Choosing the right nitrogen generator for pest control depends on your specific application, required capacity, and purity level. First determine the volume of your treatment space and type of pest, then choose between a mobile or fixed installation based on treatment frequency, and pay attention to the required nitrogen purity for your sector.
What is a nitrogen generator and how does it work in pest control?
A nitrogen generator for pest control produces highly pure nitrogen by filtering oxygen from compressed air. This method eliminates pests through oxygen displacement in enclosed spaces, causing microorganisms and insects to suffocate without chemical agents.
The operating principle is based on the fact that aerobic bacteria and insects require oxygen for their metabolism. By drastically reducing the oxygen level in an airtight space with nitrogen, organisms such as woolly aphids, pot worms, thrips, mites, bed bugs, and wireworms are effectively suffocated.
This biological pest control method offers significant advantages over traditional control methods:
- Completely biological without chemical residues
- No damage to treated products or crops
- On-site nitrogen production, so not location-dependent
- Bulk treatment possible
- No cross-contamination through batch movement
What capacity does your nitrogen generator need for effective pest control?
You calculate the required nitrogen generator capacity based on room volume, desired treatment time, required purity level, and type of pest. An accurate capacity calculation prevents undersizing and ensures effective treatment.
For the calculation you use these factors:
- Total volume of the treatment space in cubic meters
- Desired treatment time (usually 24-72 hours)
- Leakage losses due to imperfect sealing
- Required oxygen displacement (usually to below 1%)
Practical examples for different applications show that a grain storage facility of 1000 m³ requires a different capacity than a greenhouse or warehouse. Smaller spaces such as containers typically need a generator that produces 50-100 m³ of nitrogen per hour, while large storage facilities require systems with capacities of 500-2000 m³ per hour.
What purity level of nitrogen is needed for different types of pest control?
The required nitrogen generator purity varies per application from 95% to 99.9999% (<1ppm oxygen). Food processing and grain pest control require higher purity levels than general warehouse treatment.
| Application | Required purity | Oxygen level |
|---|---|---|
| General warehouse treatment | 95-98% | 2-5% O₂ |
| Grain pest control | 98-99% | 1-2% O₂ |
| Food processing | 99-99.9% | 0.1-1% O₂ |
| Pharmaceutical products | 99.9-99.999% | <0.1% O₂ |
Higher purity levels result in faster and more effective treatment, but also require more energy and advanced filtration systems. For most pest control in food storage facilities, a purity of 98-99% is sufficient.
How do you choose between a fixed installation and a mobile nitrogen generator?
The choice between a fixed or mobile nitrogen generator selection depends on treatment frequency, location variation, and investment costs. Fixed installations are more cost-effective for regular treatment at one location, while mobile units offer flexibility for different locations.
Advantages of fixed installations:
- Lower operational costs with frequent use
- Optimized integration with existing systems
- Higher capacity and efficiency possible
- Automatic operation and monitoring
Advantages of mobile generators:
- Flexibility for multiple locations
- Lower initial investment
- No permanent installation required
- Ideal for seasonal treatment
Choose a fixed installation when you treat monthly or more frequently at the same location. Mobile units are suitable for treatment at different locations or less frequent application.
Important considerations when selecting your nitrogen generator
When selecting your nitrogen generator for pest control, various important factors are decisive for the success of your investment. A careful consideration of these criteria ensures optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
Most important selection criteria:
- Energy consumption and operational costs
- Maintenance ease and spare parts availability
- Redundancy and system reliability
- Modular expansion possibilities
- Compressor system and filtration method
Practical implementation tips for optimal results include testing the sealing of treatment spaces, installing oxygen monitoring, and establishing treatment protocols per type of pest.
For the best choice, we advise you to contact specialists who can assess your specific situation. We at Presscon have more than 25 years of experience with nitrogen generators for pest control and are happy to help you select the optimal system for your application.
