'PECTHERM (P) Ltd., India is one of the country’s prominent Oxygen and Nitrogen plants providers on turnkey basis in collaboration with INMATEC Gase Technologie GmbH & Co. KG, Made in Germany. At Pectherm, our mind set is to relentlessly focus on the smallest details to create exceptional installations in India through Digital & Smart capabilities to make customers future ready technology suitable to Indian conditions. Our promise of ‘trusted to deliver excellence’ embodies the values of the business: trust, deliver and excellence. Established in 1999 as a single window approach to the customers for the engineering equipments etc viz. Oxygen Generator, Nitrogen Generator, Air Compressors, Dryers & Filters, Water Treatment Chemicals etc.'

1. FAQ
Oxygen & Nitrogen

2. What does Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA)
technology mean?
2
The term Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), stands for a proven
technology for producing nitrogen or oxygen. INMATEC has been
using the PSA technology in its machines and systems for many years.
The nitrogen or oxygen is separated from the remaining air
components and compressed.

3. How does the PSA technology work?
3
The PSA technology is based on the adsorption principle: The
nitrogen molecules and oxygen molecules of the incoming air are
separated by a carbon molecule sieve. The nitrogen molecules or
oxygen molecules flow through the carbon. They are led into a large
container or system tank by compressed air and collected. The highly
pure nitrogen or oxygen are available there for further use.

4. Are there differences in the molecular sieves?
4
The molecular sieve for nitrogen generation and oxygen generation
essentially differ from each other.
Nitrogen is filtered from the compressed air with the help of activated
carbon, while oxygen is produced with so-called zeolites. INMATEC
ensures the highest possible quality of the respective filter materials
here.
Not all molecular sieves are equal. Even within some manufacturers,
differences exist, e.g. depending on the place of production, size and
quality.
If you obtain your molecular sieve from INMATEC, you have the
greatest assurance that the most suitable model, appropriate for your
INMATEC system, is being used.

5. How pure can the nitrogen or oxygen from INMATEC
become?
5
Nitrogen from INMATEC can reach a purity grade of 90.0 up to
99.9999%. The oxygen purity is "only" about 90.0 – 95.0%. The
difference is this large because the requirements of the users of PSA
generators in the individual sectors differ greatly for nitrogen or
oxygen purities.

6. What minimum requirement does the European
Pharmacopoeia Standard make for the purity of
oxygen?
6
Since 01 April 2011, the European Pharmacopoeia Standard allows the
use of oxygen with 93.0% purity.

7. Why do some states specify an oxygen purity of 99.0%?
7
Due to old regulations, some states continue to specify an oxygen
purity of 99.0% Against the background of an adaptation to
international specifications such as ISO 10083 (Europe), these
provisions are increasingly replaced by the international minimum
value of 93.0%.

8. What is the difference between an oxygen
concentrator and an oxygen generator?
8
An oxygen concentrator is understood as small medical systems for
home use. The term oxygen generator indicates systems on a larger
scale.

9. Worldwide, millions of oxygen concentrators are used,
which produce 93% oxygen. Why do some states
continue to specify 99% oxygen purity for hospital
delivery systems?
9
If authorities insist on 99.0% pure medical oxygen, this is generally
due to the interests of competition, which would prevent the
introduction of more cost-efficient systems, such as PSA oxygen
generators.

10. Is it true that a PSA nitrogen generator or a PSA
oxygen generator must be installed inside?
10
PSA nitrogen generators and PSA oxygen generators from INMATEC
are suitable both for installation inside and outside. It is decisive that
the ambient temperature is between +5°C and +45°C.

11. From which ambient temperature is the installation of
an air conditioner unit or heating required?
11
At an ambient temperature of +45°C or higher, an air conditioner
must be available. If it is colder than +4°C, a heating system is
required.

12. Is a humidity meter necessary in the installation
room?
12
If the generator is operated at higher air humidity, it is advisable to
continually measure the compressed air humidity and regulate this if
necessary. The INMATEC engineers are happy to advise you.

13. Can components of the system be distributed between
different rooms (e.g. for reasons of space)?
13
The components for the preparation and production of nitrogen can
be placed in separate rooms without trouble.

14. What maintenance costs exist for PSA nitrogen
generators/PSA oxygen generators?
14
With the daily 24-hour operation, we recommend that the elements of
the internal filter are replaced in six month intervals. The valves
should generally be replaced every five years. The service work for the
compressors are based on the recommendations of the manufacturer.

15. What is the service life of the molecular sieve?
15
The service life of the molecular sieve is based on the quality of the
intake air. On compliance with the recommended standard, the sieve
can be used for 20 years or even longer.

16. What happens if the molecular sieve is soiled or
contaminated?
16
Generally, the performance of the molecular sieve is reduced in the
event of contamination. It should be replaced in the event of
contamination. Oil and ammonia are frequent contaminating
substances. If the molecular sieve is soiled with water, the need for
replacement depends on the degree of soiling. If it is low, the sieve
can usually remain in operation.
Tip: Ask the INMATEC engineers in advance which additional
arrangements may be practical, in order to ensure the smoothest
possible functioning of the molecular sieve.

