Category: ON-SITE GAS GENERATION

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEWPOINT IN ON-SITE OXYGEN GAS GENERATION: GETTING THE RIGHT DRYING TECHNOLOGY FOR YOUR PROCESS

Post author By canadagassolutions
Post date August 19, 2025

On-site oxygen generation using PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology has become the preferred choice for many industries, offering a reliable, on-demand, and cost-effective alternative to bulk liquid deliveries or high-pressure cylinders. However, one often overlooked but critically important parameter in on-site oxygen gas generation is dewpoint — a direct measure of the dryness of the oxygen gas.

Dewpoint impacts not only the performance and reliability of your oxygen generator, but also the purity, stability, and quality of the oxygen supplied to downstream processes. Ensuring the right upstream air-drying technology is selected and is essential for achieving consistent oxygen purity and dryness for your application.

WHY DEWPOINT MATTERS IN OXYGEN GAS GENERATION

When producing oxygen gas on-site via PSA systems, the dewpoint of the compressed air directly affects the operation of the adsorption beds, the quality of oxygen produced, and the long-term performance of the system. A poor or unstable dewpoint can lead to:

Moisture breakthrough in adsorption beds, which reduces oxygen purity and prematurely deactivates the adsorbent.
Corrosion or contamination in oxygen piping and sensitive downstream processes.
Increased maintenance costs and shortened generator lifespan due to water-induced fouling.

For many industries, oxygen must be consistently dry and pure — failure to control dewpoint can result in process inefficiency, compromised product quality, or even safety hazards.

SELECTING THE CORRECT AIR-DRYING TECHNOLOGY: REFRIGERATED VS DESICCANT DRYERS

Non-critical applications: Refrigerated dryers

For some general industrial applications — such as wastewater treatment, aquaculture, fish farming, hotriculture or certain combustion support processes — a dewpoint of +3 to +5°C from a refrigerated air dryer is often sufficient. These systems remove enough moisture to protect the PSA oxygen generator at a lower capital and operational cost.

Critical applications: Desiccant dryers

However, applications such as medical oxygen, glass manufacturing, and metallurgy demand much lower dewpoints (e.g., -40°C to -70°C).

In these cases, a twin-tower desiccant dryer upstream of the PSA oxygen generator is essential. It ensures that no moisture enters the adsorption beds, protects adsorbent performance, and guarantees that oxygen delivered to critical processes meets stringent dryness and purity specifications.

ARE INBUILT DESICCANT DRYERS IN PSA OXYGEN GENERATORS A GOOD IDEA?

Some PSA oxygen generator designs incorporate small, integrated desiccant dryers to “final dry” the product gas. While this may seem convenient, it often introduces limitations:

Limited drying capacity and poor serviceability.
Difficult to monitor dewpoint effectively.
Can give a false sense of security, while the real issue (inadequate upstream air drying) remains unresolved.

For high-flow, continuous-duty oxygen systems, a properly sized external desiccant dryer upstream is far more reliable, easier to maintain, and ensures consistent gas quality.

HOW CANADA GAS SOLUTIONS HELPS YOU GET IT RIGHT

At Canada Gas Solutions, we know that every oxygen application — whether for medical use, aquaculture, metallurgy, or wastewater treatment — has specific purity, pressure, flow, and dewpoint requirements.

We provide turnkey oxygen solutions by:

Analyzing your process to determine the required oxygen purity, flow, pressure, and dewpoint.
Engineering the correct upstream drying solution — refrigerated or desiccant — to protect your PSA oxygen system.
Delivering field-proven systems designed for reliability, efficiency, and compliance with Canadian and U.S. codes (CSA, ASME).
Providing expert service and support to maximize uptime and minimize operating costs.

Dewpoint is not optional — it’s essential. Choosing the right upstream drying technology for your PSA oxygen generator ensures purity, extends system life, and protects your downstream processes. Avoid shortcuts like undersized or integrated dryers that fail under demanding conditions.

Let Canada Gas Solutions design a turnkey PSA oxygen generation and drying solution tailored to your project, delivering worry-free operation, lower costs, and superior outcomes.

