CID A-A-59503C covers two types of nitrogen: liquid and
gaseous. Each type of nitrogen can be obtained in two different technical grades based on
nitrogen purity and oxygen content. Liquid nitrogen is used as a cooling agent for low
temperature and cryogenic processes to shield temperature sensitive materials and equipment
from the effects of heat. Gaseous nitrogen is used to purge or pressurize systems or provide inert
atmospheres. The list of intended use includes, but is not limited to, pressurizing fuel tanks,
hydraulic system accumulators, aircraft struts, rocket engine propellant systems, and carbon
dioxide cylinders; purging aircraft oxygen converters; and purging and calibrating instruments.
Since some systems are sensitive to oil contamination, gaseous nitrogen is divided into two
classes: oil free and oil tolerant. Class 1, oil free nitrogen, is used for applications which cannot
tolerate hydrocarbons, such as the purging of oxygen equipment. Class 2, oil tolerant nitrogen, is
used for pressurizing oil-containing systems such as aircraft struts.