Nitrogen generators are devices that separate nitrogen from the air to produce high-purity N₂.
They mainly operate using the PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) method or the membrane method.
In today’s post, we will briefly explain the two main principles below.
PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Method
Principle
Selectively removes oxygen, carbon dioxide, moisture, etc., in the air using adsorbents (mainly zeolite or activated carbon) for separation.
Operation Process
Compression: Compresses air with a compressor and sends it to the adsorption tower.
Adsorption: Oxygen and other gases adhere to the adsorbent, while N₂ passes through.
Desorption: High-purity nitrogen is discharged, and the adsorbent is regenerated (desorbed) by lowering the pressure.
Switching: Two adsorption towers are alternately used for continuous generation.
Features
Capable of producing high-purity nitrogen (over 99%), making it suitable for industrial use.
Membrane Method
Principle
Separates nitrogen and oxygen using the difference in permeation speed through a special membrane.
Operation Process
Compressed Air Injection: Sends compressed air into the membrane module.
Selective Permeation: Oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture quickly pass through the membrane and are discharged; nitrogen permeates more slowly and is separated.
Collection: High-purity nitrogen is discharged.
Features
Compact and easy to install with low maintenance costs, but generally has lower purity than PSA (90–99%).
Key Features and Applications of Nitrogen Generators
Advantages
No need for separate storage tanks,
Can generate nitrogen on-site in real time.
Uses
Food packaging, electronics manufacturing, chemical processes, laser cutting, etc.
Purity
PSA: Up to 99.999%
Why is that?
High Purity Output
PSA can stably produce ultra-high purity N₂ (99.999% or higher),
making it ideal for industries requiring high purity, such as semiconductor manufacturing, chemical processing, and laser cutting.
Support for Various Capacities
PSA systems can be flexibly designed for small to large industrial applications,
allowing adaptation to various industrial environments.
Efficiency
With high energy efficiency and continuous supply capability,
they are suitable for mass production processes.
Comparison with the Membrane Method
The membrane method achieves a purity level of around 90–99%,
and is mainly used in small facilities or mobile equipment
(e.g., tire inflation, small-scale food packaging).
Although easy to install and maintain,
it has limitations for industries requiring high purity.
Use Cases
Membranes are suitable for small-scale applications where cost and space efficiency are critical,
while PSA is preferred in precision industries like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals.
Nitrogen generators are devices used in various industries,
mainly separating nitrogen from air to supply it at high purity.
This contributes to cost savings, improved safety,
and increased process efficiency.
What are the application areas?
Food & Beverage Industry
Packaging: Nitrogen is used to remove oxygen and moisture
to maintain the freshness of food.
For example, it is filled into packages of snacks, coffee, and dairy products
to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.
Storage
Delays spoilage during the storage of fruits and vegetables.
Chemical & Petrochemical Industry
Blanketing: Prevents contact with oxygen in chemical reactors or
storage tanks to reduce explosion risk and maintain chemical quality.
Purging: Removes oxygen and other gases in pipelines or facilities
to create a safe working environment.
Electronics & Semiconductor Industry
Manufacturing Process: Used in oxygen-sensitive processes
in semiconductor manufacturing to prevent oxidation and minimize contamination in cleanroom environments.
Soldering: Ensures high-quality joints through soldering.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Drug Preservation: Used in packaging or storing oxygen-sensitive drugs
to prevent oxidation.
Sterilization Process: Maintains a sterilized environment.
Metal Processing & Manufacturing
Heat Treatment: Prevents oxidation during heat treatment
and improves surface quality.
Laser Cutting: Uses nitrogen to prevent oxidation at the cut edge
and achieve clean cutting quality.
Oil & Gas Industry
Tank & Pipeline Management: Used for purging or blanketing tanks and pipelines
to reduce the explosion risk of flammable substances.
Offshore Operations: Used on offshore drilling platforms
to enhance safety.
Aerospace Industry
Tire Inflation: Used to fill aircraft tires
to minimize pressure changes due to temperature fluctuations and improve safety.
Fuel Tank Management: Removes oxygen from fuel tanks
to reduce the risk of explosion.
Other Uses
Fire Suppression: Used in fire suppression systems
to lower oxygen concentration and suppress fires.
Winemaking: Used during fermentation and storage of wine
to prevent oxidation.
Summary of the Advantages of Nitrogen Generators!
Cost Efficiency
Compared to liquid nitrogen tanks, nitrogen generators
offer long-term cost savings after the initial investment.
On-Site Supply
Generates only the required amount on-site,
increasing supply reliability.
Environmentally Friendly
High energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions
from liquid nitrogen transportation.
Technical Features
Uses PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) or membrane
technology to separate nitrogen from air.
Purity (95%–99.999%) and flow rate
can be selected and adjusted according to industrial needs.
As such, nitrogen generators are core equipment
that enhance both productivity and safety as industry-specific solutions.
If you have any further questions,
please feel free to contact us anytime.
