A Guide to Selecting the Right Nitrogen Generator for Your Facility

On-demand, onsite nitrogen generating systems produce nitrogen gas 24 hours per day, 7 days per week if required. Nitrogen is utilized in food and beverage packaging, pharmaceutical manufacturing, electric vehicle battery manufacturing and many other industrial applications. Nitrogen generating  systems are used to displace costly, conventionally supplied nitrogen in cylinders, dewars or bulk liquid.

There are basically two types of nitrogen generating systems available but they work the same way. The air we breathes consists of 78% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen and a balance of trace gases, primarily argon. In order to generate nitrogen, basically oxygen is filtered out of a stream of compressed air. The resulting nitrogen gas stream can then be utilized for applications as required.

Things to Consider Before Choosing an Onsite Nitrogen Generating System

A  wide range of onsite nitrogen generator sizes are available. This allows the end user to choose a nitrogen generating system to best meet their specific requirements for present and future demand of nitrogen generating systems. Choosing the best nitrogen gas generating systems for your  operation requires careful consideration of several factors, including but not limited to the following:

Which Type of Nitrogen Generating Systems Do You Need?

There are two types of nitrogen generators available: PSA type nitrogen generators and membrane type nitrogen generators. Nitrogen purity requirements will typically dictate the type of nitrogen generator that is best suited for an application however other factors may also come into play.

In general, when nitrogen purity requirements are 98% or lower membrane type nitrogen gas generators will have a lower capital cost then PSA type nitrogen gas generators and will be comparable in operating efficiency. Membrane systems can supply nitrogen purity as high as 99.5% however their operating efficiency falls off considerably at nitrogen purity requirements above 98%. For nitrogen purity requirements greater than 98% and up to 99.999% PSA systems are more cost effective.

There can be exceptions to the rule, however. For example, when nitrogen flow requirements are high and system mobility is required, a membrane system may be the only solution even at a nitrogen purity requirement of 99.5%.

Both types of systems can supply nitrogen flow requirements from as low as 100 SCFH (3 m3/h) to 100,000 SCFH+ (2800 m3/h+).

How Much Space Do You Have?

Both membrane type and PSA type nitrogen gas generating systems are relatively compact and can fit in most industrial floor spaces. In the event sufficient space isn’t available containerized systems can be designed and assembled that can be located outside the plant.

What Is the Cost of a Nitrogen Gas Generating Systems?

The initial investment in a nitrogen gas generator may seem costlier  than simply purchasing nitrogen from a conventional industrial gas supplier, but it  will definitely  save you money in the long run. The speed at which you recoup your capital cost in a nitrogen generator will depend on the scale of your business and the amount of nitrogen you consume.

The price of a nitrogen generator can range  greatly depending on nitrogen purity requirements and nitrogen flow capacity requirements. Typically, the capital cost could begin at approximately $10,000 and go up to $500,000 or more. That’s why assessing your present usage and requirements is critical before purchasing.

The most important thing to remember however is typical ROI on a nitrogen generating system can range from as little as 6 months to 24 months.

It’s also important to note lease to own financing plans for nitrogen generating systems are available if you wish to deploy capital dollars elsewhere. Typically, the monthly lease cost and operating cost of the nitrogen generator is significantly lower the monthly cost of conventionally supplied nitrogen and at the end of the lease term you will own the nitrogen generator outright therefore lowering your nitrogen costs even further.

Also Read: How Does Nitrogen Generation Assist You in Reducing Your Environmental Footprint?

Contact Advanced Gas Technologies for High-Quality Nitrogen Generating Systems

There are a variety of nitrogen generating system installation options, and our expert team at Advanced Gas Technologies Inc. has been designing, marketing, installing, and maintaining industrial gas generating systems, standard industrial compressor systems, and engineered compressor systems throughout North America since 1994.

Contact us toll-free at 1-(866) 725-7551 in North America or (905) 305-0094 local and overseas to learn more about our onsite oxygen and nitrogen gas generators, including our high-efficiency onsite membrane nitrogen gas generators and PSA nitrogen gas generators.