Air Products AS, the Kristiansand-based specialist in gas separation using membranes, offers PRISM® membrane nitrogen systems.These systems generate low-cost nitrogen on demand, and will free the user from the limitations and costs of nitrogen cylinders. Air Products’ Nitrogen Systems use PRISM® membrane separators to produce nitrogen gas from air. They have become the leading source for on-site nitrogen generation, with thousands of systems installed all over the world. PRISM® Systems have been built to customer specifications and sold worldwide for nearly 20 years.
Enhanced Safety
Nitrogen gas is used for a variety of applications, but most of them are in some way related to safety. Nitrogen, typically containing 3-5% oxygen, is then used as an inert gas, which efficiently prevents fires and explosions from occurring in tanks and piping systems.
Three factors are necessary to have a fire: Hydrocarbon fuel / vapor, oxygen, and a source of ignition. The formation of hydrocarbon vapor can normally not be prevented, and the sources of ignition are diverse and difficult to eliminate. Lowering the oxygen content to a safe level by replacing the present atmosphere with inert gas is then often the only safe alternative.
Nitrogen was earlier supplied in cylinder banks, but is now increasingly generated by an on-site system, such as the PRISM® System. The advantage of an on-site system is that there is always an abundant supply available. You can then use nitrogen more extensively and correctly, without an eye to what is left in the cylinders.You also save the cumbersome and often hazardous handling of cylinder banks.
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Wide Capacity Range
PRISM” systems are typically designed for nitrogen flowrates within the 25-2000 Nm3/h area (900-75000 SCFH). The nitrogen (+argon) purity is usually 95-97%, but different purities may be preset, even up to 99,9%. Nitrogen flowrate and purity are however inverse parameters, and it is therefore not economical to generate higher purity than is actually needed.
Feed air pressures down to 5.5 barg are acceptable, but as system efficiency increases with rising pressure, it is generally economical to maximize the feed air pressure. Normal feed pressures are 7 to 13 barg, but it is possible to operate PRISM” systems up to 20 barg.
The efficiency of the membranes improves with rising pressure, and a small system at high pressure can thus do the job of a larger system at lower pressure. For system optimization the capital costs must however be balanced against the cost of compression power.
Is PRISM® right for you?
If you are looking into nitrogen supply, you are probably already aware that membranes can save up to 50% over other nitrogen supply options, depending on required purity levels, flowrates and volume requirements.
The PRISM” system incorporates our proprietary membrane gas separation technology, recognized as one of the most efficient and effective nitrogen recovery methods available. Over a decade of membrane experience has proven the durability and long operating life characteristic of this system.
The system is simple to install, operate and maintain. It is compact and lightweight, and can be manufactured to customer specifications and requirements. Service and spare parts are available worldwide.
Let us evaluate your nitrogen needs and recommend the PRISM” system that is right for you.
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