LDH's nitrogen generators produce high-purity nitrogen gas on-site from ambient air, eliminating the need for costly cylinder deliveries. The product line covers a wide range of capacities and configurations to suit different industries and requirements. The generators are categorized primarily by their output capacity (in Nm³/h or L/h for liquid nitrogen) and purity levels, with models ranging from compact units for laboratories to large-scale systems for industrial use. Key series include the LPN series for gaseous nitrogen and LPLN series for liquid nitrogen generation, each with various models to meet specific throughput and purity needs.
LDH nitrogen generators are engineered for safety, efficiency, and ease of use. They incorporate advanced PSA technology with high-quality carbon molecular sieve (CMS) adsorbents to achieve ultra-high purity nitrogen up to 99.9995%. The systems are fully automated with PLC control, enabling one-button start/stop and remote monitoring for convenient operation. They are designed for 24/7 continuous operation with minimal maintenance, and come with features like automatic purity monitoring, fault diagnostics, and safety interlocks. All LDH generators are constructed in compliance with international standards (CE, ASME, etc.), and undergo rigorous testing before delivery to ensure reliability and performance. With LDH's on-site nitrogen generation, customers benefit from a safe, continuous supply of nitrogen that eliminates handling of high-pressure cylinders and reduces storage risks.
Working Principle of PSA Nitrogen Generation
LDH's nitrogen generators utilize Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology to separate nitrogen from atmospheric air. In a PSA system, two adsorption towers filled with carbon molecular sieve (CMS) are used in parallel. The process operates by cycling each tower between high pressure (adsorption phase) and low pressure (desorption/regeneration phase). Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the PSA nitrogen generation principle:
Air Compression & Purification: Ambient air is first compressed to the required pressure (typically 7-10 bar) and then passed through a series of filters and dryers to remove oil, water vapor, and dust. This clean, dry compressed air is essential to protect the CMS and ensure high nitrogen purity.
Adsorption Phase: The prepared air enters one of the CMS-filled adsorption towers under pressure. The CMS has a strong affinity for oxygen and other trace gases (CO2, moisture) and preferentially adsorbs these molecules onto its surface, while allowing the larger nitrogen molecules to pass through. As a result, high-purity nitrogen gas is collected from the outlet of the tower. This process continues until the CMS in that tower becomes saturated with oxygen.
Pressure Swing & Regeneration: Once the first tower nears saturation, the system automatically switches the airflow to the second tower (which has just been regenerated). The first tower is then depressurized to ambient pressure, causing the adsorbed oxygen and other gases to be released (desorbed) from the CMS. This regenerates the CMS, preparing it for the next cycle. A small portion of the produced nitrogen is often used to purge residual oxygen from the regenerating tower, ensuring it is ready for the next adsorption phase.
Continuous Nitrogen Output: By alternating the adsorption and regeneration cycles between the two towers, the PSA system produces a continuous stream of nitrogen gas. The produced nitrogen typically has a purity of 95%-99.999% (with oxygen levels as low as 5 ppm) depending on the system configuration and CMS quality. For applications requiring ultra-high purity (e.g. 99.9995% or higher), LDH can provide optional polishing units (such as catalytic purifiers) to remove any remaining trace oxygen and moisture.
This PSA process is highly efficient and can start producing nitrogen within minutes of startup. The only consumables are electricity (for air compression) and occasional filter replacements, making on-site PSA generation a cost-effective and convenient solution for nitrogen supply.
