Membrane technology for on-site nitrogen generation

Membrane Nitrogen generator

Efficiency and sustainability are of great importance in all industrial settings, and nitrogen gas, due to its attributes, is the cornerstone in maintaining these aspects in numerous manufacturing processes. Industries usually supply nitrogen either through bulk delivery, cylinders, or on-site generation. While bulk delivery and cylinder supply used to be more common, due to efficiency, many industries are moving toward in-house nitrogen generation i.e. using nitrogen generators of PSA or membrane technology. These technologies not only have transformed traditional applications but also have extended their benefits to sectors such as marine, chemical manufacturing, food and beverages, and beyond. While both technologies offer distinct advantages and have been around for decades, membrane technology’s broader commercial adoption for nitrogen generation is a more recent development compared to PSA, making it a competitive option for on-site nitrogen generation across various industries.

The process of generating nitrogen through membrane technology begins with air compression, where ambient air is pressurized. Compression of air is necessary for propelling the air through the membrane system with sufficient force. Following this, pre-treatment of the air is necessary to remove any contaminants like water vapor, oil, and particulate matter, which could otherwise impede the efficiency of the process or damage the membrane.

At the core of the system lies the membrane module, an assembly of hollow fibers composed of a specialized material that discriminates between gases. This selectivity is based on the principle that certain gases will pass the membrane more readily than nitrogen. As the purified air passes through these fibers, oxygen and other gases diffuse through quickly, allowing nitrogen to be isolated and collected with the desired purity. This selective filtration process is finely controllable and offers flexibility in terms of purity and quantity of produced nitrogen.

Membrane nitrogen generators have found their place in a diverse array of industries, highlighting their adaptability:

  • Marine Industry: Used for creating inert environments in oil and gas cargo spaces to prevent fire and explosion risks. Used for blanketing, purging, stripping etc.  
  • Food and Beverage: Employed to extend shelf life by preventing oxidation and spoilage in packaged goods.
  • Electronics: Utilized in creating inert atmospheres to prevent oxidation during the manufacturing of sensitive electronic components.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Critical in maintaining inert conditions to ensure the stability and purity of pharmaceutical products.
  • Chemical Manufacturing: Offers a safe, inert atmosphere for handling reactive chemicals and facilitating controlled reactions.
  • Oil and Gas: Nitrogen is used extensively for pipeline purging, pressure testing, and providing inert atmospheres in potentially explosive environments.

OXYMAT nitrogen membrane generators are engineered for efficiency and compactness, using only 2.04 m3 of space. They offer substantial energy savings by eliminating the need for continuous operation, as they are engineered for on-demand operations. Ideal for various applications beyond just maritime, their design prioritizes ease of transport and installation adaptability. With the ability to comply with industry standards, OXYMAT caters to both comprehensive nitrogen plant setups and specific component needs. Key features include rapid activation, low maintenance, and remote management options, which makes them a cost-effective solution for reliable nitrogen supply across diverse sectors.

Key Features: 

  • Complete N2 supply solution
  • 50-100-150 m3/h at 6-300 bar
  • Compact modular design
    • flexible installation
  • Ideal for retrofit.
  • Minimum maintenance
  • Quick warm up
  • For marine, it has all major approvals

Do you need a hand?

You are in the right place.

learn about our Nitrogen Generators here