Atlas Copco Compressors has introduced the latest addition to its family of nitrogen generators, the new NGMs 1–3 membrane technology units for low-flow N2 requirements.
The NGMs’ generator unit consists of one or multiple membrane modules combined to achieve the nominal inlet flow. Dry compressed inlet air is separated into component gases by passing it through semi-permeable membranes consisting of bundles of extremely small individual hollow fibres packed into a limited space. This provides a very large membrane surface area to produce a relatively high-volume product stream.
Oxygen, water vapour and other trace gases permeate the membrane fibre and are discharged through a permeate port. Nitrogen is contained within the membrane and flows through the outlet port. As water vapour also permeates through the membrane, the nitrogen gas stream is very dry, with dewpoints as low as -50°C.
The nitrogen generators are equipped with a two-stage premium pre-filtration system to ensure an inlet air quality of [1:-:1] according to ISO8573-1:2010. This eliminates the risk of the membrane being damaged by a low-quality compressed air supply.
The generators are supplied as an integrated package complete with filters and are fitted with pressure gauges to ensure accurate system monitoring.