A Complete Guide on PSA Nitrogen Generator

Airox Technologies Limited is amongst the well-known brands that specialize in providing advanced nitrogen generators to the industries requiring a consistent flow of nitrogen gas supply. Committed to engineering, product excellence and customers' satisfaction, Airox technologies Ltd offers highly efficient PSA Nitrogen Generators for the pharmaceutical industry, food processing industry, electronics industry, chemical industry, automotive industry, oil and gas industry, and manufacturing industry.

PSA Nitrogen Generator is an advanced nitrogen gas generator which generates high-purity nitrogen gas using compressed air via Pressure Swing Adsorption technology. Unlike conventional nitrogen tanks or liquid nitrogen, On-Site Nitrogen Generator provides the company with continuous nitrogen gas supply which lowers costs and ensures uninterrupted production process. Thus, PSA Nitrogen plant is the most efficient choice for industries requiring continuous nitrogen gas supply.

The Modern Industrial Nitrogen Generators utilize advanced technology like CMS, Energy Efficient Compressors, and Full Automation System for the purpose of maintaining high purity of Nitrogen gas along with the efficiency in performance. Whether it is for food packing, laser cutting, pharmaceuticals industry, electronics manufacturing, chemical processes, or even inert gas blanketing, the PSA Nitrogen Gas Generator acts as an efficient source of Nitrogen gas for different industrial purposes.

This blog post will provide you with all information related to a PSA Nitrogen Gas Generator starting from its basic definition to how it works, the structure, advantages, maintenance, trouble shooting, and many other topics. This guide post will help you understand why the PSA Technology is successful in modern industry whether you install a new On-site Nitrogen Generator or upgrade your existing PSA Nitrogen Plant.

Understanding PSA Nitrogen Generator

PSA Nitrogen Generator refers to an excellent generator of nitrogen gas that is able to produce pure nitrogen using the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Technology. CMS (Carbon Molecular Sieve) is used for separating nitrogen from other gases such as oxygen contained in the air surrounding us.

As opposed to traditional nitrogen cylinders, a PSA Nitrogen Generation Plant produces nitrogen on-site.

PSA Nitrogen Generator: Working Principle

Working principle of PSA Nitrogen Gas Generator is as follows:

• Compression of air through the use of an air compressor.
• Cleaning and dehydration of air in order to remove any moisture, oil, and dust particles.
• The dehydrated air then passes through two adsorption beds containing Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS).
• CMS allows nitrogen to pass through while absorbing oxygen.
• High-quality nitrogen fills up storage tanks.
• Cycles of adsorption and desorption ensure continuous production of nitrogen.
• This is an automated process that ensures consistency in purity of nitrogen.

Did you know? A PSA Nitrogen Generator produces nitrogen from ordinary atmospheric air, which contains approximately 78% nitrogen, making it an efficient source for on-site nitrogen generation. 

Types of PSA Nitrogen Generators

PSA Generator Types:

General PSA Nitrogen Generator

For applications requiring steady nitrogen flow in general industries.

High Purity PSA Nitrogen Generator

Provides 99.999% purity of nitrogen and ideal for electronics, pharmaceuticals, and labs.

Skid Mounted PSA Nitrogen Plant

Complete factory made unit which is easy to transport.

Containerized PSA Nitrogen Generator

Fitted in containers for remote sites for industries.

Industrial Nitrogen Generator (Custom Built)

Built according to customer requirements.

Proper Procedure to Use a PSA Nitrogen Generation System

• Make sure the air compressor and the air dryer systems are functioning well.

• Make sure that all the filters and pipelines are clean from any contamination.

• Switch on the power and the PLC system controls.

• Switch on the air compressor.

• Achieve the required purity level of nitrogen through the generator.

• Monitor the pressure, purity level, and flow of nitrogen from the control panel.

• Direct the produced nitrogen either to the storage tank or directly to the manufacturing process.

Advantages of PSA Nitrogen Generator

Nitrogen Generation Continuously

It is capable of generating nitrogen at all times and does not require any outside source of gas.

Operation Cost is Reduced

There will be no recurrent costs of cylinders rent, delivery, and refills.

High Purity of Nitrogen

High purity of nitrogen is provided which is required by industries.