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Tags ON-SITE OXYGEN GAS GENERATION, OXYGEN, OXYGEN GAS GENERATOR

WHY INDUSTRIAL GAS USERS SHOULD RETHINK RENTAL CYLINDER SUPPLY: THE CASE FOR ON-SITE NITROGEN & OXYGEN GAS GENERATION

Post author By canadagassolutions
Post date July 30, 2025

Across industries—from food packaging and laser cutting to hospitals, labs, 3D printing, power plants, aquaculture, and beyond—nitrogen or oxygen gas is often the invisible backbone of operations. Traditionally, many facilities meet their gas needs through high-pressure cylinders or bulk cylinder manifolds. While this model has worked for decades, it’s far from efficient, and it may be costing your operation far more than necessary. At Canada Gas Solutions Inc.(CGSI), we help companies understand their gas consumption patterns and transition to on-site nitrogen or oxygen gas generation systems that deliver long-term cost savings, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

THE REALITY OF INDUSTRIAL GAS CYLINDERS

Industrial steel gas cylinders come in a wide range of sizes and pressure rating. The most common cylinder size in industrial settings has a water volume capacity of 49 litres and a working pressure of 150 barg (cylinder volumes & pressure ratings can vary manufacturer to manufacturer). These cylinders typically contain around 7–7.3 cubic meters (247–257 cubic feet) of gas.

When these cylinders are manifolded together—often in groups of 4, 8, 16 or more—they form what’s known as a bulk pack, with 16 cylinders delivering up to approximately 4000 cubic feet of gas at full 150 barg pressure. But this is where inefficiencies start to add up.

Hidden Wastage: Pressure Matters

If your process requires a minimum pressure of, say, 250 psig, you can only use the bulk pack until it drops to that level. The remaining gas—often around 30 cubic feet per cylinder—becomes unusable unless you’re charged based on actual usage which is vary rare. The higher your required process pressure, the greater the wastage.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TRUE GAS NEEDS

Say you’re using one bulk pack (16 cylinders) every 8 hours—that’s approx. 500 cubic feet per hour (cfh). While this gives you a rough idea of average usage per hour but average flow rates don’t tell the whole story.

To design the right on-site gas generation system, it’s essential to understand:

Peak Flow Rate
Duration of Peal Flow Rate

Accurate digital flowmeters can help capture these metrics when installed with a data logging system. Once you know your true process gas needs, we can start designing an on-site gas generation system that replaces your rental bulk packs or cylinders altogether.

TWO APPROACHES TO REPLACING RENTAL BULK PACKS

Depending on your application and daily routine, there are two primary system configurations that can replace rental bulk pack cylinders.

1. Continuous Flow & Pressure System

Ideal when your process needs are at a steady flow of 500 cfh at 250 psig.

Main System Components:

Screw Air Compressor (air- or water-cooled)
Refrigerated or Desiccant Air Dryer
Dry Air Receiver Tank
Gas Generator (PSA, VPSA, or Membrane)
Low-Pressure Gas Storage Tank
Gas Booster Compressor
High-Pressure Gas Storage Tank

2. Bulk Pack Charging System

Idea when gas flowrates are not steady. This system runs at night to fill cylinders or manifolds that you own as part of the on-site gas generation system for use during daytime operations.

Main System Components:

Screw Air Compressor (air- or water-cooled)
Refrigerated or Desiccant Air Dryer
Dry Air Receiver Tank
Gas Generator (PSA, VPSA, or Membrane)
Low-Pressure Gas Storage Tank
Gas Booster Compressor sized for desired fill rate
Cylinder Manifold (Sized based on required gas storage capacityto meet your process gas flow needs)

WHY MAKE THE SWITCH?

Cost Savings: Most companies recoup the cost of their system in 6–24 months.
No More Deliveries: Eliminate dependence on scheduled deliveries and cylinder handling.
Reduced Wastage: On-site systems deliver gas at the pressure you need—without leftover gas.
Operational Uptime: Say goodbye to downtime due to late deliveries or empty cylinders.
Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating transport-related emissions.

CANADA GAS SOLUTIONS: YOUR PARTNER IN THE TRANSITION

We provide turnkey solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you want a complete system or just a component—like an on-site gas generator, gas booster compressor, high pressure cylinder manifold, low-pressure & high-pressure gas storage tanks—we can supply any piece of the puzzle.

Already have an on-site nitrogen or oxygen system? We can help upgrade your low-pressure setup to a high-pressure cylinder charging system to meet new or growing gas demand—without replacing your existing investment. Consult your options with CGSI.

If you’re still renting cylinders or coordinating bulk pack deliveries, it’s time to ask: How much is this costing me? Connect with Canada Gas Solutions today for a consultation. We’ll evaluate your current gas usage, show you how to transition, and help you build a system that fits both your technical needs and your budget.

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Tags CYLINDER BULK PACKS, HIGH PRESSURE CYLINDERS, ON-SITE NITROGEN GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE OXYGEN GAS GENERATION

ON-SITE GAS GENERATION

WHAT MAKES CANADA GAS SOLUTIONS’ ONSITE NITROGEN & OXYGEN GENERATING SYSTEMS A 24/7 POWERHOUSE ACROSS INDUSTRIES

Post author By canadagassolutions
Post date July 24, 2025

In today’s demanding industrial landscape, reliability isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether it’s food packaging, laser cutting, aquaculture, or electronics manufacturing, uninterrupted gas supply can mean the difference between optimized performance and costly downtime. At Canada Gas Solutions, we engineer our onsite Nitrogen and Oxygen gas generating systems to operate 24/7. At the core of this performance lies a critical element: our process valves.

ENGINEERED FOR PERFORMANCE: THE VALVE ADVANTAGE

Each of our systems requires rapid valve cycling—as often as every 60 seconds or faster, depending on the application. That’s a demanding duty cycle, and it’s why we’ve made the careful selection of valves a priority in our system design.

We use high-performance stainless steel angle piston valves, sourced from world-renowned manufacturers, chosen for their:

Fastest response time in class—essential for tight process control
Robust stainless-steel construction (MOC)
Exceptional reliability in high-frequency switching environments
Ease of maintenance with minimal downtime
Lowest cost of ownership & maintenance over time
Design life of 10+ years in continuous duty operation

These valves are not just parts—they’re the foundation of a system you can count on day and night, year after year.

QUALITY IN EVERY DETAIL

Canada Gas Solutions takes pride in meticulous subcomponent selection. Our systems are built to perform for decades, and that starts with using only premium-grade materials. From valves to sensors and PLCs, each part is selected to meet the demands of tough industrial applications. When you build systems for mission-critical industries, you don’t compromise—and neither do we.

BUILT FOR THE LONG HAUL

With Canada Gas Solutions, you’re not just buying a gas generator. You’re investing in a field-proven, custom-engineered system designed to deliver uninterrupted performance, minimal maintenance, and long-term dependability. When the pressure’s on and uptime matters, our systems are ready—valve by valve, system by system.

If you’re planning an onsite Nitrogen or Oxygen gas generating system for your plant or a project, contact Canada Gas Solutions to feel the difference.

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Tags NITROGEN, Nitrogen Gas Generator, ON-SITE GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE NITROGEN GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE OXYGEN GAS GENERATION, OXYGEN, OXYGEN GAS GENERATOR

ON-SITE GAS GENERATION

FUTURE READY GAS GENERATION: THE FIELD EXPANDABLE SYSTEM (FES) ADVANTAGE BY CANADA GAS SOLUTIONS

Post author By canadagassolutions
Post date July 20, 2025

In the evolving landscape of industrial manufacturing, one thing is certain—your operation’s gas demand won’t stay the same forever. Whether you’re in food packaging, aquaculture, electronics, chemical processing, or pharmaceuticals, increased production capacity often brings an increase in nitrogen or oxygen gas requirements. That’s why Canada Gas Solutions has engineered the Field Expandable System (FES) — a scalable and future-ready solution for onsite PSA nitrogen and oxygen gas generation.

