Making liquid nitrogen from air

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of producing liquid nitrogen from air as a DIY project, exploring methods and safety concerns associated with such an endeavor. Participants examine the use of a refrigerator compressor and counter-current coils in the process, as well as the practicality and risks involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the feasibility of using a refrigerator compressor with counter-current coils for DIY liquid nitrogen production.
  • One participant expresses skepticism regarding the ability of a refrigerator compressor to achieve the necessary pressure for the Linde method, citing a claim of 200 bar from a foreign Wikipedia source.
  • Another participant suggests that purchasing liquid nitrogen from a commercial vendor is a simpler and safer alternative, noting the potential dangers of DIY attempts, including the risk of producing liquid oxygen (LOX).
  • There are questions about the function of counter-current coils and their role in the liquefaction process, with some participants providing clarification on the concept of a countercurrent heat exchanger.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between gas compression, temperature, and the role of electrical/magnetic fields in the liquefaction process, indicating a lack of consensus on these technical aspects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practicality and safety of DIY liquid nitrogen production, with some advocating for commercial purchase and others exploring the DIY approach. There is no consensus on the technical details or feasibility of the proposed methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the necessary pressures and technical requirements for the liquefaction process, as well as the potential dangers associated with DIY methods.

imsmooth
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Has anyone done this as a DIY project? I want to use a refrigerator compressor with counter-current coils.
 
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The foreign wikipedia claims that the Linde method uses a pressure of 200bar. I doubt, that your refrigerator compressor can produce that.
 
It's infinitely easier to just buy it from a commerical vendor - it's really cheap. Any DIY attempt would likely also make LOX, which could be very dangerous.
 
imsmooth said:
Has anyone done this as a DIY project? I want to use a refrigerator compressor with counter-current coils.

what are counter-current coils? what would they do?

i know that compressing a gas will cause it to liquefy, depending on temperature, but i don't know how electrical/magnetic fields come into play.
 
pa5tabear said:
what are counter-current coils? what would they do?

i know that compressing a gas will cause it to liquefy, depending on temperature, but i don't know how electrical/magnetic fields come into play.

he means a countercurrent heat exchanger i.e. you have 2 plug flow reactors one in another, and on the outside one the fluid flows 1 way, the inside one you have the fluid flows another way.
 

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