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Liquid nitrogen is an essential cryogenic material used in various industries and applications, including medical procedures, food preservation, industrial processes, and scientific research. Due to its extremely low temperature (-196°C), liquid nitrogen is versatile and widely used for freezing, cooling, and storing sensitive materials. In Nigeria, the demand for liquid nitrogen has increased, especially in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

This guide will explore the uses of liquid nitrogen, where to buy it in Nigeria, safety considerations, and how Wigmore Trading can support your liquid nitrogen needs.

Common Uses of Liquid Nitrogen in Nigeria

Liquid nitrogen is used across multiple industries, providing unique solutions for cooling and preservation. Here are some of its primary applications:

1. Healthcare and Medical Applications

• Cryosurgery: Liquid nitrogen is used in medical treatments such as cryosurgery to freeze and remove abnormal tissue, including warts, moles, and certain types of skin cancer.
• Cryopreservation: It is essential in preserving biological materials like sperm, eggs, and other tissues for long-term storage. Hospitals, fertility clinics, and research facilities depend on liquid nitrogen for this purpose.
• Vaccines and Biological Samples: Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and store vaccines, cells, and tissues in medical laboratories, maintaining their viability for future use.

2. Food and Beverage Industry

• Flash Freezing: Liquid nitrogen is commonly used in the food industry for flash-freezing food products, including fruits, seafood, and meats. This rapid freezing helps preserve the freshness, taste, and texture of food.
• Food Preservation: It is also used to preserve perishable goods and in making specialty items like ice cream by creating extremely cold temperatures for a unique texture.

3. Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

• Metal Processing: Liquid nitrogen is used in metalworking processes, such as shrinking metal parts for easy assembly or removing contaminants by freezing and fracturing materials.
• Cryogenic Cleaning: It is employed in cryogenic cleaning to remove residues from industrial machinery and equipment, leaving surfaces clean without chemicals.

4. Scientific Research and Laboratory Applications

• Cryogenics: Scientific research facilities and universities use liquid nitrogen in cryogenics for experiments that require ultra-low temperatures. It is also used to preserve biological samples for research.
• Genetic Research and Storage: Laboratories that work on genetic research often use liquid nitrogen to store and preserve genetic material, stem cells, and other critical samples.

5. Agriculture

• Artificial Insemination: Liquid nitrogen is essential in the agricultural industry for the cryopreservation of sperm and embryos, enabling artificial insemination programs in livestock farming.

Where to Buy Liquid Nitrogen in Nigeria

Several reliable suppliers in Nigeria offer liquid nitrogen for medical, industrial, and research purposes. Here are some of the top sources for purchasing liquid nitrogen:

1. Wigmore Trading

Wigmore Trading is a trusted supplier of industrial gases, including liquid nitrogen, in Nigeria. They cater to various industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and research institutions, providing high-quality liquid nitrogen in bulk and smaller quantities. Wigmore Trading also offers logistics and delivery services to ensure that customers receive their liquid nitrogen on time and in optimal condition.

• Advantages:
  • High-quality liquid nitrogen available in various quantities.
  • Competitive pricing and flexible bulk orders for large-scale operations.
  • Nationwide delivery for healthcare, research, and industrial clients.

2. BOC Gases Nigeria

BOC Gases is one of Nigeria’s leading suppliers of industrial and medical gases, including liquid nitrogen. They provide cryogenic liquids to hospitals, laboratories, and manufacturing industries. BOC Gases also offers specialized storage solutions, such as cryogenic tanks and dewars, for the safe handling and use of liquid nitrogen.

• Advantages:
  • Reliable supply of medical-grade liquid nitrogen for healthcare and research.
  • Cryogenic equipment for safe storage and usage.
  • Technical support and safety training for handling liquid nitrogen.

3. GZ Industrial Supplies

GZ Industrial Supplies is a major distributor of industrial gases and cryogenic equipment in Nigeria. They supply liquid nitrogen to a variety of industries, including healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing. GZ Industrial Supplies also offers cryogenic storage containers, regulators, and accessories to ensure safe and efficient use of liquid nitrogen.

• Advantages:
  • Comprehensive supply of liquid nitrogen and cryogenic equipment.
  • Fast delivery to customers across Nigeria.
  • Expertise in supporting diverse industries with specialized gas solutions.