WHAT IS THE FIELD EXPANDABLE SYSTEM (FES)?

The FES is a unique, PSA gas generator design that allows customers to expand gas output capacity by simply adding additional adsorber towers to the existing system frame—without having to purchase a completely new standalone system. This innovation is aimed at supporting businesses that anticipate growth but want to avoid redundant investments and system overhauls in the future.

HOW FES SYSTEMS COMPARES TO CONVENTIONAL MODULAR SYSTEMS

Most gas generation systems on the market today are limited in scale or will provide limited scalability. By contrast, Canada Gas Solutions’ FES design allows your system to grow with your operations. Whether you need to double, triple, or even quadruple your system’s flowrate, you can do so seamlessly—by simply integrating new adsorber towers into your existing system frame.

REAL-WORLD COST COMPARISON: FES VS. CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS

Let’s break it down with an example:

A twin tower psa nitrogen generator system might cost approximately $47,000 CAD for a medium range flowrate application/project.
If your production needs to double in two years, buying another unit would bring your total investment to around $94,000 CAD.

Now consider a Field Expandable System:

The initial cost of an FES unit capable of 2x expansion may be slightly higher—around $50,000 CAD.
When the time comes to expand, you only need to invest $28,000 CAD to add another set of adsorber towers, make necessary piping modifications, reconfigure the control system, and commission the updated system.

Total cost with FES: $78,000 CAD
Compared to conventional: $94,000 CAD

Not to mention lower installation overhead and zero duplication of controllers & controls, valves, piping or system frames. Note : This is an example for explanation only. Actual savings vary based on system size and application requirements.

DESIGNED FOR OPERATIONAL FREEDOM AND LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS

Another key advantage of Canada Gas Solutions’ FES design is that it’s built entirely using non-proprietary components. This gives end users the freedom to maintain and service the system themselves, without being tied to a single-source vendor. Parts are widely available, and maintenance can be handled by in-house teams or local service providers—helping to keep long-term maintenance costs as low as possible.

This level of independence and flexibility is rarely found in proprietary modular systems, which often lock customers into expensive service contracts and limited parts availability.

SCALABLE COMPRESSION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Designing for future expansion also means planning compressor capacity wisely. FES system performs best when paired with:

A compressor system with turn-down/turn-up capability to optimize energy usage during varying demand, or
A scalable approach, where additional compressors can be added in the future as more adsorber towers are integrated.

This ensures the entire system grows efficiently and cost-effectively with your production requirements.

A SMARTER LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

FES systems are designed with the end user’s growth, flexibility, and cost-efficiency in mind. By investing in a scalable system from day one, you avoid unnecessary duplication, reduce capital, and eliminate the logistical headaches of installing entirely new PSA systems down the line.

Whether you’re planning an expansion in 6 months or 3 years, the Field Expandable System by Canada Gas Solutions gives you the flexibility and confidence to grow without overcommitting resources too early.

Reach out to Canada Gas Solutions to learn more about our Field Expandable System designs for onsite PSA nitrogen and oxygen generation. Let us show you how smart planning today can save you real money, time, and effort tomorrow.

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Tags FES, FIELD EXPANDABLE SYSTEM, ON-SITE GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE NITROGEN GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE OXYGEN GAS GENERATION

ON-SITE GAS GENERATION

A BUYER’S GUIDE: WHAT TO EVALUATE BEFORE INVESTING IN AN ON-SITE NITROGEN OR OXYGEN GAS GENERATING SYSTEM

Post author By canadagassolutions
Post date July 15, 2025

Purchasing an on-site gas generating system—whether for nitrogen or oxygen — is a strategic investment that can reduce reliance on delivered gases, cut long-term costs, and improve operational control. However, choosing the right system involves more than comparing prices. Here’s a detailed look at the critical factors you should evaluate to make an informed decision.

IS THE SYSTEM DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR PROCESS REQUIREMENTS AND DOES IT MEET YOUR CURRENT & FUTURE NEEDS?

