Compressed Gas Technologies - Nitrogen Generators turns 10!

CGT has grown into one of the leading providers of membrane and PSA nitrogen generators throughout Canada, U.S. and Mexico. This month we are celebrating 10 amazing years of providing on-site nitrogen generators to a variety of industries. Industries such as food packaging; tank blanketing; laser cutting and laboratories (LCMS) have all benefitted by being able to manufacture their own nitrogen from a compressed air source. A complete list of some of the companies that have benefitted from CGT's service can be found on our website. Contact Compressed Gas Technologies today to help you acess your nitrogen needs.

Nitrogen Best Used for Airplane Tire Inflation

The take-off in an airplane is just as important as the landing. During both of these crucial stages – there is one element that keeps an aircraft standing – literally…. The tires.

Aircraft tires are extremely complex in construction and are put through severe operating conditions multiple times in a day. This is why the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as major tire manufacturers (i.e. Michelin) recommend using nitrogen for Tire Inflation/Fuel Tank Inerting.   

 

 

Here are some of the reasons why nitrogen is best used for airplane tire inflation.

1. Non-corrosive. With nitrogen tire inflation, you have an additional safety factor in that nitrogen is an inert gas that will not support corrosion within wheels and tires.
2. Non-flammable. Nitrogen is very inert. About 70% of the earth’s atmosphere is Nitrogen.
3. Nitrogen performs well under temperature changes. Aircraft tires generally operate at high pressures. Tires that are inflated with nitrogen minimize expansion and contraction due to extreme changes in temperature and pressure experienced while in flight. Regular air under pressure can become explosive.
4. Nitrogen maintains volume at high altitudes. Also, nitrogen is more compatible with rubber compounds, therefore the deflation rate in the airplane tires is longer.

For more information on how nitrogen generators can help with airplane tire inflation, speak with an experienced nitrogen generator supplier or visit our Aircraft Tire Inerting page on our website.

We’ve Struck Oil… with Nitrogen Generators

Enhanced Oil Recovery (tertiary recovery) involves extending the life of oil and gas reservoirs through a variety of fluid / chemical injections into existing reservoirs.  Enhanced oil recovery can be achieved in a few different ways – by gas injection, by chemical injection, thermal recovery, or by microbial injection (utilized less often due to higher cost).  Membrane Nitrogen injection is one of several fluids that can be used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Nitrogen injection is one of the most commonly used approaches in enhanced oil recovery as it allows control over the oil pressure. Nitrogen injection at distributed wells throughout a reservoir reduces the thickness of the oil as the nitrogen mixes with it. Re-pressurizing a reservoir with air would cause the oil to ignite into flame – therefore gas injection is better suited.
 
By utilizing a membrane nitrogen injection, production in an oil reservoir can be improved by 2 – 3 times over the existing production rate.  Nitrogen requirements for EOR range from 320 scfm to over 3200 scfm. The MAXIGAS PSA nitrogen generator permits nitrogen flows from 70 scfh to 5225 scfh.

Contact a nitrogen generators supplier today for your EOR project.

Nitrogen Generators Can Decrease Chances of Combustible Dust Explosions in Dust Collectors

Over the last 30 years, more and more accidents involving dust collector explosions are being reported. The purpose of a dust collector is to improve the air quality in industrial facilities by removing particle matter from the air and the working environment and converting it to safer breathing air. The trick is that sometimes - depending on the industry that is using the dust collector – the actual dust being collected may have a combustible aspect which could result in a combustible dust explosion. In the United States alone there have been at least 350 combustible dust explosions. The scariest part about this is that in most instances, those injured were unaware that a hazard was present to begin with; a hazard that needed to be monitored carefully.

Depending on your industry’s process and application, combustible dust can be present in many different forms (i.e. metal dust, wood dust, plastic resin dust, etc.) and multiple sizes. Combustible dust can be produced in facilities you may not have even thought of – food, wood, plastic, rubber, pharmaceuticals, coal, grain and more.

As a precautionary measure, dust collectors are introduced to absorb this combustible dust and decrease the risk of any fires which could not only injure your employees but decrease your plant’s efficiency whereby your process needs to be shut down for repair or replacement for an extended period of time.

Nitrogen can be introduced into your dust collector for explosion prevention. Instead of using only oxygen in the dust collector process, a nitrogen generator can convert some of the oxygen to nitrogen thereby decreasing the chances of a dust collector fire.

Membrane nitrogen generators or PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) generators are best suited to assist any industry where dust collectors are a necessity.

Speak to an experienced nitrogen generator supplier to ensure that you choose the generator best suited for your process.

Nitrogen Generators Benefit Rapid Prototyping Industry

Selective Laser Sintering (an additive layer-by-layer process) requires a high power laser to fuse small particles of plastic, ceramic and metal together into a 3D prototype. Because rapid prototyping (or SLS) is a process actionable only at high temperatures it is important to ensure your process is safe and that you are operating at maximum efficiency. Nitrogen generators can assist in this application.

A membrane nitrogen generator is your best option for this application as membrane generators can virtually operate themselves without the assistance of a controller. Nitrogen purity in a membrane generator is adjustable from 95 - 99.9%.
The desired flow and purity required for your rapid prototyping process will determine how many membrane modules will be utilized. Once the air in your SLS process has passed through the membrane bundle(s) it is nitrogen that is used to inert the chamber during the process.

Contact an experienced nitrogen generator supplier if you have specific questions regarding how the generator can assist your process or any concerns that you may have.

Nitrogen Tire Inflation Provides A New Service for Automotive Repair Industry

Gas prices in North America are soaring painfully high this year and rumor has it – it’s not going to get much better. Seeing your gas gauge point towards “E” in your vehicle will often make you cringe as you sigh and pose the question internally “How much it is going to cost me this time?”

We all know there are many alternative “green” methods to save ourselves money when it comes to transportation – but depending on how far your commute to work is – sometimes a bike just won’t cut it.
Nitrogen tire inflation is becoming a very popular replacement for air, and for good reason.

With proper inflation procedures and adequate purity,  nitrogen can provide amazing benefits. If you convert the air in your tires to nitrogen you can improve your fuel economy by up to 5%.

Car dealerships, repair shops or anyone in the automotive repair industry probably already has a  reciprocating air compressor in their facility to power equipment. Reciprocating air compressors would supply the nitrogen generator, PSA or membrane, directly – introducing a new revenue stream for automotive repair industries. All nitrogen generators require dry compressed air therefore an air dryer must be installed to protect the units from water contamination.
 
Reciprocating compressors are an ideal fit for this industry because of their low initial cost and minimal maintenance requirements (oil and air filter changes). A reciprocating air compressor paired with a nitrogen generator (membrane or PSA) can be a great asset to introducing nitrogen tire inflation as a service that will become more and more popular as the gas prices go higher and higher.

Rotary Screw Compressors – Perfect Compressors for medium to high nitrogen flow processes!

Packaging industries benefit greatly from using nitrogen generators in their applications. From food packaging to cheese packaging, to coffee packaging and fruit storage – the supply on site nitrogen integrated into these industries’ specific applications has proven to save money, decrease expenses and reduce labor costs.

As part of the packaging industries, many automated machines throughout these facilities require compressed air. The most common and widely used type of air compressor recommended for these industries are rotary screw compressors.

Packaging industries require nitrogen purity in medium to high flows 99.5% (0.5% O2 or below). Rotary screw compressors are perfect for this application. Rotary screw compressors are positive displacement compressors, meaning compression takes place by matching two helical screws that, when turned, guide air into a chamber, the volume of which is reduced as the screws turn, allowing the flow of air to be controlled.

Rotary screw compressors are outfitted with enclosures which keeping noise levels to a minimum. Many also have integral refrigerated air dryers to minimize floor space.  Rotary screw compressors are oil-lubricated while make them louder, however in a factory type environment this is rarely an issue. All nitrogen generators require dry compressed air therefore an air dryer must be installed to protect the units from water contamination.

Scroll Compressors - Best For Lab Applications where Nitrogen Generators are Required

Laboratory applications such as Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) (LCMS), GC, ICP, ELSD / CAD detector, Circular Dichroism and Sample Evaporation have benefitted from the use of incorporating a nitrogen generator into their process.

In a specific example of sample preparation procedures for chemical analysis, a pressurized nitrogen source is required. Common nitrogen generators that assist in the laboratory industry are lab gas nitrogen generators or PSA nitrogen generators (Pressure Swing Adsorption). Within these nitrogen generators are compressors which assist in exactly what the name implies (compressing air). There are many different air compressors available on the market today, however scroll compressors tend to be the best for a laboratory application.

Scroll compressors are great for the laboratory industry as they are oil-free, but best of all they are extremely quiet – the quietest compressor in the industry; which is perfect for a laboratory setting. Scroll compressors are also simplistic in design with minimum movable parts. This allows a long operating life. All nitrogen generators require dry compressed air therefore an air dryer must be installed to protect the units from water contamination.

 
So if you are in an industry where you find yourself in a lab-type settings and want an cost effective way to keep your low –flow nitrogen process moving at maximum efficiency – consider a nitrogen generator today with a scroll compressor.

Basic Nitrogen Generator Price

Nitrogen generator price is something that is hard to quote generally. Depending on the business type and the appropriate application, certain nitrogen generators units may be better suited than others. Nitrogen generator units vary with differentiating factors/benefits and options.

Basic nitrogen generator price is as follows:

• Small flow nitrogen generators generally start at $3000 and go up to $20,000.
• Mid flow nitrogen generators range between $20,000 and $100,000.
• Large flow nitrogen generators are $100,000 and above.

Options that may become a factor for specific nitrogen generator price can be a nitrogen buffer tank, oxygen analyzers, high pressure requirements, feed air compressors, compressed air dryers, and skid mount packages. Getting a customized quote is easy and more information on nitrogen generator price and options can be found here. 

  

 

Medical Industry can Benefit from Nitrogen Generators in a Multitude of Ways

More and more industries are benefiting from nitrogen generators. Today, we discuss the medical industry. Nitrogen generators can be used in a variety of ways – from  powering surgical tools to assisting in complex research processes that require pressure.  Whether used in a hospital, medical facility or even a laboratory environment, nitrogen generators offer simplicity, convenience, safer process measures, consistency and a cost efficient operation method.

High pressure cylinders can’t compare for a variety of reasons, one of which being a storage option. Medical equipment and processes are constantly used and require mobility – two benefits that nitrogen generators can offer.

Nitrogen generators offer and operate at low pressure (100 psig or higher) – a common requirement in laboratory applications so the risk of explosion, damage and environmental detriments are infrequent.

View our Membrane Generators and assess if a nitrogen generator can benefit your application.

The Facts about High Pressure Nitrogen Boosters

There are numerous industries with applications that require high pressure nitrogen. Many companies are currently using high pressure cylinders/ dewars for these applications. Some of those applications are laser cutting; auto claves; aircraft tire filling and pressure testing of valves or tubing/ coils. However, there may be a better solution. A way to eliminate this problem is to incorporate high pressure nitrogen boosters in house. There are typically two ways to boost the nitrogen pressure from a nitrogen generator. Air-operated nitrogen boosters and Reciprocating nitrogen boosters can help to generate high pressure nitrogen.

Air-Operated Nitrogen Boosters

Advantages:

1. No oil necessary

2. Air operated – no electricity used

3. Ideal for dangerous areas since no electricity is required.

Learn more about air-operated nitrogen boosters and how they can help your company by viewing our article here.

Reciprocating Nitrogen Boosters

There are both oil free and oil lubricated units available. The application the industry requires specifically will dictate which system is best suited for that industry’s application.

Advantages:

1.  Designed for constantly active applications

2.  Best suited for industries with high flow applications

Learn more about reciprocating nitrogen boosters and the options associated in our article here.

Nitrogen Generators Leave a Smooth Finish on the Beer Dispensing Industry

The beer industry is one of the most common industries that utilize nitrogen generators. Nitrogen can assist in preservation and a high quality product especially when it comes to draught systems.  In order to maintain these two very important factors in the draught process, a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen is required. Nitrogen generators can allow you to can keep the beer as pure as possible – it is extremely accurate and cost efficient. 

Dark coloured or cream ale beers rely on nitrogen to achieve the perfect presentation. This makes the beer have a foamy appearance on the top and a smooth taste.

Learn more about Membrane generators or PSA nitrogen generators which can assist the beer dispensing industry.

Specialty Gas Prices On the Rise!

As of the 1st March (2011), the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases will increase prices. 

The prices will be rising 10-12% on average, and up to 10% for delivery and other service charges. Cylinder and bulk tank rental rates will increase 8-10% effective 1st March 2011, or as contracts permit.


The price increases are in response to higher fuel, power, and labor and benefit costs as well as steel prices which are driving up the costs on cylinders and bulk tanks.


This increase is on top of the July price increases of 6-9%.


CONTROL YOUR GAS COSTS -  MAKE YOUR OWN NITROGEN!!

Benefits of Nitrogen Generators

Nitrogen generators are your best bet for a cost efficient on-site alternative to delivered gas cylinders. Nitrogen generators are very dependable and create clean dry nitrogen from a compressed air source.

Nitrogen generators are avaible in different models and sizes that offer various features and benefits depending on the application your business requires.

Below are a few advantages that nitrogen generators can offer to a business:

• Plug and play operation
• Some models have no operator interface
• Models with on-board diagnostics capable of relaying real time information back to a main control room are available
• Simple maintenance (semi-annual filter changes) to prevent generator damage.

Nitrogen generators can take your business in a whole new direction by making day-to-day processes more reliable and ultimately helping you reduce your cost of goods/overhead costs for your business in the long run (i.e. rental charges, transportation expenses, labor costs, and evaporation losses of bulk systems).

Learn more about nitrogen gas generation and start saving!

Nitrogen - Sealed with Approval

ATTENTION businesses that utilize and maintain large pumps or compressors that contain mechanical gas seals operated by dry running seals – have you checked to ensure the seals are isolating any compressed gases containing VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) from leaking to atmosphere?

Any type of mechanical gas seal that is used to perform multiple tasks with gases (all of which have their own unique properties) need to be monitored as any released gases can be harmful to workers and surrounding areas of your building where other types of gases may be located.

The best type of gas to ensure secured gas seals is a natural gas but an even better option would be nitrogen gas – as it is a dry, insert gas and best of all can be generated from standard compressed air an affordable cost. A nitrogen generator could be just what you need.

Membrane nitrogen generators are highly recommended for any business that utilizes gas compressors or large pumps.