16
NITROGEN GENERATORS
INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
9.3 Receiving Tank Applications
After all the components have been properly installed (see Figure 5), the following procedure should
be followed to ensure optimal operation of the entire nitrogen supply system (which incorporates
the use of a receiving tank).
1. Set the inlet pressure to the Parker Nitrogen Generator using the customer-provided pres-
sure regulator and initiate the air flow through the system.
2. Set the flow control valve to its fully open position. The nitrogen flowmeter reading should be
at the top of the scale.
3. Close the shutoff valve to the process and open the vent valve downstream from the receiv-
ing tank to prevent substandard nitrogen from entering the process.
4. Fully open the outlet pressure regulator on the nitrogen generator and adjust the back pres-
sure controller until the outlet pressure gauge on the nitrogen generator reads 10 psig (0.7
barg) less than the desired nitrogen storage pressure. Maximize the storage pressure to min-
imize the size of the receiver tank needed.
5. Set the flow control valve on the front panel of the nitrogen generator to the proper reading,
as specified by the Flowmeter Adjustment Label.
6. Purge the entire system, venting the initial nitrogen stream through the vent valve to
atmosphere. Purge time is dependent on receiver size and length of piping installed.
7. Close the vent valve, open the process shutoff valve, and initiate the flow of nitrogen to
the process.
The use of a receiving tank upstream from the process, as detailed in this literature, significantly
reduces the effects of fluctuating nitrogen demand on the purity of the emergent nitrogen process
stream from the Parker Nitrogen Generator. Parker recommends a thorough purge of the system
(see Steps 3 through 7 above) each time the unit is started.
9.4 Temperature Equilibrium
If the temperature of the inlet air to the Parker Nitrogen Generator differs from the temperature of
the module (i.e. ambient temperature), the system must be allowed to reach thermal equilibrium
before a nitrogen stream of consistent purity can be delivered from the system. If the temperature
difference is 10°F-20°F (5°C-10°C), this equilibrium period may take up to 60 minutes. The inlet air
temperature and, more importantly, inlet air dewpoint, must not be higher than the temperature of
the system, or condensation of water within the system may occur, resulting in inefficient perfor-
mance of and/or damage to the system.
