Nitrogen generation plays an important role in many industries, from electronics manufacturing to food packaging. For businesses that require a nitrogen generator for industrial purposes, a membrane nitrogen generator offers many advantages. This guide will serve as an introduction to membrane nitrogen technology as an efficient method for nitrogen production.

We’ll explain how membrane nitrogen generators work, discuss nitrogen membrane generator benefits, and discuss where membrane N2 generators are used. The professionals at On Site Gas Systems are here to help you decide if a membrane N2 generator is right for your industrial processes.

Understanding Membrane Nitrogen Technology

I. What Is Membrane Nitrogen Separation?

An N2 membrane generator uses compressed air and a polymeric hollow-fiber membrane to separate nitrogen and oxygen through a process called selective permeability.

II. How Does It Work?

During operation of the generator, compressed air is pushed into the unit. Air enters the polymeric hollow-fiber membrane. Oxygen is expelled from the generator, while nitrogen is funneled into a steady stream that is produced at the opposite end of the generator. During this process, different gases diffuse at different rates to achieve nitrogen purity.

III. Benefits of Membrane Nitrogen Technology

There are many benefits of membrane nitrogen technology. Understanding these benefits can help you decide if this kind of product is right for your business.

1. Simple and Low-Maintenance Operation

Membrane nitrogen technology involves few moving parts. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance. Membrane nitrogen generators function for years while requiring minimal maintenance and care. As a result, membrane N2 generators have a long service life.

2. Cost-Effective and Energy-Efficient

Membrane nitrogen generators require lower energy consumption compared to methods like cryogenic separation. In addition, nitrogen membrane generators do not need ongoing nitrogen cylinder deliveries. This helps reduce operational costs.

While nitrogen cylinder delivery can add up to thousands of dollars spent over time, membrane nitrogen generators require only one upfront payment. Once installed, membrane nitrogen generators use little energy and are associated with low monthly energy costs for generator operation. This can save your business thousands of dollars over time.

3. Continuous, On-Demand Nitrogen Supply

A typical membrane N2 generator eliminates reliance on third-party nitrogen suppliers by providing a reliable nitrogen source for industrial applications. No longer will your business need to rent nitrogen cylinders.

Since nitrogen cylinder delivery can be negatively impacted by supply chain problems, using a membrane nitrogen generator can ensure that your business will always have the nitrogen it needs to continue regular business operations.

4. Compact and Modular Design

Membrane nitrogen generators offer a scalable system design to meet specific production needs. Space-saving technology makes membrane N2 generators ideal for mobile and on-site applications. Work with the professionals at On Site Gas Systems to produce a membrane nitrogen generator that’s the right size for your business.

5. Environmentally Friendly Solution

Membrane nitrogen generators produce no harmful emissions, and there are no refrigerants required to operate this type of generator. Membrane nitrogen generators also do not have the carbon footprint associated with nitrogen transportation, so membrane generators are much more environmentally friendly than nitrogen cylinder rental.

IV. Common Applications of Membrane Nitrogen Generators

You can use a nitrogen membrane generator in a range of industries.

• Oil & Gas Industry – Membrane nitrogen generators can be used in pipeline purging, inerting, and blanketing.
• Food & Beverage – Nitrogen generators are used in modified atmosphere packaging to preserve freshness.
• Pharmaceuticals & Laboratories – Nitrogen generators are used to create a controlled environment for drug production and packaging.
• Electronics & Manufacturing – Membrane N2 generators are used for oxidation prevention during soldering.
• Aerospace & Automotive – Nitrogen membrane generators are used in aircraft fuel tank inerting and tire inflation.

Does Your Business Need Membrane Nitrogen Technology? On Site Gas Systems Can Help

Membrane nitrogen technology has many advantages. It’s a reliable, cost-effective nitrogen generation solution for many industries. A typical nitrogen membrane generator is inexpensive to operate, portable, and sustainable (especially when compared to many other methods of nitrogen procurement). If your business needs a steady stream of nitrogen, contact On Site Gas Systems to discuss your nitrogen generation requirements.

