Nitrogen is one of the most accessible and prevalent inert gases. It has become known as one of the most dependable resources in manufacturing across numerous industries. Nitrogen has many uses and benefits. Here is everything you need to know about the importance of nitrogen gas, especially when it comes to manufacturing and technology.

The Characteristics of Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a common pure element that comprises 78% of the atmosphere. This inert gas is made up of two nitrogen atoms (N2), which are fastened together in a three-way covalent bond. This covalent bond is stabilized and substantially strong.

This gas occurs completely naturally. This kind of molecular bond makes the probability of nitrogen reacting with any other element unlikely and unexpected. This, combined with the fact that nitrogen is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, makes it the gas of choice for nitrogen generation solutions in manufacturing applications.

Nitrogen is used for a variety of applications in numerous industries. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Food packaging and storage
• Health and beauty aids
• Electronics
• Oil, gas, and mining
• Meat and heat treating
• Chemicals and plastics
• Automotive and aircraft
• Labs and pharmaceuticals
• Medical
• Industrial nitrogen
• Biofuels and military nitrogen

Why Is Nitrogen Important to Many Different Industries?

Nitrogen has a few substantial characteristics that benefit and enable critical applications and processes in manufacturing, such as:

• Prohibiting the oxidation of materials and products
• Inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria
• Reducing or eradicating the risk of explosion, combustion, or fire
• Producing a needed dry atmosphere

N2 Technology with Benefits Across Multiple Industries

Nitrogen is widely used in the food and beverage industry through a process known as Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). It is injected into packaging and pushes the oxygen out of the air. The dry inert nitrogen replaces the oxygen, thereby eradicating any oxidation, prohibiting spoilage, and significantly extending the shelf life of the food or beverage product.

Likewise, the oil and gas industry leverages the inertness of nitrogen to create a safe atmosphere that is negative to combustion for tank and pipeline blanketing. For example, using pressurized nitrogen gas during the drilling process enables it to propel lighter drilling fluids. This allows for the removal of rubble, lubrication, and cooling of the drilling bit. Additionally, nitrogen lifting is a process that pushes nitrogen into the oil-bearing formation, which increases the productivity of an oil well throughout its life cycle.

While industries that use adhesives and paints need oxygen to harden and dry them, at some point, the oxygen must be removed to eradicate any unwanted oxidation (which can actually become harmful). Nitrogen blanketing is a process that is used to saturate the atmosphere surrounding the surface of a product within a storage tank. This stops the oxygen-initiated curing process. The result of nitrogen blanketing maintains the quality of a product and eliminates undesirable oxidation.

These are a few of the many examples of how applying nitrogen to the manufacturing process demonstrates the remarkable success and importance of N2 technology systems, nitrogen generation, and nitrogen generators.

On Site Gas Systems Are the Nitrogen Generator Pros

Consult with the experts at On Site Gas Systems for a reliable and efficient nitrogen generation system for your manufacturing process. Our nitrogen generator systems have provided customers around the world with top-notch solutions in hundreds of applications across a plethora of industries. We design and build high-performance nitrogen generators for any on-site plant location.

The food industry strives to incorporate food packaging processes that ensure the ability to safely eliminate microbial spoilage, keep food products free from oxidation, and extend shelf life once it is packaged. There is continued pressure to use natural alternatives as opposed to harsh chemical preservatives. One of the most efficient ways of extending food longevity is to use nitrogen gas during a distinct process called nitrogen flush packaging.

What Is Nitrogen Flush Packaging?

Nitrogen flushing displaces the oxygen along with other impurities in the package or bag in which the food is placed. This changes the environment inside the food packaging. Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not affect the taste or texture of the food product. Since oxygen promotes spoilage, removing it and replacing it with nitrogen prevents food degradation and preserves freshness longer. It also helps to cushion the food in the package and protect it during storage, shipping, and when it is on the shelf.

How Does Nitrogen Flush Packaging Work?

The process of nitrogen flush packaging begins with placing food into an open package or bag. Machines then propel the oxygenated air out of the packaging and quickly replace it with nitrogen gas. A high concentration nitrogen level at 99% is typically used for the preservation of food. A machine seals the packaging or bag tightly, keeping the nitrogen inside. The bags are then contained in large boxes for shipping to restaurants and grocery stores.

Throughout the process of nitrogen flush packaging, this method delivers many benefits, including:

• Oxygen is successfully displaced, which delays spoilage generated by the oxidation process.
• Microorganisms that feed on oxygen are effectively prohibited from growing and damaging food.
• By filling the space in each bag or package, conformity of the packaged product is easily maintained in shipping boxes and on the shelf.
• Longer shelf life and better food preservation reduce food loss and expenses.
• A consistent, flavorful, fresh product is delivered to the consumer.
• Nitrogen gas is an affordable, sustainable, and safe source for use throughout the packaging process.

