Why Generate Your Own Nitrogen or Oxygen Gas?

Nitrogen Generator BlogVarious industries, hospitals, and businesses may feel like they have no other option than to get cryogenic gas delivered in bulk to meet their nitrogen and oxygen needs. But this is not the case. On Site Gas makes it possible for these facilities to generate their own nitrogen and oxygen by means of an O2 & N2 Site self-generating system. When compared to cryogenic gas, these systems offer a variety of advantages.
Advantages of O2 & N2 Self-Generating Gas Systems

Ease of Use

No contracts to sign, you can purchase, lease or rent nitrogen and oxygen generating systems.

Low Maintenance Costs – System Can Last for Decades

Regular maintenance helps our nitrogen and oxygen generators last for decades.

Portable

Many of the O2 & N2 Site systems offer portability. These systems can be used anywhere that electricity and air are available. These systems are even usable in harsh conditions and extreme climates.

Less Expensive Than Purchasing Cryogenic Gas

The O2 & N2 Site gas generating systems are economical. The typical cost per CCF of the self-generated gas systems ranges from one-third to one-half of the costs associated with purchasing cryogenic gas.

No More Concerns About Running Out of Gas

Any concerns related to running out of gas are eliminated because the O2 & N2 Site system generates its own gas.

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Membrane Technologies – How They Work

The O2 & N2 Site systems have two ways of generating gas: membrane technology or PSA.

The Process of Pressure Swing Adsorption

That is adsorption, not absorption. These two words may look similar, but they mean two very different things. Adsorption differs from absorption in that absorption is a chemical process, whereas adsorption refers to the physical process of actually separating gas molecules from one another.
PSA systems are designed to generate both N2 and O2. Compressed air is used to pressurize a vessel that is filled with zeolite or carbon. Zeolite and carbon separate molecules according to their structure or physical composition.
The forcing of air into the vessel causes either the O2 or N2 molecules to become trapped; meanwhile, the other gas floats free. As pressure releases, the O2 or N2 molecules are drawn off and collected in the tank. The captured molecules of unwanted gases are released into the air via a pressure release valve. These unwanted gases immediately recombine into ambient percentages.
Our systems consist of two sieve beds working at opposing ends of the cycle. This ensures there is constantly a consistent flow of O2 or N2.

The N2 Membrane – How it Works

The membranes in our systems consist of a series of hollow fibers that have holes in their walls. These holes are small enough to allow O2 molecules to escape. These molecules escape when pressure within the fibers increases.
These holes are too small to allow N2 molecules to escape. Therefore, when air is forced down the fiber, the O2 molecules exit the fibers and the N2 molecules are captured in the fibers at the opposite end.
The air within the membranes is typically heated. Heating the air excites the molecules, which increases the chance that they will exit through the holes in the fiber.

Our Nitrogen and Oxygen Generating Systems Are Durable and Versatile

Our nitrogen and oxygen generating systems are used across essentially every conceivable place where these gases are needed. We build our N2 and O2 generator systems under the assumption that they need to operate for decades.
That is why our nitrogen and oxygen generating systems are used even in the most remote places on the planet, at numerous combinations of hertz and voltage as well as under the most extreme climates. In fact, our portable oxygen generators are saving the lives of military personnel, no matter where they are located.
If you want to learn more about the innovative products we offer, contact On-Site Gas Systems today.

Nitrogen Gas in Electronics Manufacturing

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IPC-APEX-Nitrogen-GasDuring the soldering process, engineers in the electronics manufacturing industry use nitrogen gas. Many times, nitrogen gas is ordered from an outside vendor and delivered to the worksite; however, electronics manufacturing companies should consider using an on-site nitrogen generator. These innovative nitrogen generators are more economical than the traditional purchase and delivery methods; additionally, they frequently increase productivity, all while improving the overall safety of the workplace.

On-Site Nitrogen Gas Creation Offers Electronics Manufacturers Substantial Savings and Convenience

Eliminating the need for gas delivery with on-site nitrogen generation offers electronics manufacturers substantial savings. With the ability to generate nitrogen on site, deliveries of gas in bulk liquid or in cylinder format are no longer necessary. Furthermore, staff no longer needs to be concerned about running out of gas, cylinder reconciliations or the cross checking of delivery dockets.

Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation for Electronics Manufacturing

Electronics manufacturing companies that use nitrogen fed wave soldering or selective soldering techniques can benefit greatly from an on-site nitrogen generator. An on-site generator is cost efficient as well as convenient.

