Nitrogen Cylinders

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are nitrogen cylinders used for?

Nitrogen cylinders are used to store and supply nitrogen gas for industrial, laboratory, food, and manufacturing applications.

Nitrogen is widely used for purging pipelines, pressure testing systems, creating inert atmospheres, and preventing oxidation. It is also common in food packaging, electronics manufacturing, and laboratory environments.

The cylinders in this category are designed to safely contain high-pressure nitrogen for professional use.

Do nitrogen cylinders ship full or empty?

All nitrogen cylinders ship empty.

Shipping filled high-pressure nitrogen cylinders is restricted for safety and regulatory reasons. Gas Cylinder Source ships cylinders empty so they can be transported legally and safely nationwide.

Customers must arrange filling with a qualified nitrogen supplier that supports the cylinder’s pressure rating and CGA-580 valve.

What sizes of nitrogen cylinders are available

Nitrogen cylinders are available in a wide range of sizes, from small portable cylinders to large 300-cubic-foot industrial tanks.

Smaller cylinders are commonly used for service work, laboratories, and mobile applications. Manufacturing facilities and industrial users prefer larger cylinders to reduce refill frequency.

Size selection depends on consumption rate, flow requirements, and available storage space.

Are these nitrogen cylinders DOT certified?

Yes, all nitrogen cylinders sold by Gas Cylinder Source meet current DOT certification requirements.

DOT certification confirms compliance with federal standards for pressure containment, construction, testing, and identification. This is required for legal transport and filling in the United States.

Cylinders are either newly manufactured or recently recertified, providing current test dates and reliable service life.

What valve type do nitrogen cylinders use?

Nitrogen cylinders use CGA-580 valves.

CGA-580 is the standard valve outlet for nitrogen, helium, argon, and other inert gases in industrial applications. This standardization helps ensure regulator compatibility and safe connections.

Most nitrogen regulators and manifolds are designed for CGA-580 valves.

How much pressure do nitrogen cylinders hold?

Most industrial nitrogen cylinders are rated for service pressures around 2,200 PSI.

The exact service pressure is stamped on the cylinder and must be matched with a compatible regulator. Larger cylinders hold more nitrogen because of their increased internal volume, not because of higher pressure.

Users should always verify pressure ratings before filling or operating.

What is the difference between steel and aluminum nitrogen cylinders?

Steel nitrogen cylinders are heavier and more economical, while aluminum nitrogen cylinders are lighter and corrosion-resistant.

Steel cylinders are typically chosen for stationary industrial use where weight is less critical. Aluminum cylinders are preferred for portable or mobile applications due to their ease of handling.

Both materials meet DOT standards and are suitable for nitrogen service.

How often do nitrogen cylinders need to be recertified?

Most steel nitrogen cylinders require recertification every 10 years, while most aluminum nitrogen cylinders require recertification every 5 years.

The current test or requalification date is stamped on the cylinder shoulder. Cylinders that are out of test are not compliant and may be refused by filling stations.

Regular recertification ensures continued safe operation under high pressure.

Why buy nitrogen cylinders instead of renting them?

Buying nitrogen cylinders eliminates monthly rental fees and provides long-term cost control.

Rental programs can become expensive over time, especially for operations that use multiple cylinders. Ownership allows businesses to manage inventory, refills, and maintenance independently.

Purchased cylinders can be filled by local suppliers, providing flexibility and predictable operating costs.

Who should buy nitrogen cylinders from Gas Cylinder Source?

Nitrogen cylinders from Gas Cylinder Source are ideal for manufacturers, laboratories, food processors, HVAC contractors, and industrial service companies.

They are well-suited for organizations that use nitrogen regularly and want compliant, professional-grade cylinders without rental contracts.

Gas Cylinder Source supports both single-cylinder purchases and bulk orders, making this category suitable for small operations and large industrial users alike.