The pharmaceutical industry is highly diverse, and nitrogen gas plays a crucial role in various processes and applications, ranging from raw material preparation to final product packaging.

To understand why nitrogen is used, let's consider its characteristics. Nitrogen has properties similar to inert gases, making it less prone to reacting with other elements. It is also abundantly available, with atmospheric air containing 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, along with other gases in smaller concentrations. The ease of separating nitrogen from other gases using processes like Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and cryogenic separation makes it cost-effective to produce nitrogen in large quantities with high purity levels.

In the pharmaceutical industry, certain raw materials such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), inactive ingredients, and other chemicals are sensitive to oxygen and must be protected from oxidation. Nitrogen is used as a blanketing gas, purging gas, and for moving products through pneumatic conveying systems to maintain an inert atmosphere and prevent spoilage due to oxygen exposure. Nitrogen is also utilized in the safe transfer of liquid or powder pharmaceutical materials, as these substances can be hazardous if mishandled.

During the production of sterile pharmaceutical products, maintaining a contamination-free environment is crucial. Nitrogen is employed to create positive pressure, preventing the ingress of air and reducing the risk of contamination.

Nitrogen is commonly used in the packaging of medical supplies to maintain sterility and cleanliness. It is used to purge oxygen from the packaging before sealing, creating a high-purity nitrogen environment that preserves and protects the product during transportation. For drug products susceptible to oxidation or hydrolysis, nitrogen is employed during the packaging process. By replacing the air in the void space before sealing, nitrogen reduces the presence of oxygen or moisture, thereby increasing the stability and shelf life of the drug product.

Nitrogen helps keep products dry and sterile, enhancing their durability. Medical items such as test kits, blood supplies, specimen containers, and other medical devices are frequently packaged using nitrogen gas.

Blanketing with nitrogen can also improve the quality and preservation of pharmaceuticals and medical products. By displacing oxygen with nitrogen, the harmful effects of oxygen, such as corrosion, rust, and oxidation, are minimized or eliminated. Preserving safe conditions for handling and manufacturing is crucial in the pharmaceutical and medical industries.

In addition, nitrogen gas plays a vital role in fire suppression in volatile manufacturing environments. Many chemicals used in the manufacturing process are highly flammable or volatile and may even undergo spontaneous combustion when exposed to air. Nitrogen effectively prevents atmospheric exposure and minimizes the risk of such reactions.

Gaztron has been a trusted supplier of nitrogen generators utilizing both membrane and PSA technologies to numerous customers in India, the Middle East, Africa, and other countries in South Asia. If you require a tailor-made solution, please contact us, and we will be glad to assist you.