Nitrogen Generators by Membrane Separation is the most common type of nitrogen generator where high nitrogen purity is not a critical requirement. Considering the economic performance, most economically sound is the use of air separation plants for nitrogen generation designed on the basis of hollow-fiber polymer membranes.

If 95%-99.9% pure gaseous nitrogen is required where capacity rate does not exceed 1000 nm³/hr, membrane air separation technology appears to be the most suitable option. Considering the economic performance, most economically sound is the use of air separation plants for nitrogen generation designed on the basis of hollow-fiber polymer membranes.

The operation of membrane systems is based on the principle of differential velocity with which various gas mixture components permeate membrane substance. The driving force in the gas separation process is the difference in partial pressures on different membrane sides.A hollow-fiber membrane represents a cylindrical cartridge functioning as a spool with specifically reeled polymer fibers. Gas flow is supplied under pressure into a bundle of membrane fibers. Due to the difference in partial pressures on the external and internal membrane surface gas flow separation is accomplished.

Membrane technology is characterized by low power consumption and the absence of moving parts.

Fig. Membrane air separation technology