If your lab relies on nitrogen gas cylinders, you already know how quickly costs can add up. Between purchase prices, rental fees, delivery charges, and frequent refills, nitrogen cylinders can become a hidden financial drain on your operations.

But how do you know if you're paying a fair price—or if you're overspending compared to other labs? Our "Am I Overpaying on my Nitrogen Gas Cylinders?" tool helps you determine whether your current nitrogen supply costs are within an acceptable range or if you're paying too much.

The Hidden Costs of Nitrogen Cylinders

Nitrogen cylinders are a staple in many laboratories, but they come with several costly drawbacks:

1. High Cylinder Costs

The upfront cost of nitrogen cylinders can be significant, especially for labs that require multiple cylinders per month. Pricing varies depending on size and supplier, but the recurring need to purchase or replace cylinders creates an ongoing expense that can quickly add up. Unlike a fixed investment in a nitrogen generator, cylinder costs are a constant and unavoidable part of lab operations.

2. Monthly Rental Fees

Most gas suppliers charge a rental fee per cylinder, adding to the overall cost of maintaining a steady nitrogen supply. These fees might seem small at first, but when multiplied across multiple cylinders and months, they become a substantial recurring expense. Over time, these rental costs can easily surpass the price of investing in an in-house nitrogen generation system.

3. Delivery & Handling Expenses

Delivery costs vary but can add hundreds of dollars per month to your nitrogen expenses, especially if you're receiving frequent shipments. Beyond costs, frequent deliveries create workflow disruptions and safety concerns due to cylinder handling and storage. Each delivery requires time, coordination, and often additional fees, making cylinders an inefficient option for labs that require a reliable nitrogen supply.

4. Gas Waste

Did you know that most nitrogen cylinders leave about 10% of their gas unused due to pressure limitations? That means you're paying for nitrogen you can’t even use. Additionally, each time a cylinder runs empty, there is downtime involved in switching to a new one, causing further inefficiencies in lab operations.

5. Storage & Safety Risks

Cylinders require dedicated storage space and proper handling to prevent leaks, pressure hazards, and accidents. Many labs struggle with cylinder management, leading to compliance concerns and workflow inefficiencies. Storing multiple high-pressure cylinders also introduces potential safety risks, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards.

The Smarter Alternative: Switching to a Nitrogen Generator

A nitrogen generator offers a cost-effective, on-demand solution for labs that need a steady nitrogen supply—without the ongoing expenses of cylinder rentals, refills, and deliveries. Here’s why more labs are making the switch:

- Eliminate Cylinder Costs – No more purchases, rentals, or refills.
- Reduce Long-Term Expenses – A one-time investment with minimal maintenance.
- On-Demand Supply – Generate high-purity nitrogen whenever you need it.
- No More Deliveries – Say goodbye to disruptions and recurring delivery fees.
- Increased Safety & Efficiency – No handling of high-pressure cylinders.
- Better Environmental Impact – Reduce carbon emissions associated with cylinder deliveries and production.

Many labs find that a nitrogen generator pays for itself within a year—especially if they use multiple cylinders per month. Beyond the financial savings, labs that switch to a nitrogen generator experience greater efficiency, safety, and reliability in their daily operations.

Learn More: Nitrogen Generators for Sample Preparation: Everything you need to know

Watch Our Webinar: Improving Laboratory Workflows with Nitrogen Generation

Find Out If You’re Overpaying

Not sure if switching to a nitrogen generator makes sense for your lab? Use our "Am I Overpaying on My Nitrogen Gas Cylinders?" tool to compare your costs against industry benchmarks. Simply answer a few quick questions, and we’ll help you determine whether it’s time to make the switch.