Nitrogen Gas Generation for Inerting in Industries

Onsite Nitrogen Generation for Inerting in Industries

Description

Inerting is a critical safety and process requirement across many industries where flammable, explosive, or oxygen-sensitive environments exist. Traditionally, nitrogen used for inerting has been supplied through high-pressure gas cylinders or bulk liquid nitrogen deliveries. However, with rising operational costs, supply chain challenges, and increased focus on safety and sustainability, on-site nitrogen generation has emerged as a reliable and cost-effective alternative.

What is Nitrogen Inerting?

Nitrogen inerting is the process of reducing or eliminating oxygen in a system by introducing nitrogen gas. By lowering oxygen concentration below the level required for combustion or oxidation, inerting helps prevent:

  • Fires and explosions
  • Product degradation and oxidation
  • Corrosion and moisture-related issues

Nitrogen is ideal for inerting because it is inert, non-toxic, non-flammable, and readily available from atmospheric air.

Why On-site Nitrogen Generation?

On-site nitrogen generation systems produce nitrogen directly at the point of use by separating it from compressed air. These systems eliminate dependency on external nitrogen suppliers and offer continuous, on-demand supply tailored to specific process requirements.

Key Advantages

1. Enhanced Safety

On-site generation removes the need for handling high-pressure cylinders or cryogenic liquid nitrogen. This significantly reduces risks associated with storage, transportation, and manual handling.

2. Cost Savings

After the initial investment, operating costs are substantially lower compared to cylinder or liquid nitrogen supply. Industries typically achieve payback within 12–24 months due to:

  • Elimination of delivery charges
  • No cylinder rental costs
  • Reduced nitrogen wastage

3. Continuous and Reliable Supply

On-site systems provide uninterrupted nitrogen availability, ensuring critical inerting processes are never compromised due to supply delays or shortages.

4. Adjustable Purity Levels

Nitrogen purity can be adjusted based on application needs, commonly ranging from 95% to 99.999%. This flexibility allows industries to avoid paying for higher purity than required.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Producing nitrogen on-site reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation and logistics, supporting sustainability and ESG goals.

Technologies Used in On-site Nitrogen Generation

PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption)

PSA systems use carbon molecular sieve (CMS) to separate nitrogen from oxygen under pressure. They are widely used for industrial inerting due to:

  • High nitrogen flow rates
  • Reliable performance
  • Suitability for medium to large-scale applications

Membrane Nitrogen Generators

Membrane systems separate gases using hollow fiber membranes. They are compact, low-maintenance, and ideal for:

  • Small to medium nitrogen demand
  • Applications requiring moderate purity

Industrial Applications of Nitrogen Inerting

On-site nitrogen generation is widely used across various sectors, including:

Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Inert atmosphere for sensitive drug manufacturing
  • Solvent storage protection

Food and Beverage Industry

  • Oil and fat storage tank inerting
  • Prevention of oxidation and spoilage

Oil & Gas Industry

  • Well stimulation and maintenance
  • Tank blanketing and purging operations

Metal Processing and Heat Treatment

  • Furnace inerting
  • Prevention of oxidation during thermal processes

Choosing the Right Nitrogen Generator

When selecting an on-site nitrogen generation system for inerting, industries should consider:

  • Required nitrogen flow rate
  • Desired purity level
  • Operating pressure
  • Space availability
  • Future expansion needs

A properly designed system ensures optimal performance, safety, and long-term cost benefits.

Choose Universal ING. LA. Boschi Engineered Onsite Nitrogen Generation Solutions

On-site nitrogen generation has become a preferred solution for industrial inerting applications due to its safety, reliability, and cost efficiency.  Universal ING. LA. Boschi delivers expertly engineered onsite nitrogen generation solutions designed for safety, reliability, and long-term performance.

With proven engineering expertise, customized system design, and advanced nitrogen generation technology, we provide solutions tailored to exact flow, purity, and pressure requirements. Our systems are built for high efficiency, low operating cost, and dependable operation in demanding industrial environments.

 

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