Dual-Purity Nitrogen Generator System for Specialty Plant Oils in China

Project Overview

Huatai supplied a complete on-site nitrogen generation system for a new specialty plant oils and derivatives project in Guang’an, Sichuan.

The project forms part of Huatai’s nitrogen generation solutions for chemical production, configured around the required nitrogen purity, flow, pressure and production schedule.

The system was configured for two nitrogen purity requirements—99.5% and 97%—with variable flow output based on the selected operating configuration and a delivery pressure of 0.5 MPa.

The delivered package integrates air compression, compressed-air treatment, nitrogen generation, gas storage and Siemens PLC control. The system has been delivered and is awaiting startup alongside the customer’s new production facilities.

  • Customer: Guang’an Dayou Chemical / Zhengxin Chemical (Sichuan) Co., Ltd.
  • Project: Specialty Plant Oils and Derivatives Project
  • Industry: Specialty Oils and Chemical Processing
  • Location: Guang’an, Sichuan, China
  • Gas: Nitrogen
  • Nitrogen Purity: 99.5% and 97%
  • Nitrogen Flow: Variable based on the selected operating configuration
  • Delivery Pressure: 0.5 MPa
  • Nitrogen Generators: KFD295-100 and KFD97-150
  • Installation: Fixed indoor installation
  • Control System: Siemens PLC
  • Operating Requirement: Continuous nitrogen supply
  • Project Status: Delivered; awaiting startup of the new production facilities

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What Nitrogen Supply Did the Specialty Plant Oils Project Require?

The customer required an on-site nitrogen supply for a new specialty plant oils and derivatives project. With no existing nitrogen source available for the new production facilities, the project required a complete nitrogen generation station rather than a standalone nitrogen generator.
The system needed to support two nitrogen purity levels—99.5% and 97%—as well as different flow requirements at a delivery pressure of 0.5 MPa. Continuous nitrogen supply and the ability to accommodate changing nitrogen demand were key considerations in the system configuration.
Selection Factor Project Information
Application Natural Gas Extraction Process
Nitrogen Purity ≥99.9%
Nitrogen Flow Pending Final Confirmation
Delivery Pressure Pending Final Confirmation
Operating Mode Continuous
Installation Type Fixed System
Control System Siemens PLC
Power Supply 380/220 V

Why Did the Project Require Two Nitrogen Purity Levels?

The project specified two nitrogen supply conditions for different process requirements within the new facility. Huatai configured dedicated nitrogen generation capacity for the required 99.5% and 97% purity levels without combining them into a single supply specification.
表3
The specific production processes served by each purity level should be confirmed according to the customer’s final process and distribution design.

How Was the Dual-Purity Nitrogen Generation System Configured?

Huatai supplied a complete on-site nitrogen generation system covering compressed-air production, air treatment, nitrogen separation, gas storage and system control. The configuration included KFD295-100 and KFD97-150 nitrogen generators for the specified 99.5% and 97% nitrogen supply conditions.

The nitrogen-generation section include industrial nitrogen generators configured around the project’s 99.5% and 97% nitrogen requirements.

System Components

  • Three air compressors
  • Refrigerated air dryer
  • Compressed-air filtration system
  • KFD295-100 nitrogen generator
  • KFD97-150 nitrogen generator
  • Gas receiver tanks
  • Siemens PLC control system
  • Nitrogen Generation Process

Air compressors → Refrigerated air dryer → Compressed-air filtration → Nitrogen generators → Gas receiver tanks → Plant nitrogen distribution

Compressed air is produced, dried and filtered before entering the nitrogen generators. The generated nitrogen then passes to the applicable receiver tanks before being delivered to the plant’s nitrogen distribution system.

The final storage and distribution arrangement follows the project piping design. The two nitrogen purity levels are therefore shown as separate supply conditions without assuming whether they share receiver tanks or distribution pipelines.

Huatai’s on-site nitrogen generation solutions can integrate compressed-air supply, air treatment, nitrogen generation, gas storage and system control according to the requirements of each project.

How Does the Four-Tower System Adjust Nitrogen Flow?

According to the project configuration, the nitrogen generation section uses a four-tower arrangement to support different flow conditions. The operating combination can be adjusted according to the required nitrogen load, allowing the system to match demand without operating the full installed capacity under every condition.
The project configuration data specifies a flow range of 100–200 Nm³/h at 99.5% nitrogen purity and 150–300 Nm³/h at 97% purity. The applicable operating combination depends on the required purity, nitrogen demand and available compressed-air supply.
表4
This configuration provides load-based capacity control through different operating combinations. It should not be interpreted as unrestricted or continuously variable flow adjustment across the entire stated range.

