Save Costs and Boost Efficiency with On-Site Nitrogen Generation

The Cost-Saving Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation

The High Costs of Bottled Nitrogen

Many businesses unknowingly spend more than necessary on bottled nitrogen, which can be produced on-site at a fraction of the cost. The expenses associated with bottled nitrogen are driven by three primary factors:

1. Energy-Intensive Production: Vendors supplying bottled nitrogen rely on cryogenic distillation, a highly energy-consuming process. The energy costs incurred are passed on to customers.
2. Unnecessary High Purity: Often, businesses purchase nitrogen with a higher purity than needed, which increases costs without providing any additional benefit.
3. Transport Costs: The logistics of transporting bottled nitrogen add to the overall expense.

Cryogenic distillation can produce nitrogen with a purity of 99.99% or higher, which is essential for specific applications, such as certain electronic assembly processes. However, this high level of purity is rarely required for industries like pharmaceuticals or food and beverage.

On-Site Nitrogen Generation: Purity and Cost Efficiency

What Purity Levels Can Be Achieved On-Site?

On-site nitrogen generators offer the ability to produce nitrogen on-demand, with purity levels up to 99.999%. For most applications, generating nitrogen with 95% to 98% purity (5%-2% oxygen) is sufficient and far more cost-effective than purchasing higher purity nitrogen from a commercial supplier.

The type of nitrogen generator you choose should depend on the required purity level:

• Membrane Generators: Ideal for applications needing 95% to 98% purity, these generators offer the lowest cost per cubic foot of nitrogen. They are perfect for processes like the blanketing of oxygen-sensitive compounds and specialty chemical handling.
• Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Generators: When higher purity nitrogen is necessary, such as in pharmaceutical processing, PSA generators are the preferred choice.

Cost Savings with On-Site Nitrogen Generation

On-site PSA and membrane systems are both energy-efficient and cost-effective, requiring only enough energy to power the air compressor that supplies air to the system. According to gas industry sources, an air separation plant uses 1,976 kJ of electricity per kilogram of nitrogen at 99.9% purity.

When generating nitrogen at 98% purity, the energy consumption is reduced by 62%. Even for applications requiring 99.9% purity, generating nitrogen on-site with a PSA system consumes 28% less electricity compared to purchasing bulk nitrogen from a third party.

Conclusion: Make the Switch to On-Site Nitrogen Generation

If your business is ready to reduce costs and increase efficiency, switching to on-site nitrogen generation is the way forward. At Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions, we specialize in designing, supplying, and installing nitrogen generation systems tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today at 404-996-1737 or sales@pyebarker.com to start the conversation.

FAQs:

Q1: What purity level of nitrogen is suitable for most industrial applications?
A1: Most industrial applications require nitrogen with a purity of 95% to 98%, which can be easily and cost-effectively produced on-site.

Q2: How do membrane nitrogen generators compare to PSA generators?
A2: Membrane generators are more cost-effective for lower purity needs (95%-98%), while PSA generators are better suited for applications requiring higher purity nitrogen.

Q3: Is on-site nitrogen generation energy-efficient?
A3: Yes, on-site nitrogen generation, especially at lower purity levels, is significantly more energy-efficient compared to purchasing bottled nitrogen.

Q4: How can Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions help with on-site nitrogen generation?
A4: Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions provides comprehensive services, including the design, supply, and installation of nitrogen generation systems to meet your specific needs.

Ready to start saving on nitrogen costs and boost efficiency? Discover how on-site nitrogen generation can transform your operations. Contact Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions today at 404-996-1737 or sales@pyebarker.com to find the right nitrogen generation solution for your business!