Industrial Utility Efficiency

Air Treatment/N2

Selecting a Reliable and Efficient Nitrogen Generation System

By Kevin Conley, MID, Arkansas Industrial Machinery

PSA nitrogen generators are fed compressed air which goes to two vessels alternately. One vessel fed by pre-treated air produces nitrogen, and the other undergoes regeneration by depressurization, purging the adsorbed gases, and then repressurization. This cyclic process ensures a continuous supply of nitrogen. The adsorbent materials selectively capture gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide and other trace gases within the compressed air stream while allowing nitrogen to pass through. 

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BEKO Technologies Creates a Culture of Invention and Innovation

By Troy Dreier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

“The difference between the floaters and the electronic was that the electronic is much smarter. So, it doesn't only know that it has to open, it also knows when it's not opening, or when it's failing,” explains Tilo Fruth, President of BEKO Technologies. “When mechanical float drains get stuck in the open position – due normally to solid particles in the condensate – they become a significant compressed air leak source.”
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The 2024 AICD Show Report

By Bill Smith, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine 

The Association of Independent Compressor Distributors (AICD) held its annual event at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, in April 2024. Participating distributor members and guests enjoyed a few days of networking events, the AICD trade show, speakers, the AICD Golf Tournament and more. 
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Defining the Purity of Facility Generated Nitrogen Gas

By the Compressed Air & Gas Institute

While oxygen is unquestionably the most important gas in our atmosphere, as it is essential for most animals and human life, nitrogen is the most widely used atmospheric gas.  Nitrogen is the go-to gas for countless industrial, medical, and scientific applications. This is because nitrogen is in vast supply, inert, and possesses the desirable characteristics of being colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The purity of nitrogen significantly affects the outcome of the application for which it is used and how the industry measures the purity of nitrogen gas is the focus of this article.       
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Managing the Energy Cost of On-Site Nitrogen Generators

By Hank Van Ormer, Technical Director, APenergy

Do you know and track the annual generated nitrogen energy cost per SCFM? Do you know what factors drive this value and what action you can take to control the optimum lower levels? In this article we intend to illustrate the magnitude of potential wasted energy dollars when the compressed air system and the on-site nitrogen generation system are not properly monitored and controlled.
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Boost Performance with On-Site Oxygen and Nitrogen Generation

By Jatinder Tiwana, CEO, Specialty Gas Canada

The impact of compressed air on industries globally is undeniable, spanning from small tire shops to vast oil and gas sectors, as well as specialized domains like laboratories and pharmaceuticals. Amid this industrial transformation, many have taken control by employing in-house air compressors, air dryers, and related equipment to autonomously generate compressed air. In-house compressed air generation eliminates the need for relying on external sources, whether through cylinder bulk packs, Dewars, or tankers delivering compressed air.
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Compressed Air, Nitrogen Generation and Chiller Systems at Fabtech 2023

By Roderick M. Smith, Editor, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

FABTECH 2023, a leading event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, successfully wrapped up its four-day run at Chicago's McCormick Place, achieving significant milestones for attendance, exhibitors, and show floor size. The 2023 show floor, spanning an impressive 825,325 square feet across three exhibit halls, featured an extensive showcase of over 1,500 world-class suppliers. 
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Facility Evaluates Air Compressors to Increase Nitrogen Purity with Nitrogen Generators

By Hank Van Ormer, Technical Director, APenergy

Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase of manufacturing facilities deciding to produce their own nitrogen on-site, using compressed air systems and nitrogen generators. They are choosing on-site nitrogen generation, instead of purchasing and receiving deliveries of nitrogen by the cylinder or having a “Nitrogen Over the Fence” supplier.  
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The 2023 AICD Show Report

By Bill Smith and Roderick Smith, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine 

“The AICD enjoyed a record turnout of exhibitors,” said Jeff Brennan, President, AICD. “We’ve added over 20 member companies this year and our membership again has delivered a strong turnout at this year’s event.” Participating distributor members and guests enjoyed a few days of networking events, trade show, speakers, the AICD Golf Tournament and more.
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On-Premises Nitrogen Generation Addresses Carbon Dioxide Supply Concerns for Breweries

By Garrett Rinker, Senior Project Engineer, South-Tek Systems

The initial cost of a nitrogen generation system may be greater than high-pressure cylinders and liquid nitrogen containers, but most companies will reach a return on investment within 12-18 months with proper sizing of the system based on process demands. Breweries typically experience savings associated with gases of 50-75% by switching to on-premises nitrogen generation. If a regular maintenance schedule is followed, PSA nitrogen generation systems can have a life expectancy of 15-20 years. 
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Air Compressor and Dryer Innovation Unveiled at Best Practices 2022 EXPO & Conference

By Bill Smith, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine 

In early October 2022, professionals from around the world gathered at the Best Practices 2022 EXPO & Conference in Atlanta to source and learn about the latest on-site utilities powering modern plant automation including compressed air, blowers, vacuum, pneumatics, motors and cooling water systems. This report recaps a fraction of the event’s education curriculum and provides an editorial tour of sponsoring exhibitors’ machinery displays and product introductions.
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