How to Separate Nitrogen From Air

We know that Nitrogen is all around us. It makes up 78 percent of the earth’s atmosphere and is found in our own body’s elements.

Chemical and industrial companies also frequently rely on the industrial preparation of Nitrogen for everyday production. It’s necessary to extract nitrogen from the air so that it can be used in a purified state.

2 Methods for Achieving Nitrogen Separation from Air

To do this, air-separation plants and nitrogen generators are used. There are three methods for the separation of air components: PSA, membrane, and cryogenic systems.

Which process should you choose to get nitrogen from air? It’s best to consider purity and capacity, as well as mobility and the pressure of delivered air product.

1. Fractional Distillation of Liquid Air to Produce Nitrogen

So how do you separate nitrogen from air? By a process called fractional distillation of liquid air to produce nitrogen. In simple terms, a four-step process is used: cool it, isolate the nitrogen, separate it from the air, and then collect it.

At the correct low temperature, the nitrogen becomes liquid and can then be extracted and harvested for industrial processes. Once in its liquid form, the gases can be transported in tanks, and stored in cylinders.

However, when transporting the nitrogen, you can run into a number of problems. Corrosion can cause safety concerns, as can improper handling of the boilers during a move between industrial plants.

Then there’s the issue of cost and maintenance of the cylinders and generators.

2. Nitrogen Generators

NiGen’s industrial on-site nitrogen generators are an effective solution to these problems. They enable business and industries to avoid a lot of risks and financial expenses. It’s estimated that using an on-site Nitrogen generator can save 40 to 80 percent in costs.

More benefits of using these on-site generators are that they are environmentally friendly and don’t require much maintenance. You can also rent our generators directly and do smaller-scale industry operations yourself, without relying on third-party providers.

The two types of nitrogen systems we offer at NiGen are called membrane generators, and pressure swing absorption generators – sometimes referred to as PSA generators.

Membrane Nitrogen Generators

Membrane systems have low operating costs. They are built to separate compressed air through hollow-fiber membranes. They work by forcing compressed air into a vessel which selectively permeates oxygen, water vapor, and other impurities out of its side walls. The nitrogen flows through the center and emerges as gas.

They have a high nitrogen purity, from 95 percent to 99.5 percent. Membrane systems are also easier to maintain. With low dBA, no switching valves, and a small footprint, they’re suitable for many small to medium industries.

PSA Nitrogen Generators

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators are often the top choice when higher purity applications are necessary. They use a method of separation which enables nitrogen purities of 95 to 99.9995 percent.

The PSA systems generate nitrogen in a safe and reliable way. They are best for on-location use for industries that require N2 in their applications. As opposed to delivered gas, they cost a lot less.

Using On-Site Nitrogen Generation for Your Industrial Market

The problem-solving qualities and cost-saving abilities of our on-site nitrogen generators might be the solution to your industry applications. We also have certified technicians to service your compressor and nitrogen systems.

If you are interested in finding out more about our products and systems available, contact NiGen today.