Nitrogen Generation

If you’re buying nitrogen in cylinders, you’re almost certainly paying too much

Nitrogen is the second most widely used industrial gas in the UK after compressed air — and for many businesses buying it in cylinders or liquid form, it’s a significant and growing cost. An on-site nitrogen generator uses your existing compressed air supply to produce nitrogen continuously, at a fraction of the cost per cubic metre of cylinder supply. Most systems pay back within one to three years depending on usage volume.

How it works

PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption)

Uses carbon molecular sieve beds to separate nitrogen from compressed air (which is approximately 78% nitrogen). Produces high-purity nitrogen — 95% to 99.999% — making it suitable for demanding applications including electronics, pharmaceuticals and laser cutting. Two beds cycle alternately for continuous output.

Membrane

Compressed air passes through hollow fibre membranes that allow oxygen and water vapour to permeate out, leaving nitrogen-enriched air. Simpler and more compact than PSA. Best for applications where 95–99% purity is sufficient — tyre inflation, fire suppression, some food packaging applications.

Typical applications

  • Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) — extending food shelf life
  • Laser cutting — nitrogen assist gas for clean, oxide-free cuts in stainless and aluminium
  • Electronics — wave soldering, reflow ovens, component storage
  • Pharmaceutical — blanketing, purging and packaging
  • Chemical processing — inerting and blanketing
  • Tyre inflation for commercial fleets

The financial case

If you’re currently buying cylinder or liquid nitrogen, tell us your monthly consumption and we’ll model the payback on an on-site system. In most cases the numbers are compelling — and once the generator is paid back, your nitrogen is essentially free to produce beyond the cost of compressed air.

We handle the full project — consumption audit, cost analysis, compressor and treatment specification, generator supply, installation and commissioning.

Call: 0800 027 8442 | Email: [email protected]