Designing a Nitrogen Generator

There are many factors that one must consider while designing a Nitrogen Generation System. 

1) Nitrogen Flow Required

2) Purity of Nitrogen

3) Inlet Air Pressure

4) Inlet Air Availability 

5) Utilities Available

6) Nitrogen Discharge Temperature

7) Turndown Capability

These parameters form the basis of the design for the System. Higher inlet air pressure results in better separation of Nitrogen from Air. Additionally, one must also ensure that the compressors are sized sufficiently; so, they can provide the necessary feed air required for the Nitrogen Generator. Electrical utilities play a role in sizing of the Heater and related controls. Some applications may have a constraint on the discharge temperature of Nitrogen, which is a key parameter in establishing the process temperature for the separation to take place. It is also important to understand the turndown capability of the System as during startup downstream requirement may be much lesser than the intended design

Membrane Nitrogen Generators

In Oil and gas facilities the operation of the system may vary from the intended design due to the following reasons.

1. Change in Operation Philosophy 

2. Startup or Commissioning Phase

3. Underestimation or Overestimation of required Nitrogen 

This is crucial to be aware of as each project and client, depending on the application can have different requirements at different phases of the project.

Membrane Nitrogen Generators use membrane separators to produce Nitrogen from Air. A typical membrane separator contains thousands of fibers that are bundled and encased at both ends. The fiber selectively permeates Oxygen, Water vapor and other impurities while allowing Nitrogen to flow through.Like any other process there are governing principles from which you could maximize the most from these systems.

For instance, there are three key parameters to consider in order to understand the Nitrogen flow  that can be produced from the System, these are Pressure, Temperature and Purity. These variables will dictate the Nitrogen that can be produced. Additionally, sizing of the package will be based on the flow rate of Nitrogen required, Operating Conditions and various other customers requirements.

Membrane Nitrogen Generators are highly reliable, flexible in their operation, require minimal maintenance and have no moving parts.