Nitrogen powered air tools.

[fredfighter]

Ten pounds of N2 should go further than ten pounds of CO2 because there are more molecultes of N2 in a pound. At the same pressure, the N2 tank would have to be much larger for the reason you indicated. Instead, N2 will typically be kept at a much higher pressure in a much stronger tank and if that N2 tank breaks when full, as for example if it falls and the valve at the top hits hard on the floor and cracks off, the result will be much more spectacular.

Actually, I think they vent the tank so it doesn't explode.

[bridger]

the co2 tank will fill a tire up fast enough to reseat a blown bead. not too many portable compressors that can do that!

[O D]

Nitrogen can be used for tools. Depending on the reason maybe not the best . Spray gun for paint might be very good. If you can not tolerate moisture showing up in or on the product might be good. Hospital ORs use nitrogen for certain tools ( Saws ) and they have a medical air systems. Air that compressed in a pump with a water seal so NO oil gets into the air supply. ( pretty darn near spotless) . Also use air driers on control air lines for building controls. Those pesky little controllers just cannot deal with moisture. Good refrigerated air drier depending on cfm can be pricey. Lugging a nitrogen tank around is not much fun either. Ever consider the use of wheels to move an air compressor. ? Now if you can not put wheels on the air compressor, you better call for one of those trucks you see on the road delivering to supply houses and Hospitals. Check with your local welding supply house, if they don't have what you want then YOU don't need it.

[Badger]

I use a lot of N2 and other gases, Concoa do some basic regs that will put out 150psi no problems, I've got one that delivers up 3000psi for one rig at work!

[Phisherman]

Add a moisture trap to your compressor. If that is not enough, add an air dryer--much less $ and no dealing with tank transports.

[Larry Bud]

Nitrogen would have zero water in it. When I used to airbrush, I would hook up directly to a nitrogen tank with a regulator without a moisture trap just because of this advantage.

As far as regulators, just google it. Tons of companies sell regulators for nitrogen.

[snowdog]

JP,

Yes N2 can be used to power tools and their are regulators available to make that happen (from the same place you get the N2). I fix medical equipment (the job I use to pay for my woodworking habit), and I can tell you that all those fun tools used in surgery are powered by N2. They use it because it is clean, it is dry and it is non-reactive (that is to say that it won't feed a fire). However it is pricey, compared to using a compressor with a moisture trap, which is what dentists use to power their "handpieces" (God forbid we call them drills).

John C.

[Carl Stigers]

Anyone seriously looking at nitrogen power for air tools look into Atlas Copco as they now make a rotary screw air compressor that is putting out nitrogen. We install them in tire shops and they allow you t o use compressed air or nitrogen. I am an Atlas Copco factory service tech and they make a pretty good compressor. If you are looking for just oil free air then the SF unit is more for you. Any one have any questions let me know.

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