Nitrogen generators extract nitrogen from the air and expel the other gases into the environment. For businesses that use nitrogen for packaging, welding, and other processes, nitrogen generators are efficient and effective devices that produce nitrogen on-site. While nitrogen can be obtained in a variety of ways, and can be delivered in cylinders and other packaging, nitrogen generators are the best option for most businesses that require a regular supply of nitrogen for their industrial processes.

There are several key industries that benefit from nitrogen generators, including aerospace, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, oil and gas, and metal manufacturing. Although there are many nitrogen system applications, many of these industries rely on nitrogen because it is non-reactive and can flush out oxygen from the environment. This prevents oxidization and can prevent corrosion, rot, or product weakening over time.

How Nitrogen Generators Work

Nitrogen generators work by producing a steady stream of nitrogen from compressed air. There are two types of nitrogen generators: pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and membrane nitrogen generators. PSA generators work by isolating nitrogen and allowing other gases to be adsorbed. Membrane nitrogen generators push some gas molecules through a membrane, leaving nitrogen isolated from the rest.

There are many benefits of using nitrogen generators over other forms of nitrogen delivery:

• Cost-effective. While nitrogen generators cost more than cylinder delivery upfront, many businesses save money with nitrogen generators over time.
• Space-effective. Nitrogen generators are easy to store on-site and often take up less space than nitrogen cylinders.
• Nitrogen available on demand: Nitrogen cylinders deliver a constant, continuous stream of nitrogen on demand.
• Eco-friendly: Whereas nitrogen cylinder delivery relies upon fossil-fuel-dependent vehicles, nitrogen generators require very little energy to operate and are better for the environment.

While nitrogen cylinders are a good option for businesses that only need nitrogen occasionally, nitrogen generators are the product of choice for businesses that need nitrogen regularly to produce their products.

Applications of Nitrogen Generators in Different Industries

Nitrogen generator applications vary by industry. What is consistent about industrial nitrogen use is that industries prefer nitrogen because it is available in the air, it prevents oxidization, and it is non-reactive. Below are some of the nitrogen generator applications by industry.

Aerospace Industry

Nitrogen is used in the aerospace industry to prevent oxidation in manufacturing processes such as welding. Nitrogen can also be used to displace oxygen in fuel tanks. Fuel tanks that are filled with nitrogen instead of oxygen are less likely to combust even if a combustion source is introduced. The use of nitrogen in fuel tanks is an important safety measure that can prevent industry accidents.

Food & Beverage Industry

Nitrogen is used in the food and beverage industry to flush packaging and remove oxygen from the packaging environment. Oxygen is responsible for changing food quality over time. Food and beverage exposure to oxygen leads to color change, flavor change, and odors. Nitrogen flushing in packaging helps extend food shelf life by months. Foods in nitrogen-flushed packages can more easily be shipped around the world.

Nitrogen is also used in food storage for preservation. Flushing food packages with nitrogen allows food to be stored for a long time, leading to less food waste.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, nitrogen is used to create an inert environment for the production of sensitive medications. Nitrogen is also used in pharmaceutical packaging and storage to maintain product integrity, similar to the way that nitrogen is used in food industry packaging. Nitrogen’s inertness allows medications to be stored for longer.

Electronics & Semiconductor Industry

Nitrogen is used in electronics and the semiconductor industry to create inert atmospheres for soldering and other processes. Soldering is the process of creating a permanent connection between two electronic components. Nitrogen helps shorten soldering times, reduce thermal stress, prevent oxidation of the soldering surface, and generally extend the length of time the solder is likely to last.

Oil & Gas Industry

In the oil and gas industry, nitrogen injection into an oil reservoir helps increase oil recovery. Nitrogen can also be used to purge pipelines and tanks for safety. Nitrogen is non-flammable and replacing air or oxygen with nitrogen can help prevent workplace accidents.

Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication

Exposure to oxygen in welding can lead to weak joints. The use of nitrogen as a shielding gas in welding and cutting can strengthen weld joints. Nitrogen is also used to create a protective environment in heat treatment and annealing applications, and the use of nitrogen in this industry can lead to a tougher and stronger surface.

Choosing the Right Nitrogen Generator for Your Industry

When you’re trying to choose a nitrogen generator for your industrial nitrogen use, it’s important to choose the correct type of generator. Flow rate, purity, and pressure requirements are all important considerations for a business seeking a nitrogen generator for industrial purposes. Different types of generators produce nitrogen at different flow and purity rates.

