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How to Purchase Liquid Nitrogen Download Article Reviewed by Surekha Krishnan
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 References
Download Article
Finding a Supplier
|
Purchasing a Dewar
|
Filling Your Dewar
|
Video
|
Expert Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Surekha Krishnan. Surekha Krishnan is a Metallurgy Expert based in Columbia, South Carolina. Surekha specializes in both arc welding and solid-state welding and has been a Plant Metallurgist at FN America, LLC since 2021. Surekha has over 7 years of experience, is an expert in all heat treat processes and record retention, has prior experience as a Weld Engineer, and has taught various IIW welding courses in the past. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 176,452 times.
People use liquid nitrogen (LN2) for a variety of purposes, including freezing warts, performing science experiments, welding metals, preserving biochemical materials, and even home cooking.[1]XResearch source Yet since it’s potentially hazardous, you can’t just pick it up at the grocery store like you would a gallon of milk. By researching where to find a supplier, what container to get, and how to fill the container, you can purchase liquid nitrogen safely from an authorized supplier.
Things You Should Know
Check store locators to find liquid nitrogen and check with local universities; you can also ask someone who uses it where they get their nitrogen.
Nitrogen needs to be transported in a dewar, so ask around with local suppliers or purchase one online.
Pick up your liquid nitrogen in a vehicle that can support an upright dewar, and let a professional fill up the container.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Finding a Supplier
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1 See if there is a distributor near you. Liquid nitrogen is not an over-the-counter product, so you may not know gas what types of stores supply it. Companies like Praxair and Airgas distribute gases to customers all over the world, however, so there may be a supplier near you. Check the store locators on these companies’ websites to see if there is a place to purchase liquid nitrogen within reach.
If there is not a nearby branch, you can also search the internet and/or your local Yellow Pages for a distributor that services your location.
2 Inquire at a local university. Physics and Chemistry departments often have their own supply of liquid nitrogen for research purposes. They sometimes offer liquid nitrogen for sale.[2]XResearch source Prices at university labs are often much cheaper than those of professional distributors.
Search the websites of your local university’s chemistry and physics departments. They will usually have instructions on who to contact, and may even have an online order form for liquid nitrogen purchases.
If you can’t find any information about liquid nitrogen purchasing on the department’s website, you can also try calling their main office. Most university departments have a phone number listed on their main page.
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3 Ask someone else where they get their supply. If you haven’t found anything through your own searches, you may also try asking other people who use liquid nitrogen on a regular basis. Doctors, welders, and sometimes farmers use liquid nitrogen, and you can always ask them where to go.[3]XResearch source While they likely won’t sell you any directly for liability reasons, they might be perfectly willing to let you know where you can get some for yourself.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Purchasing a Dewar
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1 Determine what size dewar you need. In order to purchase liquid nitrogen, you will need a sturdy metal container called a dewar.[4]XResearch source Dewars are the safest way to transport liquid nitrogen because they are specially designed to insulate gases (which keeps the LN2 cool) and relieve pressure (which will prevent bursting). Determine how large of a dewar you need based on how much liquid nitrogen you wish to purchase.
Dewars typically range from 3.6 litres (0.95 US gal) to 50 litres (13 US gal) in size.
Never store liquid nitrogen in a fully-sealed container. This would result in an excess of air pressure, and cause the container to burst.[5]XResearch source
2 Ask if your local supplier provides dewars. If you know where to buy your liquid nitrogen, you might not need to make another trip for the dewar! Many places that supply liquid nitrogen also sell dewars to store it. Call your local supplier or check their website to see if they sell dewars, and if so, what their sizes and prices are.
Prices for dewars vary depending on their size, but usually cost at least $200USD and usually more.
If you don’t purchase liquid nitrogen often, you might want to consider renting a dewar. Places that sell liquid nitrogen often have dewars available to rent.
3 Purchase a dewar online if you’re worried about the cost. Dewars can be bought online at a variety of websites. Major retailers like Amazon and eBay, for instance, offer a wide selection of dewars for sale. A well-used dewar could be a much better deal than a full-price one from your local gas supplier.
