How a nitrogen generator works - Atlas Copco USA

Aug. 04, 2025

How a nitrogen generator works - Atlas Copco USA

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Generating nitrogen in-house

Nitrogen is the vehicle that allows oxygen to sustain life on our planet. But, due to a range of characteristics that make it ideal for many industrial applications, it does much more than “merely” keep us alive. The most important of its features is that nitrogen is an inert gas, which means that it is slow to react with other substances. That makes it ideal for any application in which slow oxidation (e.g. the corrosion of circuit boards in the electronics industry) or fast oxidation (e.g. explosions or fires) have to be prevented. In addition, it is odorless and colorless, which means nitrogen is an ideal medium to be used in the food and beverage industries – for example to extend the expiration date of food products. As a result of these properties, it is no surprise that nitrogen is in constant demand in many sectors – from the automotive and chemical industries to aquaculture and injection molding.

Nitrogen: the world’s most abundant gas

Fortunately, nitrogen is available in abundance, making up most of the air we breathe. But that does not mean that it is ready for use in all of the aforementioned industrial applications as well as many others. Nitrogen can be obtained in three ways. Companies can either lease an on-site nitrogen tank, have the gas delivered in high-pressure bottles, or generate their own. Many businesses quickly realize that the first two options, which rely on a third-party supplier, are inconvenient, inefficient and costly. Fortunately, there are ways for them to generate their own nitrogen and control the amount, purity and pressure for any application – and guarantee that they have an endless supply of nitrogen available around the clock.

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Thus, generating nitrogen in-house enhances production flexibility and, since there is no third-party supplier involved, it eliminates constant order processing, refills and delivery costs, and frees up space otherwise needed to store nitrogen bottles.

How does a nitrogen generator work

Essentially, this is how a nitrogen generator works: it separates nitrogen molecules from the oxygen molecules within compressed air, resulting in a purified supply of nitrogen. Generating nitrogen can be done with a membrane nitrogen generator or a PSA (pressure swing adsorption) nitrogen generator connected to a compressor. But which technology to use? Well, it depends on the nitrogen quality you require. If, for example, you just need to inflate tires or use nitrogen to prevent/suppress fires, then a low nitrogen purity level of 90-99% and a membrane nitrogen generator will suffice. However, a PSA nitrogen generator is required when you have to achieve very high purities of 99.999% or 10 PPM (parts per million) and even higher – for example in the food industry or for plastic molding.

In addition to allowing companies to control how much nitrogen they want to produce with how much pressure and which degree of purity, generating the gas themselves has other benefits. They are no longer subject to price fluctuations on the market, save transport costs, and prevent delays. In addition, businesses generating their own nitrogen do not have to face the safety hazard that come with handling high-pressure cylinders, they incur no waste related to boil-off losses or have to return high pressure bottles that can never be fully emptied. Over time, the initial investment for a nitrogen generator pays off because operating costs are kept significantly lower compared to getting nitrogen from a third party.

Watch this video to learn more about nitrogen

Membrane nitrogen generators

This technology separates air into component gases by passing inexpensive compressed air through semipermeable membranes consisting of bundles of individual hollow fibers. Each fiber is very small, has a perfectly circular cross-section and a uniform bore through its center. At one end of the module, compressed air is introduced into the fibers and contacts the membrane as it flows through the fiber bores. Oxygen, water vapor and other trace gases easily permeate the membrane fiber and are discharged, but nitrogen is contained within the membrane and flows through the outlet port. Because water vapor permeates through the membrane, the nitrogen gas stream is very dry, with dewpoints as low as -50°C (-58°F).

Membrane technology is simple and efficient, with compact, all-in-one units that require little maintenance and have zero operational costs. It’s ideal for applications where the required flow of nitrogen is relatively low and purity levels do not exceed 99%. Membrane technology has a lower initial investment than high flow/high purity technologies such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA).

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators

Adsorption is the process in which atoms, ions or molecules from a substance (compressed air in this case) adhere to a surface of an adsorbent. A PSA generator isolates nitrogen, and the other gases in the compressed air stream (oxygen, CO2 and water vapor) are adsorbed, leaving behind essentially pure nitrogen. PSA traps oxygen from the compressed air stream when molecules bind themselves to a carbon molecular sieve. This happens in two separate pressure vessels (tower A and tower B), each filled with a carbon molecular sieve, that switch between a separation process and a regeneration process.

Clean and dry compressed air enters tower A. Since oxygen molecules are smaller than nitrogen molecules, they pass through the pores of the sieve. Nitrogen molecules cannot fit through the pores, so they bypass the sieve resulting in nitrogen of desired purity. This phase is called the adsorption or separation phase. Most of the nitrogen produced in tower A exits the system, ready for direct use or storage.

