What Is Membrane Nitrogen Generation?

Forge Ahead with Reliable Nitrogen Generation: Choose Smartly, Choose Control Gear

Do you ever wonder how we separate nitrogen gas from the air we breathe? One effective way is through a process called membrane nitrogen generation. So, how does membrane technology work? 

Thanks to their size and shape, high-purity nitrogen gas molecules always pass through a separation membrane, but the same membrane inhibits oxygen molecules, inert gases, and other air-borne impurities. Apply a bit of pressure, and voila! We can generate nitrogen gas, ready whenever we need it.

The Importance Of Nitrogen

And why does it matter? Well, consider your favourite snacks. Have you ever wondered how they stay fresh for so long in their packaging? That’s nitrogen at work! It kicks out oxygen, creating a bacteria and fungi-free zone that prolongs their shelf life. It’s not just food, though – think about electronic devices. Nitrogen reduces oxidation risk during production, ensuring devices are high-quality. And in the chemical industry? Nitrogen is a lifesaver, literally! It prevents explosive reactions and keeps volatile substances in check.

But apart from membrane-type nitrogen generators, there’s another way of generating nitrogen – through Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA). 

Some materials attract specific gas types, like a magnet. That’s how PSA works. Dry compressed air passes through a carbon molecular sieve (CMS), an adsorbent material. Under pressure, the CMS grabs onto oxygen, and nitrogen slips by, ready to be collected. And the best part? This process happens in a cycle, guaranteeing a non-stop nitrogen supply. Just like the membrane method, PSA is another ingenious, reliable and efficient way to generate high-quality nitrogen.

How Do Membrane Nitrogen Generators Work?

So, how do we get pure nitrogen from atmospheric air? Welcome to the world of membrane nitrogen generators! It all starts with tiny semi-permeable membranes full of minuscule hollow polymer fibres. These hollow fibres allow oxygen and water vapour to pass faster than nitrogen. The speed differential filters out these unwanted gases, leaving only high-quality nitrogen.

So, where does all this happen? Picture a simple cylindrical tube. Compressed air enters one end, and as it travels through, oxygen and water vapour take a quick exit to the atmosphere as waste gas, leaving behind Nitrogen. Pretty cool, right?

Where Do We Use Nitrogen Generators?

Now you’re probably thinking, “Where would I ever need high-purity nitrogen?” You’d be surprised! Here are some everyday applications:

• Tyre Inflation: Yes, that’s right! Nitrogen is used in your car tyres. Ever wonder why your tyre pressure stays pretty consistent? That’s nitrogen at work!
• Fire Prevention: In places where a fire could break out, nitrogen generators are a real game-changer. By creating an oxygen-starved environment, they reduce the risk of fire.
• Pipeline Drying: After pipeline hydrostatic testing, membrane nitrogen generators are used to dry and purge the pipelines. Nitrogen gas is passed through to remove any residual moisture, preventing corrosion and ensuring the pipeline’s structural integrity.

So, why are membrane nitrogen generators so popular? They’re small, quiet, and efficient, making them a no-brainer for industries. But the cherry on top? They can handle water vapour in the intake air, which is a big deal, and here’s why: it cuts out the need for drying processes, making them even more efficient and versatile!

Why Choose Membrane Nitrogen Generators?

Have you ever thought about how much you’re spending just to get nitrogen delivered to your doorstep? It’s not just the nitrogen you’re paying for. You’re also covering transportation, and don’t forget about storage costs!

Membrane nitrogen generators let you produce your own nitrogen exactly where you need it. No more transportation costs, no more storage hassle, and no more worrying about surplus or shortages. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

How Safe and Reliable are Membrane Nitrogen Generators?

Let’s talk safety. Dealing with high-pressure nitrogen cylinders can be a bit of a worry, right? Damages occur, leaks happen, and it’s a safety nightmare. But with on-site membrane nitrogen generators, you can kiss those safety concerns goodbye. These generators produce nitrogen at low pressure and right where you need it, reducing the risk of gas leaks. Plus, no more handling hazardous cylinders.

Ever had a nitrogen supply hiccup that threw a wrench in your operations? Not a problem with on-site nitrogen generation. It’s like your personal nitrogen factory, ensuring you’ve always got a supply when you need it. No more operational downtime due to empty cylinders or supply chain issues.

