Membrane Nitrogen Generators
Advanced Gas Technologies (AGT) supplies, installs, and maintains membrane nitrogen generation systems ranging from 40 SCFH to more than 200,000 SCFH across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For applications requiring nitrogen purity levels up to 99.5%, membrane nitrogen generators provide a cost-effective solution. These systems operate without moving parts in the separation stage, supporting reliable performance and low maintenance requirements. Membrane nitrogen systems are also available in portable and containerized formats, making them suitable for remote locations and mobile operations.
Membrane Nitrogen Generator Specifications
The nitrogen generator specifications below outline typical operating ranges and product features across our system range.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen Purity | 95% to 99.5% |
| Flow Capacity | 40 SCFH (1 m³/hr) to 200,000+ SCFH (5,600+ m³/hr) |
| Discharge Pressure (Standard) | Up to 300 psig (20 barg) |
| High-Pressure Option | Up to 10,000 psig (680 barg) |
| Separation Stage Moving Parts | None, hollow fibre membrane |
| Portable/Containerized Option | Yes, available in sea container configuration |
| Controller Capabilities | Touchscreen with O₂ analyser, air-in pressure, nitrogen discharge pressure, low-purity alarm, low-pressure alarm, maintenance advisory, optional purity control (up to three purity settings), optional remote monitoring and communications, optional nitrogen flow monitoring, and optional off-spec gas vent |
| Installation | Engineered, assembled, and installed to specification |
| Service Coverage | United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally through global partner network |
Benefits of Our Membrane Nitrogen Generators
Our membrane nitrogen generators are engineered for applications where reliability, low maintenance, and cost-efficient onsite nitrogen production are operational priorities. Key benefits include:
Up to 90% Lower Nitrogen Costs
Improved Facility Safety
Reliable Nitrogen Supply
Full ROI in 6 to 18 Months
Integrated System Controls
Membrane Nitrogen Generator Applications
Membrane nitrogen generators are ideal for continuous nitrogen supply at purities between 95% and 99.5% and are particularly well suited for operations that require system mobility or a portable nitrogen source. AGT installs these systems across the USA, Canada, and Mexico in a range of industrial sectors including:
Some of the applications that are well-suited for onsite nitrogen generating systems include:
- Fuel and chemical tank inerting
- Controlled atmosphere storage
- Oil and gas
- Gas assist injection molding
- Leak testing
- Tire inflation
For applications requiring nitrogen purity above 99.5%, including laser cutting, heat treating, electronics manufacturing, and high-purity pharmaceutical processes, PSA nitrogen generators are the preferred solution.
Is Membrane the Right Technology for Your Application?
The table below compares membrane and PSA nitrogen generation systems to help determine the most suitable technology for your application.
| Feature | Membrane | PSA |
|---|---|---|
| Purity Range | 95% to 99.5% | 95% to 99.999%+ |
| Flow Capacity | Up to 200,000 SCFH+ | Up to 100,000 SCFH+ |
| Discharge Pressure (Standard) | Up to 300 psig | Up to 160 psig without a booster |
| Moving Parts (Separation Stage) | None | Switching valves |
| Portable/Containerized | Yes | Yes, but with size limitations |
| Capital Cost (Lower Purity Range) | Lower | Higher |
| Best Suited For | Food/MAP, beverage, blanketing, inerting | Laser cutting, heat treating, electronics |
Why Choose Advanced Gas Technologies
AGT has been designing, installing, and maintaining membrane nitrogen generating systems for food manufacturers, beverage producers, chemical plants, and oil and gas operations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally since 1994. Over that time, we have helped industrial operations across a broad range of industries reduce their nitrogen costs by eliminating the dependency on cylinder and bulk liquid supply.
Where a standard configuration does not meet your pressure, purity, or environmental requirements, our engineering team designs a system to specification. For more information on our membrane nitrogen generators, contact us toll-free at 1-(866) 725-7551 in North America or (905) 305-0094 local and overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Membrane Nitrogen Generators
What are membrane nitrogen generators?
A membrane nitrogen generator is an onsite system that produces a continuous, on-demand supply of nitrogen gas from compressed air, at purities from 95% to 99.5%, without cylinders, bulk liquid deliveries, or supplier contracts. For industrial operations where nitrogen is a core process input, membrane generators eliminate the cost, scheduling dependency, and supply risk that come with conventional nitrogen supply.
How does a membrane nitrogen generator work?
Membrane nitrogen generators operate through a process called selective permeation:
- Compressed air enters the membrane module. A compressor supplies filtered, dried compressed air into one or more hollow fiber membrane modules.
- Air passes through the hollow fiber membranes. The membrane bundle contains thousands of semi-permeable polymer fibers. Compressed air flows through the interior of these fibers under pressure.
- Oxygen, water vapor, and CO₂ permeate out. These faster-permeating gases pass through the fiber walls and are vented to atmosphere.
- Nitrogen is retained and collected. Nitrogen molecules permeate more slowly and remain within the fiber bore, concentrating toward the outlet end.
- Dry nitrogen is delivered to the process. The resulting nitrogen stream is dry and continuous, delivered directly to the point of use at the required purity and pressure.
How long does a membrane nitrogen generator last?
With proper maintenance and clean, dry compressed air supply, a membrane nitrogen generator can perform reliably for 10 years or more. The single most important factor in extending membrane life is protecting the system from oil and moisture contamination in the compressed air feed.
How much are Advanced Gas Technologies’ membrane nitrogen generators?
Membrane nitrogen generators from Advanced Gas Technologies typically require a capital investment of $10,000 to $1,000,000+ depending on flow capacity, discharge pressure, and application requirements. Please contact us for a more detailed quote.
Can a membrane nitrogen generator be used in a mobile or remote application?
Yes. Membrane nitrogen generators are well-suited for mobile and remote deployments because of their compact, lightweight design and the absence of large pressure vessels. Advanced Gas Technologies’ membrane systems can be housed in modified sea containers, allowing a complete turnkey nitrogen generation package to be transported and installed at remote or temporary sites. This makes membrane technology a practical option for oil and gas field operations, pipeline purging, and other applications where a portable nitrogen source is required.
What maintenance does a membrane nitrogen generator require?
Membrane nitrogen generators have no moving parts within the membrane unit itself, which keeps maintenance requirements low. The most critical maintenance task is regular replacement of compressed air pre-filtration elements, typically on an 8,000 operating hour cycle, to prevent oil or moisture from reaching the membrane. Daily checks of nitrogen purity and compressed air receiver tanks for moisture are also recommended.
When is a membrane nitrogen generator the right choice over a PSA system?
A membrane nitrogen generator is the right choice when the application requires nitrogen purity within the 95% to 99.5% range, when a compact or mobile installation is needed, or when fast startup and simple operation are priorities. Membrane systems have fewer components, no pressure vessels, and a smaller footprint than PSA systems, making them well-suited to space-constrained or mobile deployments.
