What is a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Nitrogen Generator?

Nitrogen gas has many uses in the chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, and steel production industries. Nitrogen is an inert gas that’s present in large quantities in the atmosphere and air we breathe. It can prevent food, drink, and medication spoilage, which makes it very important to some of the conveniences of modern life.

With the rise of industries that require industrial shipping, chemical manufacturing, and food storage, nitrogen has become increasingly in demand. While there are many ways to acquire nitrogen, many businesses turn to nitrogen generators. Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) generators are highly efficient nitrogen generators that produce high-purity nitrogen on site.

Here’s what to know.

What is a PSA N2 Generator?

A PSA nitrogen generator produces nitrogen through a process that starts when compressed air is passed through a combination of filters to remove oil and moisture, then the purified air is directed to adsorption vessels that contain carbon molecular sieve. The remaining moisture, carbon dioxide, and other impurities are adsorbed by the sieve material. At high pressures, the sieves also adsorb oxygen. The remaining nitrogen is produced at the desired purity and oxygen is vented back into the atmosphere.

How Does a PSA N2 Generator Compare to a Membrane Generator?

The way that a PSA N2 generator works is very different from the way a membrane generator works. The membrane generator works by forcing compressed air into thousands of hollow fibers. Elements of the air like oxygen and CO2 pass through the fibers differently than nitrogen, which is eventually separated out through the fibers, producing a stream of nitrogen out the other end.

Advantages of Nitrogen PSA Generators

PSA nitrogen generators have many benefits that draw industry professionals, especially when the generators are compared to nitrogen cylinders. Knowing the advantages of these generators can help you decide if a PSA generator is right for you.

24/7 Nitrogen Production

Nitrogen generators can work continuously, 24/7. Generators can be used to produce a nearly endless supply of nitrogen as needed. For many businesses, this is preferable to other options, like nitrogen cylinders. Whereas nitrogen cylinders are subject to delays due to interruptions in the supply chain, PSA nitrogen generators continue to work as long as they have power.

High-Quality Nitrogen

PSA nitrogen generators can produce high-purity nitrogen from the atmosphere. In fact, PSA nitrogen generators can produce up to 99.9995% pure nitrogen, which is useful for industries that require a high purity for their nitrogen content. The purity level that comes from nitrogen generators is also flexible, to meet the needs of the business.

Low Associated Costs

Nitrogen generators have a reasonable up-front cost, and then very low cost of operation thereafter. Maintenance and utilities to run the generators are overall a minimal expense. Nitrogen cylinders and bulk liquid, meanwhile, represent a large ongoing cost to the business.

With many applications using a PSA Nitrogen Generator will have operating costs of 10-20% of purchasing nitrogen cylinders or bulk nitrogen.

Reduced Environmental Footprint

Because PSA nitrogen generators are an on-site source of nitrogen gas requiring little utility to run the generator, these generators have a small environmental footprint. For businesses seeking an environmentally friendly solution to their nitrogen needs, and for businesses that prioritize eco-friendly processes, PSA nitrogen generators are an excellent option.

This is especially true when the generators are compared to nitrogen cylinder delivery. Nitrogen cylinder delivery relies heavily on vehicles that use fossil fuels for transportation, thus increasing your business’s carbon footprint.

Need a PSA Nitrogen Generator for Your Business? Contact On Site Gas Systems

PSA nitrogen generators are a reliable source of nitrogen for businesses that need high-purity nitrogen. PSA nitrogen generation is also convenient and can produce nearly limitless quantities of nitrogen as needed.

On Site Gas Systems sells PSA nitrogen generators and membrane nitrogen generators for your industrial processes. With a strong reputation in the industry, we set a gold standard for gas-generating systems. We design and build gas systems on site to ensure that your business needs are met. To find out more about our PSA nitrogen generators as well as our membrane generators, contact the On Site Gas Systems team.

