Nitrogen gas is a gas with many industrial applications. Gas carriers, chemical tankers and reefer ships rely on them to provide cargo padding, purging and, inerting. One common means of obtaining the gas is by purchasing it in bulk as a liquid. Another means is through buying high-pressure nitrogen cylinders. However, one of the more efficient and easiest ways to ensure a company has a sufficient supply of nitrogen on-hand is to generate it. To accomplish this is easy if the company purchases one of the two types of nitrogen generator.
Types of Nitrogen Generators
Nitrogen generators are available in one of two types. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Membrane Nitrogen Generators
Membrane type generators utilize hollow fiber membrane technology. A bunch of hollow fibers lies within a cylindrical shell. The general principle behind this technology is selective permeation. This refers to the differential permeation rate of gases. Nitrogen, for example, permeates at a slower rate than do either oxygen or carbon dioxide. The result of this separation of gases produces a stream that consists of two basic gas streams:
a. High-pressure nitrogen
b. Low-pressure oxygen
The latter is an oxygen enriched waste gas stream. CO2 also is a waste product. The end process sees them return to the atmosphere.
Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) process
PSA provides the basis for another nitrogen generator type. The major principle behind it is absorption. The process involves at least two towers. One must absorb the air that passes through it, trapping it on the carbon-molecular sieve (CMS)., only allowing nitrogen-enriched gas to exit.
These two types comprise the basic choices for companies who want to produce their own nitrogen gas.
Nitrogen Generator
Some companies purchase their nitrogen when they require it. Others prefer to produce their own. The latter is possible with the help of the right nitrogen generator.
