PERMA PURE LLC
Zero-Air™ Generator User’s Manual
Doc. ZA-MAN-001 REV 01
Page 4 of 10
General description
Perma Pure’s portable Zero-Air generator (ZAG) is a light-weight, self-contained system capable of
producing 18 lpm of high purity, particle free dry air. The dual head diaphragm pump draws
ambient air of into the ZAG where it is compressed then purified using a combination of
membranes, adsorbents, and filters as shown in figure 1.
Figure 1 - ZAG Schematic
Components
Pump – A dual head diaphragm pump draws in ambient air up to 18 lpm at 30 psig. A flow
meter and pressure gauge indicate air supply conditions.
Nafion
®
Dryer – A Nafion membrane dryer removes water vapor and certain polar organic
compounds (ie. Alcohols, ketones). A bundle of Nafion tubes is housed inside a dryer shell.
As wet compressed air flows through the tubes, water vapors is absorbed through the
membrane and carried off by a counter-current purge air.
Ultraviolet Lamp – The UV lamp produces approximately 1-3 ppm of ozone, which breaks
down microorganisms into carbon compounds that are removed further downstream. It also
oxidizes NO to NO
2
which is removed a system adsorbents.
Activated carbon/Alumina mixture – This is a blend of activated carbon and impregnated
alumina pellets. The mixture will remove trace quantities of chlorine (Cl
2
), hydrogen fluoride
(HF), hydrogen sulfide (H
2
S), nitrogen oxides (NO
x
), ozone (O
3
), sulfur dioxide(SO
2
), sulfur
trioxide (SO
3
) and general hydrocarbons (HC). The mixture changes from purple to brown,
indicating the need for replacement.
Carbon monoxide catalyst – Palladium impregnated alumina pellets are used to convert low
levels of CO to CO
2
. This catalyst is not consumable, and should last the lifetime of the unit.
Particulate filter – Last stage of purification is the particulate filter. This filter has an
absolute retention rating of 1 micron, and 93% rating for particles down to 0.1 micron. The
disposable filter is housed in a transparent plastic housing, allowing easy visual
determination of the filter’s condition.
