Nitrogen generators use a cryogenic process that is a simplified version of a full air separation unit (ASU). Alternatively, they can be based on pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology.
If all three main component gases of air are needed, air separation is the answer, but if only nitrogen is required then a nitrogen generator is likely to be more cost-effective.
Nitrogen generators are not designed to produce oxygen and argon as co-products. The focus on nitrogen reduces the specific power requirement, simplifies operation, and reduces the plant capital cost compared to an equivalent nitrogen flow derived from a full ASU.
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