Nitrogen generators play a crucial role in many manufacturing processes, making it essential to be adequately informed during the selection process to make the best decision.
In this blog, you will find questions whose answers will help you correctly select
a nitrogen generator precisely tailored to your needs.
🔍 Learn more: 10 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing an Air Compressor.
What is the nitrogen demand?
The first and foremost step is to begin with a nitrogen demand analysis. This step requires calculating the total nitrogen consumption in your operations, during which it is necessary to determine the current volume of nitrogen used in the work cycle, the frequency of cycles, and operating hours. Knowing these figures will help you conduct a demand analysis, which will enable both you and the equipment supplier to better determine whether a specific generator meets your current needs and future scalability or operational changes.
For a comprehensive answer to this question, it is best to decide from the outset how you will handle peak periods, reserves, or anticipated growth.
What nitrogen purity is required?
The required nitrogen purity level is entirely determined by its application. The higher the required purity, the more “work” the system has to perform. While seeking the highest purity might seem like a safe choice at first glance, if you do not need it, it can lead to significant and unnecessary costs, both in terms of capital and operational expenses. Thus, an honest and accurate assessment of the application is a financially beneficial first step.
Here, you can also find a general list of nitrogen purity requirements for various applications:
- Oil and Gas: 95% to 99%
- Laser Cutting: 97% to 99.99%
- Pharmaceuticals: 97% to 99.99%
- Food and Beverages: 99% to 99.9%
- Electronic Manufacturing: 99.99% to 99.999%
- Laboratory and Research: 99.99% to 99.999%
🔍 Learn more: Applications of Nitrogen Generators
What are the capacity and pressure requirements?
After clarifying purity, you must examine the pressure and capacity essential for operations, which will help you determine the physical power of the nitrogen generator. Purchasing a generator that is too small is a false economy that will quickly reveal its true cost through lost production and premature equipment failure. Conversely, a generator that is too large, while less hazardous to production, leads to wasted energy.
To determine capacity, you must identify the facility’s peak demand. For example, if several machines in a factory use nitrogen, there might be periods during the day, such as shift changes or specific production cycles, when all or most of them operate at maximum capacity – this is a peak demand scenario. If the chosen generator and system cannot meet the peak flow capacity, the system pressure may drop, potentially halting production or compromising process quality.
Regarding pressure, the nitrogen generator must be able to supply the highest pressure required for any individual application in the facility, with an additional amount to account for pressure drops. In this regard, we generally consider 5-10 bar pressure at the nitrogen generator outlet.
We understand that determining precise nitrogen demand, purity, pressure, and capacity can be challenging, but our team of expert technicians is ready to assist and answer your questions at every stage.
PSA or Membrane Technology?
After finding answers to the above questions, you can shift your focus to the core of the system: the generator technology itself. PSA or membrane – selecting a nitrogen generator involves aligning the inherent characteristics of the equipment with your specific operational requirements regarding flow, pressure, and duty cycle.
There is no single “best” technology; there is only the best technology for a given application. In this section, a detailed and thoughtful comparison reveals the distinctive advantages of both technologies.
On-site or External Nitrogen Supply?
External nitrogen supply is straightforward, but this method is characterized by logistical complexities and the risk of increased costs. On-site nitrogen generation has revolutionized this model by ensuring a continuous, reliable supply of nitrogen. While the initial capital investment is higher, it transforms variable, ongoing costs into fixed, predictable expenses, which is unequivocally more convenient and secure.
How well do the environmental conditions match the chosen nitrogen generator?
Environmental and regional factors significantly impact equipment efficiency, operation, and longevity. A prudent buyer will always consider the specific characteristics of the generator and system installation location, such as temperature, humidity levels, and available space. This will help ensure that the chosen system is suitable for the environment and sufficiently durable.
In this section, it is also important to clarify safety, environmental protection, and licensing requirements. Furthermore, for a facility operating with nitrogen, it is essential to consider how nitrogen purity is controlled.
What additional components are needed?
A nitrogen generator does not operate in isolation; it is one of the main components of a nitrogen generation system, but you may also need:
- Air compressor
- Air storage tank (receiver)
- Dryer
- Booster (if needed)
- Nitrogen storage tank (receiver)
- Piping system
- Air filtration
Whom do you trust as a supplier and why?
A nitrogen generator is a long-term investment; its purchase initiates an entirely new process that involves equipment maintenance and scheduled servicing. If you were negligent in the first stage, it will inevitably show in the second stage. Therefore, choosing the right supplier plays a crucial role in the successful purchase of a generator. The supplier must be reliable, experienced, and most importantly, always ready to assist.
We have been in the market for 14 years, and from day one, our goal has been to work tirelessly for the development of the industrial sector in Georgia. This blog also serves that purpose. If even one person or company makes a more informed decision after reading this, we will consider it a small success.
AIESCO offers nitrogen generators from leading international brands Inmatec and Omega Air, as well as the first Georgian nitrogen generator, which is designed with full consideration of local needs and strict standards of technological reliability.
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For questions, contact us; we are ready to serve you!
