// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the nitrogen generator say? "I'm a gas.
Nitrogen generators are devices used to produce nitrogen from other gas mixtures, usually using air.
Adsorption technology
[edit]Adsorption concept
[edit]
The adsorption gas separation process in nitrogen generators is based on the phenomenon of fixing various gas mixture components by a solid substance called an adsorbent. This phenomenon is brought about by the gas and adsorbent molecules' interaction.[1][better source needed]
Pressure swing adsorption technology
[edit]The swing adsorption process in each of the two adsorbers consists of two stages running for a few minutes. During the first stage, the adsorption stage, oxygen, water and carbon dioxide molecules diffuse into the pore structure of the adsorbent. The nitrogen molecules are allowed to travel through the adsorber-adsorbent-containing vessel, while the other component gasses are unable to pass through. At the regeneration stage, the adsorbed components are released from the adsorbent and vented into the atmosphere.[2]
Advantages
[edit]- Higher nitrogen purity at lower operating costs: The net cost of nitrogen produced by PSA nitrogen generators is typically less than the cost of bottled or liquefied nitrogen. PSA technology can generally produce nitrogen at a higher purity per operating cost than membrane technology.[3]
- Environmental impact: Compared to the energy needed for a cryogenic air separation plant and the energy needed to transport the liquid nitrogen from the plant to the facility, generating nitrogen through PSA consumes less energy and creates far fewer greenhouse gases.[4]
Membrane technology
[edit]
Gas separation concept
[edit]The operation of membrane systems is based on the principle of differential velocity with which various gas mixture components permeate membrane substance. The driving force in the gas separation process is the difference in partial pressures on different membrane sides.[5]
Advantages
[edit]- Economic benefits: The net cost of nitrogen produced by nitrogen complexes is generally less than the cost of cylinder or liquefied nitrogen.[3][6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "Glossary". The Brownfields and Land Revitalization Technology Support Center. Archived from the original on 2008-02-18. Retrieved 2009-12-21.
- ↑ "How do Pressure Swing Adsorption Nitrogen Generators Work?". Peak Scientific. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- 1 2 "MEMO 3 PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF NITROGEN PROCESSES: PSA AND MEMBRANE SYSTEMS" (PDF). CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 June 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
- ↑ "A Sustainable Approach to the Supply of Nitrogen". Parker Hannifin, Filtration and Separation Division. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
- ↑ Vieth, W.R. (1991). Diffusion in and through Polymers. Munich: Hanser Verlag.
- ↑ "Nitrogen separation from air by pressure swing adsorption". Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis.