October 25, 2023
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Nitrogen generator manufacturers for in-house gas supply
When selecting nitrogen generator manufacturers, it's essential to consider the benefits of in-house production, and how to select compatible equipment.
Nitrogen gas applications
Imparting nitrogen can remove undesirable oxygen from a manufacturing process or environment, preventing oxidation that can damage metal parts and sensitive electronics. Nitrogen is also used in refining and gas separation processes.
- Electronics: prevents contamination during fabrication of transistors, circuits and diodes
- Steel: prevents oxidation in the production of steel and alloys
- Welding/Metalworking: prevents the formation of oxides and waste compounds on workpieces
- Lighting: provides a less costly alternative to argon in bulb manufacturing
- Oil & Gas: provides inerting of processes used in oil refining, gas separation, natural gas dehydration and hydrogen purification
- On-Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS): provides in-flight inerting of fuel tanks on airplanes
- Ammonia Production: provides plant purge recovery
- Helium Purification: provides plant purge recovery
- Product Transfer: Safely transfers liquid or powder materials that can be hazardous if coming into contact with oxygen or water vapor
- Packaging: Purges oxygen to preserve and protect the product during transport
Nitrogen generators for manufacturing
The air we breathe is about 78% nitrogen. Higher purity nitrogen is generated by separating nitrogen from other molecules within a clean, dry compressed air stream. This results in a purified supply of nitrogen.
Manufacturers requiring a reliable source of high-purity nitrogen can benefit from generating their gas in-house. This usually reduces costs while allowing for quality control and higher efficiency. Generating nitrogen in-house enhances production flexibility. It allows for on-demand nitrogen supply at the level of purity needed.
Benefits of in-house production
About 80% of nitrogen end uses require nitrogen as a gas, not as a liquid. That being said, many companies use bottled liquified nitrogen. The primary reason nitrogen is liquified is for ease of transportation. However, generating liquid nitrogen requires a tremendous amount of energy.
Shifting to in-house generation of nitrogen gas can help manufacturers achieve significant cost savings, usually from 40-80%. This depends on current liquid nitrogen market prices. In addition, this transition offers a rapid payback period of typically less than 2 years. Business owners typically recover the initial investment in nitrogen generation systems in a remarkably short amount of time.
In-house generation of nitrogen gas also frees up space otherwise needed to store nitrogen bottles (both full and empty), further enhancing operational efficiency and reducing overhead costs.
Comparing nitrogen generator manufacturers
Since nitrogen generation involves compressed air, you'll want a setup that's compatible with your equipment. Additionally, it's a good idea to research a "nitrogen skid," which is an all-in-one solution. Manufacturers that offer these provide the air compressor, nitrogen booster, generator, and storage in a complete package. As always, it's a good idea to get expert advice based on your needs and existing installation.
Ask an air system professional about the best solution for generating nitrogen in-house.
Nitrogen plays a big role in various industrial applications. This e-book on nitrogen generation will help you understand the growing trend of on-site nitrogen generation and how this will benefit your business.
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