What Kind of Generator is Best for You?

So you've made the decision to utilize on-site nitrogen production - but what nitrogen generator is best for your industry's application? CGT can help!

Generally speaking there are two types of nitrogen generators: Membrane Nitrogen Generators and PSA Nitrogen Generators. Check out both types and decide which one is best for you.

Membrane Technology

Membrane technology works by filtering oxygen from the dry compressed air stream via hundreds of thousands of hollow, polymeric fibers each the diameter of a human hair to produce gaseous nitrogen. The purity of the nitrogen (O2 Content) can be adjusted by regulating the volume of air passed through the membrane. Membrane modules can be added as necessary, so it's easy to expand as requirements change.

Membrane nitrogen generators are typically used in applications where the purity requirement is below 99.5% (0.5% O2 of higher).





PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) Technology

PSA technology utilizes two towers which are filled with carbon molecular sieve (CMS). Compressed air enters the bottom of the "online" tower and flows up through the CMS. Oxygen and other trace gases are preferentially adsorbed by the CMS, allowing nitrogen to pass through. After a pre-set time the on-line tower automatically switches to the regenerative mode, venting contaminants from the CMS. Carbon molecular sieve differs from ordinary activated carbons as it has a much narrower range of pore openings. This allows small molecules such as oxygen to penetrate the pores and separate from nitrogen molecules which are too large to enter the CMS. The larger molecules by-pass the CMS and emerge as nitrogen gas.

PSA nitrogen generators are typically used in applications where the purity requirement is higher than 99.5% (0.5% O2 or below).

If you're still not sure which unit is best for your company, please feel free to request a quote from us or give CGT a call directly.