Cool Facts #1: How to Produce Liquid Nitrogen with a Generator?
February 25, 2025
Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) is a resource required for various applications, including medical, laboratory, and industrial processes. Traditionally, liquid Nitrogen is supplied by major gas companies in bulk tanks, liquid Nitrogen dewars or vessels.
However, relying on bottled liquid Nitrogen deliveries may lead to supply chain disruptions, storage challenges, and recurring costs.
A reliable and efficient alternative is producing liquid Nitrogen on-site and on-demand with a liquid Nitrogen generator. This eliminates the need for external suppliers and ensures a consistent supply of high-purity nitrogen. In this blog, we’ll explain the step-by-step process of liquid Nitrogen generation using a cryogen system like the CRYOGEN liquid Nitrogen generator.
Step 1: Producing Nitrogen Gas
The liquid Nitrogen production process begins with Nitrogen gas generation from ambient air. A Nitrogen generator adsorbs ambient air through an air compressor. The pressurized air is pre-filtered to eliminate water and dust present in the atmosphere.
How is Nitrogen Separated from Air?
The Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology is used to separate Nitrogen from Oxygen. This technology relies on two Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) columns to produce high-purity Nitrogen from compressed air. The process works as follows:
- The first CMS column traps smaller molecules such as Oxygen (O2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Water (H2O), and Hydrocarbons.
- Nitrogen (N2) passes through unadsorbed and is stored in a Nitrogen tank.
- The second CMS column regenerates via depressurization to prepare for the next cycle.
This continuous cycle ensures a constant supply of high-purity Nitrogen ready for liquefaction.
Step 2: Cooling and Liquefaction of the Nitrogen Gas
Once high-purity Nitrogen gas is generated, it must be cooled to extremely low temperatures to transition into a liquid state. The CRYOGEN liquid Nitrogen generator uses Gifford-McMahon cooling technology, which relies on a cold-head design to compress and expand Helium gas. This proven method allows the system to achieve the ultra-low temperatures required for Nitrogen liquefaction.
Conversion of Nitrogen Gas to Liquid Nitrogen
A Cryo-Refrigerator mounted on the built-in dewar converts the generated gaseous Nitrogen into liquid Nitrogen at –196°C (-321°F). The cooling of the generator is possible either by Air or Water depending on the cryogenic requirements.
Step 3: Storing and Dispensing Liquid Nitrogen
Built-in Dewar for LN2
The liquefied Nitrogen drops into a built-in certified dewar for safe storage. It can be dispensed through various options:
- External distribution system with an insulated hose.
- Front flask dispensing system for small-scale applications.
- Automatic dispensing and filling system for efficient transfer.
Demonstration of Liquid Nitrogen Generation
Interested in seeing a liquid Nitrogen generator in action? Watch our demonstration video here on the step-by-step process of Nitrogen generation, cooling, liquefaction, storage and dispensing of the liquid Nitrogen.
Enhanced Safety and Efficiency with Liquid Nitrogen Generation
Reduce the risks associated with handling LN2 dewars or vessel and enjoy an uninterrupted supply. Your team can focus on its core tasks without worrying about the supply of liquid Nitrogen
Key Benefits of On-Site Liquid Nitrogen Generation
Reliable Production of LN2
Generating liquid nitrogen on demand, directly from ambient air, ensures a reliable and continuous supply of LN2. Using the most advanced and proven technology available, liquid nitrogen generators provide consistent output to meet your needs without interruptions. This eliminates the risks associated with shortages or fluctuations in quality that can occur when relying on external suppliers, ensuring a steady and dependable supply of LN2 for your processes.
Efficient Supply of LN2
On-site liquid nitrogen production eliminates delays commonly associated with delivery schedules from external suppliers. By managing production internally, you enjoy faster and more reliable supply, improving the efficiency of your industrial processes. This autonomy also reduces your reliance on external stocks, helping optimize transportation and storage costs, while improving overall supply chain efficiency.
Safe Operation of a Liquid Nitrogen Generator
CRYOGEN liquid nitrogen generators are designed for safe operation, featuring a robust cabinet, certified built-in dewar, safety valves, and advanced electronics for reliable and secure use. These features not only ensure operator safety but also enhance the longevity of the system, minimizing risks associated with the handling of cryogenic gases. This design ensures the highest standards of safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Easy dispensing of LN2
Liquid nitrogen generators provide multiple dispensing options to suit a wide range of applications. These include external distribution systems, front flask dispensing setups, or fully automated dispensing and filling systems. These versatile options offer flexibility and ease of use, enabling businesses to streamline the dispensing process and tailor it to their specific needs, improving efficiency and reducing manual handling.
Economical Performance of a Generator
Investing in on-site liquid nitrogen generation is a highly cost-effective solution in the long run. Although the initial investment might be substantial, it offers a fast return on investment by significantly lowering ongoing costs related to purchasing, storing, and transporting LN2. Additionally, self-sufficiency in nitrogen production reduces operational costs over time, making this solution much more economical compared to relying on external suppliers.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Nitrogen Production
Producing liquid nitrogen on-site also offers significant environmental benefits. This method of nitrogen production drastically reduces the carbon emissions associated with transportation and bulk storage of LN2. By opting for a local production solution, businesses contribute to a reduction in their carbon footprint, supporting more sustainable practices and helping to meet environmental goals.
Conclusion
Investing in a liquid Nitrogen generator like CRYOGEN offers a reliable and efficient solution for facilities requiring a consistent supply of liquid Nitrogen. Understanding the step-by-step process of Nitrogen generation, cooling, liquefaction, storage and dispensing of the liquid Nitrogen, helps laboratories, medical and industrial businesses make informed decisions about switching to on-site and on-demand liquid Nitrogen generation.
For more details on on-site liquid nitrogen generation
Discover Our Liquid Nitrogen Generation Solutions
We offer a range of high-quality liquid nitrogen generators tailored to your specific needs, whether for medical, industrial, or laboratory applications. Our products are designed to provide reliable, secure, and cost-effective on-site liquid nitrogen production. By choosing our CRYOGEN generators, you benefit from cutting-edge technology, ease of use, and long-lasting performance.
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