Nitrogen gas is required for various applications, from food and beverage production to manufacturing and automotive applications. Any system that requires a steady nitrogen gas supply will likely utilize a nitrogen generator. But how do you know how long you can expect your generator to keep running?
What Are Nitrogen Generators Used For?
Nitrogen generators produce a consistent supply of nitrogen gas on-site through either a PSA generator or a membrane nitrogen generator. PSA nitrogen generators use adsorption to separate nitrogen gas from outside air. Membrane generators force air through hollow fibers that filter out oxygen and CO2, leaving behind only nitrogen.
Properly Maintaining a Nitrogen Generator
Like any other part of your application, nitrogen generators require regular maintenance to continue functioning properly. Scheduling planned maintenance for your nitrogen generator is one way to ensure it continues to operate at peak efficiency. Regularly servicing your generator, including all moving parts of the machine, helps to avoid unplanned downtime for your system.
How to Optimize Nitrogen Generator Performance
Ensuring your nitrogen generator is working at top rate is vital to the success of your operation. But how do you optimize your nitrogen generator’s performance? Here are a few tips:
- Ensure the room your nitrogen generator is housed in is clean and dust-free. Clean generators work best, so maintaining a dust-free area is important.
- Keeping track of the temperature and humidity of the room your nitrogen generator is located in helps your generator run properly and consistently. Room temperature should stay below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels should not exceed 80%.
- Generators should be installed away from air conditioners that can affect temperature and relative humidity, and there should be an air gap of approximately 3 inches surrounding your nitrogen generator.
- Drain tubing should be linked to a container with a loose seal and should be emptied regularly.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Nitrogen Generator?
The life of a nitrogen generator can exceed thousands of hours in operation time. However, there are a few different factors that may impact the life expectancy of your particular generator. These factors include:
- The purchase condition of your generator. Whether you buy your nitrogen generator new or used can have a big impact on how long you can expect the piece of machinery to last.
- Air quality. The air quality around your nitrogen generator can affect the wear and tear on your equipment.
- Maintenance schedule. Without a proper maintenance plan and schedule, your generator may wear down faster than expected.
- Generator type. Whether your system requires a PSA or membrane generator will impact the length of time you can expect your generator to stay running in good condition.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Nitrogen Generator
There are several signs to keep an eye out for that can clue you in when it’s time to replace your nitrogen generator altogether.
- Low Efficiency: If your equipment isn’t performing as well as it once was, even with maintenance, replacing the generator may be necessary. An inefficient nitrogen generator system will produce low-quality nitrogen, increase operation and maintenance costs, and can even be a safety hazard.
- Nitrogen Leakage: Leakages, even small ones, are a threat to the safety of your employees. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can make your employees sick, causing loss of consciousness and death in confined spaces.
- Frequent Repairs: When you notice your generator requiring more maintenance or repairs than typical, it’s probably a good idea to start looking for a replacement. Maintenance and repair costs can add up quickly.
- Age of the Equipment: Older nitrogen generators are much more likely to require replacement than newer models. If your generator is decades old, the interior systems will likely begin to break down, and replacing the system completely will cost you less than frequent expensive repairs.
Prolonging the Life of Your Nitrogen Generator
So, how do you get the longest life possible from your nitrogen generator? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the room your generator is in stays clean, and perform regular maintenance on your generator.
- Monitor the quality of your nitrogen and the oxygen levels in the room where the generator is housed constantly.
- Make sure operators have dried their hands completely before touching the nitrogen generator or related equipment.
- Only trust professionals to diagnose issues or perform maintenance and repairs on your equipment.
ESA for Your Nitrogen Generator Needs
At ESA, we’re committed to delivering the best products and services to our clients. If you have any questions about your nitrogen generator or need help with maintenance, repairs, or replacements within your system, contact us at ESA for a consultation with an expert.
