Food Storage with Nitrogen

Nitrogen can be used in manufacturing, industrial, commercial and retail applications, making it a pretty versatile gas. One of the many ways Nitrogen has benefited our lives is through its use in the food storage industry.

In the food storage and packaging industry, Nitrogen plays a critical role in preserving the product's freshness, flavor and texture.  N2 gas is a clean, dry and inert gas (which means it's very safe when handled properly) that can reduce or eliminate the presence of oxygen (which is an essential factor in the decay of organic matter).

With some exceptions, food and beverages that are purchased in grocery stores were likely packaged days or even weeks before they arrived on the shelves. In order to maintain the food's quality while in the packaging facility, and preserve its quality even after it's shipped, packaging facilities rely on optimized storing methods - which often include the use of Nitrogen gas.

Nitrogen displaces the presence of oxygen, but it can also be used in blanketing applications, which is a process in which the interior of the packaging is padded with Nitrogen gas to prevent crushed and broken food products like crackers, chips and other more fragile items.

Produce can also be effectively preserved by using nitrogen in packaging facilities. Nitrogen can help create an atmosphere in which levels of humidity and oxygen are controlled to decelerate the ripening process in fruits and vegetables. Apples, pears, bananas, tomatoes, and so on can have significantly different flavors and textures when they are overripe. By using Nitrogen to alter the atmospheric conditions in a food processing or storing plant, these items can have a much longer shelf life and, more importantly, they can maintain their good, fresh taste for consumers to enjoy.

One of the more common and most cost effective methods for introducing Nitrogen in such applications is to install a Nitrogen Generator from South-Tek Systems. Nitrogen Generators create high purity Nitrogen gas from the air we breathe, which means the supply will never run out and facility operators can free themselves from the tedious and hazardous task of storing high-pressure N2 gas storage tanks.

For more information on South-Tek Systems' Nitrogen Generators, call 888-526-6284 or email us directly. You can also connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to keep up with the latest advancements in Nitrogen applications.

Biofuel Storage with Nitrogen

In recent years, the biofuel industry has seen tremendous growth. In 2011, Biofuels Digest reported a growing demand for alternative fuels, as evidenced by the results of the 2011 Bioenergy Business Outlook Survey. Not only did the survey reveal a growing demand for the biofuels market, it found that further growth is expected by 85 percent of industry executives (Source: Source: Biofuels industry increasingly bullish about 2011; cite "rising demand for alternative fuels" in Business Outlook Survey). Now more than ever, the need for safe, efficient biofuel storage is rising.

As the production of alternative fuels becomes more widespread, facilities that handle, transport and store these fuels will need to optimize their methods to ensure safety. Methanol, a key component of biofuel, can be extremely hazardous if improperly stored. When stored in tanks, for instance, methanol has a tendency to form flammable vapors. To ensure the safety of these storage tanks, Nitrogen is often utilized to prevent the formation of these vapors. By introducing Nitrogen into the extra space in methanol tanks, the presence of oxygen can be effectively eliminated. This process is known as atmosphere blanketing, or tank blanketing.

The process of tank blanketing using a dry, inert gas such as Nitrogen, can effectively reduce the risk of combustion, corrosion and other dangerous effects. Oxygen is an essential factor in combustion as well as oxidization, which can lead to corrosion. By eliminating the presence of oxygen, these problems are far less likely to occur.

While combustion is obviously a major safety concern, oxidization and corrosion can also cause negative effects. The presence of oxygen in biodiesel and methanol tanks can negatively affect the quality of the fuels. By practicing tank blanketing techniques, the quality of the biofuels can be preserved.

South-Tek Systems can further aid in a biofuel storage facility's operations by installing a Nitrogen Generator, which produces high purity Nitrogen from the surrounding air. Having an on-site Nitrogen Generator eliminates the need for purchasing, storing and handling high pressure nitrogen cylinders. This can be a cost effective alternative to having stored Nitrogen. With a Nitrogen Generator, facilities that rely on N2 gas for their essential operations can benefit from having a never-ending supply on demand while maintaining a safe, inert atmosphere for blanketing applications.

To learn more, contact South-Tek Systems at 888-526-6284.