Custom systems can help satisfy the unique needs of businesses. On Site Gas Systems produces custom nitrogen generators for businesses of all types. Our specialists take into consideration the needs of the business to ensure that the systems we produce provide the correct amount and purity of nitrogen for your needs.

Need a Nitrogen Generator for Nitrogen in Manufacturing? Contact On Site Gas Systems

There are many reasons for the use of nitrogen in industry and manufacturing, from preventing degradation and oxidization of materials to creating a safer workplace environment. Businesses may choose to get a nitrogen generator for many reasons, but these reasons often include money savings and efficiency. Nitrogen generators can save businesses thousands of dollars over time, and produce a reliable source of nitrogen.

To get started creating your customized nitrogen generator, contact On Site Gas Systems. We provide custom nitrogen systems for industrial nitrogen use. We’re here to help you find the best system for your industry purposes.

Nitrogen gas is quickly becoming an essential component of the beer and coffee industries. For both of these beverages, nitrogen replaces oxygen to preserve flavor and color. Nitrogen also preserves carbonation which ensures a high-quality product for consumers.

While some industry professionals started off using nitrogen in cylinders or in other deliverable states, the gradual shift toward nitrogen generation has been underway for a long time.

Although nitrogen cylinders can meet beverage industry needs under certain circumstances, the benefits of an N2 generator are clear. Nitrogen generators are cost-effective, long-lasting, easy to maintain, and they take up far less storage space. If you represent a business in the food and beverage industry and are seeking ways that you can reduce your costs, a nitrogen generator can deliver results.

The Role of Nitrogen in Beer Production

Nitrogen is used in nitrogenated beers (like stouts) to create a smooth texture and creamy mouthfeel. Nitrogen also creates a longer-lasting head. Nitrogen helps preserve the color and flavor of the beer by replacing oxygen and preventing oxidation.

Centuries ago, before there was forced carbonation, beer was brewed in wooden casks that would not hold much carbonation. Beers were lightly carbonated and then stored in basements. Pub workers would use “beer engines” to pressurize the casks with air (which is mostly nitrogen) to deliver beer to the taps upstairs.

What does this mean? Nitrogen carbonation is almost a tradition in beer brewing as it has been used for years to give beer its delightful texture and creamy head. Its use today is simply carrying on a tradition!

The Role of Nitrogen in Coffee Production

Nitrogen has been used in coffee packaging for decades. Nitrogen replaces oxygen in the package to preserve the flavor and color of the beans. This allows coffee beans to be transported all over the world without losing their flavor and freshness.

Recently, nitrogen has been used in coffee production to enhance the flavor and texture of the coffee. Nitrogen is infused in cold-brew coffees to produce a creamy texture and natural sweetness. This produces a naturally less bitter coffee that attracts many consumers.

Advantages of On-Site Nitrogen Generation for Breweries

Cost Savings

N2 nitrogen generators reduce your business reliance on bulk gas deliveries and associated expenses. While nitrogen generators are associated with a large up-front cost, the overall cost for nitrogen is much lower when using a generator. Gas deliveries can get expensive, especially over multiple years with delivery fees, cylinder rental, and other fees. If your production increases, so do your gas expenses. Using an N2 generator can help control your costs, even as demand for your product goes up.

Consistent Quality

Nitrogen generators can produce nitrogen gas all the time, all year round. This helps ensure a stable and continuous nitrogen supply for optimal beer and coffee production.

Increased Efficiency

On-demand nitrogen generation reduces downtime and enhances production flexibility. This allows for scalable production of your product, and can help your business grow.

Safety Benefits

Nitrogen cylinders contain nitrogen under high pressure. Anyone who is handling a nitrogen cylinder must be properly trained to ensure safety and prevent accidents. Nitrogen generators produce nitrogen under lower pressure, and thus have fewer safety risks.

Reduced hassle

Managing bulk nitrogen deliveries can be a hassle. Storing cylinders requires careful handling, and delays from supply chain issues can leave you waiting. On top of that, rising costs and endless contract administration with suppliers only add to the frustration. If you purchase a nitrogen generator, your business can avoid all of these hassles and more.

Environmental and Sustainability Benefits

There are many environmental benefits from using an on site nitrogen generator for your nitrogen generation needs. Using a generator reduces your carbon footprint by eliminating gas transportation. This can contribute to sustainability goals by minimizing waste and energy consumption. If your business has sustainability goals, an N2 generator can help you meet them.

Contact On Site Gas Systems for an N2 Generator

It’s clear why businesses turn to gas generators for their n2 generation needs! Nitrogen generators operate at a lower cost than cylinders, and nitrogen generators are far more environmentally friendly. Using a nitrogen generator is efficient and involves less hassle.