17. Can a nitrogen generator or oxygen generator
continue to be used with a contaminated molecular
sieve?
17
A PSA nitrogen generator or PSA oxygen generator can continue to be
used with a contaminated molecular sieve. However, a reduced purity
and quantity of the nitrogen or oxygen produced should be assumed.
For this reason, the sieve should be replaced immediately when using
nitrogen in food production.

18. What time and cost is required for replacing a
molecular sieve?
18
Molecular serves can always be replaced on site as the generator,
which keeps the time and cost necessary for replacement low. The
exact costs for the replacement depend on the size and model of the
generator.

19. What is important to know when buying a new
molecular sieve?
19
Please remember that only molecular serves supplied by INMATEC are
recommended for the operation of our nitrogen generators or oxygen
generators.

20. Is a standard compressor sufficient for the operation
of a INMATEC generator, or is an oil-free compressor
required?
20
Provided the necessary quality of intake air or compressed air is met, a
standard compressor is fully satisfactory. In must be ensured that the
compressor power is adapted to the power of the nitrogen generator
or oxygen generator.

21. Which standard compressors does INMATEC use?
21
INMATEC exclusively uses air compressors that meet our internal
reliability requirements and whose manufacturers guarantee a first-
class service worldwide.

22. Are oil-free compressors more expensive than
standard compressors?
22
Yes, oil-free compressors are generally significantly more expensive
than oil lubricated devices. The oil filter is omitted for this, which
would otherwise need to be connected in order to ensure oil-free
compressed air.

23. What happens if oil enters the air line with an air
compressor due to a fault?
23
An excessive oil unloading can contaminate the molecular sieve.

24. Is a dryer necessary for the air preparation?
24
This depends on the quality of the intake air. With a PSA nitrogen
generator or a PSA oxygen generator, the pressure thaw point must
not be higher than +4°C. At higher values, a dryer is necessary.

25. Is an adsorption dryer necessary for the air
preparation, or is a standard refrigeration dryer
sufficient?
25
In most cases, a refrigeration dryer is sufficient. The INMATEC
engineers are happy to advise you on this.

26. Can an adsorption dryer be used in principle? What
advantages and disadvantages exist?
26
In principle, an adsorption dryer can be used instead of a refrigeration
dryer. Generally, the performance of the nitrogen generators/oxygen
generators increases slightly through this. On the other hand, there
are higher costs and a larger energy cost, which cancels the
performance advantage

27. What happens if the air dryer fails due to a fault?
27
If an air dryer fails, the sieve of the nitrogen generator or oxygen
generator can become contaminated with water.

28. What role does the height of the installation location
have on the configurations of the system?
28
The size of the air compressor for a PSA generator is based on the
height of the installation location. The higher this is above the sea
level, the larger the compressor must be in order to balance the
decreasing air pressure.

29. Where is the pressure thaw point of the nitrogen
produced by a PSP nitrogen generator?
29
The pressure thaw point of the nitrogen produced by the PSA nitrogen
generator is between -35 C and -60°C, depending on the size of the
generator.

30. And where is the pressure thaw point of the oxygen
produced by a PSP oxygen generator?
30
The pressure thaw point of the oxygen produced by the PSA oxygen
generator is between -51°C and -73°C, depending on the size of the
generator.

31. At what starting pressure is the produced
nitrogen/oxygen available?
31
Nitrogen produced by INMATEC nitrogen generators has a starting
pressure between 5 bar(g) and 7 bar(g). Higher pressures are also
possible when using nitrogen compressors (optional).
The starting pressure of the oxygen produced by the INMATEC oxygen
generators is between 5 bar(g) and 7 bar(g). Higher pressures can also
be achieved when using oxygen compressors (optional).

32. Does the starting pressure of the nitrogen/oxygen
differ between individual generators/models?
32
No, all models have the same starting pressure.

33. Can the pressure be increased to a higher value?
33
The nitrogen supply pressure of a PSA nitrogen generator can be
increased by reducing the flow rate of the system. Further possibilities
are the use of a booster or compressor. The same applies for the
oxygen pressure with PSA oxygen generators.

34. There is always a certain loss from condensation with
liquid nitrogen or oxygen. Does this problem also exist
with nitrogen or oxygen that is produced by a PSA
nitrogen generator or PSA oxygen generator?
34
No, the entire nitrogen/oxygen produced by a PSA nitrogen
generator/PSA oxygen generator is available without loss.

35. Can an INMATEC nitrogen generator or an INMATEC
oxygen generator also be remotely monitored?
35
INMATEC fits its nitrogen generators and oxygen generators by series
with a remote monitoring system. The touch control panel can
thereby be operated by Internet from any point in the world - even
over mobile end devices such as laptops or iPads.