How To Generate Nitrogen Using Membrane Technology

In industries where nitrogen is a vital component, businesses have various options for obtaining this essential gas. Whether through nitrogen generators or cylinder delivery, the choice of nitrogen delivery method greatly influences operational efficiency. While renting nitrogen cylinders may be suitable for some, companies with high nitrogen demands often turn to nitrogen generators for a consistent and dependable supply. Among the different types of nitrogen generators available, one popular option utilizes membrane technology.

Nitrogen membrane technology simplifies the process of obtaining nitrogen, making it highly accessible and efficient for numerous businesses. If you’re contemplating the adoption of a nitrogen membrane generator, understanding its functionality is key. This knowledge will enable you to evaluate whether this generator type aligns with your business requirements effectively.

In this article, we will explore the functionality of a nitrogen membrane generator, shedding light on its key features and benefits.

How N2 is Made from Nitrogen Technology

A membrane nitrogen generator works by pushing compressed air through the polymer fibers in a membrane module. The fibers have little holes that oxygen molecules fit through, but nitrogen molecules do not. When the process is finished, oxygen is expelled as waste gas, while nitrogen is captured and pumped out of the generator as a product.

Why Buy a Nitrogen Membrane Generator?

There are many reasons to buy membrane nitrogen generators. If you have been relying on nitrogen cylinders to be delivered to your business, then your business could benefit enormously from an onsite generator.

  • Eco-friendly. Your business nitrogen generator is more environmentally friendly than purchasing nitrogen cylinders, which must be delivered to your address via vehicles that consume fossil fuels.
  • Space efficient. Cylinders and other types of generators take up more space than membrane technology generators. For businesses that don’t have much room, this type of generator is very space efficient and easy to work around.
  • Reliable. Cylinders can be delayed in their delivery, depending on the logistics of the company you’re ordering from. When this happens, your entire production could be shut down while you’re waiting to find a new supplier, or waiting for your current vendor to deliver the promised cylinders. Sometimes starting contracts with a company can take time, and sometimes just finding a supplier who can make a delivery on time can be time-consuming. This stands in contrast to membrane technology generators, which are always on hand once they’re installed. If you need a regular supply of nitrogen that you can’t do without, then a membrane technology nitrogen generator can deliver that supply.
  • Easy to install. Compared to PSA nitrogen generators, membrane technology generators are relatively easy to install.
  • Low cost after the initial purchase. While a nitrogen generator does require an upfront investment, this investment is the only large cost. All other costs associated with nitrogen generation (maintenance and basic utility costs) are minimal.

What Industries Use Nitrogen Generators?

Many industries use nitrogen generators including the food industry, pharmaceuticals, beverages, chemicals, metal fabrication, automobile, aerospace, plastics, glass, and more. If you own a business in one of these industries, you may benefit from purchasing a nitrogen generator for your company.

How is a Generator Better than Nitrogen Cylinders?

Nitrogen generators cost less over time, and once installed, they’re always available for your purposes. Cylinders can be unreliable in their delivery and are subject to problems like traffic issues, supply chain problems, mechanical breakdowns, and other obstacles that can get in the way. Nitrogen cylinders also have an environmental impact, because they rely on delivery by vehicles that use fossil fuels. Ordering nitrogen cylinders requires ongoing administration of a contract with a cylinder company, while a nitrogen generator requires none of this work.

Why Buy a Nitrogen Membrane Generator from On Site Gas Systems

Want to know why you should buy a membrane technology nitrogen generator for your business? Talk to the professionals at On Site Gas Systems. If you require nitrogen generator installation, we design and build nitrogen-generating systems that service your plant for whatever your needs are.

If you’re not sure what type of nitrogen generator is best for your purposes, we can help you choose. Each type of generator has its own characteristics, and we can help you decide which type of generator is most likely to suit your needs. Call today to speak with one of our sales professionals and get started with your order.

