How Nitrogen Generators Improve the Jewelry Making Process

Jewelry manufacturers practice soldering in nearly every aspect of their craft, from forming bases for their pieces to adding delicate, gorgeous detail for the final product. However, this process can be hindered by the presence of oxygen in the environment, leading to damage and corrosion of the metal involved. To reduce this risk, many jewelers are including nitrogen generators in their manufacturing process to create a barrier between the metal and the environment.

What Is Soldering?

Soldering is fusing two metals together with the application of heat. This heat source usually comes from a blow torch or other industrial device. During the soldering process, the manufacturer melts the metal objects and joins them together. A filler metal with a relatively low melting point fills the joint where the objects meet, forming a permanent connection when the metal cools.
Soldering is a delicate and dangerous process. However, it is an essential component in a wide variety of industries: welding, plumbing, electronics, and jewelry manufacturing. Jewelers especially use this process in their craft to form their artwork. Unlike soldering pipes, the soldering process in jewelry making requires a light touch for this intricate artwork, as the jewelers have to work with very delicate materials.
A major risk in the jewelry soldering process is the presence of oxygen in the environment. When soldering is done in an oxygen-rich environment, the metals can corrode and the bonds become less effective. As a result, the jewelry can fall apart.

Nitrogen Generation and Jewelry Manufacturing

A simple solution to reducing the risk of oxygen corrosion in jewelry manufacturing is to displace the oxygen-rich air using nitrogen. During this process, jewelry makers can use a nitrogen generator, such as those supplied by On Site Gas, to store the gas for use during the soldering process. These nitrogen generators separate nitrogen from other elements in the air, storing the gas in tanks for later use.
Simply put, nitrogen displaces oxygen in the air. When it’s time to solder material, the jeweler flushes the environment with nitrogen gas. This creates a barrier between the metal and the oxygen in the air, reducing the effect of oxidation. Since nitrogen is non-combustible, working with high-heat materials during the soldering process is completely safe.

On Site Gas Solutions

On Site Gas offers a variety of on site nitrogen generators to benefit jewelry manufacturers during the soldering process. These machines are designed for fine selective soldering applications that offer the most benefit to the jewelry-making process.

  • PSA Nitrogen Generators separate nitrogen molecules from oxygen in ordinary air, storing nitrogen in tanks for later use.
  • Nitrogen Membrane Generators are customized to your unique specifications, arriving turnkey and ready to support your business. Pressurized air flows into the machine and a membrane separates nitrogen from other elements in the air. As a result, very dry nitrogen gas is collected.

If you’re looking for on site nitrogen generators to boost your jewelry business, contact On Site Gas today. We offer top-rate nitrogen and oxygen generation to clients throughout the United States and in over 100 countries.

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What Using Nitrogen Generators Means in Semiconductor Manufacturing – The Trend That Our Smartphones Demand

When you get right down to it, almost all electronic devices we use on a day-to-day basis contain semiconductors of some kind, and nitrogen is a key component in producing them. Gases have been imperative to the electronics industry since the middle of the last century, when the earliest examples of commercial transistors and circuits began being produced on a large scale. Today, several factors are driving up the consumption of gases, but the most notable is the sheer scale of deployment of semiconductor fabrication plants to meet the demands of large economies.
Gases are a desirable element in the world of tech for many reasons – they are easy to store, easy to produce on site and simple to deliver high quality nitrogen throughout the facility to multiple points of use with simple inexpensive piping. Additionally, it is easy to control gases’ chemical reactions at the molecular level. Therefore, nitrogen systems have become popular options for semiconductor manufacturing. Here are a few examples of nitrogen systems used in popular methods of semiconductor manufacturing:

  • Nitrogen Membrane Generator. This is a convenient, turnkey system. It arrives at your location, built to your specs and ready for you to put online.
  • PSA Nitrogen Generator. These systems effectively generate nitrogen by separating it from the oxygen in the air around you.
  • Nitrogen Cylinder Filling. Filling your own nitrogen cylinders is a cost-effective way to replenish your nitrogen supply. It beats the price of bottled gas.

