Nitrogen Generation

If you’re buying nitrogen in cylinders, you’re almost certainly paying too much

Nitrogen is the second most widely used industrial gas in the UK after compressed air – and for many businesses buying it in cylinders or liquid form, it’s a significant and growing cost. An on-site nitrogen generator uses your existing compressed air supply to produce nitrogen continuously, at a fraction of the cost per cubic metre of cylinder supply. Generating your own nitrogen on site can cost up to 80% less than bottled or bulk liquid nitrogen. Most systems pay back within one to three years depending on usage volume! In fact, many companies are now switching to on site nitrogen generation to reduce their operational expenses.

The installation is straightforward: pipe in compressed air, pipe out nitrogen. Connect a compressed air line to the inlet, connect the outlet to your nitrogen line, and the unit is ready for operation within minutes of start-up. Significantly, on site nitrogen generation helps simplify this process and ensures a steady supply of nitrogen whenever you need it.

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How it works

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)

Uses carbon molecular sieve (CMS) beds to separate nitrogen from compressed air, which is approximately 78% nitrogen by volume. Oxygen and trace gases are adsorbed by the CMS, allowing nitrogen to pass through at high purity. Two beds cycle alternately so output is continuous. Produces nitrogen at 95% to 99.999% purity, making PSA suitable for demanding applications including electronics, pharmaceuticals, laser cutting and chemical processing. When it comes to advanced industrial applications, on site nitrogen generation offers high purity levels that meet rigorous industry standards.

Membrane

Compressed air passes through hollow fibre membranes with pores small enough to allow oxygen and water vapour to permeate out, leaving nitrogen-enriched air behind. Simpler and more compact than PSA with fewer moving parts. Best suited to applications where 95–99% purity is sufficient, tyre inflation, fire suppression, some food packaging and general inert atmospheres.

Benefits of on-site nitrogen generation

Supply on Demand

Nitrogen generators run up to 24/7, producing nitrogen as and when you need it. No more running out of stock, waiting on deliveries in bad weather, or managing cylinder returns.

Up to 80% Cost Saving

Generating your own nitrogen typically costs up to 80% less than cylinder or bulk liquid supply. Delivery charges, rental costs and reordering administration are all eliminated.

Improved Safety

Removes the H&S risks of high-pressure cylinders, cryogenic liquid nitrogen vessels and delivery tankers on site. No more manual handling of heavy cylinders.

Monitored Purity

Units include continuous real-time purity monitoring. Systems can be specified to produce up to 99.999% purity — and you can see the output purity at any time.

Scalable & Future-Proof

Modular systems can be expanded in line with your business needs. Additional generator modules can be added without significant disruption to the existing installation.

Environmental

Eliminating regular nitrogen deliveries reduces transport emissions and removes the energy costs associated with industrial gas liquefaction and distribution.

Typical applications

Food packaging

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) uses nitrogen to displace oxygen within packaging, inhibiting bacterial growth and oxidation. Particularly relevant to coffee processing, meat packaging, dried foods and salad/produce packaging. Nitrogen flush can significantly extend shelf life without preservatives.

Beverage

Nitrogen blanketing during storage and pre/post-bottling prevents bacterial growth and oxidation. Purging air from pipes and hoses prior to bottling prevents oxygen ingress and helps preserve taste and freshness.

Laser cutting

Nitrogen assist gas produces clean, oxide-free cuts in stainless steel and aluminium – giving a bright, ready-to-use finish without post-processing. High purity (99.5%+) is typically required. On-site generation avoids the large cylinder volumes that laser cutting demands. Moreover, with on site nitrogen generation, businesses can efficiently meet the high demand for nitrogen in production processes.

Electronics

Used in wave soldering and reflow ovens to prevent solder oxidation, improving joint quality and reducing rework. Also used for component storage and handling in sensitive environments.

Chemical processing

Nitrogen blanketing controls oxygen concentration and humidity in storage vessels, protecting products from contamination, degradation and fire risk. Also used for purging pipework and pressure testing.

Pharmaceutical & life sciences

Used for blanketing active ingredients, purging packaging lines, and maintaining inert atmospheres during manufacturing. High purity documentation and validation support available.

Tyre inflation

Nitrogen-inflated tyres maintain pressure more consistently than air, reducing fuel consumption and tyre wear. Particularly relevant for commercial fleets and specialist vehicle operators.

The financial case

If you’re currently buying cylinder or liquid nitrogen, tell us your monthly consumption and we’ll model the payback on an on-site system. In most cases the numbers are compelling, and once the generator is paid back, your nitrogen is essentially free to produce beyond the cost of compressed air. Therefore, investing in on site nitrogen generation creates a consistent long-term cost advantage for your operation.

We handle the full project: consumption audit, cost analysis, compressor and air treatment specification, generator supply, installation and commissioning. The entire process is managed in-house by J&J Air Systems from initial contact through to ongoing maintenance.

Call: 0800 027 8442 | Email: [email protected]

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