Is your beverage business in need of an efficient and low-cost source of nitrogen? On Site Gas Systems creates nitrogen generation solutions for beverage industry operations.Contact us today to make an appointment and learn more about our nitrogen generation services.

Global food waste is a major issue on our planet, contributing to hunger worldwide and the emission of greenhouse gases. It’s harmful to both the planet and people.

Globally, it’s estimated that as much as 30% of food produced goes to waste, translating to billions of pounds of food (and billions of dollars) lost each year. Food waste is a social justice problem as well as an ecological problem.

While there isn’t one solution to fix these issues, nitrogen generators can help reduce food waste problems in a variety of ways. Food-grade nitrogen in food packaging can help extend food shelf life by preventing the oxidation process which helps food get to people who need it, thus addressing global hunger in the process.

In this article, we’ll discuss the role that food-grade nitrogen plays in food packaging and transportation, how nitrogen in food packaging can help prevent food waste, what to know about nitrogen generators for food packaging companies, and how On Site Gas works with various companies throughout the food and beverage packaging industry to provide nitrogen gas systems.

What Are Nitrogen Generators?

A nitrogen generator is a device that isolates nitrogen from the air and produces a steady stream of nitrogen. Nitrogen generators are useful in a variety of industries including the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, welding, electronics, and oil and gas industries.

Nitrogen generators come in different types including pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators and membrane nitrogen generators. PSA nitrogen generators use two chambers and a carbon molecular sieve to separate nitrogen from other molecules and then eject the nitrogen.

Membrane nitrogen generators use a membrane to separate nitrogen from other molecules, producing a steady stream of nitrogen. Membrane nitrogen generators produce nitrogen at a slightly lower purity than PSA generators. The type of nitrogen generator that your business needs depends on the nitrogen purity level required.

The Role of Nitrogen in Food Preservation

Oxygen contributes to the breakdown and degradation of food over time. Oxidation is what causes food to produce off-flavors, odors, and colors, and creates conditions that encourage microbial growth. As those microbes spread over the surface of the food, it begins to deteriorate faster.

When oxygen is absent from food packaging, food can last a very long time. Nitrogen generators are used to fill food packaging with nitrogen, which pushes out oxygen and helps food preservation. Nitrogen food preservation is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of many foods and beverages since the nitrogen content preserves textures and flavors, protects nutrients, and prolongs food shelf-life.

Fish, chips, coffee, nuts, vegetables, dried fruits, and a variety of ready-to-eat products all benefit from food-grade nitrogen gas. Food-grade nitrogen is used in packaging and in a process called fluffing, which contributes to the fluffy texture of mayonnaise.

Chemical preservatives have been used heavily in the food industry for many years, but health concerns over these chemicals have made many consumers averse to purchasing and eating foods that contain such chemicals. It’s important to note that nitrogen is non-toxic. It makes up a large percentage of the air we breathe every day, and the chemicals in food packaging pose no risk or health concern. In some cases, nitrogen can help make foods safer by replacing preservatives.

The use of nitrogen in food packaging is also useful for food transportation as nitrogen helps keep food safe to eat after packaging. In some packages, nitrogen also creates a pillow that helps prevent food from being crushed or damaged during transit (bags of chips are a good example of this). Using nitrogen in food packaging helps prevent food waste by increasing food’s shelf life, enabling food to be shipped all over the world, and preventing food from sustaining damage.

Advantages of Using Nitrogen Generators

While some businesses choose to obtain their nitrogen through cylinders and other delivery methods, the purchase of a nitrogen generator for food packaging is the most efficient and cost-effective way to obtain a sufficient supply of nitrogen. There are numerous advantages to using nitrogen generators:

• Environmental benefits: Nitrogen generators are always available and on-site, versus nitrogen cylinders which require delivery from vehicles that use fossil fuels.
• Less cost over time: Although nitrogen generators have a larger up-front cost, they incur far fewer ongoing costs. Over the years, the cost is recovered.
• No supply chain complications: Businesses that rely on vendors to ship nitrogen to their location can be vulnerable to supply chain problems. Nitrogen generators do not have these problems, and are always on-site, ready to use.

Need a Food-Grade Nitrogen Generator? Contact On Site Gas

There are many benefits of using a food-grade nitrogen generator. Here’s why many people in the food industry have turned to food-grade nitrogen generators for their food and beverage packaging needs:

• Decreased reliance on chemical preservatives
• Reduced food waste
• Improved product quality

Ultimately, switching from the use of chemical preservatives to nitrogen food packaging is a good decision for your brand. On Site Gas Systems sells N2 generators for food packaging, and we make nitrogen generation systems for businesses of all types. To learn more about nitrogen generators for food packaging purposes, contact On Site Gas Systems.

