Nitrogen Generators vs. Cylinder Supply – Why On-Site Generation Is the Smarter Choice

Nitrogen plays an important role in many industries, including food and beverage, electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, steel manufacturing, and the oil and gas industries. For these businesses, there are two primary methods of acquiring nitrogen: cylinders and on-site generation.

If your business requires nitrogen for its industrial or manufacturing purposes, you have a choice to make. Nitrogen generation has many advantages over nitrogen cylinder delivery. Businesses that switch to on-site generation can save money and enjoy a steady, reliable stream of nitrogen.

Nitrogen Cylinders vs. On-Site Generators

Nitrogen Cylinders

Pre-filled nitrogen cylinders from the supplier are delivered by businesses via truck. These cylinders must be stored upright in a cool, dry, safe area, away from emergency exits and corrosive materials.

Nitrogen cylinders contain pressurized gas and need to be protected from high heat and should never be allowed to exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Empty cylinders should be stored away from full cylinders. During deliveries, full nitrogen cylinders are exchanged for empty cylinders.

Nitrogen can be used in many ways, including:

• Flush oxygen from food packaging to preserve food taste and flavor
• Create an inert environment for medications
• Purge pipelines and tanks in the oil and gas industries
• Strengthen metal joints in steel welding and cutting

On-Site Nitrogen Generators

On-site nitrogen generators come in two types:

• Pressure swing adsorption (PSA): A PSA nitrogen generator uses two beds. Each bed contains a carbon molecular sieve. As one bed is pressurized, the other is depressurized, causing adsorption that leads to a steady stream of nitrogen. PSA systems easily produce high-purity nitrogen gas.
• Membrane nitrogen generation: A membrane nitrogen generator is a relatively simple device that uses a membrane to separate nitrogen from other gases in the air.

Both types of generators offer customizable nitrogen purity levels, so your business can get the nitrogen it needs at the purity level required for general operations.

Key Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation

There are many clear benefits of on-site nitrogen generation.

Cost Savings

Delivery costs and rental fees can add up over time. Using an on-site nitrogen generator can eliminate these fees, saving your business money. The more you use your nitrogen generator, the more money your business saves on the cost of nitrogen per cubic meter.  Traditionally a Nitrogen Generator will generate nitrogen for a fraction of the cost of purchasing nitrogen.

Convenience and Efficiency

On-site nitrogen generation allows for a continuous, on-demand supply of nitrogen. Businesses that are dependent on nitrogen cylinder delivery are vulnerable to delays and supply chain disruptions, potentially causing disruptions to the manufacturing process. Whether you are running one shift or three shifts, the nitrogen generator will provide an endless nitrogen supply for all shifts.

Environmental Benefits

On-site nitrogen generation is inherently more eco-friendly. On-site nitrogen generation requires little energy, while cylinder delivery is dependent on trucks that burn fossil fuels.

Safety Advantages

The use of on-site nitrogen generation reduces the handling and usage of high-pressure cylinders. This minimizes the risks of leaks and accidents, thus creating a safer workplace environment.

Drawbacks of Nitrogen Cylinder Supply

Recurring Costs

Over many years, businesses have spent thousands of dollars on nitrogen cylinder delivery. These recurring costs may look small each month, but over time, costs add up!

Storage Challenges

Nitrogen cylinders are bulky and have specific storage requirements. For businesses with limited space, nitrogen cylinder storage can be a burden.

Supply Inconsistencies

Delays from the nitrogen generator cylinder filling station can cause production disruptions. Supply chain problems with the nitrogen generator with cylinder filling manufacturer can also become an administrative headache, as businesses search for new suppliers when disruptions occur.

Safety Concerns

There are safety risks associated with handling and transporting pressurized cylinders. Businesses must train workers to manage nitrogen cylinders carefully.

The On Site Gas Systems Advantage

On Site Gas produces nitrogen generators, including membrane and PSA nitrogen gas generators. We create custom solutions that are tailored to the needs of your business and industry. On Site Gas also offers long-term support and maintenance, for increased customer satisfaction.

Contact On Site Gas Systems

On-site nitrogen generation has many advantages over cylinder delivery. Businesses that use on-site nitrogen generation can save thousands of dollars over time while enjoying a reliable supply of nitrogen that won’t run out or experience supply chain disruption. The purity of on-site nitrogen can be easily controlled. On-site nitrogen generation is the smart choice for businesses that need nitrogen on hand.

If your business still relies on nitrogen cylinder delivery for your manufacturing or industrial processes, consider an on-site nitrogen generator for your business. To learn more about how On Site Gas Systems can help you with a nitrogen generator, contact us for a free consultation or product demo.