Product Parameters
Capacity |
Purity |
Model |
length
(mm) |
Width
(mm) |
Height |
Weight(kg) |
Inlet size(DN) |
Outlet size(DN) |
Buffer tank volume(m³) |
5 |
99 |
LPN-5H |
1000 |
1000 |
1640 |
380 |
DN15 |
DN15 |
|
99.9 |
LPN-5I |
1000 |
1000 |
1640 |
380 |
DN15 |
DN15 |
|
99.99 |
LPN-5J |
1300 |
1100 |
1400 |
560 |
DN15 |
DN15 |
0.3 |
99.999 |
LPN-5K |
1300 |
1100 |
1400 |
560 |
DN15 |
DN15 |
0.3 |
20 |
99 |
LPN-20H |
1450 |
1300 |
1450 |
700 |
DN20 |
DN15 |
0.3 |
99.9 |
LPN-20I |
1500 |
1400 |
2030 |
900 |
DN25 |
DN20 |
0.5 |
99.99 |
LPN-20J |
1500 |
1500 |
1700 |
1000 |
DN25 |
DN15 |
0.5 |
99.999 |
LPN-20K |
1600 |
1450 |
1950 |
1400 |
DN25 |
DN15 |
0.5 |
50 |
99 |
LPN-50H |
1600 |
1400 |
2100 |
1100 |
DN25 |
DN20 |
0.5 |
99.9 |
LPN-50I |
1700 |
1500 |
2100 |
1300 |
DN25 |
DN15 |
0.5 |
99.99 |
LPN-50J |
1700 |
1550 |
2160 |
1500 |
DN40 |
DN25 |
0.5 |
99.999 |
LPN-50K |
2000 |
1800 |
2500 |
2300 |
DN40 |
DN40 |
0.5 |
100 |
99 |
LPN-100H |
1600 |
900 |
2230 |
1050 |
DN40 |
DN50 |
1.5 |
99.9 |
LPN-1001 |
1800 |
1750 |
2250 |
1400 |
DN40 |
DN25 |
1.5 |
99.99 |
LPN-100J |
2100 |
1950 |
2250 |
2700 |
DN40 |
DN40 |
1 |
99.999 |
LPN-100K |
2200 |
1300 |
2900 |
3300 |
DN65 |
DN40 |
2 |
150 |
99 |
LPN-150H |
1800 |
1150 |
2200 |
1400 |
DN40 |
DN25 |
1.5 |
99.9 |
LPN-1501 |
2100 |
1200 |
2250 |
2200 |
DN40 |
DN40 |
1.5 |
99.99 |
LPN-150J |
2200 |
1300 |
2700 |
3200 |
DN50 |
DN40 |
2 |
99.999 |
LPN-150K |
2200 |
1500 |
3100 |
4400 |
DN80 |
DN50 |
4 |
Product Applications
Nitrogen gas is a versatile inert gas used in a wide range of industries for its protective and preservative properties. LDH's high-purity nitrogen generators serve many sectors, including:
Food & Beverage Industry: Nitrogen is extensively used in food processing and packaging to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. It is employed in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) - displacing oxygen in food packages to prevent spoilage, oxidation, and microbial growth. For example, nitrogen is used to fill chip bags (creating a protective cushion and preventing chips from breaking) and to blanket coffee, snacks, and bakery products during packaging. It is also used in beverage production for tank blanketing (to prevent oxidation of juices, wines, and beer) and as a pressure transfer gas for liquids. LDH's food-grade nitrogen generators produce nitrogen that meets stringent purity standards (often 99.99% or higher, with low oxygen and moisture content) to ensure food safety and product quality.
Chemical & Petrochemical Industry: In chemical manufacturing, nitrogen is used as an inert blanketing gas to prevent reactions with oxygen, especially in flammable liquid storage and reactor vessels. It helps maintain safe conditions by reducing the risk of fire or explosion in chemical processing. Nitrogen is also used for purging pipelines and equipment, and as a carrier gas in process instrumentation. Petrochemical refineries use large volumes of nitrogen for inerting storage tanks, blanketing fuel systems, and pressure testing pipelines. LDH's generators can supply the high flow rates and purity required for these applications, improving safety and reducing the need for expensive delivered nitrogen.
Electronics Industry: The electronics sector relies on ultra-high purity nitrogen for manufacturing semiconductors, circuit boards, and other electronic components. Nitrogen is used as a protective atmosphere in soldering processes (to prevent oxidation of solder joints), in wave soldering machines, and in reflow ovens. It is also used during the production of LCD panels and in the storage of sensitive components to keep out moisture and oxygen. High-purity nitrogen (often 99.999% or better) ensures that no contaminants are introduced that could damage electronic parts. LDH's PSA generators, especially when combined with purifiers, can achieve the required ultra-pure nitrogen levels (down to low ppm oxygen) for electronics manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical &; Healthcare Industry: Nitrogen gas is important in pharmaceutical manufacturing for blanketing and purging processes to protect sensitive drugs and chemicals from degradation. It is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, in filling and sealing vials to displace oxygen inside containers, and in freeze-drying processes. Nitrogen is also used in medical applications such as cryopreservation of biological samples (using liquid nitrogen) and as a carrier gas in laboratory analysis equipment. LDH offers both gaseous nitrogen generators and liquid nitrogen generators for these needs. For instance, LDH's liquid nitrogen systems (3-50 L/h capacity) are used in medical labs and hospitals for freezing biological materials and for MRI machine cooling. The purity of nitrogen in pharma applications is critical - LDH's systems can produce nitrogen that meets pharmacopoeia and food-grade standards, ensuring it is free from oil, moisture, and particulate contaminants.
