Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Nitrogen Generators
Advanced Gas Technologies (AGT) provides complete PSA nitrogen generation solutions, including system design, supply, installation, and ongoing service. Our systems are available in capacities from 40 SCFH (1 m³/hr) to more than 100,000 SCFH (2,800+ m³/hr) and support customers throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
When nitrogen purity requirements exceed 98%, PSA technology is often the preferred choice for reliable, on-site gas production. Standard systems are available for rapid deployment, while custom configurations can be engineered to meet specific flow, pressure, and purity requirements. In many applications, the savings achieved by eliminating delivered nitrogen costs result in a full return on investment within 6 to 18 months.
PSA Nitrogen Generator Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen Purity | 95% to 99.999%+ |
| Flow Capacity | 40 SCFH (1 m³/hr) to 100,000+ SCFH (2,800+ m³/hr) |
| Discharge Pressure (Standard) | Up to 160 psig (11 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 | Touchscreen with O₂ analyser, purity alarm, pressure monitoring, maintenance advisory |
| Optional Controller Features | Remote monitoring and control, nitrogen flow monitoring, up to three purity settings, off-spec gas vent |
| Installation | Engineered, assembled, and installed to specification |
| Service Coverage | United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally through global partner network |
Other Types of PSA Nitrogen Generators We Supply
- Standard Twin Tower PSA Nitrogen Generators: Our standard twin tower PSA nitrogen generators are designed for continuous industrial operation and are suitable for most manufacturing, processing, and fabrication applications.
- Modular PSA Nitrogen Generators: Built from multiple PSA modules operating in parallel, these systems can be scaled as production requirements increase and provide built-in redundancy for critical operations.
Advanced Gas Technologies can help you evaluate your purity, flow, pressure, and installation requirements to determine the most appropriate PSA nitrogen generation system for your facility. Request a quote today.
Benefits of Our PSA Nitrogen Generators
Facilities that switch to an onsite PSA nitrogen generator often achieve significant reductions in nitrogen costs while gaining greater control over their gas supply. Other advantages of our PSA systems include:
Up to 90% Lower Nitrogen Costs
Enhanced Employee Safety
Consistent Nitrogen Supply
Full ROI in 6 to 18 Months
Automatic, On-Demand Operation
PSA Nitrogen Generator Applications
PSA nitrogen generators deliver the greatest value in applications where nitrogen purity exceeds 98%, consumption rates are high, and reducing ongoing nitrogen costs is a priority. AGT has supplied and installed PSA systems for a wide range of industries and applications, including:
- Laser cutting
- Heat treating
- Electronics manufacturing and soldering
- Chemical and fuel tank inerting
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Food and MAP packaging at high purity
For applications where purity below 99.5% is sufficient, our membrane nitrogen generators may offer a more cost-effective solution.
Is PSA the Right Technology for Your Application?
The table below compares PSA and membrane nitrogen generation systems to help determine the most suitable technology for your application.
| Feature | PSA | Membrane |
|---|---|---|
| Purity Range | 95% to 99.999%+ | 95% to 99.5% |
| Flow Capacity | Up to 100,000 SCFH+ | Up to 200,000 SCFH+ |
| Discharge Pressure (Standard) | Up to 160 psig without a booster | Up to 300 psig without a booster |
| Moving Parts (Separation Stage) | Switching valves | None |
| Portable/Containerized | No | Yes |
| Capital Cost (Lower Purity Range) | Higher | Lower |
| Best Suited For | Laser cutting, heat treating, electronics | Blanketing, inerting, leak testing |
Not sure which system fits your operation? Contact us for an expert opinion.
Why Choose Advanced Gas Technologies
AGT has extensive experience designing, supplying, and supporting PSA nitrogen generation systems for industrial applications throughout North America. Our PSA systems are engineered to provide a dependable source of high-purity nitrogen while reducing reliance on delivered gas and the associated costs, logistics, and supply risks.
To learn more about how cost-effective a PSA nitrogen generator can be, contact us toll-free at 1-(866) 725-7551 in North America or (905) 305-0094 local and overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions About PSA Nitrogen Generators
What are PSA nitrogen generators?
A Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator is an onsite gas generation system that produces high-purity nitrogen directly from compressed air. Rather than relying on cylinder deliveries or bulk liquid supply, a PSA system generates nitrogen continuously at the point of use, at purities ranging from 95% to 99.999%. This makes PSA technology the preferred choice for industrial applications with purity requirements above 98%.
How does a PSA nitrogen generator work?
PSA technology utilizes two towers full of carbon molecular sieve (CMS). When compressed air enters the bottom of the tower and flows through the CMS, oxygen and other trace gases are adsorbed and allow nitrogen to pass through. The specially designed sieve is unique from other activated carbons due to its narrower range of pore openings. This enables the efficient separation of oxygen and nitrogen gas, making it ideal for applications where the purity requirement is above 98%.
The two-tower design enables continuous operation. While one tower performs nitrogen separation, the second tower regenerates by releasing the adsorbed oxygen to atmosphere, a pressure swing that occurs approximately every 60 seconds. The entire process cycle takes approximately one to two minutes and then repeats continuously as long as nitrogen gas is required.
What is the difference between a PSA and membrane nitrogen generator?
PSA and membrane nitrogen generators both produce nitrogen from compressed air, but they are suited to different purity requirements.
- PSA systems use carbon molecular sieve (CMS) to separate oxygen from compressed air and can produce nitrogen at purities from 95% to 99.999%.
- Membrane systems use a semi-permeable hollow-fiber membrane to filter out oxygen and are most cost-effective at purities up to 98%.
For applications requiring purities above 98%, a PSA system is generally the more energy-efficient and cost-effective choice.
How much is a PSA nitrogen generator?
A PSA nitrogen generator typically ranges from approximately $10,000 for smaller modular systems to $500,000+ for large, high-flow, high-pressure configurations. The total project cost depends on nitrogen purity requirement, flow capacity, discharge pressure, installation complexity, and site-specific requirements. For a detailed quote, please contact us.
How much can a PSA nitrogen generator reduce nitrogen costs?
Facilities that switch from cylinder or bulk liquid nitrogen supply to an onsite PSA nitrogen generator typically reduce their nitrogen costs by up to 90%. The savings come from eliminating recurring delivery fees, cylinder rental charges, and supplier contract markups, as well as removing the nitrogen waste associated with vented bulk liquid tanks. The actual reduction depends on current consumption volume, nitrogen purity requirements, and the cost of the existing supply arrangement.
How long does it take to see a return on investment from a PSA nitrogen generator?
For most industrial facilities, the return on investment from an onsite PSA nitrogen generator is achieved within 6 to 18 months. The payback period depends on nitrogen consumption volume, current supply costs, and the purity level required. Higher-volume operations running on delivered cylinder or liquid nitrogen at commercial pricing typically reach payback at the shorter end of that range.
What maintenance does a PSA nitrogen generator require?
PSA nitrogen generators are designed for low ongoing maintenance. Day-to-day checks include monitoring nitrogen purity, inspecting the compressed air inlet receiver for moisture, and reviewing system operation for any abnormal readings. At regular intervals, compressed air filter elements require replacement, typically every 4,000 to 8,000 operating hours, for particulate and coalescing filters, and every 2,000 hours for activated carbon filters.
