Across industries, nitrogen is used for an array of processes, from food and beverage preservation to pharmaceutical drug packaging. While many ways to create and store nitrogen exist, nitrogen generators are a versatile and effective alternative to traditional methods that can be costly, bulky and unsafe. Discover more about nitrogen generators below to see how their benefits and applications might improve your business productivity and bottom line.
What Is Nitrogen?
As the most commonly found gas in the atmosphere, nitrogen (N2) is readily available and can be used for a range of industrial purposes. Because nitrogen is an inert gas that reacts slowly with other substances, it’s ideal for situations where you need to prevent either slow or rapid oxidation. This gas is also often used in the food and beverage industries due to its colorless, tasteless and odorless nature.
What Is a Nitrogen Generator?
A nitrogen generator separates nitrogen molecules from compressed air so that users can achieve a flow that is nearly 100% pure nitrogen. These machines can generate varying purity levels of nitrogen, allowing users to tailor their nitrogen supplies to their product or process needs.
A nitrogen generation system allows access to nitrogen on-site, which is excellent for companies that require nitrogen as an essential part of their business processes. Additionally, nitrogen generators don’t present the same safety risks as handling nitrogen cylinders, contributing to a safer work environment.
How Do Nitrogen Generators Work?
A nitrogen generator takes compressed air and separates the nitrogen and oxygen molecules found in the air from each other. This separation of nitrogen and oxygen results in a supply of pure nitrogen. The generator is connected to a compressor and is typically a membrane nitrogen generator or a pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator.
The nitrogen purity level you need will determine what type of nitrogen generator you should use. A membrane nitrogen generator works well for applications like inflating tires, which require low nitrogen purity. If you need high nitrogen purity for food and beverage processes, a pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator is a more suitable option.
Nitrogen Generators vs. Nitrogen Cylinders
Those working with nitrogen are likely aware of nitrogen cylinders as one of the most popular ways to supply the gas. How do nitrogen generators differ from cylinders? Why is a nitrogen generator system more suitable for certain applications?
- Longevity of supply: If you require a high-volume or consistent nitrogen supply, nitrogen cylinders may not be the best option, as their supplies can be depleted quickly. In comparison, on-site nitrogen generators can continually supply nitrogen.
- Space: Purchasing nitrogen cylinders means you need to dedicate a large amount of space to cylinder storage. If your building lacks the space to properly store nitrogen cylinders, investing in a generator can be a space-saving option.
- Safety risks: In terms of safety, nitrogen cylinders are heavy and can be challenging to maneuver, posing safety risks, especially when staff aren’t trained on how to move them properly. Operating a nitrogen generator is a safer task that requires no heavy lifting.
- Associated costs: Continually purchasing and refilling nitrogen cylinders can be a notable business expense. In comparison, investing in permanent equipment like a nitrogen generator can be a sounder financial approach in the long run.
Benefits of Nitrogen Generators
If you’re considering a nitrogen gas generation system for your business but are debating whether it’s worth it, consider some of the most significant benefits of nitrogen generators:
- Cost efficiency: Generally, nitrogen generators offer reduced operational costs compared to conventional nitrogen supplies. The nitrogen itself often also costs less per cubic meter because of its variations in purity. When users have more control over their purity levels — and don’t have to pay for unnecessarily pure nitrogen for their applications — they can enjoy cost savings.
- Reliability: All nitrogen cylinder supplies deplete eventually, and waiting for a new supply can decrease productivity on your production line or in other processes. Using a nitrogen generator means your supply won’t run out, so you can enjoy supply assurance and increased productivity.
- Positive environmental impact: Some nitrogen cylinders cannot be reused, so they’re disposed of after their supply is depleted. Other types of nitrogen cylinders can be refilled and reused multiple times, but they will also be disposed of eventually. Choosing a nitrogen generator can drastically cut down on material waste and result in lower emissions, especially compared to nitrogen delivery services.
- Product integrity: Because nitrogen minimizes oxidation, it preserves packaging and the products in it without compromising their flavor or reducing their shelf life. Packaging with a nitrogen gas generation system is easier and more accessible.
- Time savings: If a business relies on external vendors for their nitrogen cylinders, unexpected delays on the vendor’s end could impact the business’s productivity and potentially lead to financial loss. A nitrogen generator eliminates potential vendor issues and helps the company save time.
Industrial Applications of Nitrogen Generators
Here are a few industry sectors where nitrogen generators are especially useful:
- Food and beverage: Since nitrogen is often used to preserve food and beverages, nitrogen generators can be beneficial for food and beverage producers to keep a steady supply of nitrogen. For example, companies can use nitrogen generators to add nitrogen to chip bags and prevent the bags from collapsing. Overall, nitrogen allows for quality improvement and extends the shelf life of food products.
- Pharmaceutical and medical: Like the food and beverage industry, nitrogen is commonly used in pharmaceutical packaging, and generators can improve efficiency. This gas can also compress and incapsulate tablets. One of the biggest benefits of nitrogen in the medical industry is that it keeps products dry and sterile, improving their durability and safety.
- Electronics manufacturing: Since oxygen can cause oxidation in electronic products, nitrogen can be used during production to create an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation in the soldering process.
Contact Industrial Pneumatic Systems for Nitrogen Generator Sales and Repairs
Depending on your industry, nitrogen could be essential to your daily processes, and a nitrogen generator provides a cost-effective, flexible and sustainable solution for nitrogen supplies.
If you’re interested in replacing your nitrogen cylinder supply with a quality nitrogen generator, Industrial Pneumatic Systems is here to help. For more than a decade, we’ve provided high-quality, customer-focused compressor sales and maintenance services. With our experienced team on your side, you can locate the most suitable machine for your needs and enjoy professional inspections and repairs to keep it in working order.
Whether you’re looking for a nitrogen generator for sale or need assistance with your existing nitrogen generator, you can trust Industrial Pneumatic Systems for the help you need every step of the way. Contact us today.
