Industrial Utility Efficiency

Air Treatment/N2

Producing nitrogen locally is an excellent way to reduce nitrogen costs and ensure a continuous supply of nitrogen gas at the appropriate purity. The ideal nitrogen generation solution varies by application, based on the specific levels of nitrogen purity, flow, pressure and dryness that are required. Environmental factors such as air quality, humidity and temperature also affect the performance of the system.

Thought Leaders on System Optimization Past & Future

We asked a hand-selected list of original equipment manufacturers, independent compressed air system sales and service companies, manufacturing plants and independent system auditors to share their thoughts, highlighting the changes they’ve seen over the past 20 years, then predicting what the next 20 years will bring.

R&D Labs Shifting to N2 Generation

This article explores how on-site nitrogen generation, using PSA and membrane technologies, enables engineers to produce nitrogen on demand with greater control over purity, flow and pressure. It also highlights real-world applications and the operational benefits of improved uptime, reduced handling risks and lower total cost of ownership.

Morey Cuts Nitrogen Costs by $270,000 with On-Premises Generation

What started as a cost concern quickly exposed deeper risks tied to supply reliability, contract constraints and production downtime. Facing a tight deadline, the electronics manufacturing company executed a rapid transition to an on-site nitrogen system that reshaped how its operation is powered. The results reveal why more manufacturers are rethinking their dependence on delivered industrial gases.

Leland Brewing Adopts Modular Nitrogen Generation

A modular nitrogen generation system integrated with compressed air infrastructure enabled on-site nitrogen production, reducing reliance on delivered CO₂ and improving process efficiency. Adjustable nitrogen purity levels (e.g., 99.99%) optimized flow rate and demand matching while maintaining product quality in brewing applications. The implementation demonstrates how scalable nitrogen generation technology can lower operating costs and support growth in small to mid-sized industrial operations.

Dishaka Strengthens Operational Efficiency with Onsite Nitrogen Generation

A snack manufacturer, strengthened operational efficiency and product freshness by implementing onsite nitrogen generation at its Houston facility. By replacing delivered nitrogen with PSA-based systems from Liberty Systems, the company gained 24/7 supply reliability, reduced operating costs and improved sustainability performance. The investment supports scalable Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), enhances business continuity and positions Dishaka for long-term growth in the competitive food manufacturing industry.

Renew Energy Partners Fixes Variable Demand on a Large Campus

An aerospace manufacturer worked with Renew Energy Partners to address energy waste caused by variable compressed air demand across a 30-building campus. By upgrading to a variable-speed drive compressor, repairing leaks, and improving air drying under an energy-as-a-service model, the project reduced energy use by more than 270,000 kWh annually while supporting long-term decarbonization goals.

Texas Recycling Plant Saves Water with Air-Cooled Air Compressors

There are multiple compressed air applications in a waste management facility. This new recycling center uses laser-guided optical sorters to divide waste, with no human involvement on the sorting line. Laser optics determine what type of material each scrap is, then compressed air jets maneuver each piece to its collection area. Compressed air also powers handheld blow guns used for cleaning, as well as the bundling and packaging system. 

Cardinal Glass Increases Throughput with Dry Compressed Air

With over 49 locations and 10,000 employees, the company’s Casa Grande, AZ, plant specializes in tempering, taking annealed or raw glass, cutting it to size, running it through a 1,250°F (677°C) oven and then using a pressurized air system to quench the glass and turn it into safety glass. Compressed air powers the plant’s belt systems that transfer materials, the seaming system that rounds the corners and the washer system that cleans particulates off glass before it goes into the furnace.

Kirsh Foundry Drives Energy Efficiency with Compressed Air Optimization

The energy savings amounted to 550,873.5 kWh per year, resulting in a reduction of \$49,579 in energy costs annually. Additionally, nitrogen savings were significant, with annual expenses dropping by \$8,602 due to the installation of the on-site nitrogen generator. Overall, the project achieved total annual savings of \$58,181, with implementation costs of \$74,676 and an impressive payback period of just 1.28 years.

How Breweries Save By Switching to Nitrogen Gas

The brewing industry has long used carbon dioxide (CO2) in various brewing processes. Carbon dioxide has been the workhorse gas for the industry. It’s not only used to carbonate beer and give it fizz, but also to purge oxygen from tanks and lines to prevent spoilage and preserve freshness and flavor throughout the entire brewing process.