The Economic Advantages of Switching to On-Site Nitrogen Gas Generators

Nitrogen gas is used in many industries for various purposes including flushing out oxygen and preventing oxidation or corrosion of materials. Nitrogen is also useful because of its inert properties. It is non-reactive with various elements and can be used to create a stable environment. Nitrogen is used in the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, steel welding, electronics manufacturing, and more.

Nitrogen may be delivered to businesses via cylinders, dewars, and bulk delivery. Nitrogen can also be drawn from the air and separated from other gases in the atmosphere using a nitrogen gas generator. Nitrogen gas generators save businesses money, and we’ll discuss the many benefits of nitrogen generators for your industrial purposes.

Traditional Nitrogen Supply Methods

Traditional nitrogen supply methods include cylinders, dewars, and bulk delivery.

  • Cylinders: Nitrogen cylinders are typically five feet tall and contain about 230 cubic feet of gaseous nitrogen. Cylinders are one of the most common nitrogen supply methods.
  • Dewars: A cryogenic dewar is a large container that holds a cold liquid. Dewars have a vacuum space between the cold liquid nitrogen and the outside world.
  • Bulk delivery: In bulk deliveries, liquid nitrogen is delivered through a tank and pumped into the truck on demand.

These delivery methods are all associated with hidden and recurring costs, such as rental fees and handling charges.

Nitrogen Generator

On-Site Nitrogen Generators: An Overview

On-site nitrogen generators are an alternative to traditional nitrogen delivery, such as cylinders and dewars.

  • Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Nitrogen Generators: Pressure swing nitrogen generators have two cylinders that each contain a carbon molecular sieve for nitrogen adsorption. PSA nitrogen generators work by first pressurizing one cylinder and then another. During this process, the sieve adsorbs gases like oxygen, and the nitrogen is expelled from the generator in a continuous stream.
  • Membrane Nitrogen Generators: Membrane nitrogen generators separate nitrogen from other elements through a membrane.

Industries that Benefit from Nitrogen Production

Many industries benefit from nitrogen production, including:

  • Food and beverage: Nitrogen is used in food packaging. In this industry, nitrogen is used to flush oxygen from food packages, preventing foods from developing off-odors and flavors. Nitrogen can also be used in beverage packaging.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Nitrogen helps stabilize sensitive medications by creating an inert environment for medication packaging.
  • Aerospace: Nitrogen is used to create strong welds in the aerospace industry. N2 can also be used to displace air in fuel tanks.
  • Oil and gas industry: In the oil and gas industry, nitrogen is used to purge pipelines and tanks. Nitrogen is much safer than oxygen and can be used to prevent workplace accidents.

Key Economic Advantages

Cost Savings

Businesses that rely on nitrogen delivery pay a lot every month for delivery and handling fees, not to mention that the cost of the nitrogen is a lot higher than if you generate it with a On Site Gas Systems Nitrogen Generator. Nitrogen generators allow businesses to enjoy reduced dependency on external suppliers and save them money.

Predictable Operating Costs

Unlike nitrogen delivery services, nitrogen generators have a fixed cost structure. They also have minimal maintenance expenses. Nitrogen generators are energy-efficient technologies that ensure long-term savings for businesses.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Businesses that are dependent upon nitrogen delivery are at the mercy of their suppliers. When supply chain problems get in the way, businesses may not have the nitrogen they need when they need it. Having on-demand nitrogen reduces downtime, and enables businesses to remain operational.

Scalability and Flexibility

Nitrogen production from a nitrogen generator can easily be scaled up or down, based on business growth and demand. This tailored output allows your business to meet the needs of your customers without waiting for nitrogen suppliers to deliver more nitrogen.

Hidden Benefits of Onsite Nitrogen Generator

In addition to the benefits of onsite nitrogen generators named above, there are also hidden benefits of on-site nitrogen generation.

  • Environmental Savings: Using a nitrogen generator can help reduce your business’ carbon footprint. Nitrogen generators are energy-efficient and do not require regular delivery from trucks that use fossil fuels.
  • Increased Safety: Storing high-pressure nitrogen cylinders can be dangerous for employees, but using a nitrogen generator can reduce the risk of accidents at the workplace.
  • Operational Autonomy: On-site nitrogen generation gives your business full control over your nitrogen supply without reliance on third parties.

Need An Onsite Nitrogen Generator? Contact Us

The benefits of onsite N2 generators are clear – they save money, give your business more control over your industrial processes, and allow your business to operate more efficiently. To learn more about installing an onsite nitrogen generator for your business, visit onsitegas.com for customized nitrogen solutions.

