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Nitrogen Cart
- ADMIN
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Table of Contents
What a Nitrogen Cart Does and Why Nitrogen is Used
Where Nitrogen is Used on Aircraft
Typical Service Pressures
Inside a Nitrogen Cart
HII Nitrogen Carts and Boosters
Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Right Nitrogen Cart
Product Comparison of Leading Manufacturers
Final Notes for MROs and Operators in the Middle East
1) What a Nitrogen Cart Does and Why Nitrogen is Used
A nitrogen cart stores and delivers dry, inert nitrogen at controlled pressure and flow to service tires, oleo struts, hydraulic accumulators, and other aircraft systems on the ramp or inside the hangar. Nitrogen is preferred because it is chemically inert, moisture-free when properly supplied, and maintains pressure stability even during temperature changes. This reliability is vital for tires and struts that experience heavy loads and wide temperature variations during operation.
2) Where Nitrogen is Used on Aircraft
Tires:Â Nitrogen is used for stable and dry inflation. It prevents oxidation inside the tire and maintains consistent pressure. Typical aircraft tires operate between 150 and 200 psi.
Oleo struts (shock absorbers):Â Nitrogen provides the gas spring inside the strut. The required pressure depends on aircraft type and strut size, usually between 200 and 1,500 psi.
Hydraulic accumulators:Â Nitrogen acts as the pre-charge medium, absorbing hydraulic shocks and pressure fluctuations. The charge pressure is usually about one third to one half of the system pressure, often between 750 and 1,500 psi.
To read more about Nitrogen Generators for Aviation industries.
3) Typical Service Pressures
Application | Typical Pressure Range |
Tires | 150 to 200 psi |
Oleo Struts | 200 to 1,500 psi |
Accumulators | 750 to 1,500 psi |
Always follow the Aircraft Maintenance Manual for the exact values applicable to each aircraft type.
4) Inside a Nitrogen Cart
A professional nitrogen cart typically includes:
Cylinder rack for two to six nitrogen bottles
High and low-pressure regulators with gauges and relief valves
Low-pressure circuit, usually 0 to 400 psi, for tire servicing
High-pressure circuit, usually up to 3,000 or 5,000 psi, for struts and accumulators
Air-driven gas booster to maintain outlet pressure as the supply cylinders empty
The booster allows technicians to achieve full system pressure even when bottle pressure drops, preventing wasted nitrogen and ensuring a complete fill.
5) HII Nitrogen Carts and Boosters
Hydraulics International Inc. (HII) is one of the most trusted names in nitrogen and oxygen servicing equipment for both civil and military aviation.
Self-Generating Nitrogen Servicing Cart (HP-SGNSC, PN 130009-100)This model is a diesel-powered towable unit capable of generating high-purity nitrogen onboard. It provides high-pressure service up to 3,000 psi and includes a low-pressure circuit for tire inflation.
Twin-Cylinder Nitrogen Trolley (Model HIHPG1-23002)A compact cart designed for two bottles with an integrated air-driven booster. It maintains up to 3,000 psi outlet pressure even when supply pressure falls to around 300 psi.
HII GB-Series Gas Boosters Air-driven boosters suitable for nitrogen, oxygen, and breathing air. They achieve outlet pressures above 3,000 psi and can operate as part of a cart or as standalone units.
The booster is a key element of any nitrogen cart. It ensures consistent delivery pressure throughout servicing, shortens maintenance time, and allows full accumulator and strut charging without replacing bottles prematurely.
6) Buyer’s Guide for Selecting the Right Nitrogen Cart
Boeing Is one of the buyers of HII Nitrogen Carts.
When choosing a nitrogen cart, consider the following points:
Pressure Range: Confirm that the low- and high-pressure circuits meet your fleet’s servicing requirements. Most operations need both 0 to 400 psi for tires and up to 3,000 to 5,000 psi for struts or accumulators.
Gas Purity:Â Always ensure the nitrogen supply is clean and dry. Self-generating carts remove any risk of moisture contamination.
Mobility:Â Towable units are suitable for ramp operations, while compact trolleys fit well in hangars.
Drive Air Source: Some boosters use shop air while others use nitrogen itself. Choose based on your facility’s air availability.
Service Support:Â Check the availability of adapters, calibration kits, and spare parts in your region.
7) Product Comparison of Leading Manufacturers
Manufacturer | Model / Part Number | Bottles | Booster Type | Pressure Range (HP / LP) | Key Features |
Hydraulics International (HII) | HP-SGNSC PN 130009-100 | Enclosed 2 - 6 | Integrated self-generating system | HP up to 5,000 psi, LP for tires | Diesel-powered, high-purity Nâ‚‚ generation, towable chassis |
HII | HIHPG1-23002 | 2 to 6 | Air-driven booster | Up to 5,000 psi | Compact design, full fills even at low bottle pressure |
AERO Specialties | 4-Bottle Nitrogen Cart (ENB-45 Booster) | 4 | Air-driven ENB-45 | HP up to 4,000 psi, LP 0 to 500 psi | Powder-coated frame, dual regulator system |
Tronair | 18-4208-0010 | 4 | Integrated booster | HP 25 to 4,000 psi, LP 0 to 500 psi | Durable towable cart, dual service panels |
Malabar | 8932-N2 | 3 | Optional | HP / LP circuits | Counter-balanced rack, easy bottle loading |
Semmco | Nitrogen Trolley Mk12 | 3 | Optional | High and Low service outputs | Compact, demountable design, retractable hose reel |
8) Final Notes for MROs and Operators
For mixed fleets that include both commercial and business aircraft, the best nitrogen cart configuration includes a low-pressure circuit up to 400 psi for tires and a high-pressure circuit up to at least 3,000 psi for struts and accumulators. A reliable air-driven booster ensures consistent performance in the hot climate of the Gulf region.
By investing in a high-quality nitrogen cart, operators gain improved service efficiency, reduced maintenance time, and safer, more reliable aircraft systems.