Energy Efficient

Industrial Nitrogen Generators utilize minimum energy to produce maximum nitrogen.

Automation Process

PLC controls automation process

PSA Nitrogen Generators Uses

• Pharmaceutical Industry

• Food & Beverages Packaging

• Manufacturing Electronic Components

• Laser Cutting

• Chemical Industry

• Oil & Gas Industry

• Metals Manufacturing

• Automotive Industry

• Laboratories and Research Institutes

• Plastics and Rubber Industry

Generic Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	PSA Nitrogen Generator
Technology	Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)
Nitrogen Purity	95%–99.999%
Nitrogen Flow Rate	5–5000 Nm³/hr
Working Pressure	5–10 Bar
Adsorbent Material	Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS)
Automation	PLC-Based Automatic Control
Air Compressor	Screw Air Compressor
Air Treatment	Air Filters & Refrigerated Dryer
Nitrogen Storage	Nitrogen Receiver Tank
Cooling System	Air Cooled
Power Supply	220V / 380–415V AC
Installation	Indoor / Outdoor
Applications	Industrial & Commercial
Maintenance	Low Preventive Maintenance

Did you know? A PSA Nitrogen Generator uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to produce nitrogen directly from compressed air, eliminating the need for nitrogen cylinders or bulk liquid nitrogen. 

Common Troubleshooting

Low Nitrogen Purity

Possible Causes

• Carbon Molecular Sieve worn out

• Moisture in compressed air

• Leakages

Solution

 Replace carbon molecular sieve, maintain air dryers, and check for leakages.

Low Nitrogen Pressure

Possible Causes

• Compressor problem

• Pressure regulator is faulty

• Leakages

Solution

•  Check the compressor’s performance and check the pressure regulators.

High Moisture Content

Cause

• Defective air dryer

• Saturated filter

Solution

Replace the filter and repair air dryer.

Excess Air Usage

Causes

• Leak in air pipeline

• Improper air pressure setting

Solution

Check all air connections and regulate air pressure.

PLC Control Panel Alarm

Cause

• Faulty sensor

• Electrical problem

Solution

Reset controller and check sensors and electrical connection.

Did you know? A drop in nitrogen purity is often caused by a worn Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS), moisture in the compressed air, or leaks in the system. Regular maintenance helps maintain consistent nitrogen quality. 

Maintenance Guidelines

• Inspection of air filters at regular intervals is recommended.
• Replacement of filter elements according to the maintenance schedule.
• Condensate drainage from air receivers and dryers.
• Nitrogen purity check on a daily basis.
• Calibration of pressure and purity detectors.
• Servicing of Carbon Molecular Sieve as recommended.

Safety Guidelines

• Inspection of air filters at regular intervals is recommended.
• Replacement of filter elements according to the maintenance schedule.
• Condensate drainage from air receivers and dryers.
• Calibration of pressure and purity detectors.
• Servicing of Carbon Molecular Sieve as recommended.

About Airox Technologies

Airox Technologies Limited is an esteemed company providing PSA Oxygen Generators and medical oxygen solutions to the healthcare sector of India for over 13 years now. Being the leading provider of our services with 55% market share (Fiscal 2022) and installation rate of 1,100+, we are proud to provide our solutions to the government & corporate hospitals of India. Our corporate office is based in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the manufacturing plant in Shendra MIDC and our branch offices are in Delhi & Kolkata. Our quality assurance is ISO 13485:2016 accredited with a national sales force and 75+ service engineers.

Conclusion

A PSA Nitrogen Generator is one of the most cost-effective ways to produce pure nitrogen where there is a need for a constant supply of nitrogen gas. Some benefits of on-site nitrogen generation include lower costs of operation, independence from the gas supplier and higher efficiency. An optimally designed, adequately serviced, and safely run PSA Nitrogen Plant will definitely ensure high efficiency and reliability of nitrogen production. Airox Technologies Limited offers advanced systems of Industrial Nitrogen Generators using state-of-the-art PSA technology along with quality components and technical know-how to cater to the growing demands of industries around the world. Whatever your needs may be – a compact Nitrogen Gas Generator or a larger On-Site Nitrogen Generator – we have solutions for you.