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Working principle and comparison of PSA and membrane nitrogen generators

Release date:2022-08-30    author: Suzhou XITE

[Suzhou XITE Gas] Working principle and comparison of PSA and membrane nitrogen generators

Hitt is a manufacturer of nitrogen generators based on membrane separation and variable pressure adsorption (PSA) technologies. However, before purchasing a generator for your industrial use, it is necessary to understand both technologies before deciding which one is best for your application.

How PSA nitrogen generators work

Using compressed air, variable pressure adsorption (PSA) generators produce an interrupted supply of nitrogen. These generators use pretreated compressed air that is filtered through a carbon molecular sieve (CMS). Oxygen and trace gases are absorbed through the CMS, allowing the nitrogen to pass through. This filtration is performed in two towers, both of which contain a CMS.

When the in-line tower discharges contaminants, it is referred to as a regeneration mode. In this process, oxygen with smaller molecules is separated from the nitrogen and the liner in the screen adsorbs these smaller oxygen molecules. Due to the large size of the nitrogen molecules, they cannot pass through the CMS and the result is the desired pure nitrogen.

Working principle of the membrane nitrogen generator.

In a membrane nitrogen generator, air is filtered and passed through various membranes of advanced technology. These membranes have hollow fibers that work like reverse fibers and by permeation, nitrogen is separated.

The purity of the nitrogen varies with the number of membranes in the system. Different levels of nitrogen purity can be obtained by using different membrane sizes and increasing or decreasing the pressure. The level of nitrogen purity is slightly lower than that obtained with a PSA generator.

Point-by-point comparison of PSA and membrane nitrogen generators


TopicPressure Swing AdsorptionMembrane Technology
Purity Level
  1. PSA Nitrogen generators have higher purity levels.

  1. MVS PSA N2 generator user can achieve a set purity level between 95% and 99.9995%.

  1. Users of membrane technology generators can achieve the purity level between 95% and 99.9% only.

Reliability
  1. PSA N2 generators are slightly complicated to maintain when compared with Membrane Generators.

  1. There are only a few moving parts in a PSA N2 generator. And, if proper maintenance is done, these types of generators can last for several years.

  1. Membrane generators are easy to maintain and operate.

  1. There are no to only a few moving parts in a membrane generator and if it is properly maintained, it can work perfectly for many years.

Maintenance
  1. PSA generators require zero to a little maintenance.

  2. The only maintenance required in PSA generator is simply changing filter cartridge.

  3. Molecular sieves, where most of the gas filtering process takes place, can last for more than 10 years.

  1. Membrane generators require very little maintenance.

  2. Simply with dry & clean feed air, the only maintenance required is changing filter cartridges.

Consistency
  1. PSA generators can deliver the same high volume of pure Nitrogen throughout the life of the generator.

  1. The capacity reduces significantly as the demand for pure gas increases.


Advantages of owning a field nitrogen generator (nitrogen generator):

Before using the nitrogen generation system on site, many enterprises in the industry have no choice but to buy nitrogen elsewhere. However, the use of on-site nitrogen generator can eliminate all the troubles related to bulk purchase of nitrogen. Our nitrogen generator is an option with the greatest benefit: the average cost of producing nitrogen by ourselves is one-third to one-half lower than the relevant cost of purchasing nitrogen. Using the on-site nitrogen generator system, there is no need to pay the freight when purchasing nitrogen. Our nitrogen generator system usually allows you to recover the cost within 18 months.

In addition to economy, the nitrogen generator system of the on-site nitrogen generator also provides:

Reliability - the nitrogen generator system, that is, the on-site nitrogen generator system, uses the surrounding air to generate nitrogen. Therefore, our customers never have to worry about the shortage of nitrogen. Reduce stress - improve safety through storage. Simple - we make it easy for people without relevant equipment experience. The visual touch screen control can control the stability of gas purity. At the same time, it can operate self diagnosis, visual operation diagram and maintenance plan reminder on the screen. Flexibility - our equipment is small and can be transported under various conditions, so as long as there is air and electricity, the equipment can operate stably anywhere. Fully automatic - once a downstream request is detected, production begins.

Why use XITE nitrogen generator?   Our nitrogen generator system provides reliable on-site nitrogen supply for various industries, which is famous in China and Southeast Asia. Our on-site nitrogen system can produce nitrogen with purity up to 99.999%. For our nitrogen generator, it can meet the nitrogen production in any place and any complex environment. To learn more about the nitrogen generator system and the practical application demand scheme in your industry, please contact us immediately at + 86 18112526805 (consultant).

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