So, what has increased the demand for these types of semiconductor manufacturing? Quite simply, the answer is gadgets. Semiconductor manufacturers are staring down the barrel at an intense challenge, the intersection of ever-increasing demand and the need to continually lower costs. Not only are the devices we all have in our pockets more complex than ever, but there is an ever-growing trend to pack more into less. Laptops are paper-thin, and our smartphones hold a world of information in a package that can slip into the back pocket of fitted jeans. Can semiconductor manufacturing keep up? If so, nitrogen generators are a large part of the equation.
To meet the demands of a society that is increasingly dependent upon smartphones, semiconductor manufacturers have been using nitrogen inertion. Whether in the fabrication of stacked dies, rework, or component solder bumping, nitrogen gas allows a larger process window in the safety of minimal oxygen. As mandated, lead-free soldering has emerged; the combination of flux chemistry aggressiveness and the smaller Delta T temperature window has allowed N2 inerting to boost production success. Controlled nitrogen atmospheres in reflow, wave, selective, and rework applications give engineers a larger process arena to work in. Nitrogen also helps during the liquidous state while the solder is completing surface wetting for a good bond.
As we rely more on smartphones, the demand will continue to increase for this form of manufacturing. At On Site Gas, we strive to supply on-site nitrogen with the utmost safety and forward-thinking innovation to stay at the forefront of a rapidly digitizing world. If you’re interested in how on-site nitrogen can be used for semiconductor manufacturing, contact us today to learn more.

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How Nitrogen Generators Improve Wine-Making

Wine-making is a delicate and sophisticated process that requires a skilled hand and deep knowledge of the science behind it. When wine is aging, it is crucial that the wine is protected from any contact with oxygen – if oxygen happens to seep into the cask or barrel, yeast and aerobic bacteria can grow. Oxidation can spoil the wine and drastically change its color, taste, and aroma, ruining years of hard labor.
A solution to wine-making’s oxygen issue comes in the form of another common atmospheric gas: nitrogen. By using a nitrogen generator, like the ones supplied by On Site Gas, winemakers can reduce oxygen levels in the environment to preserve the wine’s integrity.

How Do Nitrogen Generators Work?

On Site Gas offers multiple nitrogen generator options, including PSA Nitrogen Generator Systems, Membrane Generators, Container Systems, and Cylinder Filling Systems. For wine-making, On Site Gas recommends the use of a PSA Nitrogen Generator System.
PSA systems take the air we breathe and separate nitrogen molecules from oxygen molecules. This creates a flow of nitrogen gas that can be injected in multiple stages of the wine-making process.

How Does This Benefit the Wine?

Winemakers aim to create a nitrogen blanket across any surfaces where oxygen residue may lie, such as wine bottles, casks, and hoses. This creates a barrier between the wine and the oxygen molecules, reducing the risk of oxidation. Winemakers can use nitrogen generators in many steps while they’re storing, aging, and bottling wine.

  • During the bottling process, winemakers use nitrogen generators to flush wine bottles of oxygen before filling them. This prevents any oxygen residue from mixing with the wine and sparking the oxidation process before the bottle is opened.
  • After the wine has left the cask, winemakers flush the inside of the container with nitrogen to remove evaporated wine. This removes any oxygen residue before the next batch is made.
  • Sometimes, a winemaker will need to transfer wine from one cask to another container. Oxygen can easily mix with the exposed wine during this process. To combat this, winemakers’ flush tubes and vessels with nitrogen to remove oxygen residue before transferring the wine.

Nitrogen generators also assist with other wine-making processes such as fermentation, de-aeration, carbon dioxide adjustment, storage, and other production activities.

Additional Benefits of Nitrogen Generators

Nitrogen generators are a worthy investment for the serious winemaker. Nitrogen generators help winemakers produce the best quality product and ensure that each bottle leaves the vineyard without a risk of in-bottle oxidation.
In addition, nitrogen generators:

  • Are easy and simple to install
  • Require little maintenance and upkeep
  • Help winemakers wean themselves the use of argon, which is much more expensive than nitrogen
  • Reduce the need to sign large contracts with gas suppliers

To learn more about using nitrogen generators in wine-making, contact us.

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On Site Nitrogen Generators for Chemical Blanketing

It is common for many industries (including Chemical and Refinery plants) to store their liquids and gases in storage tanks. However, it’s important to note that oxygen can degrade and oxidize, and if the stored substances (like flammable liquids) come into contact with oxygen this could create a potentially explosive and hazardous situation. This makes it essential for industries that store hazardous materials to implement a way to prevent a fire or explosion of their tanks. With nitrogen and chemical blanketing, you could provide ideal protection of your tanks, while at the same time, safeguarding the contents inside.

How Blanketing Works

Nitrogen and chemical blanketing (sometimes known as tank padding) is an ideal application for generated non-cryo nitrogen. It applies nitrogen gas to the vacant space in your storage container, and effectively reduces the actual oxygen in the vapor space. This process inactivates the oxygen, and at the same time, successfully eliminates the possibility of a fire or explosion of your tank.

Blanketing Methods and How to Best Protect Your Tanks

Producing your own nitrogen using an on site nitrogen generator is one of the most popular supply methods for nitrogen blanketing. However, when making your own on site nitrogen, you will need to determine how you will go about blanketing your storage tank in addition to what size of generator you will need.
When it comes time to decide how to blanket your storage tank, there are a few options to choose from. You can either use the continuous purge blanketing method, concentration control blanketing, or pressure control blanketing. With continuous purge blanketing being the most common technique, it is simple to set up, and you do not need a control device or control loop (but nitrogen consumption can be high). Concentration control blanketing does require a feedback loop to turn the generator on and off, but nitrogen use is also more efficient. If you use pressure control blanketing, a valve and pressure regulator controls your nitrogen levels.
The size of the generator that you need will depend on the amount of liquid lost during your pumping sessions and the condensation of your tank vapors that happen during atmospheric thermal cooling. Based on this information, On Site Gas Systems can help you determine what size generator is necessary.

Benefits of Nitrogen and Chemical Blanketing

Using a blanketing method stops a vacuum from developing in your tank, maintains consistent pressure, and reduces much of the evaporation of your stored material. This method also helps you save more of your materials, and at the same time, drastically reduces your emissions. Blanketing also has the potential to make your equipment last longer and you’ll never have to worry about refilling or replenishing because of the continuous production of nitrogen. On Site Gas Systems can assist you with attaining a custom nitrogen generation system solution for your business that will help you with all of your blanketing needs. For more information, contact us today.

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Visit On Site Gas Systems at the PACK EXPO

The PACK EXPO is an international trade show dedicated to the packaging industry. With over 1.2 million square feet of space, over 2,500 exhibitors, and more than 50,000 attendees, it is the place to be from October 14-17th. This year, the PACK EXPO is taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, and On Site Gas Systems is thrilled to be an exhibitor (booth E-10535).

About the PACK EXPO International Trade Show

The PACK EXPO attracts attendees from over 40 vertical industries, with all positions attending. There are executives, production supervisors, quality assurance teams, engineers, purchasers, marketers, and essentially any other job within the packaging industry you can imagine in attendance. The exhibitors include all of the top suppliers of packaging materials, packaging equipment, automation technologies, and other solutions to make the production and processing of packaging simpler.
If you want to keep up to date on all of the latest trends in the packaging industry, then the PACK EXPO is where you want to be. You will be able to see and feel new equipment and packaging options, and you can learn new strategies to help your packaging process become more efficient. Most importantly, you can stop by booth E-10535 to see On Site Gas and learn all about how you can use an on site nitrogen generator to help make your packaging better while improving your bottom line.
Visit On Site Gas Systems at Booth E-10535
At the PACK EXPO, we will be demonstrating the benefit of using nitrogen gas within your packaging. We will explain to you how the nitrogen gas generator works and how simple it is to use. We will also show you just how quickly you can recoup your upfront costs so that your packaging company can forget about the recurring costs and hassle of using nitrogen cylinders. With a nitrogen generator on site, you can easily solve some of the most challenging packaging issues you face, helping you streamline your process, save money, and keep your customers happy.
It doesn’t matter what industry you are in or what type of packaging you use, we have a packaging solution for you. Our team will work with you to find a customized solution for on site nitrogen generation. Once you have an on site generator at your facility, your packaging process will be transformed.
If you are going to PACK EXPO—and if you have anything to do with the packaging industry, you should—then make sure to stop by Booth E-10535. We would love to meet you and help you discover how our nitrogen generators can help you. To learn more about our nitrogen generation for the packaging industry, contact us anytime.