How N2 Generators Can Improve Your Recycling Efficiency and Reduce Costs

Does your plastics recycling business rely on nitrogen cylinders for production and manufacturing? Demand for nitrogen can be difficult to manage, especially when you’re getting your nitrogen supply from cylinder delivery.

Not only are nitrogen cylinders inefficient, but they’re also expensive. Fortunately, there’s a way to cut finances and make your business more eco-friendly at the same time. By getting your nitrogen supply from nitrogen generators for plastics, your business will use less nitrogen, reduce its carbon footprint, and reduce overall business costs. Here’s how our nitrogen generators can save your business money and make production more efficient.

Nitrogen Generators for Recycled Plastics Help Recycling Plants Operate More Efficiently

Nitrogen is an essential part of recycling plastics. Many businesses that operate plastics recycling plants use nitrogen cylinders to maintain their operations. Unfortunately, using these cylinders can lead to nitrogen waste, with more nitrogen being used than necessary. Using a nitrogen generator for plastics leads to the production of pure nitrogen and a reduction in nitrogen waste, thus allowing recycling plants to operate more efficiently.

Nitrogen Gas Generators Help Businesses Maintain Sustainable Operations

For businesses that require a regular supply of nitrogen, nitrogen cylinders can be a constant demand. Nitrogen cylinder delivery may be required, weekly, daily or even multiple times per day, depending on the number of cylinders needed, where they’re being delivered from, how much the business can purchase at a time and how much the business can store at once.

If trucks show up on a daily or even hourly basis, this makes the business’s carbon footprint much larger than otherwise necessary. More deliveries via trucks mean more emissions required to sustain business and thus a larger carbon footprint overall.

Plastics recycling plants specifically have an investment in maintaining sustainable operations –  after all, they’re involved in the recycling industry and eco-friendly practices are their business.

Nitrogen generators for recycling plastics remain on-site at all times, never requiring a fresh delivery by truck. All the business needs is a source of compressed air to create nitrogen gas. Once the air is fed into the generator, nitrogen is pushed into a storage tank while oxygen and other molecules are vented out.

Nitrogen Gas Generators Help Businesses Reduce Costs

In addition to reducing emissions, on-site nitrogen gas generators can save businesses thousands of dollars in costs. Liquid nitrogen comes at a high cost overall. The longer a business runs on nitrogen cylinders, the more it spends. Meanwhile, a nitrogen gas generator can save the business money over time.

On Site Gas Can Help!

If your plastics recycling plant is running on nitrogen from cylinders, then your business isn’t operating as efficiently as it could be. Nitrogen cylinder delivery contributes to carbon emissions and creates waste, from an environmental standpoint as well as a financial one.

Installation of an onsite nitrogen generator can help. Our nitrogen gas generators operate efficiently and can provide high-purity nitrogen gas on demand. To learn more about the installation and upkeep of a nitrogen gas generator, contact On Site Gas. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide you with more information about how a nitrogen gas generator can help your business.

Nitrogen Generator Supplier: Questions to Ask Your N2 Generator Supplier

Nitrogen cylinders incur ongoing costs, while nitrogen from a generator can save your business money in the long run. Generators also provide an eco-friendly solution for businesses that require a consistent nitrogen supply. Once the decision is made to buy a generator, picking the right nitrogen generator supplier can often be challenging.

Finding a nitrogen gas generator supplier that only sells quality products is crucial. Years of experience and references are a couple of factors that make a difference when choosing the right nitrogen gas supplier for your business.

Asking these suppliers the right questions can help make the selection process easier. Let’s see which questions will help you choose the right nitrogen generator dealer and manufacturer for your business.

What Types of Nitrogen Generator Systems Does Your Business Offer?

Nitrogen generators come in various types, including pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and membrane. Your nitrogen generator supplier can recommend the type of generator best for your business. Still, it’s important to work with a supplier that can assess your needs and make an accurate recommendation.

On Site Gas sells a range of nitrogen generator systems, including PSA, membrane, engineered systems, and more. As experts in our field, we can supply you with accurate information about each type of system and recommend the right type accordingly. All we’ll need from you is some information about your use of nitrogen and your business – it’s that simple!

