Whilst the flow for nitrogen pressure swing adsorption (PSA) in the areas of reflow soldering and laser processing is declining, the market for nitrogen generators for use on transportation tankers looks set to rise steadily.
Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC) anticipates sales of Y900m, with sales of 22 nitrogen PSA units in this area alone. Takeshi Hayashi, Manager of the Equipment Sales Division with the company, noted that expanded use of the PSA units on LPG vessels and chemical tankers and the dramatically increased capacity requirements as a result has contributed to this demand.
Two of TNSC’s competitors, Kuraray Chemical and Air Water, are developing strategies to capitalise on this growing market and secure sales streams from potential clients, adding specialised equipment for these tankers to their existing product portfolio.
Recent demand
Nitrogen is used in purging systems that prevent explosions on tankers transporting highly flammable cargo, such as crude oil, chemicals and gas. The SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) treaty requires inert gas facilities to be installed on tankers with a dead-weight of over 200,000 tonnes.
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