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Nitrogen Generators:
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The following
specification and information can be downloaded from the
"Downloads" page. |
Commercial nitrogen production (tank car
quantities, cylinders, etc.) is usually conducted by cryogenic
separation (liquefaction and rectification of air). Small scale
preparation (for laboratory use) of high purity nitrogen is
economically infeasible by this procedure.
AADCO nitrogen generators produce very pure
nitrogen from pressurized air. This generation system relies upon an
air source which is constantly increasing in pressure during the
separation cycle, i.e., no static or falling pressure during the
cycle. The absorbing medium is able to retain oxygen, water and
trace gases selectively while permitting uninterrupted passage of
nitrogen and argon. The AADCO nitrogen generator output is actually
99% nitrogen and 1% argon, both inert. The product purity is
equivalent to Research Grade Nitrogen (the very best grade), having
a minimum purity of 99.999 mole%. It is usually supplied only in
small cylinders from the gas cylinder bottlers.
Installation
Once the nitrogen generator has
been located in a laboratory environment (maximum ambient
temperature does not exceed 85° F and the relative humidity 70%)
the unit is ready for operation. The output can be connected to a
single instrument or "tee'd" to several instruments
provided the total flow does not exceed 300 cc/min. Where higher
flows are required, several nitrogen generators can be manifolded.
Models
AADCO nitrogen generators are
available in both bench and rack-mounted instruments, designed to
meet laboratory needs or other low-volume nitrogen requirements.
Performance, operation and components are identical for both units.
Safety
Of major significance are the 0SHA
regulations governing the siting and usage of high pressure
cylinders.
The AADCO Model 441-series nitrogen generators, with their low
internal volume and low pressure, satisfy 0SHA requirements and
eliminate those problems associated with the storage and handling of
high pressure cylinders. In addition, to avoid impure nitrogen
entering the using equipment, each unit has a Power Safety Delay,
with status indicating tamps, which is automatically activated in
the event of a power outage. This necessitates operator interference
before nitrogen generation is resumed. To prevent
over consumption of nitrogen from the
generator and to avoid exceeding the maximum rated capacity of the
instrument, there is an internal limiting flow controller.
Operation
Within eight hours, upon completion
of the installation and applying power to the generator, full
internal pressure, of high purity nitrogen, as show on the nitrogen
pressure gauge, will be reached. At this time the READY lamp will
light, signifying the continuous availability of usable nitrogen.
The operator then sets the output pressure at the using equipment.
The flow is also regulated at the using equipment from I – 500
cc/min. The performance of the generator during operation is
indicated automatically by various diagnostic lamps and internal
pressure gauges.
Purity
Following
the specified installation and operating procedures, the user can
reliably anticipate the output purity to be less than 2.5 PPM
Oxygen, 2.0 PPM Water, 0.5 PPM hydrocarbons, 2.0 Pm COS. This purity
exceeds Research Grade, the highest gas cylinder purity available.
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