Numerous laser cutting facilities across North America rely on inert gases, with Nitrogen (N2) standing out as the preferred choice for cutting mild steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. This method is known as high-pressure cutting, involves the application of nitrogen to assist in the cutting process.
The use of nitrogen as an assist gas offers several advantages, including:
- Oxidation prevention: Nitrogen creates an inert atmosphere around the cutting area, preventing the formation of oxides on the cut edges of the material. This helps maintain the integrity of the cut and minimizes post-cutting cleanup.
- Clean cuts: Nitrogen assists in producing clean, precise cuts with minimal dross (residue) and smooth edges, enhancing the overall quality of the finished product.
- Increased cutting speeds: High-pressure cutting with nitrogen can lead to faster cutting speeds compared to other assist gases or methods, improving efficiency and productivity in laser cutting operations.
- Reduced heat-affected zone: Nitrogen helps dissipate heat from the cutting process more effectively, resulting in a smaller heat-affected zone (HAZ) along the edges of the cut material. This is particularly beneficial when cutting heat-sensitive materials like stainless steel.
CONVENTIONAL SOURCES AND ON-SITE NITROGEN GAS GENERATION:
ON-SITE NITROGEN GENERATOR
NITROGEN CYLINDER
LIQUID NITROGEN TANK
Historically, industries have relied on traditional sources of nitrogen gas, such as delivered compressed gas cylinders or bulk liquid nitrogen. These traditional sources involve regular deliveries, storage infrastructure, and handling procedures, which can incur logistical challenges and operational costs. On the other hand, on-site nitrogen gas generating systems offer a more convenient and cost-effective alternative. These systems typically utilize technologies like pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation to extract nitrogen from the surrounding atmospheric air. By generating nitrogen on-demand at the point of use, on-site systems eliminate the need for storing and handling bulky gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen tanks.
ADVANTAGES OF ON-SITE NITROGEN GAS GENERATION:
On-site nitrogen gas generation provides greater flexibility and autonomy to businesses, as they can produce nitrogen gas as needed, without relying on external suppliers. It reduces dependency on traditional nitrogen sources, mitigating the risk of supply disruptions and ensuring continuous operations. Additionally, on-site generation minimizes transportation costs, storage space requirements, and associated environmental impacts, contributing to sustainability efforts.
CONSIDERATION:
While on-site nitrogen generation offer numerous benefits, it requires an upfront investment in equipment and installation. Businesses need to evaluate factors such as initial capital expenditure, operating costs, and projected nitrogen consumption to determine the feasibility and return on investment of implementing onsite generation solutions.
CONTACT US FOR FOLLOWING SERVICES:
- For auditing nitrogen gas consumption and associated expenses.
- A quote for rightly sized nitrogen gas generating system for your facility that can generate sufficient high-purity nitrogen gas on-site and based on demand to replace compressed gas cylinders or bulk liquid nitrogen.
- Understanding return on investment.
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