Liquid nitrogen is inert, colorless, odorless, non-corrosive, non-flammable, and exceptionally cold. Nitrogen is a primary component of the atmosphere (78.03% by volume and 75.5% by weight). Despite its inert properties and inability to support combustion, nitrogen does not support life.

Under normal conditions, nitrogen remains inert but can react at high temperatures with highly reactive metals like lithium and magnesium to form nitrides. It can also react with oxygen to form nitrogen oxides and combine with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce ammonia.

Nitrogen is non-corrosive, so special anti-corrosion materials are not necessary. However, materials must be carefully selected to withstand the low temperatures associated with liquid nitrogen. Containers and pipelines must comply with the specifications of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) or the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and meet the standards required for pressure and temperature.

Nitrogen is primarily used in its gaseous state but is often stored and transported as a liquid to improve cost efficiency in product delivery.

Liquid nitrogen is classified as a cryogenic liquid, referring to liquefied gases with typical boiling points below –130°F (–90°C). Specifically, liquid nitrogen boils at –320°F (–196°C). Due to the significant temperature difference between the product and the surrounding environment, specialized equipment is essential for safe storage and handling, even during colder seasons.

Typical systems generally include the following essential components: a cryogenic storage tank, one or more vaporizers, and a pressure and temperature control system. Cryogenic storage tanks are designed similarly to vacuum flasks and are intricately engineered to shield the inner container from external heat. Vaporizers convert liquid nitrogen into ambient-temperature gas, while pressure control manifolds regulate the gas pressure delivered to processes. In some processes using liquid nitrogen, vaporizers or pressure control manifolds may not be required.