Nitrogen is used by many industries for displacing oxygen to prevent explosions in highly dangerous environments. Transporting the gas to on-site locations can be expensive and logistically challenging, as well as potentially dangerous for personnel moving the cylinders. New on-site nitrogen membrane systems and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology means that shipping of nitrogen in cumbersome cylinders or tankers is no longer necessary.
Generating nitrogen on site offers a more flexible, stable supply line and is more environment-friendly. Additional benefits include easy installation, fast startup, independent operation and cost savings.
On-site gas generation with membrane technology, uses compressed air forced through a polymeric hollow fibre to selectively permeate oxygen, water vapour and other impurities out of its side walls, while allowing nitrogen to flow through its centre and emerge as high purity nitrogen gas.
Suitable for a range of industries, including the mining, steel, food, pharmaceutical, chemical and automotive sectors, on-site nitrogen membrane generators can provide an efficient supply for a variety of volumes, purity requirements and usage patterns.
Oxair compact nitrogen membrane systems supply a range of volume requirements up to 5 000 M3/hour, or 170 000 standard cubic feet per hour with a range of purities up to 99.9%, delivering a constant flow of high purity gas.
The PRISM membrane system is available for larger nitrogen requirements, especially in remote locations such as oil platforms and chemical plants. The on-demand technology can be used directly by the end-user, reducing the need for cylinders, dewars or tanks.