PSA Nitrogen Generator

On-Site Nitrogen Generation for Reliable Industrial Gas Supply

Hongbo PSA Nitrogen Generator uses Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology and Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) to produce nitrogen directly from compressed air.

With nitrogen production capacities from 1 to 5000 Nm³/h and configurable nitrogen purity from 90% to 99.9995%, the system can be engineered for different industrial gas requirements, including nitrogen purging, inerting, packaging, heat treatment, laser cutting and other manufacturing processes.

Nitrogen Capacity: 1–5000 Nm³/h
Nitrogen Purity: 90–99.9995%
Nitrogen Pressure: 0.01–0.8 MPa
Dew Point: -40 to -70°C
Technology: Pressure Swing Adsorption
Adsorbent: Carbon Molecular Sieve

What Is a PSA Nitrogen Generator?

A PSA Nitrogen Generator is an industrial gas generation system that separates nitrogen from compressed air using Pressure Swing Adsorption technology.

The system uses Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) as the adsorbent. When clean and dry compressed air enters the adsorption tower under pressure, the CMS preferentially adsorbs oxygen and other unwanted components, while nitrogen passes through the adsorption bed as the product gas.

The adsorption towers operate in alternating cycles. While one tower produces nitrogen, the other tower is depressurized and regenerated. This continuous adsorption and regeneration process allows the generator to provide a stable on-site nitrogen supply.

Unlike delivered nitrogen cylinders or liquid nitrogen, a PSA nitrogen generator allows industrial users to produce nitrogen directly at the point of use and configure production according to actual gas demand.

How Does a PSA Nitrogen Generator Work?

The PSA nitrogen generation process is based on the different adsorption characteristics of gases in compressed air.

1. Compressed Air Preparation

Ambient air is compressed by an air compressor and passes through air treatment equipment to remove water, oil and particulate contaminants.

Clean and dry compressed air is important for maintaining stable CMS adsorption performance and extending adsorbent service life.

2. Pressurization and Adsorption

The treated compressed air enters one of the adsorption towers filled with Carbon Molecular Sieve.

Under pressure, oxygen is preferentially adsorbed by the CMS, while nitrogen passes through the adsorption bed and becomes the product gas.

3. Nitrogen Collection

The nitrogen-rich gas leaves the adsorption tower and enters the nitrogen buffer or storage system.

An online nitrogen analyzer can continuously monitor product purity according to the system configuration.

4. Adsorbent Regeneration

When the CMS approaches its adsorption capacity, the adsorption tower is depressurized.

The adsorbed oxygen and other components are released and discharged, allowing the CMS to regenerate.

5. Automatic Tower Switching

The adsorption and regeneration functions alternate between the towers according to the programmed PSA cycle.

This continuous cycle allows the system to produce nitrogen while the other adsorption tower is being regenerated.

PSA Nitrogen Generation Process

A complete PSA nitrogen generation system can be configured as:

Ambient Air

↓

Air Compressor

↓

Air Receiver

↓

Air Filtration

↓

Air Dryer

↓

Fine Filtration

↓

Dry Air Buffer Tank

↓

PSA Nitrogen Generator

↓

Nitrogen Buffer Tank

↓

Online Nitrogen Analyzer

↓

Nitrogen Storage / User Equipment

The exact configuration depends on required nitrogen purity, flow rate, pressure, dew point and application conditions.

For a complete system, Hongbo can integrate the nitrogen generator with the corresponding air compression, air treatment, storage, monitoring and control equipment.

Technical Specifications

PSA Nitrogen Generator Performance Range

Note: Actual nitrogen capacity, purity, air consumption, outlet pressure and equipment dimensions depend on the selected model and operating conditions. Final technical specifications should be confirmed according to the project requirements.

HBFD97 & HBFD98 PSA Nitrogen Generator Series

Hongbo's conventional PSA nitrogen generator range includes the HBFD97 and HBFD98 series.

The series covers small, medium and large nitrogen production requirements, with models extending to 3000 Nm³/h in the current detailed model tables. The broader 2026 product range specifies PSA nitrogen production up to 5000 Nm³/h.

