Blog Post

Nitrogen generators have revolutionised the way industries access and use nitrogen. Instead of relying on bulky gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen deliveries, businesses can now produce nitrogen on-site—safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Whether you’re in food packaging, pharmaceuticals, electronics, or manufacturing, nitrogen generators offer a reliable and sustainable solution.

In this article, we’ll explore what nitrogen generators are, how they work, their benefits, and the industries that rely on them.

What Is a Nitrogen Generator?

A nitrogen generator is a device that separates nitrogen gas from the atmosphere and delivers it at the desired purity level for industrial use. The air we breathe is about 78% nitrogen, and these generators extract and concentrate this nitrogen, removing oxygen, water vapour, and other gases.

Nitrogen generators offer an on-site, on-demand nitrogen supply—eliminating the need for storage tanks, delivery logistics, and third-party gas suppliers.

How Do Nitrogen Generators Work?

There are two main types of nitrogen generators:

1. PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Nitrogen Generators

• Use a carbon molecular sieve (CMS) to separate nitrogen from compressed air.

• Oxygen and other gases are adsorbed under pressure, allowing pure nitrogen to pass through.

• Delivers nitrogen with purities up to 99.999%.

2. Membrane Nitrogen Generators

• Use semi-permeable membranes to separate nitrogen from other gases.

• Ideal for lower purity applications (up to 99.5%).

• More compact and suited for mobile or remote operations.

Benefits of Using Nitrogen Generators

✅ Cost Savings

Generate your own nitrogen and reduce or eliminate cylinder or liquid nitrogen delivery costs.

✅ Convenience

No need to manage deliveries, handle heavy cylinders, or worry about running out of supply.

✅ Continuous Supply

Get nitrogen on demand, 24/7, with no interruptions or delivery delays.

✅ Customisable Purity

Tailor the purity levels to meet your specific industrial requirements—whether it’s 95% or 99.999%.

✅ Improved Safety

Avoid risks associated with handling high-pressure cylinders or storing large volumes of liquid nitrogen.

✅ Environmentally Friendly

Reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transport and cylinder refills.

Common Applications of Nitrogen Generators

Nitrogen generators are widely used across many industries:

• Food Packaging: Extend shelf life through modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).

• Pharmaceuticals: Inert environments for production and storage.

• Electronics: Prevent oxidation during manufacturing and soldering.

• Chemical Industry: Inerting and purging applications to prevent combustion.

• Metal Manufacturing: Heat treatment and laser cutting with high-purity nitrogen.

• Oil & Gas: Pipeline purging, blanketing, and pressure testing.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Nitrogen Generator

When selecting a nitrogen generator for your facility, keep the following factors in mind:

• Required Flow Rate (Nm³/h)

• Purity Level (% nitrogen required)

• Application Type

• Available Space and Footprint

• Operating Environment (temperature, humidity, etc.)

• Compressor Compatibility

Work with a reputable supplier who can assess your needs and recommend the right system for long-term performance and energy efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Nitrogen generators provide a reliable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to traditional nitrogen supply methods. By generating nitrogen on-site, businesses gain greater control, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency.