What is the primary benefit of utilizing nitrogen during leak testing?

Utilizing nitrogen during leak testing offers significant advantages due to its non-flammable and inert properties. Being an inert gas means that nitrogen does not chemically react with other substances, such as refrigerants, which helps to ensure that the system being tested remains unaffected during the process. This characteristic is crucial, especially when working with various refrigerants that might be volatile or reactive.

The non-flammable nature of nitrogen enhances safety during leak testing, as there is no risk of combustion or explosion that can occur with other gases. This is particularly important in environments where leaks could lead to dangerous conditions, making nitrogen a preferable choice.

While cost, cooling effects, and reactivity are considerations in various contexts, the inert and non-flammable qualities of nitrogen are the primary benefits that directly influence safety and the integrity of the testing process.