PSA Nitrogen Generators by Newttorr Pumps and Systems Pvt Ltd

What is a PSA Nitrogen Generator?

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Nitrogen Generators are advanced systems that produce nitrogen gas by separating it from the oxygen in the air. Utilizing high-quality Carbon Molecular Sieves (CMS), these generators operate by adsorbing oxygen molecules under pressure, allowing only nitrogen to pass through. The result is a consistent and pure nitrogen output suitable for a wide range of applications.

Generating Nitrogen with Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Technology

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) is a widely used technology for generating nitrogen by separating it from the other components in compressed air, primarily oxygen. The working principle of PSA involves utilizing the different molecular sizes and adsorption properties of gases to achieve this separation, making it ideal for applications requiring varying levels of nitrogen purity.

A PSA nitrogen generator typically consists of two main components: pressure vessels (commonly referred to as towers) filled with Carbon Molecular Sieves (CMS). These sieves are crucial to the process as they selectively adsorb oxygen molecules due to their smaller size compared to nitrogen molecules. Let's break down the operation into its essential phases:

Adsorption Phase

Compressed Air Introduction : Clean, dry compressed air is introduced into one of the towers, say tower A. The air comprises roughly 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and other trace gases.
Molecular Sieving : As the compressed air flows through tower A, oxygen molecules, being smaller, enter the pores of the carbon molecular sieves. In contrast, nitrogen molecules are too large to fit into these pores and thus bypass the sieves.
Nitrogen Collection : The nitrogen that bypasses the sieves is collected as the output, achieving the desired purity level. This nitrogen can then be used directly or stored for future use.

Regeneration Phase

Pressure Release and Purge : After a certain period, tower A becomes saturated with oxygen molecules. To regenerate tower A, the system reduces the pressure within the tower, causing the sieves to release the adsorbed oxygen.
Nitrogen Flow : A small portion of the nitrogen produced in tower B is redirected back into tower A from top to bottom. This reverse flow helps purge the released oxygen molecules out of tower A through an exhaust.
Cycle Switching : While tower A is in the regeneration phase, tower B takes over the adsorption phase, ensuring a continuous supply of nitrogen. Once tower A is regenerated, the roles switch again.

This cyclic switching between the two towers allows the PSA system to operate continuously, providing a steady stream of high-purity nitrogen. The purity levels achievable can range from 90% to 99.999%, catering to various industrial applications such as tire inflation, fire prevention, food and beverage packaging, and plastic molding.

The PSA nitrogen generator operates by exploiting the adsorption properties of Carbon Molecular Sieves to selectively trap oxygen molecules, thereby isolating nitrogen. The process's efficiency and effectiveness lie in the alternating adsorption and regeneration phases, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of nitrogen at the desired purity level.

Newttorr PSA system to operate continuously high-purity nitrogen

Nitrogen purity and requirements for the intake air

When generating your own nitrogen, understanding the necessary level of purity for each specific application is crucial. However, there are general requirements for the intake air that must be met to ensure optimal nitrogen quality and to protect the nitrogen generator's components. The compressed air needs to be clean and dry before it enters the nitrogen generator. This cleanliness is essential as it enhances the nitrogen quality and prevents moisture from damaging the Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS).
Controlling the inlet temperature and pressure is also critical. The temperature should be maintained between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the pressure should be kept within the range of 4 to 13 bar. Proper air treatment involves using a dryer between the compressor and the nitrogen generator to remove any moisture from the air.
If the intake air comes from an oil-lubricated compressor, it is necessary to install an oil coalescing filter and a carbon filter to eliminate any remaining impurities before the air reaches the nitrogen generator. Most nitrogen generators come equipped with sensors for pressure, temperature, and pressure dew point. These sensors act as fail-safes, preventing contaminated air from entering the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) system and causing potential damage.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure the efficient and effective generation of high-quality nitrogen while safeguarding the integrity of your equipment.

Model	Capacity (m³/hr)	Purity	Applications	Features
NWT-50	50	Up to 99.99%	Small-scale operations: laboratories, food packaging units, small manufacturing setups.	Compact design, low maintenance, energy- efficient operation.
NWT-100	100	Up to 99.99%	Medium-sized businesses: electronics, pharmaceuticals, smaller chemical plants.	Enhanced control systems, robust construction, reliable performance.
NWT-200	200	Up to 99.999%	Large industrial applications: metal processing, large-scale food production.	Advanced monitoring, high-efficiency CMS, easy integration with existing systems.
NWT-500	500	Up to 99.999%	Very large industrial operations: continuous high-volume nitrogen supply.	Heavy-duty design, automated operation, exceptional reliability.
NWT-1000	1000	Up to 99.999%	Extensive manufacturing plants, large chemical processing facilities.	Superior performance, scalable solutions, comprehensive control systems.