What Types of Food Can Nitrogen Flush Packaging Be Used For?

There are several types of foods that nitrogen flush packaging is well suited for. For example, freshly roasted ground coffee or coffee beans are effectively vacuum sealed with nitrogen flush packaging. Moisture and oxygen are removed and then replaced with nitrogen. The nitrogen maintains the quality and freshness of the coffee oils, flavor, and aroma. Other foods in the industry that are packaged and preserved with nitrogen flush include beans, chips, and different kinds of nuts.

Contact On Site Gas today to learn more about the different applications that nitrogen can be used for in the food packaging and storage industry! We can assist you in choosing the nitrogen generator solution that is best matched to your needs.

To become environmentally friendly is important on both an individual and company level. More and more consumers focus on improving our earth by being energy-efficient, and they want to support businesses who do the same. A smart, eco-friendly change companies can take part in is using nitrogen gas. There are many benefits of nitrogen, and several ways companies can become greener by using a nitrogen generator instead of relying on cylinder deliveries. Here’s how your business can help the environment by using On Site Gas nitrogen generating systems:

Eliminate Food Preservatives When Using Nitrogen Gas

The food packing industry can help cut back on food waste and harmful chemicals by switching to a nitrogen generating system. With the introduction of nitrogen gas, many chemical preservatives can be eliminated. When nitrogen is used to vacuum seal food products, the oxygen is displaced. Since bacteria cannot live without oxygen, these products’ shelf life is extended, and unnecessary food waste is eliminated.

Shrink Your Carbon Footprint by Removing Delivery Trucks

If your company is still using nitrogen cylinders, it means that delivery trucks transport both your new and used cylinders to and from your company. Over time, that adds up to a lot of large delivery trucks out on the road. Using nitrogen generating systems from On Site Gas, you can eliminate the need for regular deliveries. This simple step is enough to reduce the impact of your carbon footprint.

Cut Back Energy Used to Create Nitrogen Gas at a Plant

Before they can be used in your business, nitrogen cylinders are created in a commercial plant using a process called cryogenic air separation. This process uses a considerable amount of energy and generates excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). These CO2 emissions are then distributed into the air, contributing to our atmosphere’s greenhouse gases. By switching to a nitrogen generator, you can lessen your nitrogen gas carbon footprint by reducing the need for these high polluting plants.

Reduce Product Waste With A Nitrogen Generator

When you switch to nitrogen generation production, there are no other cylinders to dispose of. While nitrogen cylinders can be reused, they eventually become ineffective and must be replaced. Since these cylinders cannot be recycled, they have nowhere to go but to a landfill. Additionally, when they are full of nitrogen gas, the gas slowly seeps out of the container, wasting up to 10% of the product before you can use it. This means that you can eliminate both wasted nitrogen and used cylinder waste by switching to nitrogen generating systems. You can reduce waste by purchasing refurbished nitrogen equipment, too, which cuts back on production materials and emissions.

The highly skilled technicians On Site Gas are always ready to answer questions on nitrogen membrane generators, specialty nitrogen container equipment, and all other nitrogen generation systems. Contact us today to learn more about how to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

A variety of industries, from food packaging to electronics manufacturing, use nitrogen in their daily operations. For many years, the traditional way to obtain this useful gas was to order nitrogen bottles or cylinders that were delivered to your location. Today, however, many companies are making the switch to a more cost-effective, reliable choice: nitrogen generators.

Wondering why nitrogen generators are better than bottled nitrogen gas? Let’s take a closer look.

Nitrogen Bottles vs. Nitrogen Generators: What’s the Difference?

In determining why N2 generators are better than bottled gas, you must first consider a few key facts about how the two systems work. When you buy nitrogen cylinders for your business, you must rely on timely deliveries and ensure you or your employees place orders consistently so that you don’t run out of gas. Plus, because nitrogen cylinders are pressurized, they can pose a variety of safety risks when not handled with care.

You may still be wondering, “why N₂ generators vs. cylinders?” The best answer to this question is convenience and availability. When you have your own generator on-site, you eliminate your reliance on nitrogen orders and deliveries. Instead, you can produce the gas you need, whenever you need it. This is because generators draw nitrogen from the surrounding atmospheric air, meaning you’ll always have access to a consistent flow of gas. Nitrogen generators also reduce many of the risks associated with cylinder deliveries, as they don’t include pressurized canisters or liquid nitrogen.

Why Choose On Site Gas Generators for Your Nitrogen Needs

On Site Gas is an industry leader in nitrogen gas generators and supplies. We stand out from our competitors by designing and manufacturing high-output systems that can be customized to fit your unique specifications. Our catalog features a variety of turnkey equipment that provide low operating costs and a high return on investment, including:

• Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Nitrogen Generators
• Nitrogen Membrane Generators
• Nitrogen Membrane Trailer Systems
• Nitrogen Container Systems
• Nitrogen Cylinder Filling Systems
• Custom-Engineered Nitrogen Generation Systems

We even offer refurbished nitrogen generators for a more budget-friendly alternative to a brand-new machine. The best part? All of our systems are designed to produce high-purity nitrogen, with some offering purity levels of up to 99.999 percent! That way, you can ensure your nitrogen gas is suitable for all of your applications.

