Does the nitrogen generator need maintenance?
Too long to read the answer - "Yes"
Let's take a look at the principle of a nitrogen generator. The proportion of nitrogen in air is about 78%, and oxygen is about 21%. The nitrogen generator used in the laboratory is made of air as raw material. After filtration and drying, nitrogen is separated from oxygen to produce nitrogen with a purity that meets the standard for use.
Sciway nitrogen generator mainly consists of an air compressor, a refrigerated dryer, a filter, a gas storage tank, and a nitrogen separation device.
The function and maintenance of filters
The function of a filter is to remove water, dust, oil, and organic gases.
If the filter element is not replaced for a long time, it will lead to a decrease in nitrogen quality and affect the experimental test results. Impurities in the gas can also increase filter resistance, exacerbate pressure loss, wear carbon molecular sieves, nitrogen membranes, and air compressors, and in severe cases, may lead to generator and backend instrument failures.
Replacing filter cartridges of different grades can effectively filter particles of different sizes (0.01 μ m-1 μ m), achieve gas water separation, adsorb organic gases, and reduce system pressure loss. The number and configuration of filters may vary depending on the model of the gas generator. Under normal circumstances, it is recommended to replace the filter element once a year.
The function and maintenance of freeze dryer
The function of a freeze dryer is to remove moisture from compressed air, reducing the dew point temperature of the generated nitrogen to -40 ℃. Timely checking the system pressure of the refrigerated dryer can ensure the removal of all moisture, effectively avoiding the entry of moisture into the mass spectrometer and incurring expensive maintenance costs.
The function and maintenance of air compressors
The function of an air compressor is to produce compressed air, which can circulate the air. Due to the presence of dust, oil, water, etc. in the air, the fan and suction filter of the air compressor need to be cleaned or replaced regularly. Various valves, motors, belts, and pipelines need to be inspected regularly and replaced when they are severely worn or aged.
If you feel an increase in the noise of the air compressor, it may be due to increased wear and tear on the machine head, requiring maintenance or replacement.
Inspection of other components
In addition to filters and air compressors, maintenance engineers also inspect the operation of the entire gas supply system during on-site maintenance. For example, whether the drainage and water removal devices are working properly, whether there is any air leakage in the connections of various air pipes, and whether the system current and voltage are normal.
Timely maintenance is to ensure the long-term stable operation of the nitrogen generator. Many products from Sciway that have been used for nearly ten years or more are still running in the laboratory, thanks to the maintenance awareness of our clients.
If the generator you are using has not been maintained for more than a year, you can contact Sciway and we will arrange for an after-sales engineer to come and maintain it.