See also: Biofuel Manufacturing with Nitrogen Generators

Exhaust Dilution with Nitrogen Gas

Exhaust dilution is an important process used extensively in manufacturing and industrial applications. The process works by emitting gas particles from mechanical engines and diluting phase pneumatic conveying of materials through a system of pipes.  This process cools the surrounding atmosphere and eliminates the presence of oxygen, alleviating a huge safety concern.

Without such a process in place, excess heat and dust can build up and oxygen can react with hazardous materials causing imbalances in pressure and even explosions. Additionally, the presence of oxygen can create unwanted damage through oxidization, a reaction that occurs when condensation forms along the mechanical equipment.

By using Nitrogen gas in an exhaust dilution process, the presence of oxygen can be eliminated, preventing oxidization and serious safety hazards. Because Nitrogen is a clean, dry and inert gas, it can help diffuse or dilute the materials found in a pneumatic conveying system without the unwanted presence of oxygen. Nitrogen is commonly used in pneumatic conveying systems to help transport materials, particularly closed-loop systems. In these systems, the gas is recycled and conserved as the transport medium.

Safety is a major concern when it comes to the operation of a pneumatic convey system. Some types of materials that are transported through these systems are explosive, especially in high concentrations. By using an inert gas such as Nitrogen, a pneumatic conveying system can function at the optimal level of safety. Through exhaust dilution with Nitrogen, these dangerous materials can be effectively transported and your facility and equipment can continue to operate successfully.

To learn more about Nitrogen for exhaust dilution, as well as other common industrial applications for Nitrogen, contact South-Tek Systems - a leading provider of Nitrogen Generators.

Other industrial applications for nitrogen include aerospace manufacturing, burst testing, nanolabs and there are many more. No matter what type of facility you run, it is likely that Nitrogen can help your business run more safely and efficiently. Call us at 888-526-6284 to learn more.

Automotive Industry Benefits from Nitrogen Gas Applications

The use of Nitrogen Gas offers a variety of benefits for industrial businesses. In the automotive manufacturing industry, Nitrogen Gas is needed to maintain a safe, clean, dry and inert environment for successful production of automotive electronics systems. Additionally, N2 use in the manufacturing atmosphere can have significant benefits on non-electronic applications.

N2 Gas Use in Automotive Electronics Systems

Due to the high temperatures that are required for soldering electronics during assembly, the presence of oxygen must be eliminated to avoid oxidation. Automotive electronics components such as welded parts, heat treating elements, safety systems and plastic extrusion, must all be produced in an environment that is controlled. By using N2 gas, specifically through the use of a Nitrogen Generator, automotive electronics systems can be manufactured in a safe, clean, dry and inert environment. See also: Nitrogen Gas with Automotive Electronics Manufacturing.

N2 Gas Use in Other Automotive Applications

Nitrogen can be useful in maintaining the proper environment for a variety of other automotive manufacturing processes. Nitrogen can keep upholstery from deteriorating, regulate the chemicals in auto paint and prevent inconsistencies with tire pressure (see: TireBlast Nitrogen Tire Inflation System.)

In many manufacturing plants, N2 gas cylinders are used to store and apply Nitrogen. The problem with this method is the constant worry that the gas will run out during peak production times, or the hassle of having to change out the high-pressure tanks, which can become quite costly over time. An affordable solution to these issues is to invest in a Nitrogen Generator to be installed at your facility.

Nitrogen Generators work by drawing N2 gas from the surrounding air and separating the oxygen molecules. South-Tek Systems is pleased to offer a wide selection of Nitrogen Generators, available for a variety of industrial and manufacturing applications. South-Tek Systems' N2 GEN Series technology is safe, efficient, reliable and cost-effective. A one-time installation will bring you a lifetime supply of high purity Nitrogen.

To learn more about South-Tek Systems and how your company can benefit from the use of an Nitrogen Generator for automotive applications, call 888-526-6284.

Nitrogen Gas with Automotive Electronics Systems

Manufacturing electronics is an ever growing field, with more demand now than ever as technology and electronics continue to shape our lives on a global scale. When it comes to the specific area of automotive electronics manufacturing, industry experts anticipate modest to strong growth through 2016. (Source: Automobile Electronics Manufacturing in the US: Market Research Report) As the industry grows, the need for an efficient, safe and controlled manufacturing atmosphere becomes more important than ever.

