subject: Get Max Benefit From Your Nitrogen [print this page] A nitrogen booster is an important piece of aviation equipment to allow you to get the maximum benefit out of the nitrogen that you have purchased. When you are shopping for a nitrogen booster, however, it is important to understand what features and characteristics you should look out for to ensure you get the best value for your money and that you get a booster that works for your application.
Benefits of a Nitrogen Booster
Gas bottles containing nitrogen typically provide gas until your system equalizes only. Unfortunately, at this time, there may be as much as 1000 psig of gas remaining in your nitrogen bottle that has not been used. This means you are paying for nitrogen that you are not able to actually make use of in low-pressure nitrogen bottles. A nitrogen booster will allow you to make much more efficient use of the nitrogen gas bottles, helping you to achieve greater cost savings.
Because a nitrogen booster allows you the opportunity to make more efficient use of the nitrogen you have available to you, you will also be able to keep less nitrogen on hand in order to perform the same tasks that you are performing. With less inventory on hand, you tie up less cash flow that you are putting towards the purchase of nitrogen. You also have less to worry about as far as storing, tracking and managing the inventory.
The ability to get more nitrogen out of each bottle also means that you need less labor time to set up and perform a service. Instead of having to switch gas bottles midway through the performance of a service, sometimes even multiple times, your nitrogen bottles will go further and you will be able to switch less often or even avoid switching entirely while performing the service.
What to Look for in a Nitrogen Booster
Once the benefits of a nitrogen booster have convinced you that purchasing a booster is the right choice for you, it is important to know what to look for in a booster. Some key characteristics to watch out for include the following:
Portability. You want a nitrogen booster that is light weight and that works anywhere so you can take it with you to wherever you need it.
Sparkless operation. This helps to ensure safe operation of your nitrogen booster and is an essential feature.
Minimal parts requirements. Look for a nitrogen booster that does not require an air regulator, air lubricator or inlet air valve. The fewer the parts you need, the more portable your booster is and the easier your booster is to use.
Polymeric seals. Choosing a nitrogen booster with polymeric seals will ensure that your booster is as efficient as possible and that it lasts as long as possible.
Quick disconnect. A quick disconnect feature will make it possible for you to power your nitrogen booster using either a low-pressure nitrogen supply bottle or using shop air
If you pay attention to these features and you find a nitrogen booster that has the characteristics you are looking for, you will find a nitrogen booster that provides you with many benefits for a long time.