Nitrogen gas plays an important role in various manufacturing and industrial processes. From food packaging to the aerospace industry, there is a growing need for sustainable gas generation solutions in businesses of many types. Although businesses purchase nitrogen in cylinders and other types of packages, this method of nitrogen delivery has environmental and cost downsides.

In this article, we’ll discuss how membrane nitrogen technology delivers a continuous, reliable supply of nitrogen while contributing to commercial sustainability efforts. Membrane nitrogen technology gives businesses a way of generating their nitrogen through environmentally friendly means.

What Is Membrane Nitrogen Technology?

The air contains a combination of nitrogen and oxygen along with small amounts of other gases. Membrane nitrogen generators use a selective permeation process to separate nitrogen from oxygen.

In a membrane generator, compressed air is pushed into the unit. The membrane nitrogen generator contains polymer fibers in a membrane. Each fiber has tiny holes that can fit oxygen and other gas molecules, but not nitrogen. During the nitrogen generation process, gasses are passed through the holes in the fiber, separating oxygen from nitrogen. Oxygen is expelled as waste, and the membrane nitrogen generator produces a steady stream of nitrogen for industrial purposes.

There are many advantages to using a membrane nitrogen generator instead of a nitrogen cylinder or another form of nitrogen delivery. Some of those advantages include:

• Less reliance on fossil fuels: Nitrogen cylinder delivery happens via vehicles that use fossil fuels. Membrane nitrogen generators use little power to function and thus can shrink your business’s carbon footprint.
• Cost efficiency: In addition to being good for the environment, nitrogen generators are cost-efficient. Nitrogen generators are sold for a one-time cost, whereas nitrogen cylinders are rented or purchased for an ongoing cost. Over time, businesses with membrane nitrogen generators can save money compared to businesses that depend on nitrogen cylinders.
• Requires little energy: Membrane nitrogen generators have low power consumption and few moving parts. They’re durable and long-lasting.

Sustainability Benefits of Membrane Nitrogen Technology

If your business prioritizes sustainability, there are many reasons to get a membrane nitrogen generator:

Energy Efficiency

Membrane technology has low energy consumption and the ability to supply nitrogen on demand. This helps reduce your business’s overall carbon footprint.

Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Installing a nitrogen generator onsite eliminates the need for transportation of nitrogen cylinders, dewars, and other containers. On-site production minimizes fuel consumption and thus minimizes emissions. Since cryogenic nitrogen requires special storage conditions, membrane nitrogen generation can cut back on energy consumption in this way as well.

Waste Reduction and Resource Conservation

There are no byproducts or chemical waste in membrane nitrogen generation. Whereas single-use nitrogen cylinders and liquid nitrogen storage can produce waste, membrane nitrogen generators are virtually waste-free.

Long-Term Cost Savings

Membrane nitrogen technology has lower operational and maintenance costs than nitrogen cylinder delivery. Businesses that switch to membrane nitrogen generators enjoy reduced dependency on third-party nitrogen suppliers. Since these nitrogen suppliers can experience disruptions in service and problems with the supply chain, the result of using a generator is more consistent availability of nitrogen and long-term cost savings.

Eco-Friendly Applications

Nitrogen allows businesses to package and preserve food without harmful chemicals. Nitrogen also helps reduce environmental risks through inerting and blanketing, which prevents oxidation, moisture contamination, and combustion.

Need a Nitrogen Generator Membrane System? Contact Us

Membrane nitrogen technology supports commercial sustainability efforts in many ways. If your business prioritizes sustainability and needs nitrogen for its industrial processes, a membrane nitrogen generator may be the right option for your business.

The best way to find out if a nitrogen generator membrane system is right for your needs is to consult with a reputable membrane nitrogen generator manufacturer. This is why many people turn to On Site Gas Systems’ solutions for sustainable nitrogen supply.

As one of the leaders of membrane nitrogen generators, we can help you find a nitrogen generator membrane system to service your business with a continuous supply of nitrogen. Contact us today to get started by speaking to one of our membrane nitrogen experts!