This is the most important question. The system must reliably deliver the required gas purity, flow rate (SCFM or Nm3/hr), pressure (PSIG or Barg) and dewpoint (Deg C) that your process demands today, while also having the flexibility or capacity to handle any foreseeable increases in demand. Always review detailed technical proposals, including data sheets and performance guarantees, to ensure the system aligns with both your immediate process needs and your future growth plans.

CAN THE SYSTEM FOOTPRINT BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN YOUR FACILITY?

Space is often a constraint, especially in existing plants. Check:

The physical dimensions of the system.
Required clearances for maintenance access.

A well-designed system proposal should come with a detailed system P & ID and layout drawing that allows you to visualize integration into your existing facility or help you plan for external infrastructure if required.

WHAT IS THE COST TO BUY THE SYSTEM OUTRIGHT, THE ASSOCIATED SYSTEM ERECTION & INSTALLATION COST, ELECTRICAL SCOPE, INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IF ANY & COMISSIONING COST?

Look beyond just the base price of the gas generator. A complete on-site system investment should include:

The outright purchase cost of the gas generator along with required compressor, dryer, filtration, and storage tanks.
System erection & installation costs, including structural work if any, mechanical piping from onsite gas generation system to point of use.
Electrical scope, such as power distribution upgrades, cabling, and integration with existing control systems.
Any mechanical or electrical inspection requirements that may be mandated by local codes.
Commissioning costs, covering final system checks, performance validation, and training for your operations & maintenance team.

HOW POWER EFFICIENT IS THE SYSTEM & SYSTEM’S RUNNING COST?

The largest operating cost over the system’s lifetime is typically power.

Review:

Power consumption of the system in kWh(kilowatt-hour). Calculate system running cost based on hours of operation per day and based on energy rates in your area or based on your contract with your energy supplier.

Example running cost calculation:

A 40 HP (30 kW) compressor running 8 hours/day consumes 240 kWh/day.
At $0.12/kWh, that’s $29/day or ~$8,500/year just for electricity.

Explore energy-saving features like variable speed drives on air compressors, purge economizers on dryers, or automatic shutdown modes when there is no gas demand for the process.

WHAT IS THE YEARLY MAINTENANCE COST?

Ask for an estimated annual maintenance budget, covering:

Filter element replacements & any other system consumables.
Lubricants and service kits for air compressors.

A good supplier should give you at least a 2-year maintenance spare cost estimate upfront.

HOW EASY IS THE SYSTEM TO MAINTAIN?

Can your internal plant maintenance team handle routine services (filter element changes & replacement of system consumables)?
Does it require specialized technicians from the manufacturer for even minor tasks?

Look for systems with simplified designs and clear maintenance instructions.

ARE SPARE PARTS NON-PROPRIETARY AND READILY AVAILABLE?

This is critical for long-term independence and avoiding downtime:

Does the system use standard off-the-shelf filters, valves, and controls, or are you locked into buying proprietary parts?
How quickly can common wear parts be shipped to you?

ASK FOR A LIST OF RECOMMENDED CRITICAL SPARE PARTS for the system

A reliable supplier should provide you with a recommended list of critical spare parts to keep on hand. This helps ensure that in case of unexpected failures or routine wear, you can minimize downtime.

This list typically includes valves, sensors, and control components most subject to wear.
Knowing upfront what parts are recommended—and their costs—also helps you plan your spare parts inventory and maintenance budget.

It’s a simple but crucial step to keep your system running reliably and reduce the risk of unplanned shutdowns.

Choosing an on-site gas generating system is more than a product purchase—it’s an operational partnership. By carefully assessing how well the system fits your process specs, space, operating costs, maintenance needs, and long-term support, you’ll ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply of gas for years to come. If you’re planning an on-site gas generation project and want a tailored assessment, reach out to us at Canada Gas Solutions Inc. We specialize in designing turnkey nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen systems, ensuring they’re perfectly matched to your facility and process.

