subject: Non-Cryogenic Nitrogen Generators And Methods Of Use [print this page] Non-Cryogenic Nitrogen Generators And Methods Of Use
Non-Cryogenic Nitrogen Generators And Methods Of Use
This nitrogen generator relates to gas generators and methods for their use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to devices and methods of generating a gas enriched in a specific component. In other embodiments, the devices are configured to pressurize and regulate the temperature of atmospheric air prior to passing said air through a selectively permeable gas membrane. In further embodiments, a device is also configured to preheat said selectively permeable gas membrane.
Inert gases such as nitrogen are utilized in many industrial processes. The relative low cost and significant abundance of nitrogen as compared to other inert gases makes it particularly attractive for such applications. PSA nitrogen generator is particularly attractive for use in industrial well drilling, for example, in oil and natural gas drilling applications. Thus, there is a need for nitrogen generators that allow for maximum nitrogen generating capacity while also allowing for ease of transport and relocation to both on- and off-shore drilling operations.
In some embodiments, the VPSA oxygen generator relates to a device comprising: i) a first compressor configured to compress feed air into a first compartment providing compressed air at a first elevated temperature at a first elevated pressure; and ii) a membrane bank comprising a selectively permeable PSA oxygen generator configured to receive said compressed air at a second elevated pressure below said first elevated pressure and configured to filter said compressed air providing a component enriched gas; iii) a second compressor configured to compress said component enriched gas into a second compartment at a second elevated pressure. In further embodiments, said component is nitrogen gas.
In other embodiments, the nitrogen generator relates to a method of generating a component enriched gas comprising: a) providing: i) atmospheric air; ii) a membrane bank comprising a casing covering selectively permeable gas membranes; iii) a first compartment wherein said first compartment is temperature regulated; and iv) compressor configured to compress gas into a second compartment; b) compressing said atmospheric air into said first compartment so as to create compressed air; c) cooling said first compartment; d) reducing pressure such that said compressed air moves through said selectively permeable gas membranes providing a component enriched gas. In further embodiments, said component is nitrogen gas. In further embodiments, said first compartment is temperature regulated by a hydraulic coolant system. In further embodiments, said compressed air is above 10 and below 1000 psig.
