Problems associated with the usual methods of nitrogen supply

Obtaining a continuous and secure supply of nitrogen gas can be difficult and costly. Typical methods of supply include high pressure cylinders, mini liquid tanks or liquid bulk tanks. However, each of these methods presents a set of problems that must be solved. The usual methods of supply such as high-pressure cylinders, mini-liquid tanks or bulk storage tanks present considerable logistical problems. In addition, the costs can be exorbitant, resulting from the price of the gas itself, its transportation, bottles or tank rental, and the resources needed to manage the replenishment process. The cost of lost production due to a lack of gas, delays in delivery, and problems with logistics and administration can cause concern. Another major problem is financial losses due to gas lost by evaporation of liquid or unused gas still present in returned cylinders. Health and safety regulations also regulate the movement and storage of heavy, high-pressure cylinders. And managing large volumes of extremely low temperature liquids (-196 ° C), which damage the skin and can rapidly produce thousands of cubic meters of asphyxiating gas, is another important factor to consider. Nitrogen surrounds us constantly and forms about 78% of the air we breathe at sea level. The problem is that the air also contains about 21% of oxygen, a gas essential to the maintenance of life, but the major contributor to the undesirable oxidation of products, the degradation of foodstuffs and the maintenance of a fire or a risk of explosion of flammable or reactive products. Other contaminants such as moisture and dust particles must also be considered. If it were possible to remove these undesirable components from the ambient air at the point of use, then an abundant source of nitrogen gas would be available to any user, produced in its premises next to its application, on request and without the need for expensive gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen.