Reducing Carbon Footprint with On-site Nitrogen Generation

Industrial cryogenic air-separation plants required for large-scale nitrogen production are energy-intensive and generate high volumes of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. These plants are required for large-scale production of nitrogen, which must then be transported from the production center to the site, a journey that can add tens or hundreds of road miles and further increase the carbon footprint with every delivery.

Companies that have invested in on-site nitrogen generation have taken a major step towards meeting their corporate social and sustainability responsibility goals. As a bonus, by eliminating an external supply source, they have reduced their operating costs and taken greater control of their production process.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns play a critical role in evaluating the sustainability and ethical impact of industrial processes. Here is a comparison of ESG concerns associated with Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators versus liquid bulk nitrogen tanks.

Environmental Concerns

PSA Nitrogen Generators	Liquid Bulk Nitrogen Tanks
Energy Consumption: PSA systems can be energy-intensive, especially if the electricity is derived from non-renewable sources. However, advancements in energy-efficient technologies can help in mitigating this.	Energy Use in Liquefaction: The process of liquefying nitrogen is highly energy-intensive, leading to a larger carbon footprint compared to PSA systems.
Emissions: Depending on the energy source, there may be associated greenhouse gas emissions. Using renewable energy can reduce this impact.	Cryogenic Losses: During storage and transport, some nitrogen may evaporate due to heat ingress, resulting in losses and inefficiencies.
Waste Management: The adsorbent materials in PSA systems need periodic replacement and disposal, which must be managed responsibly to avoid environmental harm. However, in recent years, advances in material science have improved the life of adsorbent materials. Manufacturers can often reprocess and regenerate adsorbents, enhancing their lifecycle and reducing environmental impact.	Transportation Emissions: Transporting liquid nitrogen involves significant carbon emissions, especially over long distances, as well as the construction of special tanks that require higher steel content and, therefore, more emissions.

Social Concerns

PSA Nitrogen Generators	Liquid Bulk Nitrogen Tanks
Local Employment: PSA systems can be operated and maintained locally, potentially creating jobs and supporting local economies.	Supply Chain Impact: Dependence on external suppliers for liquid nitrogen can lead to supply chain vulnerabilities, affecting local industries if disruptions occur.
Safety: On-site PSA systems reduce the need to transport hazardous liquid nitrogen, thus lowering the risk of accidents during transportation. Loading and unloading lorries into tanks involve significant safety risks and operational challenges. Also, liquid nitrogen storage tanks have a defined safety life, requiring regular maintenance and inspection to ensure safety and functionality.	Safety: Handling and transporting liquid nitrogen poses safety risks due to its extremely low temperatures, which can cause severe injuries if not managed properly.

Governance Concerns

PSA Nitrogen Generators	Liquid Bulk Nitrogen Tanks
Regulatory Compliance: Operators must ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to energy use, emissions, and waste disposal.	Supplier Practices: Governance extends to suppliers' practices, who must adhere to ethical and environmental standards in producing and transporting liquid nitrogen.
Transparency: Companies using PSA generators should report their environmental impact, energy consumption, and waste management practices transparently.	Supply Contracts: Companies must ensure that supply contracts include clauses on environmental and social responsibility, promoting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

PSA systems offer greater energy efficiency, particularly on a smaller, whereas liquid nitrogen production and transportation are generally more energy intensive. This results in PSA systems having a lower carbon footprint, especially if they are powered by renewable energy, compared to the significant emissions associated with the production and transport of liquid nitrogen.

Additionally, PSA systems enhance local safety by reducing transportation, while liquid nitrogen poses greater safety risks and relies heavily on the supply chain. Both systems necessitate stringent governance to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, but liquid nitrogen requires additional layers of supplier governance.

Overall, PSA nitrogen generators tend to offer advantages in terms of local environmental and social impact, while liquid bulk tanks present challenges mainly due to their higher energy consumption and transportation emissions.

Oxygen analyzers for PSA nitrogen generator applications

Read our blog on Maximizing Nitrogen Generator Performance: The Role of Real-Time Gas Purity Measurement

Did you know?

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in corporate commitments to sustainability. These are being driven by consumer demand, regulatory pressure, and growing recognition of the risks associated with climate change. Companies across the industry are now setting ambitious targets to reduce their carbon footprints by increasing energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The movement originated in the 1960s and 1970s when the wider public began to become aware of environmental damage caused by mankind's actions. It was not until 1987 that the concept of ‘sustainable development’ was first introduced, and the idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) began to take hold.

In common with our customers, we have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and to sharing the best environmental and CSR practices across the industry. These range from installing energy-efficient factory lighting and variable speed drives and motors to reducing waste and transitioning to alternative energy sources. It’s all part of a wider goal to drive down our carbon footprint while working with customers to create a new generation of sustainable products, services, and solutions. Take a look at our Environmental, Social and Governance

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Reducing Carbon Footprint with On-site Nitrogen Generation