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Nitrogen Generators for Effective Fruit Storage

Fresh fruit is enjoyed all year round; however, it cannot be grown all year round. That’s where controlled atmosphere storage (CA) comes in. By strategically controlling the atmosphere the fruit is stored in with the help of a nitrogen generator, fresh produce can continue to be sold all year round.

Why Nitrogen for Fruit Storage?

Oxygen is fresh fruit’s enemy. When exposed to oxygen, produce begins to grow bacteria, including mold and mildew, making it spoiled and unsellable. By using nitrogen to inert the oxygen, just-picked fruit can be successfully stored without any spoilage in sight. Through this controlled atmosphere storage, fresh produce can be sold all year long, and the consumers will not be able to tell that the fruit was, in fact, picked months ago. And since the process doesn’t involve any chemicals, there is no impact on the quality of the fruit.

Best Nitrogen Generators for Fruit Storage

On Site Gas Systems has nitrogen generators that were specially designed for controlled atmosphere storage. They feature a proprietary flow control valve and nitrogen purity that allows precise control of the oxygen levels in the air. When it comes to nitrogen for fruit storage, there are two types of nitrogen generators that are recommended. These include:

  • Nitrogen Membrane Generator – This type of generator is ideal for high flow applications that require a lower purity. The generators are simple to operate and use a filter-like system to remove the oxygen from the air. They require minimal maintenance, have a quiet operation, and they can be custom built to meet the needs of the fruit storage facility. They arrive to the location ready to use.
  • PSA Nitrogen Generator – When a higher purity level is required, a PSA nitrogen generator is preferred. They work by running oxygen through a carbon sieve, which absorbs any oxygen or other gasses that are in the air, leaving only the nitrogen behind. PSA generators offer a quick ROI and provide reliable year-to-year costs.

The nitrogen generator you choose for your fruit storage facility depends on your specific needs. Regardless, you will reap the benefits of not having to worry about nitrogen cylinder delivery and storage, and you can dramatically decrease your recurring nitrogen gas costs. At On Site Gas Systems, we are experts in nitrogen generators. We can help you select the nitrogen generator that will produce nitrogen at the rate and purity you need for successful fruit storage. To learn more about how a nitrogen generator makes controlled atmosphere storage possible, contact us now.

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Nitrogen in Lab Equipment

When it comes to science, it all comes down to the details. Laboratories require very specific atmospheric conditions so that they can ensure accurate results and lasting cells, and they use nitrogen gas to maintain them. Here is a closer look at how nitrogen gas is used around lab equipment as well as why on-site nitrogen gas is the best option.

How Nitrogen Helps Lab Equipment

Working with cells is serious business, and even the slightest variance in temperature, humidity, or oxygen level can have a big impact on the results. By infusing the necessary space with nitrogen gas, scientists can effectively control every aspect of the environment to make sure the cell incubators, mass spectrometers, dry boxes, IVF incubators, and more, can all maintain the ideal environment for optimal results.

Why Use Laboratory Nitrogen Generators

Within these lab applications, a large amount of nitrogen gas is required. Since the nitrogen must be infused consistently, an on-site nitrogen generator is the clear option. At On Site Gas, our laboratory nitrogen generators are highly efficient, compact, and can produce high-purity nitrogen for both low and high flow applications. Here are the benefits of using an on-site nitrogen generator versus relying on cylinders.

