Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Nitrogen Generators And Their Importance

By Kristen Baird


Nitrogen is a chemical non-metallic element with the atomic number 7. It is denoted by the symbol or letter N. It is tasteless, colorless odorless and also inert. It constitutes 78.09 percent of air or the atmosphere of the earth. Nitrogen generators are machines designed to produce pure and dry nitrogen gas. The generators are used in place of gas cylinders due to the problems associated with the cylinders and also because they are cheaper.

A variety of technologies are used to generate N2 gas. There is the adsorption technology that makes use of a solid substance called an adsorbent. Although there are many types of adsorbent plants, the pressure swing adsorption plants are the most applied technology in the world. They have low operating cost which makes the cost of its nitrogen relatively cheaper.

The other is the membrane technology. It is further divided into membrane cartridge and gas separation concept. The gas separation process occurs when the velocities at which pressurized air penetrates a certain membrane are used to differentiate the gases. The difference in speeds is what brings about the separation.

The membrane cartridge functions in a different way. Compressed air is forced through a hollow tube that allows the other elements to be absorbed or separated at the sides of its walls. The elements include oxygen, water vapor, inert or rare gases and other impurities that are found in air. When all these are removed from air, pure nitrogen is obtained.

The preservation of food was once a problem in the food industries. The presence of oxygen facilitates the oxidation of chemicals in food and fruits making them taste differently. Oxygen also supports the existence of bacteria that cause decay. To elongate the stay of food substances, N2 gas is used to displace oxygen that brings about the rot. Preservation of food is achieved without putting the lives of human beings at risk.

Motor vehicle and aircraft industries uses these kinds of generators instead of compressed air tank. The compressed air tank contains air with all its components. Water vapor is among the components of air and is fed to the tires of locomotives as part of compressed air. In preventing the presence of water in tires, the generators are used since they produce dry gas.

Since N2 has been proven to be inert, it is used in the petroleum industry. It aids in creation of an inert environment that will prevent the occurrences of explosions and fires. It is also used in the testing of the pipelines and most importantly in the transportation of the hydrocarbons.

In pharmaceutical and painting industry it is used to ensure safety. In the pharmaceutical industry, it ensures safety against explosions as many chemicals are used. In the latter, it is used for safety and also during packing of the paints and vanishes. Additionally, it can be used to displace oxygen so as to avoid the polymerization of the drying oils.

The generators as seen above are applied in very many fields. The properties of N2 gas have proved to be very essential to the lives of every person. It has promoted the development of various industries and have had a great impact to the human race.




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