Metal Fabrication & Welding: In metalworking, nitrogen (often mixed with a small percentage of hydrogen or other gases) is used as a shielding gas in welding and cutting processes. It prevents oxidation of metals during welding, yielding cleaner and stronger welds. Nitrogen is also used in laser cutting of metals to achieve faster cutting speeds and cleaner edges by blowing away molten metal and preventing oxide formation. Industries like automotive manufacturing, steel fabrication, and aerospace use on-site nitrogen generators to supply these processes continuously. LDH's generators can deliver nitrogen at the required pressure and purity, and can be integrated with welding equipment or laser cutters for efficient operation.
Laboratory & Analytical Applications: Research laboratories and analytical instrument rooms (for GC, LC-MS, etc.) use nitrogen generators to supply carrier and detector gases. On-site nitrogen generators eliminate the need for gas cylinders in the lab, improving safety and convenience. LDH provides compact nitrogen generators (including membrane-based units) that produce nitrogen at flow rates from a few liters per minute up to tens of Nm³/h, suitable for lab instruments and even dental offices (for dental chair air/nitrogen systems). The generators ensure a steady supply of dry, oil-free nitrogen, which is crucial for accurate analytical results and instrument longevity.
These are just a few examples - nitrogen is also used in industries such as oil & gas (for well stimulation and inerting), aerospace (pressurizing fuel tanks), and even in tire inflation for vehicles (to maintain tire pressure and reduce moisture). Across all these applications, LDH's nitrogen generators provide a reliable source of high-purity nitrogen, helping businesses improve product quality, enhance safety, and reduce costs.
FAQ
What purity levels can LDH's nitrogen generators achieve?
LDH's PSA generators can produce nitrogen with purity ranging from 95% up to 99.9995% (5 ppm oxygen) depending on the model and configuration. For applications requiring ultra-high purity (e.g. electronics manufacturing), optional purifiers can further polish the nitrogen to 99.9999% or higher. LDH also offers liquid nitrogen generators that produce liquid nitrogen typically above 99% purity.
Is the nitrogen produced food-grade and safe for food contact?
Yes. The nitrogen produced by LDH generators meets food-grade specifications when equipped with appropriate filters. Food-grade nitrogen must be clean, dry, and free of contaminants. LDH systems ensure oil-free air input and can include particulate and hydrocarbon filters, resulting in nitrogen that meets standards like E941 (food-grade nitrogen). Many food companies use LDH generators for MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) to safely preserve foods.
How much does it cost to operate an on-site nitrogen generator?
The main operating cost is electricity for running the air compressor and refrigeration (for liquid N2 units). Otherwise, there are minor costs for filter replacements and occasional maintenance. On-site generation is far cheaper than buying nitrogen in cylinders - typically, the cost per cubic meter of generated nitrogen is a fraction of the cost of delivered nitrogen. Over time, users often see an 80% reduction in nitrogen expenses. LDH can provide a cost analysis for your specific usage to estimate ROI.
How quickly can a nitrogen generator start producing gas?
PSA nitrogen generators produce nitrogen almost immediately. After startup, you can expect to have usable nitrogen within 15-30 minutes as the system pressurizes and the molecular sieve beds stabilize. Liquid nitrogen generators take longer to reach operating temperature (typically a few hours for initial cool-down), but once running they continuously produce liquid nitrogen.
What are the maintenance requirements for a nitrogen generator?
LDH generators are designed for minimal maintenance. Routine maintenance includes checking and replacing air and coalescing filters periodically (usually every 6-12 months depending on usage), and ensuring the air compressor (if included) is serviced per manufacturer guidelines. The carbon molecular sieve has a long life (many years) under proper operating conditions. LDH provides a maintenance schedule and can offer service contracts. Generally, daily checks are limited to monitoring gauges and ensuring no leaks, while monthly tasks involve filter inspections and cleaning.
Can the generator be customized or scaled for higher demand?
Yes. LDH offers modular nitrogen generation systems that can be customized to your flow and purity requirements. If your nitrogen demand increases, additional generator modules or a larger unit can be installed. Many LDH systems are skid-mounted and can be expanded by adding parallel units. The company's engineering team will work with you to design a solution that fits your current needs and can be scaled in the future.
Is it safe to have a nitrogen generator on-site? Are there any risks?
On-site nitrogen generators are safe when installed and operated correctly. Nitrogen itself is inert and non-toxic, but it can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, so proper ventilation is required in the generator room. LDH systems come with safety features such as pressure relief valves and can be equipped with oxygen deficiency monitors as an added precaution. Compared to storing many high-pressure cylinders, a generator is considered safer because it does not store large volumes of compressed gas - it generates gas on demand at relatively low pressure. LDH ensures all equipment meets international safety standards (CE, etc.) and provides installation guidelines to ensure safe operation.