  • Reduce Expenses – While purchasing a laboratory nitrogen generator upfront may cost more than cylinders, it is a one-time expense. There are no recurring rental fees, delivery surcharges, or anything else. Once the cost of the generator is recouped, the laboratory can essentially produce nitrogen for free (with minimal maintenance costs).
  • Improve Workflow – Using an on-site nitrogen generator saves a lot of time, too. There is no need to switch out cylinders or keep an eye on the gas levels, and there is no need to worry about the gas supply running out mid-analysis. With an on-site nitrogen generator, laboratory personnel can essentially set up the nitrogen flow and forget about it.
  • Ensure Safety – When changing out nitrogen gas cylinders, there is always a risk of somebody getting hurt or something getting broken. The cylinders are large and heavy, and trying to maneuver them around fragile lab equipment is just asking for trouble.
  • Save Energy – Using an on-site nitrogen generator requires much less energy to operate than it takes the nitrogen plants to produce the gas that is put into cylinders. So, when a laboratory chooses to make their own nitrogen, they are reducing their carbon footprint.

When exact atmospheres are required, laboratories can depend on the nitrogen generators from On Site Gas Systems. To learn more about our customization options and to discover the true ROI of a laboratory nitrogen generator, contact us today.

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Nitrogen Gas and Nanotechnology

When working with and manipulating individual molecules and atoms, the environment is of the utmost importance. Whether in the manufacturing process, the experimentation process, or the storing process, it is vital that the parts used in nanotechnology remain in dry, stable conditions. With nitrogen gas, the environment can be upheld easily. Here are just some of the ways nitrogen gas is used every day in the nanotechnology industry.

How Nitrogen Helps the Nanotechnology Industry

Working with literal molecules requires the utmost precision. As such, nitrogen gas is used in many ways throughout the industry to ensure everything remains dry and safe.

  • Dry Boxes– When  critical components are put into boxes for storage, their environment must be maintained so the atoms do not degrade. To make sure the atoms remain intact as needed, nitrogen is infused into the box. It will not react with the materials that are used, and it will make sure no moisture disrupts the molecules.
  • Chemical Inerting – Oxygen has a potentially dangerous reaction with many chemicals. As such, nitrogen is used to displace the oxygen within chemical storage or process tanks. It will make sure the environment does not become hazardous. Nitrogen gas is also used to inert vessels for this same reason.
  • Semi-Conductors– When working on the fabrication of stacked dies, rework, or component solder bumping, it is vital that oxygen is kept away. Nitrogen gas is used to blanket the components to give them a longer oxygen-free processing window. This is especially important with the new mandate of lead-free soldering because of the issue of chemistry aggressiveness. With nitrogen inerting, there is a much higher success rate, especially when the Delta T temperature window is at play.
  • MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) – In MEMS applications, a high purity of nitrogen gas is required to cut back on the dross in soldering applications. Additionally, it effectively reduces surface tension and allows the solder to break away more cleanly. Nitrogen is also used during the testing phase to make sure the atmosphere remains dry.
  • Line Drying – Nitrogen’s dew point is as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the ideal solution for line drying. Not only does it not dew easily, it is completely inert. It eliminates all oxygen so there is no risk of oxidation, and it makes sure there are no explosions.

On Site Nitrogen Generators for Nanotechnology

When it comes to nanotechnology, the option of running out of nitrogen is nonexistent. There must be a steady flow of nitrogen gas to keep the atoms and molecules at the ideal temperature to be effectively manipulated. With On Site Gas Systems, the nanotechnology industry can make their own nitrogen, on demand, making sure they never run out. There are no cylinders to deal with, no storage to worry about, and an extremely high ROI.
To learn more about how our on site nitrogen gas generators can help you, contact us now.

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Nitrogen Gas for Manufacturing Molded Plastics

Nitrogen gas is a key component of successful plastic manufacturing. Through various methods, nitrogen gas helps to prevent discoloration and oxidation during the manufacturing process. Additionally, it helps the plastic polymer stay strong, which is especially important when large molds are being used. Here is a closer look at how nitrogen gas is used in plastic manufacturing and why on site nitrogen gas makes it all the more efficient.

