Nitrogen Generation Technologies
Technologically, nitrogen plants are divided into membrane, adsorption and cryogenic ones.
Membrane plants: compressed air passes through membranes, which consist of a large number of hollow fibres. Oxygen permeates the fibre walls, while nitrogen passes through the fibres to their end. As a result, compressed gaseous nitrogen flows out from the exit side of the membrane. Maximum purity of the generated nitrogen is about 99.95%.
Advantages: the most reliable technology, long service life, easy maintenance. The plant can also be used as an air compressor.
Disadvantages: though the purity of the nitrogen generated is not the highest, however it is sufficient for a multitude of applications).
Adsorption plants: air under pressure is supplied to the chamber filled with adsorbent that absorbs oxygen. The chamber discharges nitrogen. After the chamber adsorbent is saturated with oxygen, air is supplied to the second chamber of the same design, while the first one at this time is aerated to remove oxygen. This process is called pressure swing adsorption (PSA).
Advantages: a greater purity (up to 99.9995%) of nitrogen as compared with the membrane technology, low energy consumption.
Disadvantages: non-mobile, difficult to maintain.
Cryogenic plants: air components (nitrogen, oxygen and others) are liquefied at different temperatures. Air cooled to different temperatures releases in succession its components as liquids.
Advantages: a very pure product (nitrogen up to 99.9999%); simultaneously several products can be produced; products are liquefied; high output.
Disadvantages: larger dimensions and complexity. Cryogenic plants are a set of installations rather than plants.
You can choose the required type of plant using the diagram below:Advantages: the most reliable technology, long service life, easy maintenance. The plant can also be used as an air compressor.
Disadvantages: though the purity of the nitrogen generated is not the highest, however it is sufficient for a multitude of applications).
Adsorption plants: air under pressure is supplied to the chamber filled with adsorbent that absorbs oxygen. The chamber discharges nitrogen. After the chamber adsorbent is saturated with oxygen, air is supplied to the second chamber of the same design, while the first one at this time is aerated to remove oxygen. This process is called pressure swing adsorption (PSA).
Advantages: a greater purity (up to 99.9995%) of nitrogen as compared with the membrane technology, low energy consumption.
Disadvantages: non-mobile, difficult to maintain.
Cryogenic plants: air components (nitrogen, oxygen and others) are liquefied at different temperatures. Air cooled to different temperatures releases in succession its components as liquids.
Advantages: a very pure product (nitrogen up to 99.9999%); simultaneously several products can be produced; products are liquefied; high output.
Disadvantages: larger dimensions and complexity. Cryogenic plants are a set of installations rather than plants.
Types of Nitrogen Plants
 | Chassis-based membrane nitrogen plants Mobile nitrogen plant features a cross-country chassis capable of delivering the plant to hard-to-reach places. The plant is fully autonomous with nitrogen pressure and purity automatically controlled. They can also be used as an air compressor (for example, for pneumatic tools). | Details>> |
 | Container-based membrane nitrogen plants Movable nitrogen plants are mounted into a standard sea container. Containers are transported by train, helicopter, truck, etc. The container can be tailored to meet climatic and other operating conditions. | Details>> |
 | Stationary membrane nitrogen plants Stationary nitrogen plants are robust and reliable equipment. The automation system makes the operation simple and smooth. The plants are scalable without major design modifications. | Details>> |
 | Stationary adsorption nitrogen plants Low power consumption and high nitrogen purity make these plants suitable for several applications. Adsorption plants are sensitive to the surface they are mounted on. Depleted adsorbents are replaceable. | Details>> |
Application of Nitrogen Plants
 | Nitrogen fire-suppression plants Chassis- or container-based nitrogen fire suppression plants for the mining, oil and gas industries, as distinguished from conventional fire extinguishing methods, preserve equipment and fields enabling their further use and development. They can also be used as a source of compressed air. | Details>> |
| Nitrogen for paint room applications Air is customarily used for painting. If nitrogen replaces air, the quality of coating increases as paint components are not exposed to damaging atmospheric oxygen. As a result, coating becomes more uniform, glares brighter and adheres better with less paint consumed. For example, nitrogen is used in automobile body painting. | Details>> |
