Used for a wide range of applications, nitrogen generators produce a consistent nitrogen gas supply. Nitrogen is an essential resource in many industries such as food and beverage, dairy, wine, pharmaceutical and medical, and beer brewing.
Nitrogen is also an increasingly popular alternative to carbon dioxide (CO₂) because of its availability and cost savings. As nitrogen is available on demand, you can reduce plant downtime significantly.
In this article, we explain how different types of industrial nitrogen generators work and the various advantages they offer. If you’re looking for a cost-saving solution that also increases productivity, find your ideal nitrogen generator below.
An on-site nitrogen generator provides high-quality and consistent nitrogen on demand.
Nitrogen generators separate nitrogen from other molecules so that it can be used in its pure form. Since nitrogen is the most abundant gas in the earth’s atmosphere, it is a more reliable gas supply than most alternatives, such as carbon dioxide.
There are two main types of nitrogen generators that work in different ways.
Using semipermeable membranes, a membrane nitrogen generator separates compressed air into component gases. The membranes consist of small hollow fibres bundled together in a circular cross-section and a uniform bore through its centre.
Membrane nitrogen generators are ideal for applications where the required flow of nitrogen is relatively low and purity levels do not need to exceed 99%. They also cost less upfront than high flow or high purity technologies such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA).
Adsorption is the process of removing atoms, ions, or molecules from a substance using an adhesive surface. In a Pressure Swing Adsorption generator (PSA), the oxygen, CO₂, and water vapour are bound to a carbon molecular sieve, allowing essentially pure nitrogen to flow through.
A PSA nitrogen generator has two separate pressure vessels – tower A and tower B. Each tower is filled with carbon molecular sieves that switch between a separation process and a regeneration process.
The initial investment cost for PSA generators is higher than membrane generators but the higher flow and higher purity levels are worthwhile for many applications.
Given the various types of generators available and their varying capabilities, it can be daunting to choose one to suit your purposes. To make it easy, we’ve summarised the key considerations below.
The level of purity required will depend on the intended application. For instance, food packaging and laser cutting typically require a higher level of purity compared to tire filling. If your end use requires high purity, we suggest a PSA nitrogen generator.
The amount of nitrogen gas you require will depend on the size and demand of your application. A larger flow rate may require a larger nitrogen generator or a model that can produce nitrogen on demand. Generally, PSA generators have a higher flow capacity.
The initial cost, installation costs, and operating costs will all come into play. If the flow rate and air purity allow you to choose a membrane generator, this will cost less overall.
The frequency of maintenance, replacement of parts, and overall upkeep will increase the operational cost. Membrane generators require much less maintenance than PSA models, and also come in simple, compact designs.
Some nitrogen generators feature storage tanks or cylinders to store the gas they produce. If you require a consistent and uninterrupted gas supply, this will be critical. Make sure the storage capacity is matched to your peak gas usage.
The manufacturer's reputation, warranty, and customer support should also be evaluated to ensure that the generator will perform well. For example, the PneuTech range we stock is covered by a 2-year warranty on all major components.
Choosing a nitrogen generator requires a thorough understanding of its intended purpose, capabilities, costs, and maintenance requirements. Consult our experts to make the right choice for your operations.
For more detailed information about the PneuTech range of nitrogen generators, download your free copy of the brochure. Inside you’ll find: