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 - 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.

Nitrogen – Eliminating Pesky Business!

Grain  - an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, oils and protein. Since grain is such an important staple to our survival, it is mass produced in order to meet the demands of the human race and the multiple uses for which grain can be integrated. However, with all natural products length of shelf-life is always an issue therefore proper storage is crucial. Within grain silos, there is always a risk of loss of moisture, temperature, excessive amounts of oxygen and even worse the potential of pest issues.

Nitrogen can assist with the preservation of grain within silos.  A nitrogen tank linked into the silo can provides balanced nitrogen up to 98% concentration.   This will eliminate all pest issues within 10 days of installment  and keeps the grain shelf life for one year…. Sometimes longer.

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators or membrane generators are recommended for this type of application.

Learn more about how nitrogen generators can assist in grain silos.

Is On-Site Nitrogen Right for You?

If your business currently requires nitrogen for tank padding, drying, product transfer, purging, flushing, or inerting, look at your plant's compressed air supply as a source to produce your own on-site nitrogen. This is an easy and reliable way that can save you money and give you more control over your gas use. Companies who produce their own supply of on-site nitrogen can generate as much or as little nitrogen as they need, at a fraction of the cost of having the gas delivered by an external source.

Applications that are useful to on-site nitrogen of the membrane filtration variety are: snack food packaging, laser cutting with nitrogen, tank padding, tire filling, rapid prototyping, RIM (Reaction Injection Molding), Injection Molding (Gas Assist), fruit storage, power stations, dry box storage of assembled electronic components, mine fires, fire sprinkler systems, and beer dispensing.

Applications that are best suited to on-site nitrogen of the Pressure Swing Adsorption variety are: snack food packaging, bottling (wineries), laser cutting with nitrogen, tank padding, tire filling, power stations, Injection Molding (Gas Assist), fruit storage, lead free soldering, beer dispensing and mine fires.

Discuss with a trusted and knowledgeable nitrogen generator supplier about your options today!!!

Learn more about PMNG membrane nitrogen generators and PSA nitrogen generators.

The Latest and Greatest in Air Compressors for Nitrogen Generation

Every application is different when it comes to nitrogen generation, therefore air compressors should be no different. Check out these 4 types of air compressors that just might be what your looking for...

Scroll Compressors

Scroll Compressors - Typically used in laboratory applications that require low flow nitrogen and where noise is a factor.

Benefits: Guaranteed oil-free air, simple load/ unload technology for maximum energy efficiency, low operating noise level, long operating life with minimal maintenanace required.

Reciprocating Air Compressors

Reciprocating Air Compressors - Typically used in small flow nitrogen applications where noise is not an issue.

Benefits: Highly energy efficient due to reciprocating/piston compressors, simple and reliable with minimal moving parts, long operating life.

Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Rotary Screw Air Compressors -  Oil-lubricated and are most commonly used for medium to high flow nitrogen applications.

Benefits: Designed for continuous duty, available in various control methods for efficiency to best match the application, eliminates the need for high pressure booster compressors and oil-free options are available.

Centrifugal Compressors

Centrifugal Compressors  - Used mainly for large air separation systems.

Benefits: Oil-free air, energy efficient, highly established compressor utilized in some of the world's largest manufacturing facilities, built for continuous (24 hour) operation.



View more information regarding air compressors and nitrogen generators.

Prep your Tires for Winter with Nitrogen Inflation

Filling your tires with nitrogen as opposed to regular compressed air has many benefits. Improvements can be seen in vehicle handling, extended tire life in tire pressure maintenance, better fuel efficiency and fuel economy and your vehicle running at cooler temperatures. Are the same benefits consistent throughout the winter months? Absolutely!

Even in extreme winter temperatures, nitrogen is able to hold its own in colder temperatures, fluctuations in temperature and more consistent tire pressure while driving the snowy drifts. Although nitrogen is a great option for winter it is still important to check your tire pressure throughout the winter to make sure your tires are operating at their best - nothing is ever absolutely maintenance free.

Speak to a nitrogen generators supplier for more information regarding nitrogen tire inflation.

 

What to Look For in a Nitrogen Generator Supplier

You've decided that producing on-site nitrogen is going to be something beneficial for your business - great! Now what? It is important to choose a reputable and experienced nitrogen generator supplier to help you choose the best unit for your business' application. Keep in mind these 5 guidelines when you are searching for a nitrogen generator supplier:

1. How many generator options does the nitrogen generator supplier offer? Do they have several unit options to assist a wide variety of businesses? How much do they know about the systems they offer? Are they able to distinguish the difference between membrane nitrogen generators and PSA nitrogen generators?
2. Which country is the generator manufactured in? Generators made outside of North America have  different standards that can greatly affect the capabilities and performance of an application. Ensure the money you invest in a nitrogen generator will give you results you desire.
3. Years in Business - Look for companies whose only business is nitrogen generation which a minimum of 5 years experience.
4. Are nitrogen generator units adjustable to varying nitrogen needs? Nitrogen generators should be a long-term investment for your business - ask your supplier if the unit you are investing in can be expandable to account for nitrogen demand increases or decreases in the future.
5. Testimonials/Successes in Past - Don't be afraid to ask the nitrogen generator supplier if they have sold similiar units to other businesses like yours. It is important the supplier knows and understands the functionality of your industry to ensure the nitrogen generator they suggest to you will perform the tqask you require.

These are 5 general guidelines you should adhere to when looking into a nitrogen generator supplier. Don't be afraid to ask questions and explore your nitrogen generation options.

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.