Nitrogen gas plays a crucial role in metal fabrication and manufacturing. Whether it’s ensuring cleaner cuts with laser cutting, creating a protective shield in welding, or maintaining controlled atmospheres during heat treatment, nitrogen is indispensable to the process. Industries rely on its inert properties to deliver high-quality results.
However, the costs associated with traditional nitrogen supply methods—such as bulk liquid nitrogen deliveries or nitrogen cylinder deliveries—can quickly add up. Market price fluctuations, transportation fees, evaporation losses from liquid nitrogen, and operational downtime due to delayed deliveries all increase the burden on manufacturers.
What’s the solution? Onsite nitrogen generation. It offers a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable alternative nitrogen supply, which greatly reduces nitrogen expenses while improving operational efficiency.
Read on to learn how onsite nitrogen generation can transform the way metal fabricators and manufacturing engineers work—and save.
The High Cost of Traditional Nitrogen Supply
The largest challenge for bulk nitrogen delivery is the fluctuating costs. Market prices for nitrogen gas are unpredictable, primarily driven by changes in transportation costs, fuel surcharges, electricity rate changes and supply chain challenges.
The additional rental fees for nitrogen tanks from bulk suppliers also increase the overall delivery costs. Bulk pack cylinders and dewars require a significant amount of space for transport, storage, and handling. These units require a specialized set-up that requires permits and regular inspection and maintenance.
Stored liquid nitrogen isn’t immune to waste. Liquid nitrogen has an evaporation rate of up to 1% of tank volume daily if nitrogen isn’t being used meaning businesses are paying for nitrogen that they aren’t using. Gas wastage is common as the liquid nitrogen boils off and evaporates inside the storage container. Typical nitrogen gas pressure boosting systems for laser cutting can waste up to an additional 10% – 20% of your nitrogen supply through a purge process, a dirty little secret the conventional nitrogen suppliers typically don’t disclose.
Lastly, delayed deliveries or unforeseen supply chain disruptions can lead to costly downtime. Manufacturing processes requiring consistent nitrogen supply can grind to a halt during these interruptions.
How Onsite Nitrogen Generation Reduces Costs
Here’s how onsite nitrogen generation for metal fabrication can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional nitrogen delivery.
Eliminates Cylinder and Bulk Nitrogen Expenses
With onsite nitrogen generation, there is no need for delivery contracts, storage rental fees, or supply dependency. The expense and risk of handling portable cylinders such as bulk packs is also eliminated, boosting the long-term cost savings by producing nitrogen onsite.
Reduces Gas Waste and Evaporation Losses
Every drop of wasted liquid nitrogen is money down the drain. A large chunk of the cost savings associated with onsite nitrogen generators is due to reduced waste. Onsite generators produce nitrogen in its gaseous state on demand, ensuring zero evaporation or purge losses.
Lower Energy and Maintenance Costs
Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less electricity compared to the production and transportation involved in liquid nitrogen deliveries. Regular maintenance is minimal and cost-effective, making it a long-term investment that’s easy to manage.
Applications of Onsite Nitrogen in Metal Fabrication
Onsite nitrogen isn’t just cost-efficient—it’s a game-changer for several key applications in metal fabrication and manufacturing.
Laser Cutting
Nitrogen ensures oxidation-free edges for cleaner, precise cuts during laser cutting. With onsite nitrogen generation, consistent purity and pressure are guaranteed, preventing interruptions.
Welding and Metal Inerting
Metal fabrication demands a reliable and consistent supply of nitrogen. Nitrogen acts as a shielding gas to protect welds from contamination and prevents the risk of running out of gas mid-process.
Heat Treatment and Annealing
Nitrogen maintains a controlled atmosphere during metal processing, preventing oxidation. With in-house generation, uninterrupted supply supports continuous metal processing at reduced costs.
Powder Coating and Surface Finishing
Nitrogen enhances the adhesion of paint and reduces defects in the coating process. Access to on-demand generation ensures optimal usage tailored to real-time requirements.
Key Benefits of Onsite Nitrogen for Metal Fabricators
- Up to 90% Cost Savings: Within six to 24 months, your business can see significant savings in nitrogen expenses compared to using bulk supplies.
- No Rental or Delivery Fees: Eliminate the recurring costs associated with nitrogen delivery fees and tank rentals.
- Uninterrupted Supply: Never lose operational downtime due to delayed delivery or supply issues thanks to continuous nitrogen production onsite.
- Customizable Purity Levels: Tailor nitrogen purity for applications such as laser cutting or welding.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly: Reduce your business’s carbon footprint by eliminating regular nitrogen transport of full or empty cylinders or bulk liquid nitrogen.
Contact Advanced Gas Technologies for Cost-Effective Nitrogen Solutions
Invest in the future of your business with cost-effective onsite nitrogen generators by Advanced Gas Technologies. We work with you from consultation to installation and provide ongoing maintenance support to ensure your nitrogen system produces sustainable savings. Contact us today to request a free onsite analysis and consultation.