Nitrogen Gas Springs
Nitrogen gas springs are pneumatic energy storage devices designed for the damping and isolation of movements through the use of compressed air. Gas springs are a popular alternative to mechanical leaf or coil springs as they offer increased product longevity and precision operation. While carbon gas springs are also popular, nitrogen is the most common actuation media used for these air springs and air shocks due to its abundance.
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Design of Nitrogen Gas Springs
A self-contained cylinder, nitrogen gas springs are relatively simple in design, though additional features such as adjustable stroke length, locking mechanisms, high temperature seals, high speed extension and reduced compression ratios may necessitate more detailed design. For simpler models, a gas spring body is a sealed, tubular cylinder most commonly made of durable materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum or thermoplastics as needed to suit a specific application. The interior surface is polished to micro-fine smoothness in order to reduce extraneous friction as the piston head slides up and down the barrel. The piston head and surrounding seals and o-rings divide the chamber into two airtight compartments. A rod is attached at one end to the piston head while the opposite end protrudes from the main body and attaches to the item to be supported or protected. An orifice or valve is located on either end of the chamber to allow pressurized gas from a nitrogen reservoir to be introduced into or exhausted from the chamber as needed. This action causes the extension or compression of the spring. Alternatively, force on the piston rod causes the nitrogen to further compress and absorb energy as needed to protect surrounding equipment. To ensure precision functionality gas spring design often incorporates 3D CAD drawings and other software.
Applications of Nitrogen Gas Springs
Nitrogen gas springs have naturally low reactivity, which allows them to be used in a number of applications, such as food and aerospace applications, without risk of explosion or harmful contamination. Marine, medical, commercial and manufacturing industries such as those using presses, die cutting, drawing or casting also make use of these devices in daily operations as they offer not only damping and shock absorption but force exertion as well. Gas lifts using nitrogen cylinders are likewise popular for platform or stock lifters. Nitrogen gas springs can offer forces anywhere between five and twelve hundred pounds, depending on size and construction. Despite the impressive mechanical capabilities and benefits associated with the use of nitrogen in gas springs manufacturing, caution should be taken when using compressed nitrogen in large amounts or improperly ventilated areas as the odorless, colorless chemical can act as an asphyxiant should the spring leak.