A wide range of industries such as chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, pharmaceuticals and laser cutting, depend on nitrogen (N₂) as an integral part of their production and manufacturing processes. The inert gas is not reactive, making N₂ ideal for applications such as blanketing and for use as a purging gas.

The new Atlas Copco NGP+ 160-1300 PSA Nitrogen generator with Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology is said to offer the most complete scope of N2 supply at the highest energy efficiency. The smart NGP+ is designed to reduce energy consumption by matching its air consumption with the N₂ output required.

“With savings of up to 80%, there is simply not a more cost-effective, convenient and safe way to have an unlimited supply of N2 than by producing this gas on-site, giving the user control of both gas supply and quality,” says Atlas Copco Compressor Technique Oil-free Air division business line manager JC Lombard.

“Nitrogen is freely available in the air so, in addition to a gas generator, all that is needed for onsite production is a compressed air system, which is commonly used by most processing and manufacturing plants.”

Lombard outlines six major benefits of on-site gas generation: “Firstly, users benefit from the lowest price per volume of gas because they can generate the exact gas purity they require, thus avoiding payment for more expensive over specced-gas.” He explains that some applications such as tyre inflation and fire prevention require low purity levels (between 90% and 99%) while others like food and beverage or plastic moulding, require high levels (from 97% to 99.999%). The Atlas Copco NGP+ PSA Nitrogen generator can deliver 95% to 99.999% N₂ purity to meet the most stringent requirements. Moreover, the generator’s advanced purity controller enables users to easily select their gas purity of choice.

“Users are also no longer tied into complex long-term contracts, so their costs are stable and predictable. In addition to the elimination of ordering and storage logistics, the risk of halted production due to supply shortage is also removed.” Lombard also points out that if they need more gas, they simply run the generator a little longer. “And as users pay only for the gas they use; they do not pay for wasted gas.”

Emphasising the safety aspect, Lombard notes that there is no need for workers to move heavy pressurised bottles or work with ultra-cold liquid gas. “And finally, the elimination of purchased gas storage and transportation help to reduce users’ carbon footprint.”

With a pressure range of 4 bar to 13 bar (up to 300 bar with a booster), NGP+ generators are able to deliver flows of up to 2870 Nm³/h. Central to the machine is PSA technology which is responsible for delivering high levels of N₂ purity (from 97% to 99.999%).

The advanced intuitive controller, which features a purity alarm and connectivity options, enables feed air monitoring and interception. The SMARTLINK integration is designed to increase reliability, decrease downtime and identify energy optimisation opportunities. The company notes that up to 40% additional savings can be achieved with its Variable Cycle Saver algorithm.

Atlas Copco says that its plug-and-play NGP⁺ is ready-to-use and features automatic start-up, a stand-by mode and user-friendly operation. The company adds that the generator’s energy efficiency, coupled with the benefits of saving time and cost, a safer work space and reduced environmental impact add up to lowest total cost of ownership.