HBFD97 Series

The HBFD97 series is designed for nitrogen generation at approximately 97% nitrogen purity.

Typical models include:

HBFD98 Series

The HBFD98 series is designed for higher-purity nitrogen applications, with the detailed product table covering capacities from small systems through large industrial installations.

Note: The above model data are reference values. Final performance should be confirmed according to feed-air pressure, ambient conditions, nitrogen purity and project configuration.

Core Technology of Hongbo PSA Nitrogen Generator

High-Performance Carbon Molecular Sieve

Carbon Molecular Sieve is the core adsorbent material used in the PSA nitrogen separation process.

Hongbo selects CMS according to the required nitrogen purity and operating conditions. The adsorption performance of CMS directly affects nitrogen recovery, compressed-air consumption and overall system performance.

Proper air pretreatment is also essential because moisture and oil contamination can adversely affect CMS performance and service life.

Optimized CMS Filling Technology

Hongbo uses a specialized snowstorm filling method for filling the CMS into the adsorption towers.

The filling process is designed to reduce the direct impact of high-pressure airflow on the molecular sieve and reduce the risk of excessive pulverization during operation.

The objective is to maintain a stable adsorption bed and support long-term system operation.

Key benefits

• More uniform CMS filling
• Reduced molecular sieve pulverization
• Stable adsorption performance
• Improved utilization of the adsorption bed
• Longer operating life of the adsorbent

Optimized Adsorption Tower Design

The adsorption tower is one of the key components of a PSA nitrogen generation system.

Hongbo's system uses an optimized internal airflow distribution structure to help distribute compressed air through the CMS bed more evenly.

A properly designed airflow path helps reduce localized high-velocity impact, improve contact between the feed gas and CMS, and maintain stable adsorption performance.

Design objectives

Uniform Air Distribution

Helps improve the utilization of the CMS bed.

Reduced CMS Impact

Helps reduce unnecessary mechanical stress on the adsorbent.

Stable PSA Cycling

Supports consistent adsorption and regeneration performance.

Efficient Gas Separation

Helps optimize nitrogen production and compressed-air utilization.

Automatic PLC Control System

Intelligent PLC Control and Monitoring

Hongbo PSA nitrogen generators use an automatic PLC-based control system to coordinate the complete PSA operating cycle.

The control system manages:

• Adsorption and regeneration sequences
• Automatic tower switching
• System pressure
• Valve operation
• Nitrogen purity monitoring
• Alarm functions
• Automatic start and stop
• Off-spec gas discharge
• Operating status monitoring

Depending on the project configuration, Siemens PLC and HMI systems can be used.

The control system can also be configured for communication with plant-level control systems where required.

Online Nitrogen Purity Monitoring

Continuous Product Gas Quality Monitoring

An online nitrogen analyzer can continuously monitor the purity of the generated nitrogen.

When the measured nitrogen purity does not reach the preset value, the system can automatically discharge the off-spec gas instead of sending it to the production line.

Once the nitrogen reaches the required purity, the product gas is automatically directed to the user side.

Automatic quality control

Nitrogen Generation

↓

Purity Analysis

↓

Purity Meets Requirement?

YES → Product Gas

NO → Automatic Exhaust

This function helps protect production processes that require stable nitrogen purity.

Fast Start-Up and Automatic Operation

Hongbo's PSA nitrogen generator is designed for automatic operation and rapid gas production.

According to the 2026 product documentation:

• First start-up: qualified nitrogen can be produced in approximately 10–30 minutes.
• Subsequent start-up: qualified nitrogen can be produced in approximately 3–10 minutes.

Actual start-up time depends on system configuration, feed-air conditions, required purity and operating parameters.

The automatic control system allows the equipment to operate with reduced manual intervention.

Nitrogen Purity and Capacity Configuration

Not every nitrogen application requires the same purity.

A properly designed nitrogen generation system should balance:

• Nitrogen purity
• Nitrogen flow rate
• Outlet pressure
• Compressed-air consumption
• Operating hours
• Application requirements
• Total operating cost

Hongbo's PSA nitrogen generators support nitrogen purity configurations from 90% to 99.9995% according to the 2026 product range.

