Obtaining a nitrogen generator for your business is an important and often expensive decision. You want to ensure you get the most out of your nitrogen generator regarding output and longevity. This means maintaining and servicing your generator properly throughout the machine’s lifespan.
What Makes Nitrogen Generator Maintenance So Important?
You’ve taken the time to research and purchase a nitrogen gas generator for your business and industry, and it’s been running smoothly for six months now when suddenly you notice the output of your system has decreased. Now you have to unexpectedly shut down production to address the issue of maintaining your generator.
This is not the ideal way to perform nitrogen generator maintenance. Preventative maintenance is the optimal way to ensure your generator continues proper gas production and runs smoothly for many years. This allows you to identify potential issues with your generator and take care of them before they become problematic, allowing your production to continue operating efficiently.
Preventative maintenance is essential to get the most out of your nitrogen generator and helps to ensure your production of nitrogen gas is as streamlined as possible, saving you money and effort throughout your generator’s lifetime.
How Often Do You Need to Perform Maintenance on Your Nitrogen Generator?
The frequency that your nitrogen generator will require servicing depends on several factors. The size of your generator influences how often the unit will require maintenance. The type of nitrogen generator you have will also affect the frequency with which servicing is necessary.
Some nitrogen gas generators require servicing every six months. Other nitrogen generators require more frequent maintenance, approximately every three months. The best way to determine how frequently you need to perform maintenance on your nitrogen generator may require some trial and error.
Servicing your system too often involves unnecessary work and production shutdowns. On the other hand, not servicing your generator often enough will result in potential unforeseen issues creating bigger problems for your production system. Neither of those is cost-effective.
Most nitrogen generator user manuals will have a recommended maintenance schedule. However, contacting a professional in nitrogen generator maintenance for support and service is the best way to determine what maintenance schedule will work best for you.
Preventative Checkups for Your Nitrogen Generator
Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your nitrogen generator running smoothly and efficiently. When performing preventative maintenance checks, follow this checklist to ensure all your bases are covered when servicing your generator.
- Keep a log of all inspections and maintenance. Keeping track of when you service your generator allows you to stick to a maintenance schedule easily. Make sure you also track any repairs or part replacements on your unit.
- Inspect the system operation while your unit is running. Check that your unit turns on and off properly, and assess input and output indicators and gauges to ensure the unit is functioning properly. Assess your system for any potential leaks. The unit’s control panel should offer details that will simplify this step of maintenance.
- After powering down your unit, clean the equipment with a damp cloth, staying clear of any electrical appliances.
- If necessary, change any filters within your unit. For example, nitrogen generators typically use a combination of coalescing and carbon filters, which your user manual should instruct you on how to replace. Carbon filters usually need to be replaced once a year, while coalescing filters require more frequent changes, approximately every six months. If your system utilizes particulate filters, replace them every three months.
- If you have a pressure swing adsorption nitrogen generator, you may need to replace the muffler on your system. Make sure you dispose of filter elements and mufflers according to your company’s proper waste disposal practices.
- Next, your generator will require valve and oxygen sensor replacement from time to time, typically every three years, though this depends on how much time you spend running your generator on a day-to-day basis. Again, trained technicians should perform these replacements to ensure they are done properly.
- Finally, start up your generator according to manufacturer instructions, and you’re all set!
Knowing When Your Nitrogen Generator Requires Service
There are a few signs to keep an eye out for that could clue you into the fact that your nitrogen generator system requires service. Look for the presence of any water, moisture, or oil within your filter housings. Keep an ear out for any unusual or abnormal sounds coming from your generator during operation.
Also, watch your purity levels, as a decrease in purity could be a sign of issues within your generator. Oxygen analyzers can help monitor the amount of oxygen present, so you can tell at a glance if any levels are off.
ESA Provides Maintenance and Repairs for Nitrogen Generators
Whether your problem seems big or small, contacting a professional and looking into the maintenance of your system is the best way to keep it running properly. Fortunately, nitrogen generator users in the North and South Carolina area can rely on the professionals at ESA to ensure their nitrogen generators are in good hands.
We have over sixty years of experience working with customers to ensure their systems run smoothly and effectively. Contact us today for a quote on maintenance assessments for your nitrogen generator or compressed air system.