Nitrogen gas generators are important equipment in industries ranging from the food and beverage industries to electronics and welding, pharmaceuticals, and more. As an inert gas, nitrogen can prevent oxidation and corrosion, leading to the degradation of many of the products we use daily.

Many businesses purchase nitrogen generators because they’re a cost-effective tool for producing a constant supply of nitrogen, on-demand. If your business uses a nitrogen generator for everyday processes, maintaining your generator can help extend your generator’s service life and ensure optimal performance.

In this article, we’ll talk about how your nitrogen generator works and what you can do to improve your nitrogen generator’s performance. By performing daily and weekly maintenance checks, and by performing monthly and quarterly maintenance, you can help extend the service life of your generator.

Understanding Nitrogen Gas Generator Maintenance

Nitrogen generators work by removing the nitrogen from the surrounding air with different types of generators operating in different ways. Membrane nitrogen generators use a membrane to separate nitrogen molecules from other molecules, while pressure swing adsorption uses a carbon molecular sieve.

What type of nitrogen generator your business uses depends on factors like how pure the nitrogen needs to be, how much nitrogen your business requires, and other factors.

When you purchase a nitrogen generator from On Site Gas, we’ll help you determine what type of generator is best for your business. We’ll also provide instructions for maintaining your generator.

Daily Maintenance Checks

Inspect your nitrogen generator every day for leaks and damage, here’s how:

1. Check for leaks: Check pressure levels and ensure they’re within the recommended range. Perform a visual inspection of connections between pipes. Leaks make your nitrogen generator work harder and longer, adding to the wear and tear on your equipment.
2. Look for damage: Perform a visual inspection for damage. Look for corrosion, dents, and damage to the pressure instruments.
3. Monitor for system alarms and address warnings immediately: The meaning of various alarms should be outlined in your nitrogen generator documentation. Most nitrogen generators have an N2 Available LED indicator which should be on throughout operation. If it turns off, get guidance from your nitrogen generator manufacturer.
4. Maintain proper ventilation and temperature control: Do not let the environment around the nitrogen generator exceed 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Check fans and vents around your generator to ensure they’re not covered.

Six Month Maintenance Procedures

Most units may require filter changes every six months. Begin by replacing worn-out filters, as these can impact your nitrogen generator’s efficiency. Inspect the filters quarterly and replace them as needed.

If your nitrogen generator has a desiccant dryer, inspect and service the dryer every six months or according to the manufacturers’ recommended service schedule to ensure it is functioning properly. Additionally, review and update your maintenance logs and records, looking for trends that could indicate potential problems. This proactive approach helps in identifying issues early and maintaining the overall efficiency of your nitrogen generator.

Annual Maintenance Checklist

Once per year you may require additional filter changes and calibration or replacement of the oxygen sensor. Please contact Customer Service at On Site Gas Systems to obtain necessary parts or to schedule service.

Best Practices for Prolonging the Life of Your Generator

Every nitrogen generator is different, but some best practices can help prolong the life of your generator. Use high-quality replacement parts from the system manufacturer to ensure compatibility and performance. Train staff on proper operation, safety, and maintenance procedures to prevent misuse and accidents.

Schedule regular professional inspections and servicing to catch potential issues early. Position your generator in a location that allows easy access for maintenance procedures, and keep the installation area clean, dry, and dust-free to prevent environmental damage and ensure optimal operation.

Maintain Your Nitrogen Generator With Help from On Site Gas

By maintaining a nitrogen generator and regularly inspecting it, you can address repairs promptly to significantly extend its service life. By implementing and maintaining a proactive maintenance plan, you can ensure your generator’s long-lasting performance. The experts at On Site Gas are ready to assist you. Call us today to discuss your nitrogen generator and get answers to any maintenance questions you may have.

Nitrogen is one of the most abundant elements in our galaxy and is in nearly 80% of the earth’s atmosphere. Its abundance makes it easy to access, and its inertness makes it useful across a variety of industries.

There are many ways to access nitrogen and use it in your manufacturing processes. However, traditional nitrogen supply methods, which require cylinders to deliver nitrogen to businesses, have their downsides.