Nitrogen generators are an important part of industries ranging from food and beverage packaging to aerospace. Nitrogen is an essential element in these industries because it can drive out oxygen to prevent oxidation while also driving out moisture to create a dry, inert environment. Nitrogen can prevent the degradation of a product that might otherwise be corroded, damaged, or rotted by exposure to oxygen and moisture.

There are multiple nitrogen supply methods, including nitrogen gas cylinders and liquid nitrogen. These methods have traditionally been used to supply nitrogen to warehouses, facilities, and factories in need of nitrogen. However, cylinders have a variety of negative environmental impacts.

Nitrogen gas generators offer a sustainable alternative to nitrogen cylinders. This article will explore the ways that green nitrogen gas generators can protect your business from the negative environmental impact of nitrogen cylinders.

The Basics of Nitrogen Gas Generation

The air is made up largely of nitrogen. Nitrogen gas generators draw the nitrogen out of the air and create a stream of it for the user. There are two types of nitrogen gas generators: pressure swing adsorption generators (PSA) and membrane generators. These two types of generators can both produce a continuous stream of nitrogen gas, but they function in different ways.

PSA nitrogen generators pass compressed air through a bed of adsorbent material. Molecules from oxygen and moisture are trapped in the adsorbed material, while nitrogen gas is released. PSA nitrogen generators are an excellent option in industrial applications that require a high-purity stream of nitrogen.

Membrane nitrogen generators also use the nitrogen in the air to create a stream of nitrogen gas. These generators have a semipermeable membrane that helps separate nitrogen and other gases. Membrane generators are often used for applications that require a lower purity nitrogen.

Environmental Challenges with Traditional Nitrogen Supply

Traditional nitrogen supply presents many environmental challenges, from the filling of nitrogen cylinders to the delivery of nitrogen to customers. For example, nitrogen cylinders are filled in a commercial plant using cryogenic air separation. The process of cryogenic air separation generates excessive carbon dioxide and uses a lot of energy.

Although nitrogen cylinders are reusable, the cylinders produce waste when they are decommissioned. In addition, cylinders rely on transportation to and from the customer, and through this process rely on the use of non-renewable resources. Ultimately, nitrogen cylinders of all kinds are not environmentally friendly and impact a business’s carbon footprint.

The Green Credentials of Nitrogen Gas Generators

For businesses concerned with nitrogen generators and the environment, it’s important to know that nitrogen generators represent a reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional methods of nitrogen delivery. On-site generation of nitrogen requires relatively little energy compared to the transportation of nitrogen cylinders. There are several ways that this is true:

• Low energy use. Nitrogen generators need energy to run but require relatively little energy compared to the amount of energy it takes to fill a nitrogen cylinder.
• No transportation. Once the nitrogen generator is installed on site, it no longer requires transportation from trucks in order to deliver nitrogen to the user.
• Relatively little waste. Often, nitrogen generators can be refurbished and used again, once they are no longer in need at their current location. Most nitrogen generators are small, so even once they’re no longer in use, they produce little waste.

Life Cycle Analysis

Nitrogen gas generators produce less waste and require less energy throughout their life cycle when compared with nitrogen cylinders. This is true because nitrogen gas generators are delivered only once, require relatively low power to operate, and produce a steady stream of nitrogen during the time they’re in operation and last for many years.

In fact, nitrogen generators allow for more control over nitrogen production. These generators produce less nitrogen waste and thus less waste generally.

Economic Benefits Tied to Environmental Advantages

Going green with nitrogen generation can also reduce operational costs. For a customer that needs approximately 2,880 hundred cubic feet of nitrogen (CCF) annually, the cost of paying for this nitrogen supply in cylinders is approximately $0.80-$1.50 per CCF.

The cost of generating that nitrogen on site is approximately $0.0614 per CCF. The annual total cost of nitrogen cylinders for this amount of nitrogen is approximately $27,650, versus $2,670 for nitrogen delivered by generator.