4. Local Hospitals and Laboratories

Some hospitals and research facilities in Nigeria may have agreements with local suppliers to source liquid nitrogen for medical and research purposes. These institutions may also sell or provide liquid nitrogen to smaller clinics, fertility centers, or research labs that need smaller quantities.

• Advantages:
  • Access to smaller quantities of liquid nitrogen for local or specialized use.
  • Trusted quality for medical and laboratory applications.
  • Proximity to healthcare facilities for easier sourcing.

Key Considerations When Purchasing Liquid Nitrogen

When buying liquid nitrogen in Nigeria, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure you receive a quality product and handle it safely:

1. Quantity and Delivery Options

Liquid nitrogen is typically stored and transported in specialized cryogenic tanks or dewars. Ensure that your supplier offers the right container sizes based on your needs, whether you’re purchasing for a hospital, research lab, or industrial plant. Also, check if the supplier provides delivery services to your location.

2. Purity and Quality

For medical, food, or scientific applications, the purity of the liquid nitrogen is crucial. Ensure that your supplier provides certified high-purity liquid nitrogen, particularly for sensitive applications such as cryopreservation, healthcare, or laboratory research.

3. Storage and Handling Equipment

Liquid nitrogen must be stored in specialized containers, such as cryogenic dewars or tanks, to maintain its low temperature. Check if your supplier also provides the necessary storage equipment and accessories, including safety gear, regulators, and insulated transfer hoses.

4. Safety and Training

Handling liquid nitrogen requires strict safety protocols, as it can cause severe frostbite or other injuries if mishandled. Work with suppliers that provide safety training and technical support for your staff to ensure the safe handling, storage, and use of liquid nitrogen.

5. Supplier Reputation

Choose a supplier with a strong track record of reliability and safety. A reputable supplier will offer high-quality products, timely delivery, and excellent customer support to help you manage your liquid nitrogen needs effectively.

Safety Considerations for Liquid Nitrogen Use

Due to its extremely cold temperature, liquid nitrogen requires careful handling and storage to ensure safety. Here are some essential safety tips when using liquid nitrogen:

1. Proper Ventilation

Ensure that areas where liquid nitrogen is stored or used are well-ventilated. As liquid nitrogen evaporates, it displaces oxygen, which can lead to asphyxiation in enclosed spaces.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always wear appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves, safety goggles, and a face shield when handling liquid nitrogen. This prevents frostbite or other injuries caused by accidental contact with the cryogenic liquid.

3. Use Suitable Storage Containers

Liquid nitrogen should only be stored in cryogenic containers specifically designed to handle extremely cold temperatures. Never use regular containers, as they may crack or burst due to the rapid cooling effect of the liquid nitrogen.

4. Avoid Confined Spaces

Do not store liquid nitrogen in confined or poorly ventilated areas. If liquid nitrogen evaporates and replaces the oxygen in a room, it can pose a serious risk of suffocation.

5. Proper Training

Ensure that all personnel handling liquid nitrogen are properly trained in its safe use, handling, and storage. Training should cover topics such as PPE usage, transfer techniques, and emergency response in case of an accident.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Liquid Nitrogen Supply in Nigeria

Wigmore Trading is committed to providing reliable, high-quality liquid nitrogen to meet the needs of businesses and institutions across Nigeria. Whether you are in the healthcare, research, or industrial sector, we offer flexible solutions for sourcing liquid nitrogen in bulk or smaller quantities.

Our Key Services Include:

• Supply of Liquid Nitrogen: We offer liquid nitrogen in various quantities, ensuring that hospitals, laboratories, and industrial operations have access to the products they need.
• Logistics and Delivery: With our extensive delivery network, we ensure that your liquid nitrogen is delivered on time and in optimal condition across Nigeria.
• Cryogenic Equipment: We provide storage and handling equipment such as cryogenic tanks, dewars, and safety gear to support the safe use of liquid nitrogen.
• Technical Support: Our team of experts is available to provide advice on handling and storing liquid nitrogen, as well as safety training for your staff.

Conclusion

Liquid nitrogen is a valuable resource in various industries in Nigeria, from healthcare and food preservation to industrial processes and research. Sourcing high-quality liquid nitrogen from trusted suppliers like Wigmore Trading, BOC Gases, and GZ Industrial Supplies ensures that you have access to reliable products and technical support. By following safety protocols and using the right storage and handling equipment, you can make the most of this versatile cryogenic material.