lighter than air, and makes up 78.08% of Earth’s atmosphere. At –195.8 °C (–320.4 °F), nitrogen condenses into a liquid, and at –209.8 °C (–345.6 °F), it solidifies into a white snowy solid.
Nitrogen needs accurate flow metering
Because of its chemical inertness, nitrogen is widely used as a protective, blanketing, and replacement gas in food storage, chemical processes, electronics, oil and gas industries, and cryogenics. To control these processes efficiently, selecting the right nitrogen flow meter is essential.
Nitrogen Applications
* Food industry: preservation of fruits, beverages, and packaged goods
* Agriculture: nitrogen-filled silos to prevent mold and germination
* Electronics: bulb and semiconductor manufacturing
* Chemicals and pharmaceuticals: blanketing, purging, and scrubbing
* Cryogenics: liquid nitrogen cooling, freezing, and storage applications
Nitrogen Flow Meters by Application
1. Small Flow Nitrogen Measurement or N2 flow controller (SCCM or SLPM)
N2 Gas Flow Range: 2 SCCM~ 30 SL/M
Accuracy : ± 1% F.S
Response Time: mass flow controller < 2s
N2 Gas Flow Range: 2 SCCM~ 30 SL/M
Accuracy : ± 1% F.S
Response Time: mass flow meter < 0.8s
Direct measurement of mass flow
N2 gas flow range:0-(40 g/h~1000 kg/h)
Max pressure rating : 100 barh
Direct measurement of mass flow
N2 gas flow range:0-(40 g/h~1000 kg/h)
Max pressure rating : 100 barh
For laboratory, semiconductor, or medical use, nitrogen is often measured in sccm (standard cubic centimeters per minute) or slpm (standard liters per minute).
Best Flow Meter for Small Nitrogen Flow
* Micro Thermal Mass Flow Meter
Advantages:
* High sensitivity to ultra-low flow rates ，low to 2 sccm
* Measures direct mass flow without pressure/temperature correction
* Compact design for lab or OEM systems
* Digital micro N2 flow meter with 4-20mA or Modbus RTU RS485.
Applications:
* Laboratory nitrogen experiments
* Semiconductor process gas measurement
* Medical and analytical instruments
2. Low Pressure Nitrogen Flow Measurement
Inline or insertion thermal mass flow meter for N2 gas measurement
When nitrogen is supplied at low pressure (e.g., tank blanketing, HVAC, environmental monitoring), the flow is stable but requires accuracy.
Best Flow Meter for Low Pressure Nitrogen
*
Thermal Mass Flow Meter (insertion or inline type)
Advantages:
* Wide measurement range, especially at low velocities and low pressure operation ,such as 5mbar or 10 Kpa low pressure
* No moving parts, maintenance-free design
* Easy integration with digital outputs and monitoring systems
* Low price cost N2 gas flow meter
Applications:
* Food industry nitrogen protection
* Nitrogen blanketing in chemical tanks
* Gas consumption monitoring
3. Normal Pressure Nitrogen Flow Measurement
At atmospheric or moderate pipeline pressure, multiple nitrogen flow meter technologies can be applied depending on accuracy and budget needs.
Best Flow Meters for Normal Pressure Nitrogen
Accuracy: 1.0~1.5%
Gas turbine flow meter size: 1 inch ~16 inches
Option with temperature and pressure measurement and gas volume correction
Flow rate : 0.1 ~100 Nm/s
Insertion or in line installation
Suitable for low pressure or low velocity N2 meaurement
Local indication of N2 flow rate without power supply
Option with transmitters 4-20mA
Reliable and classic gas flow meter
Suitable for large flow rate and high pressure N2 measurement
Wafer ,flange or screw connection
Low price cost N2 flow measurement solution
* Gas Turbine Flow Meter – for clean, dry nitrogen with stable flow
* Thermal Mass Flow Meter – for variable gas flows
* Metal Tube Rotameter (Variable Area Meter) – cost-effective visual flow measurement
* Vortex Gas Flow Meter – durable choice for medium to large pipelines
Applications:
* Nitrogen supply in manufacturing plants
* Utility nitrogen flow monitoring
* Industrial nitrogen consumption tracking
4. High Pressure Nitrogen Flow Measurement
Nitrogen supplied in pressurized pipelines or cylinders requires durable and safe flow meters to handle high mechanical stress.
* Metal Tube Rotameter – robust and economical for high pressure
* Coriolis Mass Flow Meter – premium choice with highest accuracy
Advantages of Coriolis:
* Measures mass flow directly with 0.5 % accuracy
* High pressure rating can reach to 1000 bar (14503 psi)
* Works independently of pressure/temperature changes
Applications:
* Oil and gas nitrogen injection
* High-pressure cylinder filling
* Custody transfer and billing
5. Cryogenic Nitrogen Flow Measurement (Liquid Nitrogen)
Liquid nitrogen is used in freezing, cryogenic cooling, and medical industries at ultra-low temperatures of –196 °C (–320 °F). Measuring this cryogenic fluid requires specialized technology.
* Coriolis Mass Flow Meter
Advantages:
* Operates at –200 °C (–328 °F)
* Measures mass flow with high precision
* Monitors density and temperature simultaneously
Applications:
* Liquid nitrogen storage tank supply
* Food industry quick-freezing
* Cryogenic laboratory experiments
Summary: Choosing the Right Nitrogen Flow Meter
Nitrogen is used under diverse conditions—from tiny laboratory gas flows to high-pressure pipelines and ultra-cold cryogenic liquids. Therefore, the right nitrogen flow meter depends on flow rate, pressure, and temperature:
* Micro Thermal Mass Flow Meter – best for small nitrogen flows (sccm/slpm)
* Thermal Mass Flow Meter – low-pressure nitrogen monitoring and protective gas use
* Gas Turbine, Vortex, Rotameter – general-purpose nitrogen at normal pressure
* Metal Tube Rotameter, Coriolis Flow Meter – high-pressure nitrogen systems
* Coriolis Mass Flow Meter – cryogenic liquid nitrogen measurement
Silver Automation Instruments provides a full range of nitrogen gas flow meters and cryogenic nitrogen flow sensors at competitive prices. Whether you are measuring nitrogen for food preservation, oil and gas injection, industrial utilities, or laboratory experiments, there is a tailored flow meter solution available.
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