Protect the Environment and Your Business With a Nitrogen Generator

Are you concerned with nitrogen generation and the environment? Maybe you’re concerned about the cost of paying for nitrogen cylinders to meet your business needs? Nitrogen cylinders can have a negative impact on communities, the global environment, and on businesses themselves. Switching to more sustainable practices in your industry can save your business money and can prove that your business prioritizes eco-friendly, sustainable processes.

On Site Gas Systems produces membrane and PSA nitrogen generator systems, and can make custom systems for clients in need. We’ll work with your team to install a nitrogen generator that produces nitrogen in the amount and purity that your business requires. Contact us today to learn more.

Nitrogen gas makes up approximately 78 percent of our atmosphere, which makes it one of the most common gases on Earth. Nitrogen is non-toxic and inert, so it’s a safe gas to include in industrial processes.

If you’re wondering “What do we use nitrogen for?” the answer is, a lot!

The prevalence of nitrogen in our atmosphere combined with its inert properties makes it a very useful gas for food packaging, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. The use of nitrogen can prevent oxidation, corrosion, and deterioration of materials like foods and medicines. In this article, we’ll go over the uses of nitrogen and how it’s beneficial to industrial processes.

5 Major Uses of N2 in Everyday Life

Do you need a nitrogen generator? You probably do if you’re involved in one of the following industries. If you do need an N2 generator, whether that’s a PSA nitrogen generator or a membrane nitrogen generator, contact On Site Gas Systems to get started.

Food Packaging & Preservation

Nitrogen gas has transformed the food packaging industry. Exposure to oxygen shortens food shelf life by causing oxidation, leading to a change in food quality, flavor, smell, and color. By packaging food in a nitrogen-rich environment, food manufacturers can limit food’s exposure to oxygen and thus prevent food from deteriorating in the packaging.

Packaging with nitrogen is often done with a nitrogen flush technique, meaning that the oxygen and other gases in the packaging are flushed out with nitrogen. The nitrogen is sealed in the package, creating a protective bubble around the food and preventing it from breaking in transport.

Electronics

Nitrogen’s inert properties have an advantage over oxygen in electronics soldering. The use of oxygen in electronics soldering can cause oxidation in the immediate area being soldered, but nitrogen does not.

Oxidation is detrimental to soldering tools, circuit boards, and component leads. Oxidation is the rusting process that causes deterioration of many metals. The use of nitrogen in electronics soldering leads to a more durable electronics product and helps preserve the soldering tools used as well.

Pharmaceuticals

Just as nitrogen is used in food packaging to prevent oxidation of foods, nitrogen is also used in pharmaceutical packaging to prevent oxidation of medications. This helps preserve medication quality and integrity and leads to a longer shelf life. The use of nitrogen in packaging also makes for easier transportation and allows medications to be transported all over the world, because of the way nitrogen extends medication shelf life.

Beer/Beverage

In the beer and brewing industries, nitrogen is used to purge tanks to prevent drink spoilage. Nitrogen use in beer has also been attributed to better flavor as well as longer shelf life. Nitrogen is used to create the “fizz” in beer and is sometimes favored over CO2 because it is less likely to cause unwanted chemical reactions.

Tire Inflation

Nitrogen gas is an important tire filler. Not everyone who drives a car needs nitrogen-filled tires, but some prefer it. The reason that nitrogen is slightly better for filling tires than normal air is that nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules. Tires are porous, and sometimes temperature changes can force oxygen out of the tires via the pores.

This very slow leak can result in minute changes in tire pressure over time. Since nitrogen molecules are larger, the leak produced by nitrogen tires is much slower, leading to more consistent tire pressure over time.

Need a Nitrogen Generator for Your Industrial Processes? Contact On Site Gas Systems

On Site Gas Systems is one of the most respected names in nitrogen generators in the United States. We produce pressure swing adsorption and membrane nitrogen generators for businesses in the pharmaceuticals industry, food and beverage industry, electronics industry, and more.

We can refurbish nitrogen generators as needed, or we create custom generators for businesses with very specific needs. If you require a nitrogen generator for your business, contact On Site Gas Systems today to get started with your nitrogen generator purchase.