An Overview of PSA and Membrane Nitrogen Generation Technologies
Nitrogen is a vital industrial gas used across many sectors, from food packaging and electronics to pharmaceuticals and metal processing. Among the various methods of producing nitrogen on-site, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and membrane separation are two of the most commonly used technologies. This article highlights the main differences and similarities between these two nitrogen generation methods and provides a general insight into how on-site systems function. PSA Nitrogen Generation Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology utilizes the concept of selective adsorption to isolate nitrogen from ambient air. The system typically includes two separate vessels filled with a material known as carbon molecular sieve (CMS). This material has the unique ability to adsorb oxygen, moisture, and trace gases while allowing nitrogen molecules to pass through. In a PSA system, compressed air is directed into the first vessel, where oxygen and other unwanted gases are ...