Higher purity generally requires different PSA operating conditions and can increase compressed-air demand. Therefore, the generator should be sized according to the actual nitrogen purity and flow requirements rather than simply selecting the highest available purity.

Complete PSA Nitrogen Generation System

Hongbo can configure a complete nitrogen generation system around the PSA generator.

Air Compression

• Air Compressor
• Air Receiver

Air Treatment

• Air Filters
• Refrigerated Dryer
• Adsorption Dryer
• Fine Filters

Nitrogen Generation

• PSA Adsorption Towers
• Carbon Molecular Sieve
• Pneumatic Valves
• Solenoid Valves
• PLC Control System

Nitrogen Treatment & Storage

• Nitrogen Buffer Tank
• Nitrogen Analyzer
• Automatic Off-Spec Gas Exhaust
• Nitrogen Storage Tank

The final equipment configuration is selected according to the required nitrogen capacity, purity, pressure and application.

PSA Nitrogen Generator Applications

Food & Beverage

Nitrogen can be used for food packaging, inerting and oxidation control where a controlled nitrogen atmosphere is required.

Chemical Industry

PSA nitrogen is used for tank blanketing, pipeline purging, inerting and other chemical processing applications.

Electronics Manufacturing

Nitrogen can provide a controlled atmosphere for manufacturing processes where oxidation and contamination need to be controlled.

Metallurgy & Heat Treatment

Nitrogen is used as a protective or inert gas in selected metal processing and heat-treatment processes.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Nitrogen can be used for inerting, packaging and other applications requiring controlled gas conditions.

Laser Cutting

Nitrogen can be used as an assist gas in laser cutting applications where oxidation control and cutting quality are important.

Oil & Gas

Nitrogen can be used for industrial purging, inerting and other process applications.

General Manufacturing

On-site PSA nitrogen generation is suitable for factories that require a stable nitrogen supply for continuous or intermittent production.

Why Generate Nitrogen On Site?

Reduce Dependence on Delivered Gas

On-site nitrogen generation reduces reliance on cylinders, liquid nitrogen deliveries and external gas supply schedules.

Stable Gas Availability

Nitrogen can be produced directly at the facility according to actual production requirements.

Flexible Nitrogen Purity

The system can be configured for different nitrogen purity requirements rather than purchasing a fixed gas specification.

Flexible Production Capacity

From smaller industrial applications to large-scale nitrogen demand, the PSA system can be configured according to required flow.

Automated Operation

PLC-based control and online monitoring reduce the need for continuous manual operation.

Integrated System Solution

The PSA generator can be combined with air compressors, dryers, filters, storage tanks, analyzers and other equipment as a complete nitrogen generation system.

Why Choose Hongbo?

Industrial Gas Equipment Manufacturer

Jiangsu Hongbo Gas Equipment Technology Group Co., Ltd. was established in 2006 and specializes in industrial gas equipment and gas generation solutions.

Integrated Manufacturing Capability

Hongbo has manufacturing facilities in Jiangsu and provides equipment manufacturing and engineering capabilities for industrial gas systems.

Engineering & Customization

Nitrogen production capacity, purity, pressure, dew point, storage capacity and system configuration can be customized according to project requirements.

Professional Engineering Team

Hongbo's team includes engineers and after-sales personnel supporting equipment selection, system configuration and technical service.

Multiple Nitrogen Generation Technologies

Hongbo's product portfolio includes:

• PSA Nitrogen Generator
• Aluminum Modular Nitrogen Generator
• Membrane Nitrogen Generator
• Containerized Nitrogen Generation System

This allows Hongbo to select a suitable nitrogen generation technology according to the customer's required purity, capacity and application.

How to Select a PSA Nitrogen Generator?

Before selecting a PSA nitrogen generator, customers should define several key operating requirements.

1. Required Nitrogen Flow

How much nitrogen does the production process consume?

Example:

100 Nm³/h

500 Nm³/h

1000 Nm³/h

3000 Nm³/h

etc.

