Industrial applications of gaseous nitrogen
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Heat treatment of metals
Nitrogen is used in metal heat treatment processes such as hardening and carburising to enhance the mechanical properties of components — including surface hardness, strength, and wear resistance. In nitriding, nitrogen diffuses into the metal surface, improving its durability and performance characteristics.
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Surface hardening
Nitriding or nitrogen enrichment significantly increases surface hardness and resistance to abrasion. This method is particularly effective for components subject to friction and mechanical stress — such as gears, bearings, and cutting tools.
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Fire suppression systems
In inert gas fire suppression systems, nitrogen is used to create a non-reactive environment that inhibits combustion. During fire events, nitrogen is released into the protected space to reduce oxygen levels and prevent flame propagation.
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System purging and testing
Nitrogen is widely used for purging and pressure testing pipelines, tanks, and closed systems. It helps eliminate moisture, contaminants, and unwanted residues, and is ideal for performing leak tests and verifying system integrity under pressure.
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Laser cutting
Nitrogen ensures high-quality, oxidation-free edges during laser cutting of metals. It also assists with cooling and slag removal, improving the precision and efficiency of the cutting process. Nitrogen is especially beneficial for cutting stainless steel and aluminium.
Nitrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality, reliability, and performance of components and structures across mechanical engineering. These examples demonstrate its versatility and effectiveness in enhancing the performance of metallic materials and systems.
Industrial applications of gaseous oxygen
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Welding and cutting
Oxygen serves as an oxidiser in gas welding and cutting, generating high-temperature flames that allow for the effective joining or separation of metal parts.
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Oxy-fuel cutting
This technique uses a stream of oxygen to react with heated metal, forming oxides that are easily removed, allowing for precise and efficient cutting.
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Compressed air systems
Oxygen-enriched compressed air is used in pneumatic tools and equipment to maintain consistent pressure and drive various mechanical operations.
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Oxidation processes
Oxygen is used in industrial chemical reactions to form oxides and other compounds, supporting a wide range of downstream manufacturing processes.
Benefits of on-site PSA nitrogen and oxygen generation
Deploying on-site PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) generators provides significant operational advantages. These systems offer a stable and efficient supply of high-purity gases, enabling faster, more controlled processes and improving production flexibility.
By integrating PSA technology into your operations, your facility gains autonomy, reduces dependence on external gas suppliers, and minimises downtime due to delivery delays or shortages.
Key advantages of nitrogen and oxygen in mechanical engineering
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Improved product quality
The use of nitrogen and oxygen enhances the structural properties of metals, leading to stronger, harder, and more wear-resistant parts.
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Extended equipment lifespan
Gas treatment improves resistance to corrosion and mechanical wear, significantly extending service life — particularly in harsh or high-load operating environments.
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Enhanced safety
When used correctly, nitrogen and oxygen improve workplace safety during welding, cutting, and other technical processes by preventing oxidation, reducing fire risk, and maintaining safe ambient conditions.
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Greater cost-efficiency
Gas-assisted processes increase productivity, reduce waste, and enable more accurate manufacturing. This leads to shorter production cycles, lower operational costs, and improved economic performance across the enterprise.
Why choose automated PSA gas generators?
Automated PSA stations deliver consistent gas compositions tailored to specific process requirements. This precision improves product quality, reduces defect rates, and optimises resource consumption.
In modern engineering, on-site nitrogen and oxygen generation using PSA technology is considered a key enabler of process efficiency and high-quality outpaut.
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