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Tags ON-SITE GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE NITROGEN GAS GENERATION, ON-SITE OXYGEN GAS GENERATION

ON-SITE GAS GENERATION

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GAS ANALYZERS FOR ON-SITE NITROGEN, OXYGEN & HYDROGEN GAS GENERATION

Post author By canadagassolutions
Post date July 8, 2025

As industries increasingly turn to on-site gas generation systems for nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen, the role of reliable gas analyzers becomes critical. These analyzers ensure the generated gas meets the required purity standards, safeguarding downstream processes and guaranteeing product quality.

THE IMPORTANCE OF GAS ANALYZERS IN ON-SITE GAS GENERATION

Gas analyzers continuously monitor the purity of gases produced by on-site systems such as PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption), membrane, or electrolyzer technologies. They enable early detection of process deviations, protect sensitive equipment, and ensure compliance with process specifications. Whether in wastewater treatment using oxygen for aerobic digestion, food packaging with nitrogen, or hydrogen fueling applications, accurate and continuous gas quality verification is non-negotiable.

SAMPLING SYSTEMS & REQUIREMENTS

Effective gas analysis starts with a well-designed sampling system. A typical sampling line for gas analysis incorporates:

Process isolation ball valve – for safely isolating the analyzer during maintenance.
Check valve – to prevent backflow and protect the generator.
Pressure regulator – to drop the process pressure to a safe range for the analyzer.
Flow meter with needle valve – to control and monitor the sample flow to the analyzer.

Sampling systems typically require:

Sample pressure: usually regulated to 1-5 psi(g), or depending on analyzer specifications.
Sample flow rate: typically, in the range of 1 to 10 litre/min, or depending on analyzer specifications. Ensuring steady delivery to the sensor without overloading it.

Poor sampling design can lead to inaccurate readings or sensor damage due to pressure spikes, moisture, or contamination.

TYPES OF GAS ANALYZER SENSORS

1. Zirconia Oxygen Sensors

Working Principle: Measure oxygen concentration based on the change in voltage across a zirconium oxide cell at elevated temperatures.
Pros:
- Long lifespan (often 5-10 years).
- Ideal for high purity oxygen measurement (ppm to % range).
- Not significantly affected by inert gases.
Cons:
- Sensitive to combustible gases (hydrogen, hydrocarbons) which can create errors.
- Requires heating, leading to higher power consumption.
- Slower warm-up time.

2. Electrochemical (Fuel Cell) Oxygen Sensors

Working Principle: Oxygen diffuses through a membrane and reacts electrochemically, producing a current proportional to concentration.
Pros:
- Compact, simple, low power.
- Fast response time.
- Lower initial cost.
Cons:
- Limited lifespan (18-24 months typical), affected by oxygen exposure.
- Requires periodic replacement.
- Not ideal for very low ppm O2 measurements.

3. Thermal Conductivity Sensors (TCD)

Used for: Hydrogen and sometimes nitrogen purity measurement. Detects changes in thermal conductivity of the sample vs reference gas.
Can measure over a wide range.
Long life, no consumables.

EXPERTISE OF CANADA GAS SOLUTIONS INC.

At Canada Gas Solutions Inc., we understand that your gas purity is critical. That’s why we specialize not only in supplying on-site nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen generation systems but also in designing and integrating complete gas analyzer packages.

Our team helps customers:

Select the right sensor technology based on application needs (ppm vs % range, inert vs active gas streams).
Design sampling systems with appropriate regulators, valves, flow control and filtration to protect analyzers and ensure accurate readings.
Implement analyzer calibration and maintenance plans to maximize uptime and ensure long-term reliability.

Whether you need continuous monitoring of nitrogen purity in food packaging lines, oxygen measurement for combustion optimization, or hydrogen quality verification for fuel cell systems, Canada Gas Solutions has the expertise to deliver robust and tailored solutions.

On-site gas generation unlocks significant operational savings and flexibility, but only when coupled with dependable gas quality monitoring. Investing in the right analyzer technology, combined with expert sampling system design, ensures your operations run smoothly and safely.

For more information on how Canada Gas Solutions can support your nitrogen, oxygen, or hydrogen generation and analysis needs, reach out to us today.

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Tags GAS ANALYZER TECHNOLOGIES, HYDROGEN, NITROGEN, ON-SITE GAS GENERATION, OXYGEN