When shopping online, it’s best to buy from certified sellers with high ratings, in order to ensure quality and reliability.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Filling Your Dewar
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1 Choose appropriate transportation if you are picking it up. You can either pick up liquid nitrogen in person from a supplier or have it delivered to you. If you’re collecting your dewar at a supplier, you’ll need to have a vehicle that can suitably carry it from the supplier back to your home or workspace. Your vehicle will have to be able to store your dewar upright and provide plenty of ventilation.
Some places will even require an open vehicle, such as a truck, for transporting liquid nitrogen.[6]XResearch source Check the policy of your local supplier before driving over in a hatchback.
You can always ask your liquid nitrogen supplier if they offer home delivery.
2 Delegate the filling process to a professional. Filling a tank of liquid nitrogen is a complicated process that requires safety training and close supervision in most places.[7]XResearch source If you are delivering your dewar to a supplier, they will probably take care of filling it for you. As they have the necessary training and safety equipment, it is best to let them take care of this.
If you are ordering liquid nitrogen delivered to your home or workspace, the supplier will deliver it to you in the dewar you requested.
3 Handle your dewar carefully after it’s filled. Observing proper safety measures will lower the risk of injury. If you’re transporting your dewar, make sure that it can stay upright in a well-ventilated vehicle. Wear safety goggles and hazardous material gloves, to prevent any liquid nitrogen getting into your eyes or onto your skin. Always store and handle your dewar in a room with plenty of ventilation.[8]XResearch source
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Expert Q&A
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Question How is liquid nitrogen used in welding? Surekha Krishnan Metallurgy Expert Surekha Krishnan is a Metallurgy Expert based in Columbia, South Carolina. Surekha specializes in both arc welding and solid-state welding and has been a Plant Metallurgist at FN America, LLC since 2021. Surekha has over 7 years of experience, is an expert in all heat treat processes and record retention, has prior experience as a Weld Engineer, and has taught various IIW welding courses in the past. Surekha Krishnan Metallurgy Expert Expert Answer It is primarily used as a shielding gas. It's used to protect the welding area from atmospheric gases, like oxygen and water vapor, which cause defects in the weld. Using liquid nitrogen also enhances the weld properties by reducing porosity because, when porous, a weld produces tiny holes in the weld that can weaken it. Also, nitrogen is cheaper compared to other inert gases. That's why welders use nitrogen either on its own or mixed with other gases, depending on the specific welding requirements, codes, and certifications. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
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Video
Tips
The price of liquid nitrogen tends to vary between $.06USD and $1.50USD per liter.[9]XResearch source Prices may be higher at a local retailer, however, and many places will require a minimum amount to purchase.[10]XResearch source Make sure to confirm the price before getting your dewar filled! Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Concentrated amounts of liquid nitrogen can displace oxygen in the air, making it difficult to breathe. Handle your liquid nitrogen in a well-ventilated environment in order to prevent asphyxiation. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
Liquid Nitrogen will cause severe burns if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. Wear goggles and protective gloves at all times when handling it. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
Some places will require a background check for the purchase of liquid nitrogen. This is standard procedure with potentially hazardous materials in certain regions. Always be aware of local and national laws for purchasing and transporting hazardous materials. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 5
The FDA has issued a warning against consuming foods and drinks, such as “Dragon’s Breath,” that are prepared with liquid nitrogen at the point of sale. Handling these drinks or inhaling their vapors can cause injuries. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 6
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Things You’ll Need
Dewar
Safety Goggles
Protective Gloves
Suitable Transport Vehicle
Money for Purchase
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Reviewed by: Surekha Krishnan Metallurgy Expert This article was reviewed by Surekha Krishnan. Surekha Krishnan is a Metallurgy Expert based in Columbia, South Carolina. Surekha specializes in both arc welding and solid-state welding and has been a Plant Metallurgist at FN America, LLC since 2021. Surekha has over 7 years of experience, is an expert in all heat treat processes and record retention, has prior experience as a Weld Engineer, and has taught various IIW welding courses in the past. This article has been viewed 176,452 times. 91 votes - 88% Co-authors: 10Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 176,452 Categories: ChemistryArticle SummaryX