2. Required Nitrogen Purity

Different applications require different purity levels.

For example:

90–95%

97%

99.5%

99.9%

99.99%

99.999%+

The appropriate purity should be selected based on the actual process requirement.

3. Required Outlet Pressure

The nitrogen outlet pressure determines the generator and downstream equipment configuration.

4. Operating Hours

Continuous 24-hour production and intermittent nitrogen demand may require different system configurations.

5. Nitrogen Storage

A nitrogen buffer or storage tank can help accommodate peak demand and stabilize downstream supply.

6. Feed-Air Conditions

Air compressor pressure, temperature, humidity and air quality must be considered when designing the complete PSA system.

PSA Nitrogen Generator FAQ

What is a PSA nitrogen generator?

A PSA nitrogen generator produces nitrogen from compressed air using Pressure Swing Adsorption technology. Carbon Molecular Sieve preferentially adsorbs oxygen, allowing nitrogen to pass through as the product gas.

How does a PSA nitrogen generator work?

Compressed and treated air enters a CMS-filled adsorption tower under pressure. Oxygen is adsorbed by the CMS while nitrogen passes through. The tower is then depressurized for regeneration, and the adsorption and regeneration cycles alternate between the towers.

What purity can a PSA nitrogen generator produce?

Hongbo's 2026 product range specifies nitrogen purity from 90% to 99.9995%, depending on the system configuration and operating requirements.

What is the capacity range of Hongbo PSA nitrogen generators?

The 2026 Hongbo product range specifies nitrogen production from 1 to 5000 Nm³/h.

Does a PSA nitrogen generator need an air compressor?

Yes. PSA nitrogen generation requires a suitable source of clean and dry compressed air. The compressor and air-treatment equipment should be selected according to the required nitrogen production and purity.

Why is an air dryer required?

Moisture can adversely affect CMS adsorption performance. Proper compressed-air drying and filtration help protect the molecular sieve and maintain stable system operation.

Can nitrogen purity be customized?

Yes. Hongbo PSA nitrogen generators can be configured according to the required nitrogen purity, production capacity and operating conditions.

Can the PSA nitrogen generator operate automatically?

Yes. The system can use PLC automatic control for adsorption/regeneration switching, valve operation, pressure monitoring, purity monitoring, alarms and automatic off-spec gas discharge.

Does the system monitor nitrogen purity?

Yes. An online nitrogen analyzer can continuously monitor product-gas purity. Off-spec nitrogen can be automatically discharged according to the control configuration.

How long does CMS last?

CMS service life depends on feed-air quality, operating pressure, temperature, PSA cycle conditions and maintenance. Proper filtration, drying and operating control are important for maintaining adsorbent performance.

Can Hongbo provide a complete nitrogen generation system?

Yes. Hongbo can configure a complete system including air compression, air treatment, PSA nitrogen generation, nitrogen storage, online purity monitoring and automatic control.

How do I choose the right PSA nitrogen generator?

The main selection parameters are required nitrogen flow, purity, outlet pressure, operating hours and application requirements. Hongbo can recommend a suitable system after evaluating these parameters.

PSA Nitrogen Generator — Product Summary

Product: PSA Nitrogen Generator

Manufacturer: Jiangsu Hongbo Gas Equipment Technology Group Co., Ltd.

Technology: Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)

Adsorbent: Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS)

Feed Gas: Compressed Air

Product Gas: Nitrogen (N₂)

Nitrogen Production: 1–5000 Nm³/h

Nitrogen Purity: 90–99.9995%

Nitrogen Pressure: 0.01–0.8 MPa

Nitrogen Dew Point: -40 to -70°C

Control: PLC Automatic Control

Monitoring: Online Nitrogen Purity Analyzer

Operation: Automatic adsorption and regeneration cycles

Applications: Food & beverage, chemical processing, electronics, metallurgy, pharmaceutical, laser cutting, oil & gas and general manufacturing.

Customization: Nitrogen capacity, purity, pressure, storage and system configuration can be customized according to application requirements.