36. What is the design of a PSA nitrogen system or a PSA
oxygen system based on?
36
Ideally, data is available for determining the appropriate unit size for
customers. The use of a user history is also helpful. In other cases, the
peak demand can be determined by a formula. INMATEC is happy to
answer further questions.

37. What are the most important advantages of a PSA
nitrogen generator or a PSA oxygen generator in
comparison to bottled gas or liquid gas from large
tanks?
37
With a PSA nitrogen system/PSA oxygen system, all direct and
indirect costs from transport and delivery, or also cylinder and tank
rental, are omitted. As the associated CO2 emission is also stopped,
this technology is also a real contribution to the environment.

38. Can the cause of a fault in a generator be determined
by INMATEC by remote access?
38
INMATEC fits its nitrogen generators and oxygen generators by series
with a remote monitoring system. For this reason, we can access your
device at any time where needed, in order to make diagnoses or
remedy faults.

39. Can systems be fitted with an automatic deactivation
(e.g. in the event of a fault)?
39
Yes, every nitrogen system and every oxygen system can be set so that
it deactivates automatically whenever any parameter values occur. A
precondition for this is that the corresponding sensors are present
(pressure thaw point, nitrogen unit/oxygen unit, quantity etc.).

40. Can a nitrogen cylinder and an oxygen cylinder be
contaminated?
40
Due to faulty handling, nitrogen cylinders and oxygen cylinders can
become soiled. For this reason, INMATEC offers vacuum pumps for all
models, in order to empty every cylinder before it is refilled.

41. How long does the nitrogen or the oxygen remain in a
cylinder? Does the cylinder have to be approved again
regularly?
41
The nitrogen or oxygen in a cylinder remains without limit. For
aluminium cylinders, the TÜV specifies inspection for watertightness
every five years in Germany. With steel cylinders, this must take place
every ten years.

42. Does a nitrogen cylinder or an oxygen cylinder have to
be emptied with a vacuum pump before refilling?
42
There is no rule of this kind. If the cylinder was under the supervision
of the filler during the entire usage period, emptying with a vacuum
pump is not necessary. In other cases, INMATEC advises that every
cylinder is emptied with a vacuum pump before it is refilled.

43. Is it possible to save costs by monitoring only the
nitrogen purity or the oxygen purity?
43
Yes, in many cases it is sufficient only to monitor the purity of the
nitrogen/oxygen.

44. How are the costs for filling a nitrogen cylinder
related when using a PSA nitrogen? What do the costs
for filling oxygen cylinders look like?
44
With PSA nitrogen generators, the costs for the nitrogen production
and for filling cylinders is normally given in kilowatt-hours (kW/h).
The reason for this is that while the air is free, there are costs for the
electricity to operate the air compressor.
When operating the system at sea level, approximately 10 kW/h is
necessary in order to fill a 10m³ nitrogen cylinder – or in other words:
0.5 kW/h per m³. The costs for filling oxygen cylinders are subject to
the same calculations.

45. How much energy is needed by a PSA nitrogen
generator/PSA oxygen generator?
45
INMATEC PSA nitrogen generators and PSA oxygen generators are
particularly cost saving with an average consumption of 100 W.

46. Can INMATEC nitrogen systems or INMATEC oxygen
systems be transported with standard containers?
46
Most INMATEC systems are designed so that they can fit without
problems in a standard 20 or 40 foot container. There they are also
particularly safely protected from any transport damage.

47. Can a PSA nitrogen system or a PSA oxygen system be
installed on a skid?
47
Yes, this is possible without any problems. A horizontal orientation of
the generator is required for proper functioning.

48. Which tests does an INMATEC nitrogen generator or
an INMATEC oxygen generator undergo before
delivery?
48
Each nitrogen generator or oxygen generator leaves our factory only
after passing intensive functional tests. This also includes a 24-hour
continual operation.

49. In which sectors are nitrogen or oxygen required?
49
Nitrogen is required in e.g.:
• Agriculture
• Aviation technology
• Laser applications
• The food industry
• The plastics industry
• The oil and gas industry
• The shipping industry
• The electronics industry
• Tank cleaning
• Mining and tunnelling
• Turbo compressors
• Chemistry and Pharmacology
• Metal industry
• Welding and arc welding
• Soldering and brazing
• Cutting
• Storage
• The packaging industry
• To prevent dust explosions
• Overlay - transport
• Crushing
• And many more...
Nitrogen and oxygen are required in more senses than you think.
Oxygen is required in e.g.:
• Fish breeding and fish farming
• Drinking water treatment
• Operation rooms and hospitals
• Metal industry
• Mining
• Wellness and beauty
• Cutting and welding
• Glass processing and neon applications
• Veterinary clinics
• Biogas plants
• Fire heating
• Pharma production
• The food industry
• Diving centres
• Hyperbaric chambers and
decompression chambers
• And many more...

50. thanks!
Any questions?
You can find us at
www.pectherm.com
marketing@pectherm.com
50