SELF-GENERATION OF NITROGEN IN THE FOOD AND METALLURGICAL INDUSTRIES

Today, in modern industries, the need to maintain efficient, safe and sustainable processes is a priority. One of the technological solutions that has gained prominence in key sectors such as food and metallurgy is the self-generation of nitrogen.

This inert gas, which in many cases is used in compressed form, plays a very important role in a variety of industrial applications due to its unique properties. Find out more about nitrogen self-generation in this Gurpea Green Tech blog post.

What is Nitrogen?

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that makes up approximately 78% of the air we breathe. In its gaseous form, nitrogen is chemically inert, meaning that it does not react easily with other substances.

This characteristic makes it an essential element for various industrial applications. Although in the atmosphere it is found in a gaseous state, nitrogen can exist in various forms, depending on its industrial application.

What is Nitrogen uses for?

Nitrogen is used in a wide variety of industries due to its unique properties. Its ability to create an inert atmosphere makes it an invaluable tool in processes where oxidation and other unwanted chemical reactions must be controlled or eliminated.

In addition, nitrogen is crucial for applications that require extreme refrigeration or the preservation of oxygen-sensitive products. Its application is especially important in sectors where environmental purity is crucial, such as in the food industry for food preservation, or in metallurgy to protect metals during processing.

What is the use of Nitrogen in the industry?

Nitrogen is used in a wide variety of industries due to its chemical and physical properties and different installation options. Some of the most common industrial applications include: Food preservation Incorporating nitrogen into food packaging prolongs its shelf life and preserves its organoleptic qualities.

Nitrogen displaces oxidative oxygen, generating a controlled atmosphere in the environment, which helps preserve the quality and characteristics of food products.

Manufacturing processes In the metal processing industry, nitrogen is used to create controlled atmospheres that protect metals from oxidation during processing. This is the case for its application in laser cutting systems for example.

Displacement of liquids and gases Nitrogen can displace other gases or liquids in pipes and tanks, preventing contamination or unwanted reaction. For any of these applications, the nitrogen, once generated, is bottled at pressures of around 300 bar. This makes it possible to store large quantities in small-volume containers. In industry, 50-liter bottles are usually used, which are grouped in racks of 12 or 16 bottles.

These bottles must withstand high pressure to which they are subjected by the gas inside, being essential that they are made of strong and thick materials. In Gurpea Green Tech, we have a high pressure compressor, designed by our own engineering team, and the possibility of including in the nitrogen generation plant a back up line and a cylinder bottling line for storage and/or distribution.

Nitrogen generation in Industrial Plant

Self-generation of nitrogen in industrial plants is a solution increasingly adopted by companies to ensure a constant and economical supply of this essential gas. Traditionally, companies purchased nitrogen in liquid or gaseous form, but thanks to digitalization and advances in gas generation technology, it is now possible to produce nitrogen directly in the plant.

Nitrogen generation systems work by separating nitrogen from air using technologies such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation. These technologies make it possible to produce nitrogen with a purity that can vary according to the needs of the application, from basic levels to almost 100% purity. In-plant nitrogen generation offers multiple advantages, such as:

• Cost reduction

By generating nitrogen on-site, the costs associated with transporting and storing compressed nitrogen cylinders are eliminated.

• Continuous supply and storage

Plants can operate without interruption, as nitrogen generation is directly integrated into the production process. In addition, it also allows storage of bottled gas during shutdowns, and to generate a back-up for emergencies and unforeseen events.

• Autonomy

The lack of dependence on external suppliers avoids problems related to supply delays or failures.

• Customization

The self-generation systems allow the purity and flow of nitrogen to be adjusted according to the specific needs of each industrial process, in addition to monitoring its status, thus favoring the optimization of production.

• Sustainability

By reducing the need for gas transport, the carbon footprint associated with industrial operation is reduced.

Nitrogen in the food industry

As mentioned above, the use of nitrogen in the food industry is vital for product preservation and shelf life extension. The most common applications include nitrogen packaging and food preservation and safety.

Nitrogen packaging

One of the most common applications of nitrogen in the food industry is in product packaging. By replacing the oxygen in the package with nitrogen, oxidation and the growth of microorganisms that could spoil food is prevented.

This process, known as "modified atmosphere packaging" (MAP), prolongs the shelf life of products such as meats, fruits, vegetables, and snacks, maintaining their freshness and flavor for longer.

Effect of nitrogen on food preservation and safety The use of nitrogen in food preservation not only prolongs shelf life, but also improves product safety.

By minimizing the presence of oxygen, the risk of aerobic bacteria growth, which can cause food poisoning, is reduced. In addition, nitrogen helps maintain the natural texture and color of foods, which is particularly important in products such as prepared salads and fresh meats.

In the dairy industry, nitrogen is also used to protect powdered products, such as milk powder, from contact with moisture, preventing the formation of lumps and ensuring a high quality product. This type of application is essential to maintain competitiveness in the market, where freshness and quality are paramount.

Nitrogen in the metallurgical industry

In the metallurgical industry, nitrogen plays a very important role in various metal manufacturing and treatment processes.

One of the most important applications is in sintering, a process used in the production of metal parts from powders. During this process, nitrogen is used to create an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation of the metals and ensures the quality of the final product.

Nitrogen is also used in the heat treatment of metals, where it is essential for carburizing and nitriding, processes that increase the hardness and durability of metal parts.

Nitrogen's ability to prevent oxidation also makes it ideal for metal cutting and welding, where protection against air contamination is needed.

Gurpea Green Tech, cost-effective self-supply solutions 

At Gurpea Green Tech, we are aware of the importance of nitrogen in modern industry and the advantages of having a nitrogen generation plant.

Our company specializes in offering integral and customized nitrogen self-supply solutions, covering from the initial study of return on investment and production capacities, through design, manufacturing and installation to subsequent maintenance.

Thanks to our engineering department, we have our own PSA and compressor designs, which guarantee the efficiency and reliability of the nitrogen generation systems, custom-designed according to the specific requirements assessed for each customer. Thus contributing to their profitability and competitiveness in the market.

With extensive experience in the sector, Gurpea Green Tech not only provides the necessary equipment for the self-generation of nitrogen, but also offers a comprehensive service that includes the maintenance and optimization of the systems. In this way, we ensure that our customers can enjoy a safe and continuous supply of nitrogen, maximizing their operational efficiency.

Furthermore, at Gurpea Green Tech, we understand that each industry has unique needs and therefore we work closely with our customers to design and implement customized solutions.

Whether in the food industry, where nitrogen purity and consistency are crucial for food preservation, or in the metalworking industry, where protection against oxidation is essential, we are here to help optimize your production processes.

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in each of our projects. Self-generation of nitrogen not only reduces costs and increases efficiency, but also contributes to a greener future by minimizing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and production of nitrogen.

If you want to know more about how Gurpea Green Tech can help you or need more information, access now to our website or write us, one of our specialists will contact you to solve all your doubts.