Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation
If you have been running a small but solid operation for years, you might think on-site nitrogen generation is ultimately not worth the investment. However, even small workshops can reduce their operating costs significantly by switching to on-site generation instead of having gas delivered.
If you run a mid-sized or growing industrial business and still rely on nitrogen deliveries, you are almost certainly missing out on huge savings. The cost of an on-site generator could pay for itself in no time. And the cost-saving benefits of an on-site nitrogen generator extend far beyond logistics.
Nitrogen generation systems can reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. They can also improve the quality of your products and services, help you remain compliant with changing regulations, minimise business downtime … The list goes on.
At Search Air, we have been a trusted UK supplier of industrial compressed air and gas equipment for decades. We have also been a Premier Distributor for Atlas Copco – a globally recognised industry pioneer – since 2001. The benefits discussed below apply to almost all businesses regardless of size, but if you want specific advice based on your unique setup and goals, do not hesitate to get in touch for a no-obligation chat.
What is an On-Site Nitrogen Generator?
An on-site nitrogen generation system produces nitrogen gas on your premises, eliminating the need for a delivered nitrogen supply, whether bottled nitrogen or bulk liquid. It typically includes an air compressor, a membrane nitrogen generator or PSA unit, and a receiver to regulate the quality and pressure of the gas.
On-site systems allow you to generate as much or as little nitrogen as needed, adjusting purity and flow rates to meet changing demands. Modern nitrogen generation systems continuously produce high-purity gas, removing the inconvenience of relying on deliveries and helping to avoid the waste seen with traditional bottled supplies.
By producing nitrogen with your own system, you secure a reliable nitrogen source, cut operating costs, and eliminate risks associated with delivery delays and rising supplier prices. Many businesses find that investing in quality through uninterrupted supply pays for itself quickly, while also building greater flexibility and resilience into their operations.
The Drawbacks of Traditional Nitrogen Suppliers
Relying on a delivered nitrogen supply – whether bottled nitrogen or bulk liquid – brings hidden costs and risks. In addition to paying for the gas itself, businesses often face delivery charges, nitrogen storage tank rental costs, and the inconvenience of managing deliveries. Residual waste from bottled nitrogen or bulk liquid nitrogen supplies can also drive up your true cost of obtaining nitrogen.
External supply chains expose you to delivery delays, shortages, and rising prices, making it harder to control operating costs. A sudden change in demand may force you to overpay for gas purity you don’t need or risk production downtime. Handling high-pressure compressed gas cylinders also adds health and safety risks to your workplace and increases your carbon footprint.
Using an on-site nitrogen generation system enables you to produce as much or as little nitrogen as needed, giving you a more reliable and economical source of nitrogen, produced on your premises through compressed air, eliminating the inconvenience of traditional deliveries.
With all that said, what are the key benefits of on-site generation?
Benefits of On-Site Nitrogen Generation
Benefits of an On-Site Nitrogen Generator
By relying on traditional gas suppliers instead of using an on-site generator, you are potentially missing out on some or all of the following benefits:
1. Lower Energy Costs
The cost per unit of nitrogen from a supplier far exceeds that of an on-site generator, and that does not factor in delivery fees. Additionally, you may be familiar with needing to purchase higher-purity gas than required from a supplier with limited options during urgent situations. With a generator, you have an endless supply of just the right amount of nitrogen you need — all while improving overall air compressor efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
2. Stable Nitrogen Purity Levels
As mentioned above, plenty of businesses have faced higher-than-ideal fees for higher-purity-than-necessary gas. Plus, while many suppliers may be dependable, any mistakes in their purities when delivering could cause damage to your business in various ways. With your own generator, developed with the latest Atlas Copco tech, you will never face such issues.
3. No Long-Term Supplier Contracts
Many suppliers expect their customers to lock into long-term contracts to secure a reliable supply. Unfortunately, this means that a significant element of your operating costs is subject to unpredictable fluctuations. As we have recently seen to the nth degree, energy prices can be extremely volatile.
4. Long-Term Savings
While an on-site generator requires a relatively significant upfront investment in some situations (and a much smaller investment than you might think in others), the savings on energy can quickly even things out. Some businesses experience a 50% reduction in their cost of gas by upgrading to an on-site solution.
5. Improved Workplace Safety
Large gas cylinders have always been a workplace hazard. While accidents may be rare, these cylinders and their mishandling have been responsible for injuries. When you can generate nitrogen, this risk is eliminated.
6. Minimised Carbon Footprint
As we all need to play our part in becoming greener, particularly in the face of ever-changing regulations, being environmentally friendly is now a top business priority. Fortunately, minimising gas consumption and wastage with a generator saves you money while streamlining your operations.
7. Reliable Maintenance Agreements
Provided you purchase your generator from a reputable team of engineers, you will generally have agreed and affordable routine maintenance schedules that maximise the lifespan of your equipment – including the generator itself and all the equipment it powers.
8. Increased Workplace Productivity
With a reliable source of quality nitrogen, no need to move heavy cylinders, and a much lower risk of business downtime, you can dramatically boost workplace productivity and efficiency with a gas generator.
Learn More about Nitrogen Generation
At Search Air, we help businesses of all sizes reduce their energy usage, running costs, and emissions with the latest range of featured-packed Atlas Copco compressed air and gas solutions. The benefits detailed above only scratch the surface. If you want to learn even more about the business pros of onsite generation, especially regarding how they relate to your specific business, do not hesitate to call our team of friendly and seasoned engineers. We will be delighted to explain how a generator can offer many more benefits than you might expect.
FAQ
How does an on-site nitrogen generator work?
An on-site nitrogen generator uses compressed air and eliminates the inconvenience of a delivered nitrogen supply. The system separates nitrogen from oxygen, allowing you to produce your total demand on-site with the required quality and volume on demand. Modern generation systems continuously produce high-purity nitrogen without relying on external suppliers.
Is on-site nitrogen generation more economical than bottled or bulk deliveries?
On-site generation is the most economical way to meet your supply of nitrogen needs. Generation enables you to produce as much nitrogen as your operation requires, without the added costs of high-pressure compressed gas cylinders, delivery fees, or wasted residual gas. Many businesses find that using a nitrogen generator offers significant long-term savings and greater control over costs.
What industries benefit most from using on-site nitrogen gas systems?
Nitrogen gas makes a difference in a variety of industrial uses. Gas systems are commonly applied in various sectors, including manufacturing, food packaging, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.