Nitrogen Generators, 24/7 Onsite Nitrogen generation

A nitrogen generator is a piece of equipment often comparable to the size of a kitchen refrigerator.  Nitrogen generators do not generate nitrogen! Rather, these machines filter out the other molecules in the air such as carbon dioxide, argon, dust particles, water, and oxygen, and then dries the nitrogen gas. At the end of this process, a more concentrated and purer form of nitrogen remains.

There are two kinds of nitrogen generators: PSA (pressure swing adsorption) generators and membrane generators.

PSA (pressure swing adsorption) nitrogen generator. Using this type, air gets drawn in through an intake valve and travels to a carbon molecular sieve that has tiny pores across its surface. The sieve absorbs the smaller oxygen molecules while the nitrogen molecules, which are larger, move past this and are collected in the nitrogen receiver. Pressure and oxygen molecules are released. Simultaneously in another container, the cycle repeats itself to provide a gas flow into the nitrogen receiver. As a result, high nitrogen purity levels – up to 99.999 percent -- can be achieved.

Membrane nitrogen generator. With this type, pressured air flows from one end of the fiber membrane tube. Membranes house numerous hollow fibers that allow smaller oxygen molecules to escape through them when pressurized. Larger nitrogen molecules diffuse slower and remain in the fiber membranes collecting as natural gas. Fiber membranes function as a filter with no moving parts. Continual nitrogen generation is the result. This type of generator produces up to 99.5 percent pure nitrogen.