Nitrogen Generators vs. Cylinder Supply – Why On-Site Generation Is the Smarter Choice

Nitrogen plays an important role in many industries, including food and beverage, electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, steel manufacturing, and the oil and gas industries. For these businesses, there are two primary methods of acquiring nitrogen: cylinders and on-site generation.

If your business requires nitrogen for its industrial or manufacturing purposes, you have a choice to make. Nitrogen generation has many advantages over nitrogen cylinder delivery. Businesses that switch to on-site generation can save money and enjoy a steady, reliable stream of nitrogen.

Nitrogen Cylinders vs. On-Site Generators

Nitrogen Cylinders

Pre-filled nitrogen cylinders from the supplier are delivered by businesses via truck. These cylinders must be stored upright in a cool, dry, safe area, away from emergency exits and corrosive materials.

Nitrogen cylinders contain pressurized gas and need to be protected from high heat and should never be allowed to exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Empty cylinders should be stored away from full cylinders. During deliveries, full nitrogen cylinders are exchanged for empty cylinders.

Nitrogen can be used in many ways, including:

  • Flush oxygen from food packaging to preserve food taste and flavor
  • Create an inert environment for medications
  • Purge pipelines and tanks in the oil and gas industries
  • Strengthen metal joints in steel welding and cutting

On-Site Nitrogen Generators

On-site nitrogen generators come in two types:

  • Pressure swing adsorption (PSA): A PSA nitrogen generator uses two beds. Each bed contains a carbon molecular sieve. As one bed is pressurized, the other is depressurized, causing adsorption that leads to a steady stream of nitrogen. PSA systems easily produce high-purity nitrogen gas.
  • Membrane nitrogen generation: A membrane nitrogen generator is a relatively simple device that uses a membrane to separate nitrogen from other gases in the air.

Both types of generators offer customizable nitrogen purity levels, so your business can get the nitrogen it needs at the purity level required for general operations.

Key Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation

There are many clear benefits of on-site nitrogen generation.

Cost Savings

Delivery costs and rental fees can add up over time. Using an on-site nitrogen generator can eliminate these fees, saving your business money. The more you use your nitrogen generator, the more money your business saves on the cost of nitrogen per cubic meter.  Traditionally a Nitrogen Generator will generate nitrogen for a fraction of the cost of purchasing nitrogen.

Convenience and Efficiency

On-site nitrogen generation allows for a continuous, on-demand supply of nitrogen. Businesses that are dependent on nitrogen cylinder delivery are vulnerable to delays and supply chain disruptions, potentially causing disruptions to the manufacturing process. Whether you are running one shift or three shifts, the nitrogen generator will provide an endless nitrogen supply for all shifts.

Environmental Benefits

On-site nitrogen generation is inherently more eco-friendly. On-site nitrogen generation requires little energy, while cylinder delivery is dependent on trucks that burn fossil fuels.

Safety Advantages

The use of on-site nitrogen generation reduces the handling and usage of high-pressure cylinders. This minimizes the risks of leaks and accidents, thus creating a safer workplace environment.

Drawbacks of Nitrogen Cylinder Supply

Recurring Costs

Over many years, businesses have spent thousands of dollars on nitrogen cylinder delivery. These recurring costs may look small each month, but over time, costs add up!

Storage Challenges

Nitrogen cylinders are bulky and have specific storage requirements. For businesses with limited space, nitrogen cylinder storage can be a burden.

Supply Inconsistencies

Delays from the nitrogen generator cylinder filling station can cause production disruptions. Supply chain problems with the nitrogen generator with cylinder filling manufacturer can also become an administrative headache, as businesses search for new suppliers when disruptions occur.

Safety Concerns

There are safety risks associated with handling and transporting pressurized cylinders. Businesses must train workers to manage nitrogen cylinders carefully.

The On Site Gas Systems Advantage

On Site Gas produces nitrogen generators, including membrane and PSA nitrogen gas generators. We create custom solutions that are tailored to the needs of your business and industry. On Site Gas also offers long-term support and maintenance, for increased customer satisfaction.

Contact On Site Gas Systems

On-site nitrogen generation has many advantages over cylinder delivery. Businesses that use on-site nitrogen generation can save thousands of dollars over time while enjoying a reliable supply of nitrogen that won’t run out or experience supply chain disruption. The purity of on-site nitrogen can be easily controlled. On-site nitrogen generation is the smart choice for businesses that need nitrogen on hand.

If your business still relies on nitrogen cylinder delivery for your manufacturing or industrial processes, consider an on-site nitrogen generator for your business. To learn more about how On Site Gas Systems can help you with a nitrogen generator, contact us for a free consultation or product demo.