Next, a small portion of the generated nitrogen is flowed into tower B in the opposite direction. This flow pushes out the oxygen that was captured in the previous adsorption phase of tower B. By releasing the pressure in tower B, the carbon molecular sieves lose their ability to hold the oxygen molecules, which detach from the sieves and get carried away by the small nitrogen flow coming from tower A. This ‘cleaning’ process makes room for new oxygen molecules to attach to the sieves in a next adsorption phase.

PSA technology enables continuous, high-capacity nitrogen flow in demanding applications at purity levels up to 99.999%. PSA generators have a higher initial investment cost than membrane generators, but they offer the advantages of higher flow and higher purity levels that some industries and applications demand.

Ask an air system professional about the best solution for generating nitrogen in-house.

Why Nitrogen Generators are Gaining Popularity - Organomation

In the ever-evolving landscape of laboratory technologies, the future of laboratory gases is taking a notable turn towards innovation and efficiency. Among the array of gases used in laboratories, nitrogen has emerged as a critical component due to its inert properties and wide range of applications. As the demand for high-purity nitrogen continues to grow, nitrogen generators are gaining popularity, offering an array of benefits that are revolutionizing how commercial and academic laboratories operate, particularly in fields such as environmental testing.

→ Discover: Nitrogen Generators: Everything you need to know
→ Product featured in photo above: NITRO-GEN Benchtop Nitrogen Generator

The Growing Demand for Nitrogen

Nitrogen is indispensable in numerous laboratory processes. It is used in gas chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and as a carrier gas in many other analytical techniques. Its inert nature makes it ideal for creating controlled environments, preserving samples, and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

As laboratories strive for greater efficiency and precision, the demand for high-purity nitrogen has increased. Traditionally, nitrogen has been supplied in gas cylinders or bulk liquid form, but these methods have significant drawbacks, including supply chain logistics, storage challenges, and safety concerns. This is where nitrogen generators come into play.

Nitrogen Generators and Their Advantages

Nitrogen generators are devices that produce nitrogen gas from compressed air on-site, providing a continuous supply of nitrogen at the required purity levels. These systems use technologies such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation to filter out oxygen and other gases, delivering nitrogen that meets the stringent requirements of modern laboratory applications.

→ Discover: Is generating nitrogen in my lab worthwhile?

We discuss the benefit provided by nitrogen generators across several pages on Organomation.com but below is a quick summary:

Cost Efficiency of Generators Over Cylinders

One of the most compelling reasons for the shift towards nitrogen generators is cost efficiency. Traditional nitrogen supply methods involve recurring costs for purchasing, delivering, and storing gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen. In contrast, nitrogen generators represent a one-time capital investment with minimal ongoing operational costs. Laboratories can produce nitrogen on-demand, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming gas deliveries.

Continuous Supply of Nitrogen Gas

Nitrogen generators provide a continuous and reliable supply of nitrogen, ensuring that laboratory operations are never disrupted due to gas shortages. This reliability is crucial for laboratories with high nitrogen consumption or those conducting long-term experiments. The ability to produce nitrogen on-site also reduces the dependency on external suppliers and mitigates risks associated with supply chain disruptions.

Enhanced Laboratory Safety

Handling and storing high-pressure gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen pose significant safety risks. Accidents related to gas leaks or improper handling can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Nitrogen generators enhance safety by reducing the need for high-pressure storage and minimizing the risk of leaks. Additionally, on-site nitrogen generation means that laboratories no longer need to manage the logistics of transporting hazardous materials.

Reduced Environmental Impact

Environmental sustainability is a growing concern across all industries, and laboratories are no exception. Nitrogen generators contribute to environmental conservation by reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of gas cylinders. By generating nitrogen on-site, laboratories can significantly cut down on emissions and contribute to greener operations.

→ Discover: Do nitrogen generators actually reduce your carbon footprint?

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Nitrogen Generator Supplier.

Customizable Purity Levels

Different laboratory applications require different purity levels of nitrogen. Nitrogen generators offer the flexibility to adjust the purity of the nitrogen produced to meet specific needs, ranging from 95% to 99.999% purity. This customization ensures that laboratories can maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in their work.

Nitrogen Generators in Various Laboratory Settings

→ Discover: Why nitrogen is ideal for drying test samples

Environmental Testing Supported by Nitrogen Generators

In environmental testing laboratories, where the analysis of air, water, and soil samples demands precise and reliable results, nitrogen generators have become invaluable. The ability to produce high-purity nitrogen on-site ensures consistent analytical performance, which is crucial for detecting pollutants, contaminants, and other environmental hazards. Moreover, the cost savings and safety benefits enable environmental testing facilities to allocate more resources towards expanding their testing capabilities and enhancing overall quality.