Enhance Your Operations with a Nitrogen Generator from On Site Gas

Are you tired of relying on nitrogen deliveries to ensure your business can remain operational? Have you run out of gas one too many times, only to wait hours or even days for new cylinders? Not only are these issues frustrating, but they can also result in lost money and wasted time. Luckily, on-site nitrogen generators provide a reliable, cost-effective solution.

If you’re looking to switch to a system that will guarantee you never run out of nitrogen for your industrial applications, contact On Site Gas today. Our knowledgeable team members are happy to answer all of your questions and help you find the right system for your nitrogen needs.

As a business owner, you know that many manufacturing establishments rely heavily on nitrogen for daily operations. In fact, nitrogen plays a significant role in the success of today’s biggest industries, like electronics manufacturing and food packaging. Whether your organization falls into one of these categories or another, such as metal and heat treatment or medical device production, you likely understand the laundry list of costs, dangers, and complications that accompany nitrogen delivery. Luckily, these problems can be avoided if you generate your own nitrogen.

Companies in all industries can create nitrogen by investing in an on-site nitrogen generator. These systems require a higher up-front cost than traditional nitrogen deliveries and rentals but offer an exceptional return on investment (ROI). Let’s take a closer look at nitrogen generator benefits and the savings you’ll enjoy by purchasing your own system.

What Is the Nitrogen Generator Return on Investment?

When determining the potential nitrogen generator payback for your business, there are many factors to take into consideration. Of course, the biggest places where you will see savings include your nitrogen delivery costs. How much are you currently paying for nitrogen cylinders? What are your expenses for rental and delivery? As you save on these overhead costs, you will quickly see your nitrogen generator pay for itself.

There is also a “hidden” cost of nitrogen delivery that many business owners tend to overlook when they are considering why they should use a nitrogen generator. This recurring expense is not a direct fee, but rather, money that is thrown away due to wasted gas. Typically, when you rent a cylinder, about 10 percent of the nitrogen in the tank is leftover when you return it to the supplier. Because you pay for 100 percent of the tank’s capacity, this can add up to hundreds of dollars of wasted money over time. This alone is enough reason for many businesses to choose a nitrogen generator over delivery.

Lastly, there are costs associated with employee productivity and safety. Scheduling nitrogen delivery and cylinder pick-up takes up valuable employee time, which could affect your efficiency and revenue. Many employers also suffer expenses due to accidents that occur as a result of employees working with liquid nitrogen. Generators, on the other hand, provide a safe and streamlined way to create nitrogen at your location. These systems utilize the atmospheric air around them to generate gas, meaning there are no dangerous materials involved in the process.

Breaking Down Nitrogen Generator Savings

The value of a nitrogen generator compared to delivery is quite clear, but how do you visualize the concrete figures you need to make a purchase decision? Take a look at this example of savings for a company that operates six days a week, with sixteen-hour days:

• Yearly Bulk Nitrogen Costs – A business that uses 2,880 hundred cubic feet (CCF) of nitrogen in a month spends about $2,300 for the gas alone (at a rate of $0.80 per CCF). After adding in rental and delivery fees associated with nitrogen delivery, the annual cost is over $27,000. This figure is more than 10 times the price of running a generator to produce your nitrogen.
• On-Site Generator Costs – The savings you see with nitrogen generation use become evident when you plug the same figures from the above scenario into the equation. If your nitrogen generator produces 683 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH), and the average cost of generating power is $0.10 per kWh, it brings your nitrogen gas cost down to $0.0614 per CCF. In this scenario, your yearly cost of running the generator equates to $2,120. Keep in mind that there are annual maintenance costs of around $550, so your total cost would be about $2,700.

In the example noted above, the nitrogen generator will have paid for itself in a mere 17 months. The best part is that after the ROI has paid for the generator, your business will continue to save about $25,000 annually, compared to the cost of nitrogen delivery. Your specific needs may be a bit different from this scenario, but the upfront cost of purchasing a nitrogen generator will still be worth it, as you’ll see thousands of dollars in savings in the coming years.

On Site Gas: Your Number One Source for High-Quality Nitrogen Generators

On Site Gas is an industry leader in the field of nitrogen generation. Our company provides everything a manufacturer may need to make this system fit their operations, from PSA nitrogen generators and membrane systems to generator container systems and refurbished nitrogen generators. To speak with one of our experienced representatives and find out more about nitrogen generator ROI, contact us today.