11
NITROGEN GENERATORS
INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
7. OPERATION
7.1 Startup
The inlet and outlet connections to the Parker Nitrogen Generator must be checked for leaks prior
to system start-up. After the system is properly installed and checked for leaks, the inlet gate valve
can be slowly opened to introduce compressed air to the system.
During start-up and adjustment of the system, the nitrogen produced by the system will vary in
purity. If the application for the nitrogen is critically dependent on purity, the nitrogen produced
during start-up or adjustment should be vented.
If the outlet nitrogen flow is closed, the system will still consume compressed air. The inlet air is
simply vented to atmosphere through the permeate ports of the membrane module. To eliminate
compressed air consumption if nitrogen is not required for the process, shut off the compressed
air supply to the generator.
7.2 System Adjustment for Desired Outlet Purity
The inlet air pressure must be constant for the system to supply nitrogen of consistent purity to
the application. The inlet pressure to the Parker Nitrogen Generator should be maximized (within
process and generator parameters) to optimize the operation of the membrane module. The inlet
air consumption for different operating pressures is shown in the table on page 20. Nitrogen purities
and flow rates for different operating pressures are shown on page 12.
Flowmeter settings for a given operating pressure are shown on the Nitrogen Purity label attached
to the front of the unit and displayed on the next page. There may be a 5 psig to 15 psig pressure
differential between the pressure of the compressed air supply at the inlet and the operating pressure
of the membrane module. The pressure differential observed is dependent on the outlet nitrogen flow
rate as well as the operating pressure. This pressure loss must be taken into account when
determining the inlet pressure which will deliver the desired purity and flow of nitrogen from
the generator.
To adjust the pressure regulator on the front panel of the generator, pull the knob out, adjust
the pressure and push the knob back in to lock the setting.