How Does the Three-Compressor Configuration Support Variable Demand?

The nitrogen station includes three air compressors to provide compressed-air capacity for different nitrogen demand conditions. Under lower demand, the system can operate with the required compressor capacity. As nitrogen demand increases, additional compressor capacity can be brought online according to the selected operating configuration.
The three-compressor arrangement also supports different operating combinations. The applicable combination depends on the required nitrogen purity, flow demand, available compressor capacity and final control logic.
表5
The load-based arrangement is intended to avoid operating unnecessary compressor capacity when nitrogen demand is lower. Actual energy consumption will depend on the operating load, compressor control settings and production schedule.

How Are Nitrogen Purity, Flow and Pressure Controlled?

Nitrogen Purity

The nitrogen generation equipment was selected around the project’s specified purity requirements of 99.5% and 97%. Final nitrogen purity will be verified during system commissioning under the agreed flow and operating conditions.

Nitrogen Flow

The system provides different installed capacities for the two nitrogen purity conditions. Available nitrogen flow depends on the selected equipment combination, required purity and available compressed-air capacity.

Delivery Pressure

Both nitrogen supply conditions were specified with a delivery pressure of 0.5 MPa. The pressure available at each point of use will also depend on the gas storage arrangement, pipeline layout, delivery distance and system pressure loss.

How Is the Complete Nitrogen Station Controlled?

The nitrogen station uses a Siemens PLC to manage the programmed operating sequence and applicable equipment controls. The control system coordinates nitrogen generation with the selected operating load and allows operators to view relevant operating conditions and system status.
The exact control scope follows the final electrical and control design. Air-compressor coordination should only be described as part of the Siemens PLC system if centralized compressor control has been confirmed for this project.

Automated Equipment and Process Control

Depending on the final control configuration, the PLC can manage:

    • Nitrogen generator operating sequences
    • Valve switching
    • Applicable equipment start and stop control
    • Load-based equipment coordination

Operating Monitoring and Alarm Display

The PLC interface can display:

        • Equipment operating status
        • Process parameters
        • Alarm indications

What Was Considered for Indoor Installation at the Chemical Plant?

The nitrogen station was configured for fixed installation in an indoor, ventilated area of the plant. The equipment layout needed to accommodate three air compressors, air-treatment equipment, two nitrogen generator configurations and gas receiver tanks while maintaining access for operation, inspection and routine maintenance.

The installation planning considered:

        • Indoor ventilation conditions
        • Compressor air intake and heat-dissipation clearance
        • Maintenance access for the refrigerated air dryer and filters
        • Access to nitrogen generator valves, instruments and filter elements
        • Receiver tank positioning and pipeline connections
        • 380/220 V electrical supply conditions
        • Equipment foundations and drainage
        • Plant nitrogen pipeline routing
        • Applicable local pressure-vessel and chemical-plant requirements

The installation area and electrical configuration must be reviewed against the customer’s confirmed site classification. This project should not be described as an explosion-proof nitrogen station or as suitable for hazardous areas unless the applicable protection rating has been verified.

What Routine Maintenance Does the Nitrogen Station Require?

Routine maintenance covers both the compressed-air treatment and nitrogen-generation sections of the station. Maintenance intervals should be adjusted according to operating hours, inlet-air conditions and the manufacturer’s instructions for each installed component.
表6
Actual replacement intervals should be based on inspection results, operating records and site conditions rather than operating hours alone.

What Is the Current Status of the Guang’an Nitrogen Project?

The complete nitrogen generation station has been delivered for the customer’s new specialty plant oils and derivatives project. At the time of this project record, the new production facilities had not yet entered operation.
Commissioning results, nitrogen purity and flow performance, operating stability, and actual energy consumption will be evaluated after the production facilities and nitrogen station are placed into service.

What Is the Current Status of the Guang’an Nitrogen Project?

A dual-purity nitrogen system should be configured around the demand of each nitrogen supply condition rather than the combined flow alone. Buyers should confirm the following project information before system selection and quotation.
表7
Buyers comparing system capacities can review [how to configure a nitrogen generator for chemical production] before confirming purity, normal flow, peak demand and delivery pressure.

Planning a Nitrogen Generation Station for Your Chemical Project?

A dual-purity nitrogen station should be configured around the required purity at each point of use, normal and peak flow demand, simultaneous usage, delivery pressure and production schedule. The air compressors, air-treatment equipment, nitrogen generators, gas storage and control system should be evaluated as one complete system.
Share your nitrogen requirements and site conditions with Huatai. Our engineering team can review the required purity levels, operating loads, delivery pressure and installation conditions to recommend a complete nitrogen generation system for your project.