Workers in the oil and gas industry face a high risk of fire and explosion due to chemical reactions. This explains why nitrogen gas is used to improve safety in this industry.
Nitrogen gas has many applications in the oil and gas industry, from purging and blanketing storage tanks and pipelines to fire prevention, explosion protection, and pressuring equipment and machinery. Traditionally, companies source nitrogen gas from external suppliers, which is then supplied to them in bottles or cylinders, which could be dangerous, especially when moving.
However, there is now a faster and better way for industries to produce nitrogen gas. This alternative source is onsite nitrogen generators. Read on as we explore the safety benefits of using nitrogen generators in the oil and gas industry.
Safety Benefits of Using Nitrogen Generators in the Oil and Gas Industry
Here are ways nitrogen gas generators can improve safety in the oil and gas industry.
Eliminates the Need for Compressed Gas Cylinders
Relying on nitrogen gas deliveries can be time-consuming and expensive. One way nitrogen generators help reduce downtime and costs is by generating gas onsite, eliminating the need for large trucks to deliver the cylinders. This also reduces your carbon footprint and, in turn, is safer for the environment.
Produces Nitrogen Gas Onsite
With a nitrogen generator, nitrogen gas is produced onsite. There is no need for transport of gas, which can be risky for workers. Onsite nitrogen generators not only protect workers against accidents that can occur while moving the gas, but they also provide a reliable source of nitrogen that can be produced whenever it is needed.
Meets Specific Nitrogen Purity Requirements.
Different industries using nitrogen gas have specific nitrogen purity requirements. In oil and gas, the purity level ranges between 95% to 99% to prevent explosions or fire outbreaks. Nitrogen generators can produce nitrogen with a purity of up to 99.999%.
Protects against Overpressure
Nitrogen generators often come equipped with safety features such as overpressure protection. These features help to prevent the nitrogen generator from exceeding safe operating parameters, reducing the potential for accidents related to equipment failure.
Applications of Nitrogen Generators in the Oil and Gas Industry
Below are some of the various applications of nitrogen gas in the oil and gas industry and how nitrogen generators help in these applications.
- Purging and blanketing of storage tanks and pipelines: Nitrogen generators can generate nitrogen to purge and blanket tanks and pipelines so that the materials in the tank do not get contaminated with oxygen.
- Fire prevention and explosion protection: Since nitrogen generators produce gas onsite, nitrogen can quickly be used to generate gas to extinguish fires and prevent fire explosions by creating an inert atmosphere.
- Pressurizing of equipment and machinery: Nitrogen can be used to pressurize equipment and machinery to provide a continuous source of nitrogen to maintain the required pressure and avoid equipment failure.
- Enhancing product quality and extending the shelf life of products: Nitrogen generators can be used to improve product quality and extend the shelf life. This helps maintain product quality and reduce waste, resulting in significant cost savings.
Contact Advanced Gas Technologies for Onsite Nitrogen Generators
Nitrogen generators help your company produce your nitrogen gas onsite, help minimize the potential of accidents when moving the gas and save you from delays from your suppliers.
For high-quality nitrogen gas generators tailored to meet the needs of the oil and gas industry, talk to the team at Advanced Gas Technologies. We are one of the leading suppliers of state-of-the-art PSA and membrane nitrogen generators for the oil and gas industry throughout North America. Contact us today to learn about our products.