You can use liquid nitrogen for a variety of things, like science experiments, metal welding, and cooking. Search online for a liquid nitrogen distributor near you, like Praxair or Airgas. You can also ask at your nearest university, since many science departments use liquid nitrogen and may sell you some. Before you purchase liquid nitrogen, you’ll need a dewar, which is a sturdy metal container for holding the liquid. You can buy these from liquid nitrogen suppliers or online. Once you’ve got your dewar, you’ll need a professional from a liquid nitrogen supplier to fill it for you, since the process can be complicated. For more tips, including how to stay safe when handling liquid nitrogen, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reviewed by: Surekha Krishnan Metallurgy Expert This article was reviewed by Surekha Krishnan. Surekha Krishnan is a Metallurgy Expert based in Columbia, South Carolina. Surekha specializes in both arc welding and solid-state welding and has been a Plant Metallurgist at FN America, LLC since 2021. Surekha has over 7 years of experience, is an expert in all heat treat processes and record retention, has prior experience as a Weld Engineer, and has taught various IIW welding courses in the past. This article has been viewed 176,452 times. 91 votes - 88% Co-authors: 10 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 176,452 Categories: Chemistry Article SummaryX
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1 See if there is a distributor near you. Liquid nitrogen is not an over-the-counter product, so you may not know gas what types of stores supply it. Companies like Praxair and Airgas distribute gases to customers all over the world, however, so there may be a supplier near you. Check the store locators on these companies’ websites to see if there is a place to purchase liquid nitrogen within reach. 
2 Inquire at a local university. Physics and Chemistry departments often have their own supply of liquid nitrogen for research purposes. They sometimes offer liquid nitrogen for sale.[2] Prices at university labs are often much cheaper than those of professional distributors. 
3 Ask someone else where they get their supply. If you haven’t found anything through your own searches, you may also try asking other people who use liquid nitrogen on a regular basis. Doctors, welders, and sometimes farmers use liquid nitrogen, and you can always ask them where to go.[3] While they likely won’t sell you any directly for liability reasons, they might be perfectly willing to let you know where you can get some for yourself. Advertisement 
1 Determine what size dewar you need. In order to purchase liquid nitrogen, you will need a sturdy metal container called a dewar.[4] Dewars are the safest way to transport liquid nitrogen because they are specially designed to insulate gases (which keeps the LN2 cool) and relieve pressure (which will prevent bursting). Determine how large of a dewar you need based on how much liquid nitrogen you wish to purchase. 
2 Ask if your local supplier provides dewars. If you know where to buy your liquid nitrogen, you might not need to make another trip for the dewar! Many places that supply liquid nitrogen also sell dewars to store it. Call your local supplier or check their website to see if they sell dewars, and if so, what their sizes and prices are. 
3 Purchase a dewar online if you’re worried about the cost. Dewars can be bought online at a variety of websites. Major retailers like Amazon and eBay, for instance, offer a wide selection of dewars for sale. A well-used dewar could be a much better deal than a full-price one from your local gas supplier. 
1 Choose appropriate transportation if you are picking it up. You can either pick up liquid nitrogen in person from a supplier or have it delivered to you. If you’re collecting your dewar at a supplier, you’ll need to have a vehicle that can suitably carry it from the supplier back to your home or workspace. Your vehicle will have to be able to store your dewar upright and provide plenty of ventilation. 
2 Delegate the filling process to a professional. Filling a tank of liquid nitrogen is a complicated process that requires safety training and close supervision in most places.[7] If you are delivering your dewar to a supplier, they will probably take care of filling it for you. As they have the necessary training and safety equipment, it is best to let them take care of this. 
3 Handle your dewar carefully after it’s filled. Observing proper safety measures will lower the risk of injury. If you’re transporting your dewar, make sure that it can stay upright in a well-ventilated vehicle. Wear safety goggles and hazardous material gloves, to prevent any liquid nitrogen getting into your eyes or onto your skin. Always store and handle your dewar in a room with plenty of ventilation.[8] Advertisement 
Surekha Krishnan Metallurgy Expert Surekha Krishnan is a Metallurgy Expert based in Columbia, South Carolina. Surekha specializes in both arc welding and solid-state welding and has been a Plant Metallurgist at FN America, LLC since 2021. Surekha has over 7 years of experience, is an expert in all heat treat processes and record retention, has prior experience as a Weld Engineer, and has taught various IIW welding courses in the past. 
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