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Working with a business with a good reputation and a long history of offering quality customer service is valuable. This is especially true when buying a system like a nitrogen generator. A supplier that has been around for many years should know how to keep customers happy and deliver on promises.

Long-standing businesses have staying power, so they can be held accountable for their products years after a generator has been purchased. New companies can sell quality products but may not be around in future years to be held responsible for their products.

On Site Gas Systems has been manufacturing oxygen and nitrogen generators for over 35 years.  We are experts on gas generation.

Where Was Your Equipment Manufactured?

Units sold in the United States should meet the North American standards for safety, including electrical safety, pressure vessels, and so on. When buying equipment manufactured in the United States, you can expect that the manufacturer will adhere to the national standards their customers would be expected to follow. This may not be true of units manufactured in China or other countries. All of our products are manufactured in the United States.

Have You Sold Nitrogen Generators to Other Businesses Like Mine?

Every industry is different. If possible, choose a nitrogen generator manufacturer familiar with your industry and needs. This will help ensure that your nitrogen generator will come with the various parts, features, and functions that are required by your particular industry. Some businesses provide a list of previous clients for their clients to browse. Ask for this list if you cannot find it on their website.

What Type of Quality Control Systems are in Place?

Manufacturing standards can vary so it is important to make sure that quality management systems are in place. On Site Gas Systems quality management systems are ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485: 2016 certified. This ensures that all products adhere to a strict quality protocol to produce consistent reliable equipment for your business.

Will This Equipment Generate More Nitrogen if my Demand Increases?

Some generators are expandable, while other types of nitrogen generators cannot increase capacity. Unless you’re confident that your business will never increase its nitrogen needs, purchasing a generator that can expand its capacity on demand is important. Ask the manufacturer if the generator you’re considering can produce more nitrogen if needed, and if so, what its maximum capacity is.

Do You Offer System Service and Support?

Nitrogen generators can be complex. It’s best to work with a company that offers system service and support. Work with a company that will service your system if needed, answer questions when you have them, and provide support in case of a breakdown.

Do You Have References?

Knowing whether other clients have had a good experience with the company you’ve selected is critical. Choose a company that offers testimonials and or references that you can contact.

Buy Your Nitrogen Generator from a Supplier You Can Trust

Does your business need a nitrogen generator? Contact On Site Gas to get a quote and learn more about our business. We have been in business for over 35 years and offer a range of products, work with companies from various industries, and can help you choose the right generator for your business.

5 Advantages of a Small, Compact Nitrogen Generator

Nitrogen is an important part of many industrial processes. If your business requires a regular supply of nitrogen, then you could benefit from having a small nitrogen generator on-site. Many business owners rely on nitrogen cylinders as their source of nitrogen without knowing the many benefits of using generators instead.

Knowing the benefits of compact nitrogen generators can help you make proper business decisions – and can help your business save money. Below are five advantages of using a nitrogen generator in your commercial operation.

1. Can Be Used for a Variety of Industries

Small nitrogen generators can be used in many industries where high purity nitrogen is required. Generators can be used in the field as well as in industrial settings. So, what exactly are generators used for?

Food packaging, fire suppression, draft beer gas, and corrosion prevention. Other industries that use small nitrogen generators include:

  • Electronics manufacturing
  • Metal and heat treating
  • Wine making
  • Adhesive purge

2. Convenient Size, Space Efficient

Nitrogen generators take up a minimal amount of space compared to nitrogen cylinders. Many businesses find they must keep more cylinders on hand than they need at any given time to ensure a continuous supply. For this reason, cylinders take up an unnecessary amount of space.

Portable nitrogen generators are far different. Because of their relatively small size, nitrogen generators can be installed in more convenient locations than cylinders.

