What can be used to prevent issues with condensation in water-based systems?

The correct choice is nitrogen because it is an inert gas that does not support combustion and is commonly used to help prevent condensation issues in water-based systems. When nitrogen is introduced into piping systems, it can replace moisture-laden air, reducing the amount of water vapor present that can condense when temperatures fluctuate. This is particularly important in systems where maintaining water quality and preventing corrosion is crucial.

The use of nitrogen helps maintain the integrity of the system by creating a dry atmosphere, which minimizes the potential for water to accumulate and cause issues such as corrosion, microbial growth, and pipe damage. In many applications, nitrogen serves not only as a purging agent but also acts as a protective blanket over water to keep the environment stable.

In contrast, the other gases mentioned do not serve this purpose effectively. Hydrogen is highly reactive and can introduce flammability risks, while carbon dioxide may increase humidity levels rather than reduce them, and helium, although non-reactive, does not provide the same benefits as nitrogen for this specific application in water-based systems.