This is why many businesses turn to nitrogen generation for their nitrogen needs. Nitrogen generators pull the nitrogen from the air and produce a steady, ongoing stream of nitrogen for manufacturing, packaging, welding, and other purposes. In this blog, we’ll help you decide which type of nitrogen delivery system works best for your business, so you can make an informed decision when using nitrogen for your needs.

Benefits of Onsite Nitrogen Generation

• Savings: Onsite n2 generator systems are inexpensive to operate. After an initial upfront investment, nitrogen generators cost almost nothing to use.
• Continuous supply and availability: Nitrogen cylinders that must be delivered are subject to supply chain problems. Nitrogen generators remain onsite and available at all times to produce nitrogen, 24 hours per day.
• High, customized purity levels: Nitrogen generators can produce nitrogen at a high purity level. They can also be customized to produce the level of purity needed for the purposes at hand.
• Environmental benefits: Nitrogen cylinders must be delivered via vehicle and thus have a much larger carbon footprint compared to nitrogen generators.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nitrogen Generation System

When you’re selecting a nitrogen generation system or a nitrogen cylinder delivery for your business, some factors must be considered to ensure that your nitrogen delivery method is adequate. For example:

• Purity Levels: Different applications require different purity levels. Take care to ensure that your nitrogen delivery system will deliver nitrogen at the purity levels you require.
• Flow Rate and Volume: How much nitrogen does your business need at any given time? What flow rate and volume does your business require? Know the system specs to ensure your nitrogen delivery system can meet the demands of your operations.
• Space and Installation: Nitrogen cylinders take up a lot of space. Nitrogen generators are small by comparison. Assess the available space before committing to a specific nitrogen delivery method.
• Cost and ROI: Know the initial investment, operational costs, and return on investment analysis for your nitrogen delivery system. If your business relies on nitrogen in an ongoing way, then it’s important to consider the long-term implications for your business.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Every industry uses nitrogen in different ways. Nitrogen doesn’t react with organic material or lead to oxidation when exposed to metals. It can be used to replace oxygen in enclosed environments and can extend the service life or shelf life of various materials. Below are some of the ways that nitrogen is used in modern industries.

• Food and Beverage: Nitrogen can be used to maintain product quality and extend shelf life in food and beverage packaging. Nitrogen is found in chip bags and cereal bags to preserve quality, can be infused in beverages for a smooth bubbly finish, and is found in packages of dried fruits to prevent food from spoiling or turning colors.
• Pharmaceuticals: In pharmaceutical packaging, nitrogen is used to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain product integrity.
• Electronics and Manufacturing: In the electronics and manufacturing industries, the use of nitrogen prevents oxidation and enhances product reliability. Nitrogen is used to ensure quality when soldering and creates stronger joints to ensure product quality.
• Oil and Gas: Nitrogen is used in the oil and gas industry to enhance safety and efficiency in drilling and extraction processes. Nitrogen is used in injection and pressure testing, pressure maintenance, and more.

How On-Site Gas Systems Can Help

On-Site Gas produces nitrogen generators that ensure a steady, ongoing stream of nitrogen, available for your business use 24 hours per day. We offer customizable solutions to meet specific industry needs.

The team at On-Site Gas can help your business find the right nitrogen generator system by customizing a system to fit your exact specifications. We also refurbish old systems as needed to help businesses meet their nitrogen needs on a budget.

We specialize in two different types of nitrogen generators:

• PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Nitrogen Generators: PSA nitrogen generators use two chambers to produce a high-purity supply of nitrogen. During the generation process, oxygen and other impurities are adsorbed by the carbon molecular sieve, while nitrogen is collected in a receiver and then ejected in a steady stream.
• Membrane Nitrogen Generators: Membrane nitrogen generators separate water, CO2, and oxygen from nitrogen using a membrane with holes too small for nitrogen to pass through. This produces a continuous flow of nitrogen.

On-Site Gas offers support and maintenance for nitrogen generators so that our customers can get the most out of their nitrogen generators. Our systems are designed to last, but with maintenance and repairs available from On-Site Gas, you can enjoy years of steady, low-cost nitrogen production.

To get started with a nitrogen generator for your business, contact On Site Gas to speak with one of our customer service representatives.

Choose the Right Nitrogen Generation System for Your Business

If your business relies on nitrogen for its manufacturing, production, or packaging process, it’s important to find the right delivery method for your needs.

Customers chose On-Site Gas for its nitrogen generators because we provide excellent customer support and a personal touch. Our nitrogen generators are customized for our clients to ensure that each system we deliver is just right. To begin a personalized consultation, contact us today. Make your appointment with our knowledgeable nitrogen generator expert!