Prism Membrane Nitrogen Generation

Problem:

Do you need nitrogen in your application? Looking for a gas that is dry, inert, and can be generated at the point-of-use as needed?

Solution:

Add value to your product by incorporating a PRISM® nitrogen membrane in your equipment, and give your customer the benefit of nitrogen gas when and where he needs it. Also referred to as nitrogen rejection membranes, PRISM nitrogen membranes have been used for more than ten years in a wide variety of applications where nitrogen is the required or preferred gas. If you are looking for a complete, engineered system to generate nitrogen, you can rely on equipment from the Air Products and Chemicals Generated Gases Product Supply Team. If you are looking for complete, gas membrane separation systems for use onboard ships and off-shore, contact Air Products Norway.

Benefits:

Simple to use. Eliminates the need for nitrogen cylinders.
Low maintenance. No moving parts.
Lightweight and compact. Easy to incorporate into OEM equipment.
Adjustable purity. Flow, temperature and pressure variables allow the PRISM membrane to generate up to 99.9% purity.
Field-proven, robust membranes, which can withstand oil vapor as well as liquid water.
Can also be used as a membrane oxygen concentrator, where the gas from the permeate side of the PRISM membrane is utilized.

Note: The datasheet is in PDF format. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Datasheet.

PRISM® Nitrogen Membranes

Examples:

Bauer Compressors

Prisma Membrane Nitrogen Membrane Generators - Bauer SNG II

"As a customer for almost 15 years, Bauer has received the same commitment to excellence throughout its relationship with Air Products.

During the development of the Bauer Nitrogen Generator (pictured below), Air Products provided detailed design information. By working closely with Air Products, we improved the quality and efficiency of the Bauer equipment. Air Products has always understood that the relationship between suppliers and customers must be a partnership to succeed in today's business world.

PRISM membrane devices met or exceeded all design parameters required by our customers, and they have always stood behind their products with exceptional support and service."

Mark Dorsch
Nitrogen Systems Manager
Bauer Compressors

Tire Inflation Applications

Prisma Membrane Nitrogen Membrane Generators - Tire Inflation System

"The Air Products membrane that we use in our nitrogen tire inflation system sets us apart from the competition. The cooperation and support that we receive from the Air Products team has made Branick Industries the leading supplier of nitrogen tire inflation equipment in the United States. We couldn't ask for a better partner."

Gil Schoener
President, Branick Industries

Performance:

Performance tables listed below are based on operating conditions of 100 psig and 115 °F. Contact Air Products PRISM Membranes for performance at other pressures and temperatures.

Nitrogen Product Flow rate (SCFH)
Model #	Product Purity (% O2 – Free)
	99.5	99	98	97	96	95
PA1020-P1	4.39	6.06	8.79	11.3	14.0	16.7
PA3010-N1	6.44	9.23	13.9	18.3	22.9	27.8
PA3020-N1	19.2	26.5	38.4	49.5	60.9	73.1
PA3030-N1	32.3	44.6	64.6	83.4	103	123
PA4030-N1	57.2	78.9	114	148	182	218
PA4030-P3	38.2	50.0	69.1	86.8	105	124
PA4050-N1	93.6	129	187	241	296	355
PA4050-P3	62.9	82.3	114	143	172	204
PA6050-N1	234	323	467	603	741	887
PA6050-P3	139	182	251	315	380	449
DE8060-P1	359	503	741	964	1192	1435
DE8100-P1	517	726	1069	1390	1716	2061

Air Feed Required (SCFH)
Model #	Product Purity (% O2 – Free)
	99.5	99	98	97	96	95
PA1020-P1	24.7	26.6	29.7	32.6	35.6	38.6
PA3010-N1	42.0	45.3	50.7	55.7	60.8	66.3
PA3020-N1	108	116	130	143	155	169
PA3030-N1	182	196	219	240	262	284
PA4030-N1	322	347	388	426	463	503
PA4030-P3	140	154	176	196	217	238
PA4050-N1	529	570	637	697	758	822
PA4050-P3	231	254	290	323	356	391
PA6050-N1	1325	1428	1593	1745	1898	2058
PA6050-P3	509	560	640	713	786	863
DE8060-P1	2320	2486	2756	3005	3255	3518
DE8100-P1	3550	3786	4167	4517	4867	5233

Installation Guide:

Membrane Installation Guide

Related Publications:

Compressed Gas Association, Inc. Publication CGA P-8.1—1995: "Safe Installation and Operation of PSA and Membrane Oxygen and Nitrogen Generators," CGA, 1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1004, Arlington VA 22202-4102, Phone: 703-412-0900 (ext. 799), Fax: 703-412-0128
www.cganet.com

Stookey, D.J., C.J. Patton, and G.L. Malcolm, "Membranes separate gases selectively," CEP, November 1986.

Beaver, E.R. and T.E. Graham, "Inert Gas Generation Systems for Offshore Platforms," Energy Progress, Sept. 1986, pp.149–154.

Lewis, Robert L. and Don J. Stookey, "Pressure-swing absorbers and membrane systems: Alternative Nitrogen Sources," Chemical Processing, Nov. 1992.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Will the PRISM membranes be damaged by liquid water and oil?

PRISM membranes will not be permanently damaged by liquid water. The membrane performance can be restored by flowing warm, dry air through the membrane until all the liquid water is removed. The membranes will not be affected by oil vapor in the feed stream; however, the membranes will be permanently damaged by liquid oil entering or condensing in the membrane. Two coalescing filters are generally recommended upstream of the membrane to ensure all oil aerosols are removed.

Can I replace the fiber if the device becomes damaged?

PRISM membranes offer two types of membrane device—cartridges and integral one-piece devices. If a cartridge design is chosen, the membrane material can be replaced by replacing the cartridge without replacing the pressure vessel. If an integral one-piece device is chosen, the entire device must be replaced. With proper design and routine maintenance on the upstream filtration, the membrane life is expected to be ten years.

What is the dew point of the nitrogen that is produced by the membrane?

The dew point varies slightly with nitrogen purity. At 95% purity, the nitrogen will have at least a –70°F dew point. Operating at 99% will further lower the dew point to below –100°F. For systems requiring extremely low moisture levels, CACTUS Membrane air dryers can be installed in series with nitrogen-generating PRISM membranes.

I have seen some membrane systems that include a 'final' filter. Do I need to use a final filter with the PRISM membranes?

No. Membranes made by other companies are often susceptible to oil vapors. A carbon filter is used upstream of those membranes to remove the oil vapor, and often a final filter is added to remove any carbon dust carried over from the carbon filter.

Membrane Separators and Systems