Plastic Manufacturing Methods that Rely on Nitrogen Gas

There are several different uses for nitrogen gas, some of which include:

  • Injection Molding– In this method, nitrogen is used as an inert gas to displace any oxygen that is in the mold. Oxygen holds moisture, so if it is molded into the plastics, it can lead to defects. By filling the mold with nitrogen, the manufacturers can be sure no oxygen is present.
  • Gas Assist Injection Molding (GAIM) – Gas assist injection molding is a multi-step process that is used when large plastic parts are being made. The issue with larger molds is that the formed plastic can shrink during the drying stage. However, when nitrogen is injected into the mold, the polymer expands to fill every empty cavity and ensures the polymer does not breakdown during the cooling phase.
  • Plastic Extrusion – In order to create plastic pipes, tubing, etc., a process called extrusion is used. In this method, the polymer is pressed through the molded shape to create a long, continuous form, and nitrogen gas is used to displace all oxygen. If present, the oxygen can lead to damage of both the equipment and the product being made.

On Site Gas Systems for Nitrogen Generation

Nitrogen is a key component of successful plastics manufacturing, so facilities can’t afford to run out. With an on site nitrogen generator from On Site Gas Systems, manufacturers can produce their own nitrogen gas on demand, so they always have it when they need it. They can also produce their own nitrogen at pressures above 3,000 PSIG to meet any needs of molded plastic manufacturers. They can improve efficiency since there is no managing the delivery, removal, or replacement of nitrogen cylinders, and they can save money because the ongoing expense of nitrogen gas is eliminated. Our nitrogen gas generators are ideal for plastic manufacturing and they can generate nitrogen at the purity necessary for flawless results.
If you rely on nitrogen for a quality product and a smooth production process, then you need to contact us today. We will work with you to create a nitrogen generator setup that meets your facility’s production demands, and we will demonstrate how the generator can pay for itself in a lot less time than you think.

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The Many Uses of Oxygen Gas

You know you need oxygen to breathe, but did you know there are thousands of companies out there relying on oxygen gas to conduct business? There are hundreds of industrial uses for oxygen gas, and On Site Gas Systems has been providing these companies with the oxygen they require for over 30 years. Here is a look at just some of the oxygen gas uses that exist.

Save Lives

Whether it’s within healthcare facilities, on marine vessels, or on emergency vehicles, a steady oxygen supply is required to save lives every minute of every day. By having an oxygen generator on site, medical facilities can be sure they always have the oxygen they need, even in remote locations.

Improve Wastewater Processing

Without intervention, wastewater takes a lot time to break down, which can result in all kinds of issues. By aerating the wastewater with oxygen, the natural bio-degradation process can occur quicker and without adding harmful chemicals.

Increase the Yield in Gold Mining

Another important use of oxygen gas is for gold mining. In fact, when used, gold miners are able to get a much greater yield for their efforts. They use the oxygen gas to convert the mineral sulfides to sulfates and to convert arsenic into ferric acid. By doing this, the gold is much easier to retrieve and many miners report being able to double their yield.

Make Sure Trout Thrive

When it comes to trout farming, the taste of the trout is dependent on the quality of the conditions the trout is raised in. As such, fish farms and hatcheries inject the water with oxygen. By oxygenizing the water, the fish stay healthy, their appetites increase, and they are substantially larger and tastier when it comes time to sell them.

Blown Glass

Whether it’s making decorative items or medical/science supplies, glass blowing is an extremely common use of oxygen gas. Gas blowers use the oxygen to masterfully create the steady stream of air that is necessary to shape the glass in a multitude of ways.
No matter what oxygen gas is used for, one thing is consistent: companies need on site oxygen generation to ensure they can continue operations. If oxygen runs out, the business comes to a halt, and in the case of medical facilities, lives can be at risk. At On Site Gas Systems, we carry large and small oxygen generation systems, including portable oxygen refilling stations, to make sure every company has oxygen when they need it. To learn more about what oxygen gas uses can benefit your industry, contact us today.

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