What does nitrogen purging mean?

Answer 1

Nitrogen purging means to inert the atmosphere of hydrocarbon vessels and lines. In other words to limit the oxygen contents so that it cannot react with the hydrocarbons and make some explosive mixtures.

Nitrogen Purging in Gas Well: (Oil & Gas Industry Terms, Well Activation)

Generally for gas well activation air compressors are used. Air compressor puts in oxygen into the Hydrocarbon system in the well, this results in explosive mixture (as hydrocarbon & oxygen can explode by a single spark). To reduce oxygen content in the well, Nitrogen is circulated at high pressure @ 80-100 Kg/cm2 from annulus (casing) and returns of gases are taken out from tubing of the well.

The Nitrogen purging job brings down chances of explosion / explosive mixtures.

Answer 2

There isn't much to this. Prior to maintenance or start up, process lines are usually purged with nitrogen to remove any impurities within the system. So as you can see, all you do is inject nitrogen into process lines and you are effectively purging the system.

Answer 3

Nitrogen purging simply means to allow nitrogen to flow into the reactor to purge the vessel of any impurities within it. This is done prior to start up or during a maintenance cycle.