Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is one of the most popular techniques used for onsite generation of nitrogen for industrial and medical applications. PSA nitrogen plant comprises of two adsorbers filled with carbon molecular sieves with the ability to adsorb oxygen from the compressed air. PSA process works by intake of the ambient air subsequently filtering and compressing it. Oxygen is adsorbed in the carbon molecular sieves while the nitrogen enriched gas moves through the adsorber. The process has the capacity to reduce oxygen concentration to the required specifications.
Technical Specifications:-
Capacity range: 25m3/hr to 1000m3/hr
Nitrogen purity: 99.99%
Nitrogen pressure: Up to 25bar
Dew point: -40 degrees Celsius to -80 degrees Celsius
While the adsorption is done in one adsorber the 2nd adsorber is completely regenerated by depressurization to the ambient pressure. Oxygen gas is removed back into the atmosphere. After adsorption in one adsorber for a set period of time, the second adsorber is started by the process controller to generate nitrogen on a continuous process. Our PSA nitrogen plants are manufactured with the best quality materials and are known for durable performance and ease of handling.
Apart from PSA, membrane technology is emerging as one of the leading processes in the industry for generating nitrogen with high purity. It is preferred for lower initial investment and energy consumption in comparison with PSA technology. The process of membrane air separation works by taking ambient air into the membrane module and the separation of the gases is one on the basis of difference in diffusivity and solubility. In this process, the separation of oxygen from the ambient air takes place upstream because of its high diffusivity and nitrogen is collected downstream.
Nitrogen is used in a wide range of industries some of which are enumerated below:
Nitrogen is used extensively in the production of pharmaceutical products including antibiotics. It is used in the form nitrous oxide in the formulation of anesthetic drugs.
Nitrogen is an inert gas and is used for displacing oxygen in order to prevent explosions in volatile atmospheres such as chemical plants.
Nitrogen is extensively used in food packaging for creating a modified atmosphere due to inert properties of the gas. With the displacement of oxygen the food lasts longer with its integrity and taste remaining intact.
In the manufacturing of electronic products, nitrogen gas is used for soldering. It is instrumental in reducing surface tension to cut out a neat breakaway from the soldering site.
In the manufacturing of stainless steel, nitrogen is used for electroplating resulting in the stronger finished product which is also resistant to corrosion.
Nitrogen is used for eliminating oxygen from the air in order to extinguishing fires. On abandoning a mining site, the area is filled with nitrogen to ensure there are no explosions.
