Nitrogen Generators for the Chemical Industry
Nitrogen gas is completely undetectable in that it’s odourless and colourless. It’s an inert gas that can be used to neutralize the potentially harmful effects of oxygen in chemical manufacturing operations through a process called nitrogen blanketing (also known as tank blanketing). Nitrogen blanketing is the process of introducing nitrogen gas into a storage vessel that will be used to store chemical components or finished chemical products.
Why Onsite Nitrogen Generators are Important in Chemical Manufacturing
The chemical processing industry traditionally relies on transporting nitrogen from large air separation plants, which are usually operated by major industrial gas companies. This approach can be costly, logistically complex, and environmentally unsustainable.
For chemical manufacturers, the ongoing demand for nitrogen requires a better solution. Advanced Gas Technologies offers affordable, efficient onsite nitrogen generators for chemical tank blanketing and purging requirements.
What Is the Role of Nitrogen Generation in the Chemical Processing Industry?
The role of nitrogen generation in the chemical processing industry is to remove or neutralize oxygen that may be present in various chemical manufacturing processes. When oxygen comes into contact with certain chemicals, the results can be dangerous as the potential for an explosion or fire may occur. The presence of oxygen can also have a negative impact on the quality of feedstock material or finished chemical products.
By introducing high-purity nitrogen through a process called nitrogen inerting or tank blanketing, chemical manufacturers can neutralize or eliminate oxygen effectively. This process not only protects sensitive chemicals from oxidation but also safeguards employees and the facility from potential workplace hazards.
What Types of Businesses Can Use Onsite Nitrogen Generating Systems?
Onsite nitrogen generation systems help businesses maintain product quality, improve safety, and reduce operational costs across various industrial sectors, including:
- Chemical plants and refineries
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Coffee packaging
- Gas assist injection molding
- Heat treating
- Tire inflation
- Power plants
- Fruit and vegetable processing and storage facilities
- Fuel and chemical tank inerting
Nitrogen is a basic, yet versatile inert gas that can be used for a number of important applications.
Benefits of Nitrogen Generators for Chemical Plants
Installing a reliable onsite nitrogen generating system is a worthwhile investment for any industrial operation that requires the frequent usage of nitrogen gas. An onsite nitrogen generator offers chemical processing facilities a wide range of advantages including:
- Lower operational costs: Installing an onsite nitrogen generator allows chemical plants to significantly reduce the ongoing expenses associated with purchasing and transporting cylinder or liquid nitrogen.
- Protects product integrity: Using nitrogen to create inert atmospheres in chemical storage tanks, reactors, and pipelines helps prevent oxidation, degradation, or contamination of sensitive chemicals.
- Consistent supply: Onsite nitrogen generators provide a reliable, on-demand source of nitrogen, ensuring that processes like chemical tank blanketing, purging, or inerting can operate without interruptions caused by delivery delays or running out of gas.
- Easy-to-install: Nitrogen generators are designed with chemical processing plants in mind. They can be integrated into existing production areas with minimal disruption.
Nitrogen Gas Applications in the Chemical Industry
Industrial applications for nitrogen gas include:
- Nitrogen sparging: Nitrogen sparging is the process of introducing nitrogen gas into a liquid chemical to remove dissolved oxygen or other unwanted gases. It helps prevent oxidation, contamination, and unwanted chemical reactions.
- Nitrogen blanketing: Nitrogen blanketing involves introducing nitrogen gas to create an inert atmosphere above chemicals in storage tanks or vessels. This prevents contact with oxygen and moisture, reducing the risk of fires, explosions, or chemical degradation.
- Nitrogen purging: Nitrogen purging is applied to pipelines, reactors, or tanks to displace residual oxygen, moisture, or other contaminants. By maintaining a clean, inert environment, it protects equipment and ensures safe and efficient chemical processing.
How to Choose the Right Nitrogen Generator for Chemical Processing
Selecting the ideal nitrogen generator for a chemical processing facility can be simplified into three essential steps:
- Determine nitrogen purity and flow requirements: High-purity applications like chemical blanketing or purging require generators that can deliver up to 99.999% nitrogen, while less sensitive processes may need lower purity levels.
- Choose the appropriate generator technology: Decide between Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) or Membrane Nitrogen Generators based on your purity and flow requirements. PSA systems are ideal for high-purity needs, whereas membrane generators are suitable for lower purity, high-volume applications.
- Evaluate cost, space, and reliability: A reliable onsite generator reduces dependency on nitrogen deliveries, cuts costs, and ensures consistent supply, while also supporting safety and sustainability goals.
Onsite Nitrogen Gas Generators for the Chemical Industry
At Advanced Gas Technologies, we specialize in providing cutting-edge Membrane and PSA nitrogen gas generators for chemical processing and a wide range of other industries in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. We can custom design a nitrogen generating systems to meet your specific nitrogen requirements and expert installation, maintenance, and repair services are available as needed. Our nitrogen gas generating systems can help maximize your operation’s profitability, reduce or eliminate downtime, and increase safety standards all while lowering your carbon footprint.
Why Choose Advanced Gas Technologies
There are many benefits to purchasing an onsite nitrogen gas generating system from Advanced Gas Technologies. We work with you to understand your chemical processing facility’s specific requirements to help you select the best solution for your operations. Contact us today to learn more.

