Nitrogen generators have now found their application in various fields to serve as an effective source of high-purity nitrogen gas at low cost. These systems are widely used in many operations, from food packaging to metal cutting. This blog looks at the various available nitrogen generators, what they are used for, and how they can be helpful in your business operations.
What is a Nitrogen Generator?
A nitrogen generator is an equipment that extracts nitrogen from the surrounding air. It separates nitrogen from the other gasses in the atmosphere using specific technologies. Nitrogen is employed in several uses: food preservation, chemical production, and as an inert gas in laser cutting.
Types of Nitrogen Generators
In terms of options, several different types of Nitrogen generators are available, and each is designed for a specific role and particular usage. Below are some of the most common types:
PSA Nitrogen Generators
Among all nitrogen generators, pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generation is widely used in many industries. PSA nitrogen generation is based on the understanding that the various gasses in the air may be adsorbed in multiple manners. In a PSA system, air is passed through a bed of adsorbent material such as zeolite. This material selectively absorbs oxygen, leaving nitrogen behind. This leads to the generation of nitrogen of very high purity.
Various PSA nitrogen generators are employed in laboratories for oil and gas production, pharmaceuticals, and electronics production.
Mini Nitrogen Generators
These are miniature versions of PSA nitrogen generators. They require less nitrogen than their standard counterparts but have equal purity and performance standards. This makes them suitable for laboratories, small-scale production lines, and even some food-process packaging uses.
PSA Type Nitrogen Generators
PSA-type nitrogen generators are typically similar to standard PSA systems but perhaps modified to meet the exact operational requirements. Such systems have lower efficiency rates and can be sized for numerous output levels according to the manufacturing process’s requirements.
Nitrogen Generators for Sale
When businesses are looking for nitrogen generators for sale, key considerations include the available nitrogen purity level, flow rates, and, more importantly, cost implications. Most suppliers provide a range of systems, from extensive industrial–scale systems to medium or even small-scale systems, depending on the purpose of their use. You should conduct an assessment to determine your needs and select the right generator for your business.
Critical Applications of Nitrogen Generators
Generators are used in many applications in different industries; the same applies to nitrogen generators. Below are some key areas where nitrogen generators are essential:
Food Packaging and Preservation
In many industries, nitrogen generators are used, for example, in food packaging processes. Nitrogen is used to evacuate the oxygen in packages, making food products last longer on the shelves. This process is known as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). Thus, nitrogen generators offer a convenient system for generating nitrogen in-house instead of the expensive nitrogen cylinders used in this process.
Laser Cutting: In all industries that involve accurate metal cutting, such as automobile and aircraft production processes, nitrogen is utilized as an assist gas in laser cutting. Nitrogen assists in minimizing heat on the vůči material and reduces oxidation that may lead to blurs, hence clean and quality cutting. PSA nitrogen generators are standard in these applications because they provide high-purity nitrogen from a continuous flow suitable for industrial laser cutting.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: Chemical industries and pharmaceuticals use nitrogen in incredibly high quantities. It does this in the same way that an inert gas like argon does for producing sensitive chemical compounds and medicine. The sectors require nitrogen quickly and efficiently, which is why PSA nitrogen generators are used.
Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing: Nitrogen is used in electronics and semiconductors, where heat treatments and manufacturing processes such as soldering and working tests are needed. Nitrogen of over 99% purity is required to avoid contaminating elements within products during manufacturing. Nitrogen generators from PSA are often used in these industries to supply nitrogen in small quantities and at frequent intervals.
Advantages of Using Nitrogen Generators
Realizing the goals of investing in nitrogen generators is numerous for any business. Below are some of the key advantages:
Cost Efficiency: Zero liquid and residual volume, Easy maintenance, Long helpful life, and Huge savings in the long term. This means there is no requirement to buy nitrogen cylinders for your business or rely on suppliers to deliver the gas. This leads to lower operating expenses and, therefore, better profits.
On-Demand Supply: An on-site nitrogen generator assures you that nitrogen is always available at any time it is required. This will reduce the chances of finding the nitrogen supply bucket empty at some times during a process, which will lead to interruption.
Improved Purity: Nitrogen generators are capable of delivering nitrogen of a quality that is appropriate for a given use. For example, in the PSA nitrogen generator, nitrogen may be produced at 95% to 99.999% purity to make up for industries like electronics and pharmaceutical industries.
Environmentally Friendly: Business people are seen as saving carbon footprints by using nitrogen generators. Since nitrogen gas is generated on-site directly from the air, a compressed gas cylinder is not required, which reduces the energy used in transport and emissions.
Choosing the Right Nitrogen Generator Supplier
When choosing a nitrogen generator, it is better to use the services of suppliers who have worked for a long time in this field. Find what kind of PSA nitrogen generators are out there, what solutions are available, and from whom. Nitrogen generators are provided by some of the largest industrial gas suppliers around the globe, including Air Liquide and Linde. However, some highly professional distributors specialize in delivering individual nitrogen generation for given sectors.
Key Considerations When Purchasing a Nitrogen Generator
When purchasing a nitrogen generator, keep the following factors in mind:
- Purity Requirements: Ensure the generator can generate the quantity and quality of nitrogen your specific application requires.
- Flow Rate: Check whether the generator will hold enough nitrogen for your consumption.
- Energy Efficiency: When comparing different products, select the one that saves energy to cut operating expenses.
- Maintenance and Support: Think about the supplier’s services and support you are likely to receive and the degree of maintenance needed on the part of the generator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 What is the difference between PSA and membrane nitrogen generators?
PSA nitrogen generators employ physical integration and process technological methods such as the adsorption and absorption of nitrogen from oxygen. Membrane generators employ physical integration and technological selectivity to differentiate gasses. PSA is usually more beneficial for high-purity nitrogen, while the membrane system is preferred in a lower-purity application.
Q.2 Can nitrogen generators be used for food packaging?
Indeed, nitrogen generators are widely used in food packaging to replace oxygen and enhance products’ shelf-life periods. This is called Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP).
Q.3 How much does a nitrogen generator cost?
The cost of a nitrogen generator dramatically depends on its flow rate, purity standards, and the type of nitrogen generator desired. These PSA nitrogen generators are generally compared to the membrane systems; however, they will be much the efficient and purest nitrogen supply.
Q.4 How do I maintain my nitrogen generator?
Maintenance of the machine is encouraged to maximize its output in every operation. This involves filter checks, adsorbent material changes, and ensuring the system functions as required.
Q.5 Are nitrogen generators suitable for all industries?
Indeed, nitrogen generators are in high demand in food packaging, laser cutting, pharmaceuticals, and electronics industries.
Conclusion
Nitrogen generators are vital in many industries as they offer the best means of generating nitrogen quickly, safely, and economically. From food packaging companies to semiconductor manufacturers or chemical manufacturers, nitrogen generators provide a cheaper route to acquiring nitrogen gas. Today, many companies offer nitrogen generators, so it is essential to consider individual needs and choose a reliable supplier of the necessary equipment.
