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Old 15th January 2007 | 12:23
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Rigga
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Anglia
Originally Posted by 419
Another of the reasons for using nitrogen ( I was always told this was the main reason), is that a nitrogen molecule is approx 4 times the size of an oxygen molecule, and as rubber is slightly permeable, the leakage rate is far less. ( I know air is only about 22% oyxgen, but that is still enough for leakage to be a problem).
This leakage isn't really noticeable at ground level, but once you get to high altitude, it then becomes more of a factor, due to the higher differential between the internal pressure of the tyre and the ambient pressure.

This might be an observation on the use of N2 - but is certainly not a reason for it.
The "Reason" is it's inert properties.
Personally, I've had N2 sent 100's of miles to me, rather than use air in an aircraft.
I would rather use Helium!
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