Have you got the tips for choosing between the buffer tank and storage tank for PSA nitrogen generators?

In many fields of industrial production, PSA nitrogen generators play a crucial role in providing stable and reliable nitrogen. The buffer tank and storage tank, as indispensable components of the PSA nitrogen generator system, have a key impact on the performance and operational effectiveness of the entire nitrogen generation system. Today, let's delve into how to choose buffer tanks and storage tanks for PSA nitrogen generators.

1. Key Points for Choosing Buffer Tanks
 

The buffer tank mainly serves to balance gas flow and reduce pressure fluctuations in the PSA nitrogen generator, ensuring that subsequent gas-using equipment can obtain a stable supply of nitrogen.
(1) Volume Calculation
 

The size of the buffer tank's volume needs to be determined based on factors such as the gas output of the nitrogen generator and the gas consumption fluctuations of the equipment. Generally, it can be estimated using the following empirical formula:
Where is the buffer tank volume (), is the maximum gas output of the nitrogen generator (), is the buffering time (usually taken as 3 - 5 min), and is the working pressure inside the buffer tank ().
 

For example, if a nitrogen generator has a maximum gas output of 10, a working pressure of 0.8, and a buffering time of 4 min, then the buffer tank volume can be calculated. However, this is just a preliminary estimate; in actual applications, adjustments and optimizations should be made based on specific working conditions.
(2) Material Selection
 

Common materials for buffer tanks include carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is relatively low-cost and suitable for conditions where nitrogen purity requirements are not high and there are no special corrosive gases; stainless steel has good corrosion resistance and can ensure that nitrogen purity is not affected by the tank material, making it suitable for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics that have strict requirements for nitrogen quality.
(3) Pressure Rating
 

The pressure rating of the buffer tank must be able to withstand the maximum working pressure of the nitrogen generator as well as any potential pressure fluctuations. Typically, its design pressure should be higher than the working pressure of the nitrogen generator by a certain margin, usually taken as 1.2 - 1.5 times the working pressure to ensure safe and reliable operation.
2. Key Points for Choosing Storage Tanks
 

Storage tanks are mainly used to store nitrogen to meet gas demand at different times during production processes, ensuring continuity in nitrogen supply.
(1) Volume Determination
 

The determination of storage tank volume needs to comprehensively consider factors such as gas consumption by equipment, gas consumption cycles, and the start-stop time of the nitrogen generator. The minimum required storage tank volume can be calculated based on the maximum hourly gas consumption and continuous gas consumption time:
Where is the storage tank volume (), is the maximum hourly gas consumption by equipment (), is the continuous gas consumption time (), and is the working pressure inside the storage tank ().
 

For example, if a piece of gas-using equipment has a maximum hourly gas consumption of 50, a continuous gas consumption time of 8 hours, and a storage tank working pressure of 1.0, then the storage tank volume can be calculated.
(2) Material and Pressure Rating
 

Similar to buffer tanks, storage tanks can also be made from carbon steel or stainless steel, which can be selected based on gas requirements. Regarding pressure ratings, it is also necessary to consider the output pressure of the nitrogen generator and any pressure losses during transportation to ensure that the storage tank can safely and stably store nitrogen.
(3) Installation Location and Layout
 

The installation location of storage tanks should take into account the distance for transporting nitrogen and the distribution of gas-using points, aiming to shorten pipeline lengths and reduce pressure losses. At the same time, sufficient space around the storage tank should be ensured for installation, maintenance, and repair. In terms of layout, consideration should also be given to connection methods and pipeline directions when multiple storage tanks are used in combination to ensure system rationality and efficiency.
3. Synergistic Effect of Buffer Tanks and Storage Tanks
 

Buffer tanks and storage tanks do not exist in isolation within PSA nitrogen generator systems; rather, they work together synergistically. The buffer tank is located at the outlet end of the nitrogen generator, first buffering and stabilizing the nitrogen produced by the generator before delivering relatively stable nitrogen to the storage tank for storage. The storage tank then continuously provides nitrogen to gas-using equipment during periods when the nitrogen generator is offline or during peak usage times, ensuring continuity in production. A reasonable combination of both can effectively enhance stability, reliability, and economy in nitrogen generation systems.
 

Correctly selecting buffer tanks and storage tanks for PSA nitrogen generators is crucial for efficient and stable operation of nitrogen generation systems. During selection processes, various factors must be fully considered along with precise calculations based on actual working conditions for reasonable selection. Only in this way can we ensure that nitrogen generation systems provide high-quality and stable nitrogen supply for industrial production activities.