Used as a pressurizing gas, nitrogen can help propel liquids through pipelines. It is also used to shield oxygen-sensitive materials from the air and to remove volatile organic chemicals from process streams.

As an inert industrial gas, nitrogen is used as a blanketing agent to separate sensitive products and processes from air. It is also used as a purging agent in piping and equipment to prevent contamination.

Nitrogen is a key cryogenic agent in cooling, chilling and food freezing. Because of its extremely cold temperatures, immersion freezing in liquid nitrogen is the fastest freezing method known for producing Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) foods. Nitrogen also plays a key role in reducing spoilage, discoloration and off–flavors, giving strength to retail packaging.

Nitrogen NF is used as a cryogen to freeze and preserve blood, tissue, and other biological specimens, and to freeze and destroy diseased tissue in cryosurgery and dermatology. It is also used to power medical devices. Cryogenic liquid nitrogen is used to control the temperature in reactor cooling applications and to preserve biological samples.

It is also used as an assist gas for laser cutting, and enhances plasma cutting.