Carbon dioxide shortages are a serious problem in New Zealand and for a lot of industries, an effective alternative is crucial. With many looking to nitrogen gas for its economical, sustainable, and practical benefits, the demand for onsite generators is steadily rising.
If you need a reliable substitute for carbon dioxide (CO₂), this article will give you all the information you need to find the right nitrogen replacement. We explore the benefits of on-site nitrogen gas generators and which types are available so you will be ready.
CO₂ shortages in New Zealand
Early in 2022, the Marsden Point oil refinery closed down and stopped supplying New Zealand with carbon dioxide. That leaves only one remaining source — the Todd Energy Kapuni gas field in Taranaki. As a result, many businesses have reported that they’re only getting half of the carbon dioxide they need.
Additionally, carbon dioxide will be increasingly difficult to source with emissions restrictions on the horizon. The government’s objective is to halve New Zealand’s greenhouse emissions by 2030, leading many businesses to switch to a more sustainable alternative now.
Benefits of on-site nitrogen generation
Nitrogen gas, or N₂, is a great alternative to carbon dioxide because it is economical and dependable. You can hire N₂ bottles and refill them as needed but this can be a costly procedure — not to mention a hassle.
To overcome this, many plants are looking for an on-site nitrogen supply as a way to cut down delays and increase efficiency. Before you order another expensive set of rented nitrogen gas bottles, let’s explore the advantages of generating your own.
Cost-effective
Compared to bottle hire, an on-site generator is far more cost-effective because you don’t need to rely on a third-party supplier. The upfront cost of a generator is quickly recovered with a steady ROI within 6 to 18 months. Since you aren’t relying on bottle delivery or third-party services, you can simply get on with the job.
Constant supply
Coordinating with suppliers is a time-consuming hassle, but with an onsite N₂ generator, you can easily extract nitrogen whenever you need it. This eliminates the risk of delays and keeps your operations moving at optimal productivity.
Safety
On-site nitrogen generators are also much safer than a supply that is delivered to your site. In order for nitrogen to be transported it must first be converted to a liquid, and then stored in high pressure tanks. Unloading nitrogen from high pressure tanks runs the risk of leaks and spills which could be harmful, and lead to injury. With a permanent nitrogen generator, your team will be far safer and won’t have to spend as much time dealing with rigorous health and safety protocols.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
CO₂ levels are a major contributor to climate change, but nitrogen is an abundant element, making up 78% of the earth’s atmosphere and is far more sustainable. With the government aiming for a 50% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030, it is in your best interest to switch to a more sustainable alternative now. Not only is it better for the planet, but it also means you will be prepared for the stringent emissions restrictions that are expected in the next decade.
PneuTech nitrogen generators
At Industrial Air Systems, we supply PneuTech nitrogen generator packages in three different configurations. Depending on the size and application, one of the following options will suit your needs.
Skid-mount nitrogen generator
For a practical, efficient, and transportable option, a skid-mount nitrogen generator is ideal. With a solid base and forklift mounts, this model is designed to be moved and installed as easily as possible.
PneuTech’s skid mount generators come fully assembled and fully charged, so you can start operating as soon as it’s installed. They’re also commissioned and tested, so you know you’re getting a quality piece of equipment. The upfront investment and operating costs are relatively affordable, depending on your application. Prices start from $55,000 +GST for a low-pressure system.
Containerised nitrogen generator
For an all-inclusive, convenient solution, a containerised nitrogen generator is perfect. They come neatly enclosed in a shipping container so that everything is safe, handy, and efficient to install. These are typically used for outdoor applications where the generator needs to be protected from the weather.
At Industrial Air Systems, you can choose from a 20ft or 40ft shipping container, complete with everything you need already assembled. These are plug-and-play solutions with an N2 generator, booster compressor, dryer, receiver, filtration system, and piping all included. Typically, a containerised nitrogen generator starts from $320,000 +GST.
Factory-install nitrogen generator
A factory-install nitrogen generator is custom-designed to suit the factory’s setup and usage. Whatever you need, the Industrial Air Systems team can design, install, and calibrate the perfect solution with the extensive PneuTech product range. This way, you can be confident that your system is effective, efficient, practical, and cohesive with your existing operations.
Every PneuTech factory install package is thoroughly tested before it is delivered to ensure the highest quality and operational efficiency. Once it is on-site, our experienced technicians re-assemble it, ready for immediate use. Pricing for a factory-install nitrogen generator package varies, but usually smaller setups start from $55,000 +GST and medium setups range from $220,000 +GST.
As carbon dioxide becomes scarce and expensive, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of nitrogen gas instead. Don’t wait until it’s too late — find a suitable nitrogen source now. If you aren’t sure what type of on-site system you need, talk to our friendly team for expert industry advice. We can discuss your factory requirements, application, and preferences to find the ideal solution.
Whether big, small, or somewhere in between, Industrial Air Systems has the perfect nitrogen generator for your plant. Not only that, we will complete the entire installation so you can get up and running as soon as possible.
Are you ready to make the switch to a more cost-effective and efficient solution? Take a look at all of our nitrogen generators in the brochure linked below.
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