Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
f67df0c1-9530-489b-a82e-ecfc4741f121
Materials
Associated ID
b587a863-52fe-4161-80cf-ba185176ecc0
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
In nature, nitrogen gas in the form of N2 molecules constitutes approximately 78% of the atmosphere. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas with high stability. Industrially, nitrogen is widely used in various fields. It is commonly employed as a protective gas to prevent oxidation of certain substances by oxygen. Additionally, nitrogen is utilized in chemical processes such as ammonia synthesis, production of amino compounds, and nitric acid manufacturing. In the food industry, nitrogen is frequently used in food packaging to extend shelf life. The data inventory is formed by merging data from multiple sources. Energy, material consumption, by-products, emissions and other data shall be disaggregated in accordance with the Product Category Rules (PCR) for "Air Separation Gases" published by the China Iron and Steel Association EPD Platform.
Activity Description
Air, after compression and pretreatment, is separated into oxygen, nitrogen, and argon through cryogenic distillation in an air separation unit, encompassing data on energy and material consumption, as well as by-products, waste, and emissions associated with the air separation process.
Process Description
In nature, nitrogen gas constitutes approximately 78% of the atmosphere in the form of N2 molecules. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas with high stability. Industrially, nitrogen is widely used in various fields. It is commonly employed as a protective gas to prevent oxidation of certain substances by oxygen. Additionally, nitrogen is utilized in chemical processes such as ammonia synthesis, production of amino compounds, and nitric acid manufacturing. In the food industry, nitrogen is frequently used in food packaging to extend shelf life.
Time period
2021
2026
Geography
China
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
Air is compressed and pre-treated to remove moisture, carbon dioxide, and other impurities. The compressed air is then cooled to a temperature close to its liquefaction point, where the different components in the air liquefy at different temperatures due to their distinct boiling points. Through a multi-stage distillation process in a fractionating column, nitrogen and oxygen are effectively separated. Nitrogen, which liquefies at a higher temperature, tends to rise up the column before oxygen. After a series of fractionation steps, high-purity nitrogen can be obtained.