Systems Recommended for Restriction of Hazardous Materials (RoHS) and Surface Mount Technologies (SMT)

Here are three systems that are ideal for use with RoHS and SMT:

  1. Nitrogen PSA Generator

An on-site Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator physically separates molecules. Using ordinary air, the PSA generator separates the nitrogen molecules from the oxygen molecules.

  1. Nitrogen Membrane System

This adaptable system offers ease and reliability. When the Nitrogen Membrane system arrives at its destination, our technicians put it online. The nitrogen membrane system is versatile, which allows us to match N2 membrane generators to meet each clients’ compression equipment specifications.

  1. On-Site Nitrogen Filling Stations Are More Economical Than Purchasing Bottled Gas

No matter which nitrogen generator system you have, we can easily incorporate a nitrogen filling station for cylinders; thus, eliminating the need to purchase bottled-gas and wait for it to be delivered. A nitrogen fill system ensures that you always have the gas you need on hand.

Nitrogen Generation Semi-Conductors

Nitrogen inerting has been used by semi-conductor producers and component level manufacturers for years. N2 membrane generators permit a larger process window while providing the safety of minimal oxygen.

N2 Inert Gas Generation for Selective Soldering

Many solder applications use high purity nitrogen to reduce surface tension and dross on solder pots: This allows for a clean break from the solder site. The purities attained with on-site nitrogen generation usually range from 99.99 percent to 99.9995 percent. This high-purity nitrogen is also ideal for lead-free soldering applications. An N2 filling station conveniently provides engineers with the nitrogen they need, minus delivery fees and concerns about running short.
Engineers benefit from a larger process arena when controlled nitrogen atmospheres are utilized in wave, reflow, rework and selective applications. In addition, while the solder completes surface wetting, nitrogen helps to increase the strength of the bond.

The Electronics Manufacturing Industry Can Benefit Greatly from On-Site Nitrogen Generation

When compared to purchasing cylinder or liquid gas, nitrogen generation offers a variety of benefits, including its:

  • Ease of use – No special skills required – No contracts to sign
  • Increased safety measures – No need to move heavy, high pressure cylinders
  • Lower cost – No concerns related to gas price increases – No delivery or rental fees – lowest cost per m3 is possible
  • Dependability
  • Low maintenance costs
  • Quickly pays for itself

Learn More by Visiting Us at the IPC APEX EXPO 2016

It is almost time for the IPC APEX EXPO. If you are in the electronics manufacturing industry and you want to learn more about the innovative nitrogen products now available, consider visiting the IPC APEX EXPO at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Expo takes place from March 13th to 17th. At the Expo, On Site Gas System experts are available to answer questions about how nitrogen generators work and the applications that will benefit from an on-site nitrogen generator with an N2 filling station.
If you plan to attend the Expo, please contact Mike Montesi at mmontesi@onsitegas.com to make an appointment.
When you are ready to take advantage of the many benefits an on-site nitrogen generator with a nitrogen fill station can provide, contact On Site Gas Systems. Our systems are perfect for use in the electronics manufacturing industry. With On Site Gas Systems you can save money, improve productivity and provide your staff with a safer work environment.

How to Generate Oxygen Using Oxygen Generating Systems

16-PhotoThe innovative pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) technology is available through On Site Gas Systems. Pressure-swing adsorption is a proven method for the generation of oxygen using an oxygen generating system. Any company that purchases two cylinders or a dewar of O2 a week will benefit from an oxygen generator system.

An Economical Alternative to Using an Outside Vendor

PSA technology is an economical alternative to purchasing cylinders of oxygen from an outside vendor. An oxygen generating system offers stable costs from one year to the next; furthermore, an oxygen generating system provides companies a quick return on their investment (usually within 12 to 18 months time).

Pure Convenience® – Oxygen on Demand

On Site Gas Systems tailors oxygen generating systems to meet the needs of each client.
Offering purity levels from 95 to 99 percent, oxygen generating systems are perfect for:

  • Aquaculture
  • Laboratories
  • Cutting
  • Fish Farms
  • Hatcheries
  • Acetylene Cutting/Welding
  • Brazing
  • Sparging
  • Manufacturing Jewelry
  • Hospitals
  • Medical Centers
  • Veterinarians
  • First Responders (Fireman, EMTs, etc.)
  • Glass Blower
  • Waste Water Treatment
  • Ethanol Production/Bio-Fuels

The portable oxygen generating systems that are available through On Site Gas Systems makes transporting oxygen to wherever it is needed a simple task.

