5 reasons why the NPH is the preferred high-purity nitrogen solution
Certain industries not only work with nitrogen, but they need the gas to have a very high purity level. Two-stage nitrogen generation with Atlas Copco’s Nitrogen Purifier through Hydrogen (NPH) gives these businesses measurable benefits. In this article, we explore five reasons why the NPH is their preferred high-purity nitrogen solution.
What is a nitrogen purifier?
Let's begin with the basics. An on-site nitrogen generation system consists of an air compressor, a nitrogen generator, and any required air and nitrogen treatment and storage equipment. The nitrogen generator takes the air produced by the compressor and removes the oxygen in it to leave only nitrogen, ready for use. Those who need high-purity nitrogen can now also include the NPH in this system. It takes lower-purity nitrogen produced by the generator and boosts it to the highest purity of 99.999% and more. It achieves this through the innovative use of hydrogen, which reacts with the oxygen left in the nitrogen. Below are the five reasons this two-stage nitrogen generation with the NPH is the smart choice for high-purity nitrogen users.
5 reasons why the NPH is the preferred high-purity nitrogen solution
On-site generation has long been the cost-efficient, reliable alternative to nitrogen deliveries. However, producing very high nitrogen purity is energy intensive as a nitrogen generator requires more feed air to remove the last traces of oxygen. This means the compressor uses more energy. The compressor and generator size also need to be larger.
A nitrogen purifier allows the generator to produce lower purity nitrogen, which lowers the compressed air need and compressor energy consumption. In fact, working with the NPH requires 40% less feed air than producing high-purity nitrogen with a generator. These energy savings reduce operational costs and can help lower a business’ CO2 footprint. At the same time, they allow for a smaller compressor and generator.
Because the NPH is less taxing on a facility’s electrical system, it also offers relief to facilities with electrical supply limitations.
Added on to an existing nitrogen generation system, the NPH gives users the ability to increase and even double their nitrogen production capacity.
The NPH is a hands-off solution, powered by its onboard instrumentation. One standout feature is the automated hydrogen dosing, managed by the built-in Elektronikon® Touch controller. The controller calculates the optimal hydrogen levels based on the flow and purity of the feed nitrogen. The mass flow controller ensures precise dosing, preventing overuse of hydrogen and eliminating the need for manual monitoring.
With these automated features, the NPH ensures efficient and consistent operation. This frees users to focus on their core processes instead of having to micromanage the nitrogen generation system.
The NPH has a host of protective features that optimize the quality of its performance and output. Its feed nitrogen check and restore continuously monitors nitrogen purity. If purity fluctuates too much due to peak consumption or other disruptions, the system intercepts the nitrogen before it impacts the purifier’s performance.
Similarly, the outlet nitrogen check and restore feature monitors the output and prevents any off-spec gas (as defined by the user) from reaching production processes. Once the purified nitrogen meets specifications again, the output flow resumes automatically.
Additional features, like overflow protection and automatic standby during continued low demand further optimize system performance and efficiency.
The NPH comes as standard with the advanced Elektronikon Touch controller. The Elektronikon serves as the brain of the nitrogen purifier, managing its automated operation and protective features. It also offers intuitive control and user-specific settings.
The NPH comes in a versatile range of models, offering nitrogen capacities from 20 to 400 Nm³/h. Its compatibility with most nitrogen generators (if input nitrogen requirements are fulfilled) and all commercially available hydrogen makes it a flexible solution for a wide variety of industries. Whether you’re starting out with on-site nitrogen generation, scaling up or optimizing your current setup, the NPH has a model to meet your needs.
The preferred high-purity nitrogen solution
If your applications use high-purity nitrogen, two-stage generation with the NPH offers unparalleled benefits. It saves energy, reduces costs, and ensures consistent high quality - all while simplifying operation.
To learn more about how the NPH can transform your nitrogen generation system, contact your Atlas Copco representative today. They’re ready to answer your questions and provide tailored solutions for your needs.
