Your Guide to Nitrogen Gas Generation

PSA vs Membrane Nitrogen Generators

How to Save Thousands Per Month in Nitrogen Gas Cost

As the price of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen gas cylinders continues to rise, now is the time to consider on-site nitrogen generation. Simply put, nitrogen generators are stationary machines that separate nitrogen molecules from oxygen molecules, providing your operations with a ready supply of nitrogen.

If you spend thousands of dollars a month purchasing bulk nitrogen, read The Ultimate Nitrogen Generation Guide from Liberty Systems to learn the many cost and safety advantages of nitrogen generators.

A Basic Understanding of Nitrogen Generators

Most of the air we breathe is nitrogen gas, which comprises around 78% of the atmosphere. The basic concept behind nitrogen generators is the separation of air to capture nitrogen. 

There are three standard methods used to separate air and provide nitrogen:

  • Membrane separation: This mechanical process uses hollow fiber membranes to separate molecules, with typical nitrogen purities ranging from 95% to 99.5%. 
  • Pressure swing adsorption (PSA): This method utilizes a carbon molecular sieve (CMS) to separate oxygen (O2) while nitrogen molecules bypass the CMS. This process allows for typical purities ranging from 95% to 99.999%.
  • Cryogenic/fractional distillation: A method primarily used by industrial gas companies, it separates air at extremely low temperatures.

The two most common on-site nitrogen generators use PSA or the membrane separation technique.

Industries That Can Benefit From Nitrogen Generation

Metal fabricators and companies from numerous industries gain a unique advantage by utilizing on-site nitrogen generation. Whether used as a laser assist gas for ensuring clean, smooth cuts, in chemical blanketing to lower oxygen levels in potentially hazardous environments, or for displacing oxygen to extend food’s shelf life, here are some top industries that benefit from nitrogen generation:

  • Metal fabrication
  • Food packaging
  • Heat treating
  • Oil and gas
  • Research and development
  • Brewing
  • Restaurants and bars
  • Electronics

Cost Savings of Generating Nitrogen

Nitrogen delivery is expensive and raises a number of safety concerns that need to be managed continuously with major upfront capex infrastructure costs. The recurring costs of nitrogen bulk deliveries are exorbitant for businesses that depend on a consistent supply. Purchasing a nitrogen generation system is a strategic investment providing quick payback and long-term savings. Additionally, a reliable generator precisely tuned to your applications from a vendor who understands your industry’s needs allows your business to achieve self-sufficiency and improved productivity.

You also save on the typical costs associated with bulk nitrogen purchasing, including:

  • Delivery fees
  • Storage costs
  • Hidden gas waste

The Impact of Generation on Nitrogen Safety

An on-site nitrogen generator can significantly improve nitrogen safety in your operations through risk management. Unlimited access to nitrogen means no more high-risk activities that could put your workers in danger, such as handling and changing out high-pressure cylinders or dewars and storing multiple cradles of these high-pressure containers within your facility. 

In addition, nitrogen generation eliminates major safety compliance issues, especially those associated with NFPA 55, which regulates the storage of potentially hazardous gases.

Download Our Nitrogen Generation Guide to Learn the Keys to Generator Success

To take advantage of nitrogen generation’s incredible cost savings, you need a reliable generator brand. Liberty Systems designs the highest-quality nitrogen generators in North America. We combine that with unbeatable support, ensuring your team masters every aspect of implementing and maintaining this pioneering solution. 

If you are ready to save money on nitrogen gas costs while also improving your productivity, safety, and green footprint, download The Ultimate Nitrogen Generation Guide to get started. This resource will answer any questions you have about nitrogen generators and the process of generating nitrogen for your business.

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