What is a Nitrogen Generator?

A nitrogen generator is a device that produces nitrogen from compressed air.  

How do Nitrogen Generators work?

They generate nitrogen by removing oxygen, water

vapor and other gases from a compressed air supply. 

Nitrogen is then piped to a receiver tank.

Waste gases are vented to the atmosphere.  

Are they difficult to operate?

No, nitrogen generators are similar to air compressors,

they turn themselves on and off as required and will

operate for years with only basic maintenance. 

What is inside a nitrogen generator?

Most nitrogen generators include the following components:

Pre-filters                     - to clean the air entering the generator

Pneumatic Controls      - to control the flow and purity of nitrogen

Separation Membrane   - to separate nitrogen from the air stream

Purity Gauge                - to measure the purity of nitrogen produced 

Receiver Tank               - to hold the nitrogen gas produced

VIS-Nitro also includes an inflation controller to automate tire inflation. 

How much air and pressure is required for a nitrogen generator?

To inflate car tires the inlet air should be 8-10scfm at 100psi.

If truck tires will be inflated, the inlet air should be nominal 20-24scfm at 160psi. 

Why is so much air required?

Because nitrogen generators consume air to produce nitrogen. 

Nitrogen generators typically vent 50% of the air going into

them and consume 15psi of inlet pressure to produce nitrogen. 

How is nitrogen purity determined and adjusted?

Most nitrogen generators come with a purity gauge to determine the purity of nitrogen produced.  And most have an adjustment valve to set nitrogen purity.  

How much maintenance do they require?

Very little, replacing pre-filters annually is all that is required.