There are many benefits of producing nitrogen gas on-site. Keeping these benefits in mind, a lot of industrial users are switching to nitrogen gas generators and avoiding the use of cylinders delivered by vendors. Nitrogen generators have a Nitrogen Compressor to ensure a constant supply of highly pure gas on demand. The best part about nitrogen generators is that they are easier and safer to operate. Even they are more cost-effective because the raw material a generator used is air. Are you willing to know how a nitrogen generator works? If yes, then you are at the right p lace. Start reading:
Introduction to Nitrogen Generators
A nitrogen generator is a mobile or stationery piece of machinery, which is utilized to separate nitrogen gas from atmospheric air. These systems are used in different industries to a greater extent. These generators fall into 2 broader categories, which are mentioned below:
- PSA or Pressure Swing Absorption Nitrogen Generators
- Membrane Nitrogen Generators
Pressure Swing Absorption Nitrogen Generators
Let’s talk about the working principle of a PSA Nitrogen Generator. It works under high pressure. Nitrogen gas exhibits strong similarity to adsorbent media like Granular Activated Carbon when exposed to high pressures. Additionally, many gases can be absorbed from this combination at different rates, based on the amount of pressure applied. The gas is desorbed when the pressure is reduced. A typical PSA generator set-up consists of 2 towers. These towers are used for absorption and regeneration. Air that comes from a compressor enters the absorption tower and gets in touch with the adsorbent that inhibits the nitrogen gas and permits other substances like water molecules, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and impurities to traverse. It is important to decrease the pressure to recover the absorbed nitrogen gas.
At any given time, when the adsorption tower is working to separate the gas, another tower is in the regeneration mode. Such types of generators are used extensively in industries like food and beverage packing, chemical industries, electronics manufacturing, wastewater treatment plans, medical facilities, etc. Industries, where the separation of high-purity nitrogen gas from a compressed air stream is needed, need a Nitrogen Compressor or Generator. With the help of the PSA technique, the nitrogen purity can be up to 99.999% based on the efficiency of the adsorbent and the reliability of the overall unit.
Membrane Nitrogen Generators
The next one is the Membrane Nitrogen Generator. This technology appears to be an efficient alternative to PSA nitrogen systems in the market. It works by using a high-selectivity membrane when it comes to nitrogen gas separation. Ensure you know that the material is a semi-permeable layer that comprises thousands of flexible and cylindrical filaments with pore sizes that range from 0.03 to 10 microns. When it comes to separating the nitrogen gas, compressed air is applied over the membrane. Make sure the compressed air should be dry. The membrane allows nitrogen gas to cross but inhibits oxygen, inert gases, water vapor, and air-borne impurities.
There is another way to separate nitrogen air instead of using nitrogen generators. This process is known as a fractional distillation of liquid air to produce nitrogen. It is a simple, 4-step process. It involves cooling, isolating the nitrogen, separating it from the air, and after that collecting it. At the appropriate low temperature, the nitrogen turns out into liquid and can be removed and gathered for industrial purposes. When it is in its liquid form, the gases can be transferred in tanks, and stored in cylinders. But there are some drawbacks related to this process.
While transporting the nitrogen, there may be a number of issues that can occur. Corrosion can develop safety concerns because of the improper handling of the boilers during moving between industrial plants. Apart from that, there is also an issue related to the cost and maintenance of cylinders. This is why nitrogen generators are the best and safest option to consider when it comes to producing nitrogen gas on-site.
Which type of nitrogen generator do you need to choose?
Pressure swing absorption, as well as membrane nitrogen generators, seem to be reliable systems and can produce pure N2. The main difference between both is in the mode of operation as mentioned above. Industrial users can choose any of the options mentioned above according to cost considerations, efficiency, and quality. There are many manufacturers and dealers in different parts of the world, giving you a chance to buy on-site nitrogen generators or a Nitrogen Compressor. First of all, you must understand the working principle of different nitrogen generators available, and then you will be able to make an informed decision depending on your usage, safety, and cost considerations. Complete Engineered Solutions are the best in the industry, where you can look for quality vacuum systems, compressed air, chillers, as well as nitrogen generators. Find them online.