3. Will Not Run Out

Nitrogen cylinders contain a finite amount of nitrogen. When that nitrogen runs out, the business owner may not have enough nitrogen to continue industrial processes unless they have more cylinders. This is the continuous trouble with nitrogen cylinders: they must be constantly replaced

Nitrogen generators never run out of nitrogen. As long as the generator is operating, it will also continue to supply nitrogen. For many business owners, this is preferable to nitrogen cylinders.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Cylinders must be delivered via transportation that burns fossil fuels, which makes cylinders the less environmentally friendly option for any commercial business that requires nitrogen. Nitrogen generators, on the other hand, are delivered once and then can be used on-site forever after. These eco-friendly products are far better for the environment than cylinders.

5. Cost Efficient

Nitrogen generators have a rapid ROI when compared to nitrogen cylinders. Whereas cylinders represent a continuous cost for any business that uses them, nitrogen generators are available for a one-time cost.

This makes nitrogen generators far more cost-effective. Experts say that businesses can start seeing returns on their investment after 18 months of owning a nitrogen gas generator. Compare this to the nitrogen cylinders, which have no return on investment, and the choice is obvious.

Need a Nitrogen Generator for Your Business? Contact On Site Gas

On Site Gas supplies reliable nitrogen generators to businesses in a variety of industries. If you’re in the business of a nitrogen generator, contact us today to get a quote for your upcoming purchase.

What Is An Ultra-High Purity (UHP) Nitrogen Generator Used For?

Some industries use nitrogen to achieve their manufacturing objectives. Nitrogen comes in various grades, from low-purity nitrogen and up. Knowing what ultra-high purity nitrogen is used for can help you decide if this type of nitrogen is right for your industrial application.

What is Ultra-High Purity Nitrogen Gas?

Ultra-high purity nitrogen generators (UHP) produce ultra-high purity nitrogen gas. Nitrogen gas can only be ultra-high purity if it exists in concentrations of 99.999% with negligible impurities. Any variation on these specifications may mean that the nitrogen is no longer ultra-high purity.

Oxygen cannot be present in ultra-high purity nitrogen in quantities greater than ten parts per million. And total hydrocarbons cannot be present in ultra-high purity nitrogen in amounts greater than 0.5 per million by volume.

What Industries Use a UHP Nitrogen Generator?

Nitrogen generators are used in a variety of industries. However, not all of these industries require ultra-high purity nitrogen generators. The industries that use ultra-high purity nitrogen generators include:

Metalworking Grade Nitrogen

Laser cutting processes require 99 – 99.999% nitrogen.

Pharmaceutical Industries

Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes require nitrogen because many drugs require high-grade to ultra-high nitrogen with a purity between 97 – 99.99%. Nitrogen is used for nitrogen receptacles, storage tanks, and other equipment and may be used in drug packaging to help medications retain freshness, thereby preventing the active ingredients from deteriorating.

Electronic & Semiconductor Manufacturing

Nitrogen is used in electronics and semiconductor production. This industry requires at least 99.99 – 99.999% nitrogen. A few processes in this industry use lower concentrations of nitrogen.

Do You Need an Ultra-High Purity Nitrogen Generator On-Site?

There are many reasons to get a UHP generator on-site, including:

  • Never run low again. When you rely on nitrogen gas delivery to your facility, there’s always the possibility that your nitrogen gas supply will run low. When you have your own generator, this will never happen.
  • Cost-effective. Delivery charges and other fees associated with nitrogen cylinder delivery can dramatically raise the cost of using nitrogen. Having your own generator keeps costs manageable.
  • Safety. Nitrogen cylinders can be a safety hazard if not properly handled. Using a generator eliminates any risks that may come from using cylinders.
  • Avoid supply issues. Every industry can be affected by supply chain issues – and the nitrogen gas supply chain is no exception. You can avoid these problems when you have a nitrogen gas generator, which keeps your company functioning.
  • Never have a supply delay again. Your supplier of nitrogen gas may experience delays for a variety of reasons. You can avoid this problem with a nitrogen generator.