Nitrogen Generators in Academic Research

For academic laboratories, generators provide a cost-effective and reliable N2 generation solution that supports a wide range of research activities. From supporting advanced analytical techniques to ensuring the safe preservation of samples, nitrogen generators enhance the operational efficiency of academic institutions. The reduced environmental impact aligns with the sustainability goals of many universities, making nitrogen generators an attractive option for research facilities looking to modernize their operations.

Pharmaceutical Labs Supported by Nitrogen Generators

In pharmaceutical research and development, nitrogen generators play a critical role. They provide high-purity nitrogen necessary for synthesizing and analyzing new drug compounds, ensuring the accuracy and safety of the development process. Nitrogen generators support a range of applications, including formulation development, stability testing, and packaging. The ability to produce nitrogen on-site helps pharmaceutical laboratories maintain stringent quality control standards while reducing operational costs and enhancing safety.

Nitrogen Generators Aiding Food and Beverage Testing

Food and beverage laboratories use nitrogen for various applications, including packaging, preservation, and analytical testing. Nitrogen generators ensure a consistent supply of high-purity nitrogen for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which extends the shelf life of products by inhibiting oxidation and microbial growth. Additionally, nitrogen is used in mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques to ensure the safety and quality of food products. On-site nitrogen generation helps these laboratories meet industry standards while optimizing operational efficiency.

Biotechnology and Life Sciences Enabled by Nitrogen Gas

Biotechnology and life sciences laboratories rely on nitrogen for processes such as cell culture, cryopreservation, and lyophilization. Nitrogen generators provide a reliable source of nitrogen that is essential for maintaining the integrity and viability of biological samples. For instance, in cryopreservation, high-purity nitrogen is used to preserve cells, tissues, and other biological materials at ultra-low temperatures. The ability to produce nitrogen on-site enhances the reliability and efficiency of these critical processes.

Nitrogen Generators in Chemical Analysis

Chemical laboratories utilize nitrogen in various analytical techniques, including gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). High-purity nitrogen is crucial for carrier and makeup gases in GC, ensuring accurate and reliable separation of chemical compounds. In LC-MS, nitrogen is used as a drying and nebulizing gas to improve ionization efficiency and sensitivity. Nitrogen generators provide a continuous supply of high-purity nitrogen, enabling chemical laboratories to achieve precise and reproducible results.

Cutting-Edge Research Enabled by Nitrogen Generators

1. Genomics and Proteomics:

In the field of genomics and proteomics, the precision and reliability of nitrogen generators are enabling researchers to conduct advanced studies on genetic material and proteins. High-purity nitrogen is essential for maintaining the stability of samples during mass spectrometry analysis. For example, nitrogen generators are supporting groundbreaking research in cancer genomics, where the identification of genetic mutations and protein biomarkers is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

2. Environmental Science:

Nitrogen generators are revolutionizing environmental science research. Laboratories analyzing air quality and environmental pollutants rely on high-purity nitrogen to calibrate instruments and ensure accurate measurements. Recent studies on the impact of microplastics in marine environments and the effects of air pollution on human health have greatly benefited from the continuous and reliable supply of nitrogen provided by on-site generators.

3. Drug Discovery and Development:

In pharmaceutical research, nitrogen generators are instrumental in drug discovery and development. The production of high-purity nitrogen is critical for synthesizing and analyzing new drug compounds. Researchers are utilizing nitrogen generators to enhance the efficiency of high-throughput screening processes, leading to the rapid identification of potential drug candidates. This technology is accelerating the development of treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, and infectious diseases.

4. Advanced Material Science:

The field of material science is experiencing significant advancements due to the availability of high-purity nitrogen. Researchers are exploring the properties of nanomaterials, graphene, and other advanced materials with applications ranging from electronics to renewable energy. Nitrogen generators ensure a controlled and inert atmosphere, which is essential for experiments that require precise environmental conditions.

The Future Outlook of Nitrogen Generators

As technology continues to advance, the integration of nitrogen generators into laboratory infrastructure is expected to become even more seamless and sophisticated. Innovations in generator design, energy efficiency, and automation will further enhance their appeal. For example, future nitrogen generators may incorporate artificial intelligence to optimize nitrogen production based on real-time demand and usage patterns, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Additionally, as awareness grows about the benefits of on-site nitrogen generation, it is likely that more laboratories will transition away from traditional gas supply methods. The trend towards sustainable and self-sufficient laboratory operations will drive the adoption of nitrogen generators, contributing to the overall advancement of scientific research.

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How a nitrogen generator works - Atlas Copco USA