Oxygen Generating Systems – The Process

Compressed air is forced through the first vessel. As the compressed air is forced through, the sieve (zeolite) captures the nitrogen and allows the oxygen to pass through. The oxygen is gathered and stored in the oxygen surge tank. When the sieve in the first vessel is full of the nitrogen molecules, it releases the nitrogen; meanwhile, the second sieve bed repeats the process. This ensures an unlimited, continuous supply of oxygen.

No Surprises – Same Cost Every Year

Most companies receive their return on investment (ROI) within 12- to 18-months of purchase. When a company generates its own oxygen, there are no delivery fees, long-term contracts, tank rentals or price increases to be concerned with.

Reduce Operating Costs with an O2 Generating System

Limited maintenance and high O2 to air ratio keeps operating costs for an oxygen generating system nominal.

Lease/Rental Options for Oxygen Generators

On Site Gas Systems offers a variety of rental and leasing options for companies to minimize their upfront costs.

Fully Automatic

When the system senses demand downstream, oxygen production begins.

Oxygen Generating Systems are Safe

  • Low Operating Pressure
  • No Hazardous Storage

The Systems Offered by On Site Gas Systems are Reliable

Some of the machines previously purchased from On Site Gas Systems have been operating for more than two decades. These machines are being used in some of the most remote locations around the world.
To learn more about the innovative oxygen generating systems and nitrogen generating systems available at On Site Gas Systems, contact the office today.

How It All Works: PSA and Membrane Technologies Made Easy

A variety of manufacturers utilize Nitrogen and Oxygen gas for numerous applications. The ability to generate gas on-site is more economical and efficient than gas delivery.
In order to achieve the proper nitrogen purity level, nitrogen generators rely on either membrane technology or pressure-swing adsorption (PSA); whereas, oxygen relies solely on pressure-swing adsorption technology.

Pressure-Swing Adsorption Vs. Membrane Technologies – What is the Difference?

Adsorption is a physical process where one substance fully integrates into another. Pressure-swing adsorption (PSA) technology is designed to use the concept of adsorption as a means to separate gas molecules from each other. The process of adsorption involves molecules temporarily adhering to the surface of certain materials they come into contact with.

PSA Nitrogen and Oxygen Generators – The Process

A pressure-swing adsorption nitrogen generator usually consists of at least two towers. These towers contain carbon molecular sieve. Carbon molecular sieve is adsorbent material.

PSA System for N2 Generation

When compressed air is forced into the towers, they become pressurized. Once pressurized, the O2 gas molecules become trapped within the carbon molecular sieve. As the pressure is released, the nitrogen molecules are collected in a tank; meanwhile, the oxygen is released back into the atmosphere via a vent. Once the unwanted gas molecules are released into the atmosphere, they rapidly convert back to their ambient conditions.
Companies that frequently use PSA systems for nitrogen generation include:

  • Plastic Molding
  • Packaging
  • Electronics
  • Food
  • Beverage
  • Metallurgy
  • Fruit Storage

PSA System for O2 Generation

O2 generators with pressure-swing adsorption technology works very similar to the N2 generator however zeolite is used to isolate O2 molecules; thus, separating them from the other molecules within the compressed air. Oxygen generating systems are perfect for use in wastewater treatment plants, for ozone production applications and fish farming; furthermore, the portable O2 generators available through On Site Gas Systems are ideal for use in the medical field.

Membrane Technology for N2 Generation

A nitrogen membrane generator is designed to remove nitrogen from the atmosphere. This is accomplished by pushing compressed air through a set of polymer fibers. As the compressed air moves through the membrane, the nitrogen molecules are separated from the other molecules. Tiny microscopic holes in the membrane fibers allow oxygen to pass through and return to the atmosphere as waste gas: The nitrogen molecules are too large to pass through the microscopic holes; therefore, the N2 molecules are captured at the opposite end.

Nitrogen Cylinder Filling Station

An N2 filling station is the perfect solution for manufacturers who purchase bottled nitrogen. A nitrogen fill station from On Site Gas Systems, allows for easy cylinder refills. With an on-site nitrogen filling station, concerns related to running out of nitrogen gas and/or waiting for a delivery are in the past.
On Site Gas Systems offers its clients systems of the highest quality. All the systems On Site Gas Systems offers are designed to operate for decades. These systems are reliable even in the most remote locations around the globe, under the harshest climates and in a variety of hertz and voltage combinations. To learn more about the innovative products available, contact On Site Gas Systems today.