Want More Information? Contact On Site Gas Systems

On Site Gas systems help businesses like yours get the nitrogen gas they need for their manufacturing processes. We can help you learn more about how a nitrogen generator would benefit you – contact us to arrange for a free consultation.

How To Choose A Nitrogen Generator Manufacturer For Your Application

Nitrogen generators are a valuable asset to many industries that find nitrogen gas necessary to conduct their daily operations. These industries range from food processors and pharmaceutical companies to aerospace and offshore drilling. Nitrogen generation boasts a variety of benefits that outweigh traditional liquid nitrogen delivery and storage. For example, nitrogen generators have fewer safety hazard precautions, are more cost-effective, and produce less of a carbon footprint on the environment.

But once your business decides to invest in a nitrogen generator, what are your first steps in finding one? What is your business looking for, and what indicates a reliable nitrogen generator manufacturer?

Seeking out Nitrogen Generator Manufacturers

You should look for a nitrogen generation manufacturer that has been in business for over 30 years and has provided thousands of units that are used worldwide. They should also be experts in both pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and membrane nitrogen generation technology. Choosing the correct system is important to ensure the needs of your applications are met.

Be sure to ask your prospects where and how their nitrogen generators are being manufactured. It might sound like a strange question at first, but it is necessary before making this kind of long-term investment. Are they domestic or imported? What country are they coming from? Nitrogen generators from China usually have pressure valves and electrical parts that do not pass North American regulation standards. You should also look for a manufacturer that is ISO certified as this is the only way to ensure you receive the highest quality product.

At On Site Gas, our expert technicians understand these types of environments and much more, including nitrogen applications for beer and winemaking, glass blowing, and even the military. As a leading authority on nitrogen generators, we have been providing quality service since our founding in 1987. All of our products at On Site Gas are proudly made right here in the United States, and our factories are fully ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified, so you can rest easy knowing that they meet or exceed industry quality and safety requirements.

Your First-in-Class Nitrogen Generator Manufacturer

Is your company ready to make the switch to a nitrogen generator? On Site Gas has designed mission-critical applications for our clients in many industries. Our knowledgeable staff can help you incorporate the specifications needed for a quality nitrogen generation system that is tailored for your manufacturing operations. All of On Site Gas Systems’ products are precision-engineered, first-rate quality, made in the USA, and ISO certified.

Do you already have specifics in mind? Request a quote now or contact a member of our customer care team to get started.

Nitrogen Generating Machines: The Cost Benefits of an On-Site N2 Generator Machine

First, what are the main benefits of having an N2 generation machine on site at your facility?

  • Guaranteed Supply – When your company is generating nitrogen, you’re guaranteeing your supply and have the means to minimize downtime.
  • High Safety Standard – Relying on nitrogen cylinders brings with it many dangers and risks that are inherent to this system. Switching to on-site nitrogen generation not only eliminates those risk factors but also raises your company to a higher safety standard.
  • Cost-Efficient – Immediate cost efficiencies are realized including eliminating delivery charges, guessing your future needs to re-order enough volume supply, equipment rental fees, contract fees, and more.
  • Helping the Environment – On-site nitrogen generation reduces your company’s carbon footprint.
  • Made to Fit Multiple Applications – By geography, industry need, and purity level.

Guaranteeing Your Gas Supply with On-Site Nitrogen Generation

Once you begin generating nitrogen on site at your company, you will quickly realize a reduction in downtime as well as have considerably fewer supply issues. For starters, you are guaranteeing your own supply based on real-time needs. Avoid having to guess what you may (or may not) need for future orders – just because your deadline is due.

By eliminating the outside vendor as your source of nitrogen gas, you are also no longer subject to the vendor’s own delays, unpredictable supply chain issues, closings, deadlines, or shortages. When you are generating your own nitrogen gas, you know precisely how much gas you have on any given day, and how much gas you can generate in a day. This means, no more wait times for deliveries, delayed orders, and unnecessary production downtime that is connected to deliveries. Is your company located in a remote geographic area outside of the supplier’s main delivery route? Time to switch to an on-site nitrogen generation, it eliminates the headaches and downtime associated with that, too!

