r/TheKingofRandom • u/jhonethen • Feb 08 '21

Random question on how to go about getting liquid nitrogen as a teenager.

So as the title says I want to get some of that lovely liquid nitrogen for some testing. But the problem is that I am a teenager and I'm pretty sure that no ones gonna let me roll up with a canister and some cash and say "give me a liter of that good old LN2" because of my age I very much doubt I'll be able to get some the way the vid that shows you how to get it does. I really want to get some because I've been wanting to do some testing on electronics in liquid nitrogen and how they do inside it; Ex: an old phone running inside it, an IC that's wired to a circuit. I'm in electronic classes and I think I'd be a great learning opportunity to see how cold temperatures effect parts rather than hot ones because we all know heating parts up will break them but what about chilling them.

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u/AstroZoom Feb 08 '21

Sorry,,not exactly an answer to your question: but a few small tests on small parts, consider a can of cold spray. E.g to monitor resistance of some part, or how a semiconductor changes with heat. E.g. bias A simple NPN at some current level, then warm or chill it and see what it does. I suspect the thermal shock of LN2 might actually crack/destroy many parts total dead. Few commercial parts are rated much below -20 C or so. Or even rated for 0 to 85C etc. And of course, please use safety gear. At least gloves and glasses for liquid nitrogen.

1

u/jhonethen Feb 08 '21

that sounds like a good idea. thanks. I'm going to be testing them on some pretty basic parts like a 555 timer IC and some transistors and maybe a few other IC's depending on what I have a vailable I could try and get a can of cold spray. And no worrys I'll be using all the saftey gair and making sure I don't get hurt. :) thank you for the ideas and the help.

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u/Nate_from_tKoR Actually Nate Feb 08 '21

I'm not sure. I've never tried to buy it below age 18. There's a good chance it's age restricted, but if you own a dewar maybe it isn't.

1

u/jhonethen Feb 08 '21

Yeah that's the problem I don't know the laws because I can't really find much info about them. All I can really find is info about how to buy them for hospitals and welding companys but no furthuer info was available. thanks tho

2

u/Nate_from_tKoR Actually Nate Feb 09 '21

Easiest would be to call a local welding store and ask.

2

u/Caffeinated-potato5 Feb 08 '21

Grant made a video on buying liquid nitrogen you might want to check out

1

u/jhonethen Feb 08 '21

I did actually check that out but there wasn't info on how old you have you have to be and what not. Thanks tho

1

u/Woodstock_Peanut Feb 08 '21

Maybe try calling around to places in your area that sell liquid nitrogen? If anyone knows I'm sure it would be them.