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.

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.

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.

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.

Take your Gasoline Further with Nitrogen!

Vehicles take a lot of abuse… it is important to always maintain your vehicle throughout the year to eliminate costly repairs in the future.

If you haven’t already heard…Shell gas stations across Canada and the United States have introduced a nitrogen-enhanced gasoline containing a unique, patented cleaning system designed to destroy build up on intake values and fuel injectors left by low quality gas in all their gasoline grades  – this is also known as “engine gunk”.

Nitrogen is the “secret” in this new gasoline and acts as the active cleaning molecule throughout the gasoline. Nitrogen allows the gasoline to perform in more a more balanced fashion at higher temperatures and allowing your vehicle to operate at a cleaner level.  

Nitrogen is also extremely useful when it come to keeping you moving… nitrogen tire inflation is becoming extremely popular with the benefits being improved fuel economy and increased tire life.

PSA nitrogen generators or membrane generators are recommended for auto service businesses who are looking to provide an added service for their customers.

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.

Lab Gas Generators - Another Great On-Site Nitrogen Option!

Lab gas nitrogen generators are typically high purity, low flow, PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) systems. They have a small footprint and are extremely quiet which allows them to be installed right in the lab. These units can either use existing house compressed air or they can be ordered with integral oil-free air compressors. Purities (oxygen levels) range from 1% down to 10 PPM.



For LCMS applications membrane nitrogen generators are becoming more popular now that the flow rate requirements are increasing (4 LPM up to 60 LPM). Your nitrogen generator supplier will recommend the best technology for your application.

Sizing a nitrogen generator for your lab equipment is very simple. The operations manual for your equipment will have your nitrogen requirements (flow; purity; and pressure) listed in the "utilities" section of the manual.

Get more information on lab gas nitrogen generators.

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.