Friday, January 23, 2015

Benefits Of Nitrogen Membrane Systems

By Janine Hughes


Scientists have for a long time been researching and testing various methods of gas separation. There have been several successful breakthroughs. Among them is the use of an artificial membrane to act as a sieve for various particles in the air. This serves to increase the velocity of the more concentrated particles left, hence actively separating the gases. This is known as nitrogen membrane system in some circles and nitrogen separation in others.

The process of nitrogen separation is one of the core processes in nitrogen generators. The other alternative process is known as Pressure wing Adsorption. The membrane used in the process is key to ensure optimal performance. Scientists advocate for a fibre related material for use in the membrane, as these ensure the difference in pressure is maintained for longer.

It is this differential pressure on either side that causes the gas to separate. As the natural gas is passed through the entry pipe into the compartment laced with the artificial membrane, oxygen particles which are lighter diffuse outwards, leaving higher concentrated amount of nitrogen. As the pressure rises, so does the velocity of these particles. This causes the pure nitrogen to be pushed out of the exit. From here, it is collected for storage and further purification.

This procedure of this Membrane system has been found to have some advantages over other similar systems. This include having both cost and energy savings of up to 50%. This is in comparison to other cylinders, liquefied, adsorption and cryogenic systems. This savings are mainly attributed to the simplicity of this systems.

Membrane systems also have their shortcomings. They have a limited volume by which they can produce. These systems are rarely used on large scale due to this limitation. The level of purity of this gas is another limitation. This systems do not have the capacity to produce totally pure nitrogen and especially at higher air flow rates.

Other nitrogen separation systems with the same capability as the membrane systems include Pressure Swing Adsorption Generators. These are seen as the nearest competitors in terms of similar capacities of production and structural simplicity. Other competitors in the same playing field are cryogenic systems which have the advantage of being built, assembled and used on site. Furthermore, there are newer portable systems.

The systems have been adopted in various industries and for many uses. These include in food and beverage preservation, filling up aircraft and motor vehicle tires, as an antioxidant in electronics, a cooling agent in glass industry. In the petroleum industry, it is used as a cleaning agent and to create an inert environment to prevent explosions of flammable petroleum.

The process involved in production of nitrogen may use various systems available. For good enough results and savings in terms of costs and energy used, this membrane system is ideal. It has been discovered to have many uses in a variety of industries, despite its minor drawbacks in terms of volume of production and purity of the product. Go for the best so as to enable effective and reliable production of the gas. It has been tested and proven ideal for use.




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