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www.integratedmarketing.co.za | 012 664 3445 | sales@integratedmarketing.co.za

Nitrogen generators are actually not “generators” at all, as they do not “generate” nitrogen, but rather separate it from a pressurized air source. Nitrogen generators use one of two technologies to separate nitrogen and oxygen: membrane or pressure swing adsorption (or, PSA).

Membrane nitrogen generators utilize a separation “membrane” to make nitrogen. The process involves a series of hollow fibers that have holes in their walls. Essentially, compressed air is forced through these hollow fibers. Because oxygen molecules are much smaller than nitrogen molecules, the oxygen is pushed through the membrane material and exhausted, while the larger nitrogen molecules are retained and stored in a reserve tank.

PSA units, on the other hand, utilize a series of carbon molecular sieve towers, as opposed to separation membranes, to produce nitrogen. While marginally more complex than a membrane system, PSA systems are typically more compact. PSA systems also require less inlet air to run, and because they are more efficient and make nitrogen quicker, they typically do not require the addition of a storage tank.

PSA N2 Generator Membrane N2 Generator

Steel Cylinders inside the N2 generator, absorbs theOxygen and release Nitrogen

One or more membranes in the N2 generator, thesemembranes is a molecular filter screen thatallowsoxygen to pass throught and collects thelarger Nitrogen molecules.

Appart from 2 prefilters on the side of the machine, compressed air will further be filtrated by the AI203 in the CMS towers. The AI203 filter residual oil and moisture, this will be released through the exhaust system.

Having stricter air quility requirements, themembranes are made of chemical fiber materials. Oil tends to block the membrane holes, and water causes rust in the filter system. If the atmospheric temperature is below 0°C it can result in the fibres to be destroyed in the membrane. A heating unit is required to keep the membrane temperature around 20°C in Winter. All of the above factore can result in damaging the membranes, thus causing it to lose capability of producing nitrogen.

Purity: 95% - 99% Purity: 95% - 99%

Lifetime is 3 x langer based on the quality ofcompressed air

Lifetime depends on the quality and tempereture ofcompressed air.

Low Maintenance requirmentsHigh maintenance requirements due to membraneand temperature control

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PSA systems rely on carbon for gas separation, which is very durable, hearty and tolerant to contaminates, they typically do not require the addition of a refrigerated air dryer…a must for membrane systems…or exotic filtration. While the life of the average membrane system in the tyre and automotive service sector may be five to seven years, assuming it is powered by very clean and dry inlet air, a comparable PSA system may provide over 20 years of service, and without the strict inlet air quality requirements.

A Pressure Swing Adsorption Nitrogen Generator simply separates the nitrogen molecules out of your compressed air stream to a usable purity, flow and pressure, based on your required specification.

The PSA process is a physical process and uses no chemicals, therefore the annual consumables costs are extremely low. Whether inflated with air or nitrogen, regular tyre inflation pressure maintenance remains critical and necessary. Use of nitrogen alone is not a replacement for regular Tyre inflation pressure maintenance. Underinflation, and/or overloading tyres, will create excessive stresses and heat build-up that can lead to Tyre disablement by a tread-belt separation and/or detachment, causing serious injury or death.

Nitrogen filled tyres – benefits:

• Nitrogen maintains pressure better than conventional air• Nitrogen keeps Tyre 20% cooler• Nitrogen-filled tyres use less fuel• Nitrogen prolongs the life of your tyres• Tests show that nitrogen reduces Tyre failure by as much as 80%• Nitrogen improves handling and performance

The reason why oxygen eats up tyres is because it reacts chemically with rubber as it passes through it, causing the rubber to lose its elasticity and strength. Compressed air also contains moisture. Moisture corrodes. Therefore decreasing Tyre and wheel life. Water vapor and oxygen destroys tyres by forming rust in steel body piles, valve stems, and wheels.

Oxygen and moisture also create aluminum hydroxide, which corrodes aluminum wheels and rims. The result is premature again, such as tread separation, cracking and blowout. The second most expensive operation expense after fuel is tyre repairs OR replacement. Inflating your tyres with nitrogen can give you more kilometres. Not to mention the peace of mind that your family is riding on safe, cool, nitrogen filled tyres.

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Nitrogen inflation of tyres has been common for tyres fitted on race cars such as F1, as well as aircraft, trucks and vehicles used in mining and other industrial applications for a long time. Nitrogen gas is also used in Tour de France bike tyres, in all the space shuttle tyres and even the moon buggy had nitrogen in its tyres.

Planes fly at heights where temperatures may be as low as -40C. Any moisture in the tyres can freeze causing vibration and balance problems when landing. Pure nitrogen is dry so eliminates this problem (as would dried compressed air).

In motor sport the smallest fraction of a second can make the difference between winning and losing. Filling with nitrogen can reduce tyre pressure variation caused by changes in tyre temperature. It is also the biggest molecule gas, so it is the slowest gas to migrate through a tyre, and there is therefore very little loss of pressure.

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If Tyre pressure is too high, then less of the tyre touches the ground. As a consequence, your car will bounce around on the road. And when your tyres are bouncing instead of firmly planted on the road, traction suffers and so do your stopping distances. You’ll also feel a decrease in ride comfort.

Over-inflating tyres causes the sidewalls and tread of the tyre to become harder than normal. This can reduce the traction and performance of the tyre, as well as cause uneven tyre wear. When the pressure is increased beyond the recommended pressure, the contact patch of the tyre actually shrinks

Having the tyre pressures correct is important for several reasons:

• Tyre life – under or over inflation increases wear• Fuel economy – under inflation increases fuel consumption• Safety – under or over inflation will affect grip and braking

performance• Ride – over inflation can result in a harsh, uncomfortable and

skittish ride

A few things to keep in mind: You should always check the pressure when the tyres are cold, including the spare wheel Don’t know the right level? You should find it in the handbook, on the driver’s door or inside the fuel cap. Always follow the manufacturer’s guide to pressure levels

Remember, incorrectly-inflated tyres can cause: • Increased fuel consumption• Impaired handling • Increased braking distances• Greater risk of blow-outs• Reduced tyre life

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www.integratedmarketing.co.za | 012 664 3445 | sales@integratedmarketing.co.za

Nitrogen Generators & inflation equipment

available

HWN80Passenger Nitrogen Generator

70L internal tank8m hose supplied

HWN90Truck Nitrogen Generator

160L external tankAuto tyre vacuum & inflate

HWP600Wall mounted digital inflator

Auto deflating & inflatingCan be used of cars & trucks PA105

Floor mounted digital inflatorAuto inflatingLCD display