On-site N2 generation boosts your operations and efficiencies, which in turn maximizes productivity.

Higher Safety Standards

Certain dangers are inherent to transporting or storing nitrogen gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen pressurization and cylinders are storing nitrogen at 2200 PSI. All of the risks associated with transporting and storing the nitrogen gas supply are eliminated with on-site nitrogen gas generation.

Realizing Immediate Cost Efficiencies

Investing in an on-site nitrogen generator will quickly yield cost savings and begin increasing efficiencies long term as well. Nitrogen gas can cost anywhere from $0.35 to $1.50 per hundred cubic feet while delivering nitrogen in cylinders can double that cost. The installation of an on-site nitrogen generator can potentially decrease that cost to $0.25 per hundred cubic feet. Add to those savings, the removal of add-on fees for delivering cylinders including hazmat fees, tank rentals, delivery charges, and other miscellaneous fees.

With on-site nitrogen generation, you can generate what you need when you need it instead of guessing the amount of gas required for future delivery.

Environmentally Friendly

It takes a large amount of energy to convert air into nitrogen liquid and then back to a gas. This large volume of energy contributes to polluting the environment. Switching over to on-site nitrogen generation eliminates that step and greatly reduces your carbon footprint – along with being a cost-efficient form of energy production.

Made to Fit Multiple Applications

From chemical manufacturing to pharmaceutical technology and offshore drilling, on-site nitrogen is generated for all of their production needs at different levels. Volume production is adjustable at any purity level for any geographic location.

On Site Gas Systems has made and installed nitrogen generation systems for companies around the globe. We can arrange a free consultation to find out what nitrogen generation machine is best suited for your facility’s needs. Contact us today!

Industrial Nitrogen Generators: How To Choose An Industrial N2 Generator

Several factors are at play when choosing a nitrogen generation system to fit your company’s needs. It is important to consider the possible options for cost savings, portability, and what quantity you will need for the application. To do this, it is best to identify the industrial application that the nitrogen generator will be supplying. It is also good to think about the end result required for the task at hand. Membrane systems and PSA systems are two types of nitrogen generators that produce high quantities of nitrogen. Each one delivers notable volume, and the cost of maintenance and operations is nominal.

Are Nitrogen Generators Cost-Effective?

Producing nitrogen on site provides our clients with substantial savings when compared to the costs associated with purchasing cylinders, bulk, or dewars. The elimination of delivery fees, long-term contracts, tank rental costs, and price increases allow for a fast return on investment. On average, our systems pay for themselves in less than 18-months. Operating costs associated with On Site Gas Systems on-site nitrogen generators are minimal due to limited maintenance and a low air-to-nitrogen ratio.

Membrane Nitrogen Generator

That said, the selection of an industrial nitrogen generator comes down to the quantity of gas required, and the portability needed if necessary. With a membrane nitrogen generator, the separation process does not require moving parts. Membrane nitrogen generators offer several custom configurations and system mobility that other technologies don’t offer. Membrane units are particularly helpful in outdoor environments, for example.

What Nitrogen Purity Does My Application Require?

An N2 system that provides 95% purity takes approximately two standard cubic feet per minute of compressed air to provide one standard cubic foot per minute of Nitrogen. Experts recommend that managers work backward from every application that uses nitrogen first, and then tally it together to determine the total need. Both PSA and membrane generator systems are capable of delivering high volumes of nitrogen at comparable costs of operation. It is important to note that some equipment may require higher purity gasses for certain tasks. All applications are unique and On Site Gas Systems can tailor a system to meet your needs. Some common applications and nitrogen purity levels are as follows:

  • Food Packaging – About 99.5% for the majority of applications.
  • Blanketing to Avert Hazardous Conditions – Anywhere from 95% to 97%.
  • Heat Treating Metals – Materials and the processes determine whether purity levels can be 97% or as high as 99.999% (10 parts per million of O2).
  • Blanketing Vegetable Oils (Edible) – Approximately 99.9%.
  • Printed Circuit Boards“Lead-Free” selective solder in most cases requires 99.999% (10 parts per million of O2). Both wave solder and reflow can require purities between 99.9% and 99.99%.