The use of Nitrogen gas during electronics manufacturing has become increasingly popular, due to its ability to maintain a clean, dry and inert atmosphere. Additionally, N2 gas can be used in more specific applications such as circuit board manufacturing and maintaining a controlled atmosphere for nanolabs.

Nitrogen Gas Uses Applied to Automotive Electronics Systems

There are a number of uses for N2 in automotive electronics manufacturing. Automotive electronic components consist of various parts and systems, including:

• welded parts
• heat treating elements
• plastic extrusion
• safety systems

Using N2 gas in the production of these components allows the manufacturers to create products in a safe, controlled atmosphere. Nitrogen gas is clean, safe and inert, which helps maintain a controlled atmosphere and prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the chemical combination a substance with oxygen, often leading to corrosion reactions. To prevent such reactions and protect the integrity of the components, N2 can be used to purify and purge the manufacturing area, displacing the oxygen molecules safely.

Why Use a Nitrogen Generator?

Because N2 gas is all around us, making up 79% of the air we breathe, the most efficient way to access the gas is with a Nitrogen Generator. A Nitrogen Generator can effectively isolate the N2 molecules from the air for use in an atmosphere that requires little to no oxygen for safety or preservation purposes.

In the automotive electronics manufacturing trade, oxygen must be kept to a minimum - or eliminated altogether - in order to successfully produce the necessary components. With a Nitrogen Generator, not only can manufacturers have high purity N2 on demand, they can also benefit from the long term savings of not having to switch out cylinders when the supply gets low.

About South-Tek Systems

South-Tek Systems designs and builds high quality Nitrogen Generators for the automotive electronics manufacturing industry, as well as several other industries. 

Contact South-Tek Systems to learn how your business can benefit from having a Nitrogen Generator installed at your facility: 888-526-6284.

South-Tek Systems at WestPack Expo, 2013

South-Tek Systems is on the road!

We will be heading to the WestPack Expo at the MD&M Conference and Trade Show in Anaheim, CA, February 12-14.

If you plan to be there, please stop by our booth #5111 to see one of our PSA Nitrogen Gas Generators and speak with our technical representatives about the benefits of generating your own Nitrogen for industrial processes.

Use the link above to attend the Expo as our guest.  We look forward to meeting you!

HVAC Manufacturing Using Nitrogen Gas

HVAC manufacturing involves processes that are sensitive to oxygen exposure - particularly the processes of brazing and leak testing.

Why Is Nitrogen Gas Important for HVAC Manufacturing?

Brazing is a heat treating method of joining two pieces of metal together by melting a metallic filler to form a strong and resilient bond while preserving the existing metal components.  Nitrogen is an important component during the brazing of copper coil for HVAC equipment.  Applying a steady stream of N2 gas during the brazing process prevents oxidation caused by exposure to oxygen.  Oxidation compromises the integrity of the bond and the metals, affecting the overall performance and life expectancy of the system.

Leak testing for refrigerant is a mandatory process for all HVAC systems with a charge of between 3 and 30kg (once a year) or more than 30kg (twice a year) and is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Nitrogen is the preferred gas for pressurized leak testing due to its inert nature and its ability to eliminate the presence of oxygen that can allow moisture to form that might cause oxidation and corrosion of the metal piping.

What is a Reliable and Economical Source for Continuous Nitrogen Gas Flow?

The need for Nitrogen gas for both brazing and leak testing during HVAC Manufacturing requires a steady, continuous flow without the possibility for running out during the session.  The best solution for this is to utilize a Nitrogen Generator that produces high purity N2 gas by separating the Nitrogen molecules from the atmosphere and storing them in an attached tank.  Nitrogen gas is available on demand, directly at the point of process.

South-Tek Systems is a leading manufacturer of Nitrogen Generating equipment, including the N2 GEN Series for industrial applications such as HVAC Manufacturing, brazing, and pressure leak testing.  Contact the experts at South-Tek today to learn how their Nitrogen Generators can benefit your operation: 888-526-6284.