In the midstream and downstream sector, one of the most significant operational risks during severe weather events, such as sustained freezing conditions, extreme heat, hurricanes, or flooding, is an unplanned unit shutdown.
In this blog, we’ll examine how nitrogen is deployed across facilities to help keep units online and how N2 Solutions provides rapid, specialized emergency support when conditions threaten continuity of operations.
Within some refinery, petrochemical, and LNG facilities there are gaseous nitrogen supply pipelines from ASU’s (air separation units) that deliver nitrogen gas to critical units. Some of these facilities have their own LIN storage vessels on site. During severe weather events, these nitrogen feeds are vulnerable to electricity curtailment and logistical implications due to adverse weather conditions that can cause a reduction in nitrogen flow and trigger unplanned unit shutdowns. The resulting loss of nitrogen supply can quickly impact plant-wide operations, jeopardizing safety, reliability, and overall production continuity.
These issues can be correlated with freezing or high temperatures that strain utilities and process equipment, as well as hurricanes or flooding that disrupt power, damage infrastructure, restrict site access, and delay product and nitrogen deliveries, all of which can quickly escalate into widespread operational upsets if not proactively managed.
N2 Solutions supports facility emergency operations by tying into the nitrogen header and delivering supplemental nitrogen to maintain the required system pressure and flow. Depending on the scenario, our teams can mobilize pump trucks, tube trailers, and portable storage to backfeed the header, augment on-site LIN storage, or fully replace curtailed ASU supply. By stabilizing nitrogen availability during upset or weather-related events, N2 Solutions helps keep critical units online, sustain inerting and purging operations, and maintain safe operating envelopes so the plant can continue running without interruption while primary utilities and logistics recover.
At N2 Solutions, we're more than just a nitrogen service provider. We’re your partner in the field, there when you need us for 24/7 emergency support. From the initial scope and design to project management and logistics, we’re with you every step of the way, coordinating equipment and supply, and adjusting in real time as conditions evolve. Our teams mobilize quickly, integrate seamlessly with your operations and safety protocols, and maintain clear, transparent communication so you always know the status of your units and your nitrogen supply. Whether you’re mitigating an imminent outage, stabilizing operations during a prolonged weather event, or planning contingencies ahead of storm season, N2 Solutions provides the technical expertise, specialized equipment, and dependable response you need to protect uptime and keep your facility running safely.