On-site nitrogen generation means producing nitrogen gas directly at your facility using a nitrogen generator. Instead of relying on third-party deliveries, you generate only what you need, when you need it. This approach gives you full control over supply, quality, and operational costs—all while reducing your environmental impact.

Whether you're running a single production line or managing a large-scale operation, on-site nitrogen offers clear advantages across the board:

1. Lower operational cost
Say goodbye to recurring delivery fees, rental contracts, and unpredictable pricing. With an on-site nitrogen generator, you invest once and save continuously, often seeing a quick return on investment.
 

2. No supply interruptions
Avoid the risks of late deliveries, stockouts, or supplier delays. Generating nitrogen on site means you'll never run short—even during peak demand or supply chain disruptions.

3. High purity, on demand
Modern systems allow precise control over nitrogen purity levels. Whether you need 95% for basic applications or 99.999% for sensitive processes, you can produce it on demand.

4. Reduced waste and emissions
Unlike cylinders or bulk tanks that may vent unused gas, on-site systems produce only what’s needed. Fewer deliveries also mean lower CO₂ emissions and less handling waste.

5. Improved safety
By eliminating high-pressure cylinder storage and transport, on-site generation reduces health and safety risks for your team—no more manual handling or cylinder swaps.

The ability to produce nitrogen on demand, at the right purity and pressure, is invaluable across a wide range of industries. Whether it’s used to improve product quality, protect materials, or streamline production, on-site nitrogen generation offers practical benefits tailored to each application.

3D printing
In additive manufacturing, nitrogen is used to create inert environments that prevent oxidation during printing—especially with reactive metals like titanium and aluminium. On-site nitrogen generation offers consistent gas quality, supporting smoother surface finishes, stronger end parts, and greater process control for high-performance prints.

Laser cutting and metal fabrication
In laser cutting, nitrogen is used as an assist gas to prevent oxidation and achieve clean, precise cuts—especially on stainless steel and aluminium. On-site generation guarantees a consistent, uninterrupted flow of high-purity nitrogen, avoiding production stops caused by empty cylinders or late deliveries.

Breweries and beer production
Nitrogen plays a key role in modern brewing—not only for purging tanks and blanketing during storage, but also in packaging, where it helps protect flavour and carbonation. By generating nitrogen on site, breweries can eliminate reliance on deliveries and produce consistent, food-grade gas for every stage of production.

Pharmaceuticals and laboratories
In pharma and laboratory settings, nitrogen plays a role in packaging, blanketing, drying, and analytical instruments. On-site generation ensures a constant, reliable supply that meets strict quality requirements while reducing handling and delivery-related safety risks.

Winemaking
Winemakers use nitrogen for blanketing during fermentation, racking, bottling, and storage—essential steps in preserving aroma and preventing oxidation. On-site nitrogen generation ensures a continuous, gentle supply of gas to protect the wine's integrity while reducing cost and reliance on external suppliers.

Spray painting and surface finishing
Nitrogen is increasingly used in spray painting applications to improve atomisation and coating consistency. It helps achieve a more uniform spray pattern, reduces overspray, and improves transfer efficiency. On-site generation offers a steady supply of clean, dry nitrogen—ideal for high-end finishes in automotive, aerospace, and industrial coatings.

If you're considering on-site nitrogen generation, it's helpful to understand the two main technologies available: pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and membrane separation. Each comes with its own strengths, depending on your required purity, available space, and overall usage.

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA)
PSA generators use a pair of pressure vessels filled with carbon molecular sieves to separate nitrogen from oxygen. While one vessel is actively filtering nitrogen, the other regenerates. This method allows for the production of high-purity nitrogen—up to 99.999%, making it well suited for applications requiring extremely low oxygen content, such as laser cutting or electronics.

That said, PSA systems work most efficiently with clean, dry intake air, which often calls for additional air treatment equipment. In return, they offer lower running costs thanks to more efficient use of compressed air.

Membrane technology
Membrane nitrogen generators rely on hollow fibre membranes that allow gases to pass through at different rates. Nitrogen moves more slowly than oxygen and water vapour, allowing it to be separated and collected. These systems are compact, quiet, and can tolerate some moisture, making them ideal for limited-space installations or outdoor environments.

Although membrane systems typically deliver lower nitrogen purity (up to around 99.5%), they’re easier to scale, need less maintenance, and provide a continuous flow without requiring external storage tanks.

Which should you choose?
If your operation demands high-purity nitrogen and you're willing to invest in the necessary air preparation, a PSA system is likely the better choice. However, if you're looking for a flexible, modular setup and your purity requirements are more modest, membrane technology may offer the best balance of simplicity and performance.

Choosing a nitrogen generator doesn’t just cut costs—it supports long-term sustainability goals. Lower emissions, less waste, and fewer deliveries make on-site gas generation a practical step toward greener operations without compromising performance.