Commercial Nitrogen Generator Maintenance

Fortunately, generator maintenance is a fairly straightforward process and staff can be trained to perform general maintenance. On Site Gas Systems also employs a team of experienced technicians who can assist with on-site maintenance as needed.

An Industrial Nitrogen Generator for Any Situation

Ready to get started? Our On Site experts are ready to talk with you. To learn more about how commercial nitrogen generator options work contact a member of our customer care team today. They will gladly assist you in choosing a nitrogen generator solution that is the best suited for your processing needs.

Common Questions to Consider When Purchasing a Nitrogen Generator for Your Electronics Operation

If you’re purchasing a nitrogen gas generator for your electronics operation, you may have some initial questions. Below, we’re answering two of the most common inquiries we receive about nitrogen generators for the electronic industry.

Can Your Generators Provide High Enough Purity Levels (10 ppm) to Prevent Dross?

Eliminating dross is one of the main benefits of the wave soldering process. Doing so reduces maintenance needs and saves your company money. Plus, by completing soldering work in a nitrogen atmosphere, you can improve joint quality and manufacturing production. This also influences surface tension, solder spread, wetting force, and angle. A determining factor in dross production and cost-effectiveness is whether your operation uses liquid nitrogen or generated nitrogen processes.

The Types Of Nitrogen Generation Systems

There are two types of reliable nitrogen generation systems: Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and nitrogen membrane generators and On Site Gas Systems offers both of these options. Generated nitrogen gas offers a lower initial investment than using liquid nitrogen, and your generator will pay for itself rather quickly. Generated N2 gas is an effective and more convenient solution than dependence on nitrogen deliveries from a supplier.

When you purchase a nitrogen gas generator, you must evaluate the purity level of the nitrogen it produces to determine whether it meets your needs. In electronics manufacturing, you want the solder to spread at 205 degrees Celsius, which requires a rest oxygen atmosphere of 10 parts per million (ppm). Therefore, it’s essential to have an N2 generator that can produce nitrogen with a purity level of 99.99 percent and above. At On Site Gas, we provide a variety systems that are capable of producing high-purity nitrogen gas.

Can Your Generators Provide Enough Flow for Both Reflow and Wave Applications?

In reflow soldering, a mixture of powdered solder and flux temporarily attaches electrical components to their contact pads on a printed circuit board (PCB). The assembly is then heated in a reflow oven or under an infrared lamp. The solder paste reflows in a molten state, which creates permanent solder joints.
In the wave soldering process, the circuit board passes over a pan of molten solder in which a pump produces a swell, or “wave.” The circuit board makes contact with this wave, and the components become soldered to the board. In both processes, nitrogen gas is used to maintain a clean, dry, and inert atmosphere, which is essential in creating strong and lasting solder bonds.

When you purchase a nitrogen gas generation system for your electronics operation, you must consider whether it will produce enough flow for the processes you employ. Various types of generators are available to address specific electronics production needs, ranging from small generators for selective soldering to large systems that feed reflow ovens and wave solder applications. Nitrogen generators can also be custom designed in any size to suit your specific requirements.

In Need of a High-Quality Nitrogen Generator? On Site Gas Can Help

Once you have evaluated your company’s production methods and needs, the next step is to select a nitrogen generation system that will accommodate any necessary applications. At On Site Gas, we offer a variety of nitrogen generators that can be customized to fit your business’ unique specifications.
For more information about our nitrogen generators, reflow and wave applications, or dross reduction, reach out to our team today!