Carbon Molecular Sieves for Nitrogen Production – Explained

Carbon Molecular Sieves (CMS) are used in PSA (pressure swing adsorption) Nitrogen gas generators. CMS also finds use in other separations like Hydrogen refinement from crude sources and also biogas refining.

However, in this blog, we will be specifically referring to CMS for Nitrogen production and how do our PSA generators work. Carbon Molecular Sieve operates at a molecular level and under pressure separates oxygen from nitrogen when fed atmospheric air.

Carbon Molecular Sieves have a porous nano-structure that is arrived at after processing activated carbon as the raw material. The nano-pores capture the Oxygen molecules available in compressed air when the CMS is subjected to pressure. This allows the balance of Nitrogen, which cannot be adsorbed, to be delivered as the product gas. Once the pores have been saturated with oxygen, the CMS is de-pressurized back to atmospheric pressure. This allows the adsorbed Oxygen molecules to be released out as the exhaust.

PSA process for Nitrogen production using CMS was invented by our Principal – CarboTech, in the 1970s. MVS has been with CarboTech since the early 1980s and is the pioneer of PSA Nitrogen generators in India. Having supplied thousands of Nitrogen gas plants using PSA technology with CarboTech CMS, we are one of the world leaders who understand this technology well. Our customers derive the dual benefit of getting German CarboTech technology and a lower-cost manufacturing base of MVS from India.

HOW DO MVS PSA NITROGEN GENERATORS WORK?

Ambient air comprises of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1% remaining gases. The PSA Process Nitrogen Generators uses Carbon Molecular Sieves to extract atmospheric nitrogen. The PSA N2 generator composes of 2 vessels. One is filled with Activated Alumina, and the other one with CMS. The clean air passes through one vessel, and pure gas comes out as a resultant gas. Oxygen- the drained gas is sent back to the atmosphere.

After a short duration when the molecular sieve bed is saturated, the process shifts to nitrogen generation to the other bed by automatic valves while allowing the saturated bed to enter into regeneration by depressurization and purging to atmospheric pressure.

Thus, the two vessels keep switching (alternately) to produce and regenerate Nitrogen gas to make sure that the gas is available to the user all through their process.

Even though PSA plants with CMS will give years and years of service, CMS has a limited life. It is not uncommon for PSA plants to provide 10-15 years of service without requiring CMS change.

Also Read

• Nitrogen Gas Is A Viable And Cost Effective Option In Pharmaceuticals Industries

• What Is Food-Grade Nitrogen And Is It Safe To Use Nitrogen In Food Packaging?

• What Are The Benefits Of Using Nitrogen Gas In The Aerospace Industry?

• MVS Engineering – Best Manufacturer Of Nitrogen Gas Generators
  

MVS Engineering can supply Carbon Molecular Sieves for its own plants for replacement and Nitrogen gas plants supplied by other companies. Please get in touch with our sales staff, and they will be happy to assist you.