Comparing Membranes and PSAs: Size Does Matter!

What about the weight of a nitrogen generator? It’s not something you usually ponder, right? But let’s dive into why it matters.

First up, we’ve got membrane nitrogen generators – light, compact, and perfect when you’re tight on space or need something portable. They’ve got a neat membrane module for nitrogen separation – no unnecessary frills or heavy parts. Simple, right?

Then there’s the heavyweight in the room, the PSA nitrogen generators, the workhorses of nitrogen generation – efficient, sturdy, and delivering high-purity nitrogen. But all that power comes with extra baggage. Literally! They’ve got moving parts and sizeable pressure vessels for adsorption. That’s a lot of extra weight and space!

So, if weight and space are priorities, guess which win. Yep, you got it, membrane nitrogen generators. They’re like the easy-going, low-maintenance friend you’ve always wanted.

How Pure Is Pure?

Let’s talk about pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators. These guys are efficient and reliable and deliver nitrogen so pure it might make you gasp – up to 99.999% pure!

Their secret? A method called selective adsorption. Fancy science jargon aside, the carbon molecular sieve (CMS) filters out all the oxygen and other gases, leaving just the good stuff – nitrogen.

Now, what about membrane nitrogen generators? Well, they might not reach quite the same level of purity (capping out at about 99.95%), but they’re compact and super lightweight, and their simple membrane systems mean they require less maintenance. A win-win situation, right?

Check out our gas generator range and see which model suits your needs best!

Maintaining Your Nitrogen Generator

So, how long will a nitrogen generator last? Well, it’s a bit like asking how long a piece of string is, but let’s break it down a bit.

Got a membrane nitrogen generator? Nice choice. Their simpler working principle makes them robust and reliable, and with a little TLC, they can last over 10 years. All you need to do is replace the compressed air filtration now and then and follow proper maintenance scheduling – see the manufacturer’s guidelines – and Bob’s your uncle!

Now, if you’ve opted for a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generator, you’re in for a treat. These bad boys can keep going for a whopping 20 years or more. But remember, they need their check-ups too. Regular inspections and changing out those tired parts, like adsorption beds, will help keep them in tip-top shape.

So which one’s for you? Membrane or PSA? It all boils down to what you need. Both do a stellar job at on-site nitrogen generation.

Choosing Your Nitrogen Generator: A Simple Guide

Are you confused about which nitrogen generator to pick? The decision can hinge on a few key factors like your specific application, purity demands, and, of course, the convenience factor.

Let’s break it down.

What Do You Need Nitrogen For?

Different strokes for different folks, right? Your application could determine what kind of generator you need. Say you’re in food packaging; you’ll need high-purity nitrogen. If you need super pure nitrogen, a PSA generator could be your best bet. But if you’re inflating tyres and need a smaller footprint, or to move your generator around, a membrane one might be the ticket.

How Pure Do You Want It?

Now, let’s talk purity. PSA generators can deliver nitrogen purities right up to 99.999%. That’s almost as pure as it gets! On the other hand, membrane generators offer a maximum purity of up to 99.95%. While that’s a smidge lower, it’s more than enough for most industrial needs.

Fancy an Easy Life?

And finally, let’s not forget, convenience matters. If you prefer a light, compact generator that’s easy to install and doesn’t ask for much maintenance, a membrane generator is what you need. But if you’re okay with something a bit larger and heavier that lasts longer, and might be more cost-effective in the long run, go for a PSA generator.

Remember, picking the right nitrogen generator needn’t be a chore. Just keep the application, purity levels, and convenience you need in mind, and you’ll be just fine!

Membrane Nitrogen Generation – Is it for You?

So, we’ve seen that membrane nitrogen generation is a super convenient and versatile way to produce nitrogen right on site.

With a nitrogen purity of about 99.95%, it’s not the highest compared to PSA systems, but let me tell you, it’s more than enough for most industrial uses. Plus, the simplicity of these generators, with no moving parts, means that maintenance is a breeze.

Are you ready to make an informed choice for your nitrogen generation solution? We’re here to help. As an Atlas Copco Premier Distributor, Control Gear has the expertise and resources to guide you. Whether you need further clarity on membrane nitrogen generation, or have questions about membrane or PSA systems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.Let’s find the nitrogen generation system that suits your needs perfectly. Contact us today to learn more.