When choosing between nitrogen cylinders and on-site nitrogen generators, it comes down to your specific business needs. Nitrogen cylinders are ideal for occasional use, low volumes, or temporary projects requiring high purity. On-site generators, on the other hand, are more cost-effective with regular use and higher volumes, offering supply security and reducing transportation movements. The choice depends on factors such as consumption volume, purity requirements, available space, and your long-term cost perspective.
What is the difference between nitrogen cylinders and on-site nitrogen generators?
Nitrogen cylinders and on-site nitrogen generators represent two fundamentally different methods of obtaining industrial nitrogen. Nitrogen cylinders are pre-filled containers supplied by external providers, while on-site generators produce nitrogen gas locally from ambient air.
Nitrogen cylinders, also called nitrogen bottles, contain compressed nitrogen under high pressure. These cylinders are filled in specialized production facilities and then transported to your business. When the cylinders are empty, they are collected and replaced with new ones. This system is relatively simple to implement and requires little technical knowledge from your staff.
On-site nitrogen generators work according to a different principle. These systems separate nitrogen from ambient air using technologies such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane filtration. The generator purifies the incoming air and separates the nitrogen gas from oxygen and other components. This process happens continuously, giving you a constant flow of freshly produced nitrogen as long as the generator is operational.
What factors determine the choice between nitrogen cylinders and generators?
Various factors play a role when making a choice between nitrogen cylinders and on-site generators. The consumption volume is one of the most decisive factors: for smaller volumes, cylinders are often more practical, while for larger volumes, an on-site generator becomes economically advantageous.
The required purity level is equally important. Nitrogen cylinders can deliver very high purity levels (up to 99.999%), while on-site generators typically achieve purity levels between 95% and 99.5%. For applications requiring ultra-high purity, such as certain laboratory processes, cylinders may be preferred.
Other important considerations include:
- Available space: on-site generators require a fixed installation space
- Business continuity: for critical processes, an on-site generator may offer more security
- Initial investment: cylinders have lower startup costs but higher operational costs
- Supply security: with your own generator, you are not dependent on external deliveries
- Safety considerations: less handling of heavy cylinders reduces accident risks
When are nitrogen cylinders the best choice for your business?
Nitrogen cylinders are often the optimal solution when your nitrogen needs are occasional or relatively small. They offer flexibility without major investments in equipment and are therefore ideal for specific situations.
Cylinders are particularly suitable for:
- Businesses with low or irregular nitrogen consumption
- Applications requiring very high purity levels
- Temporary projects or seasonal activities
- Situations where little space is available for permanent installations
- Businesses that do not want to invest in their own equipment and maintenance
- Start-up companies that still need to determine their exact nitrogen requirements
Cylinders can also serve as a backup for businesses primarily using an on-site generator, to ensure continuity during maintenance or unexpected breakdowns.
Why are more and more businesses choosing on-site nitrogen generators?
The trend towards on-site nitrogen generators is driven by various advantages this technology offers. The independence from external suppliers is a significant plus, especially for businesses with continuous processes where supply interruptions can be costly.
Although the initial investment is higher, on-site generators provide substantial cost savings in the long term. After a payback period (usually between 1-3 years, depending on consumption volume), you produce nitrogen at a fraction of the cost of cylinders.
Other advantages of on-site generators include:
- Continuous availability of nitrogen, 24/7
- Reduced CO2 emissions by eliminating transportation movements
- No more handling of heavy cylinders, improving workplace safety
- No storage space needed for multiple cylinders
- No administrative burden for ordering, tracking, and returning cylinders
- Possibility to adjust capacity for growing needs
How do you calculate the total cost of ownership for both nitrogen solutions?
To make a proper comparison between nitrogen cylinders and on-site generators, it is essential to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO). This analysis goes beyond the purchase price and includes all costs over the entire usage period.
For nitrogen cylinders, you must consider:
- Rental costs of the cylinders
- Price per m³ of nitrogen gas
- Delivery costs and possible rush charges
- Storage and handling costs
- Administrative costs for ordering and management
For on-site nitrogen generators, you should calculate:
- Initial investment in the equipment
- Installation costs
- Energy consumption for nitrogen production
- Maintenance costs (filters, parts, service appointments)
- Depreciation over the lifespan (usually 10-15 years)
By comparing these costs over a period of 5-10 years, you gain insight into which solution is economically most advantageous for your specific situation.
Conclusion: The right nitrogen solution for your specific business situation
The choice between nitrogen cylinders and on-site nitrogen generators is not a universal answer but depends on your unique business circumstances. For occasional use and small volumes, cylinders remain a practical solution. However, for regular and substantial consumption, on-site generators offer clear advantages in terms of cost, supply security, and sustainability.
It is important not to look only at the initial investment but to perform a complete TCO analysis that maps all aspects of your nitrogen needs. Also consider future developments: will your nitrogen requirements grow, or will they fluctuate?
At Presscon, we are happy to help you make the right choice for your specific situation. With our experience in various industries, including greenhouse horticulture, breweries, specialized solutions for the food industry, data centers, and laboratories, we can provide you with a customized nitrogen solution that fits your operational needs and budgetary considerations. Through a thorough analysis of your consumption patterns, quality requirements, and business processes, we ensure together the most effective and economical nitrogen supply for your business. Contact our nitrogen supply experts for personalized advice tailored to your requirements.