Parker Balston N2-04 User manual

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
1
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Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
Parker Balston®Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
Bulletin TI-N2-04J
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
The Parker Balston N2-04 Nitrogen Generator is a completely engineered system which will
convert a compressed air supply into 95% to 99% purity compressed nitrogen. The system
is based on state-of-the-art membrane separation technology. Hollow fiber membranes
are used to separate air into a concentrated nitrogen output stream and an oxygen enriched
permeate stream.
The N2-04 Nitrogen Generator includes all the components required to convert compressed
air into high purity nitrogen (see Figure 1). The user need only connect a supply of com-
pressed air to the inlet of the nitrogen generator and connect the outlet of the generator to
the process requiring high purity nitrogen.
The flow schematic on page 2 (Figure 2) shows all of the major components of the system.
The system can be broken down into four primary functional groups. These are: prefiltration,
air separation, controls, and final filtration.
In hazardous applications where the oxygen content in nitrogen is critical (i.e. blanketing
explosive chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor or trace
analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarm systems to as-
sure proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.
General Description
These instructions must be thoroughly read and understood before installing and operating
this product. Failure to operate this product in accordance with the instructions set forth
in this manual and by other safety governing bodies will void the safety certification of this
product. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Technical Services Depart-
ment at 800-343-4048, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time or email at balstontechsupport@parker.
com. For other locations outside North America, please contact your local representative.
Engineered System
Oxygen Monitoring
!
Figure 1 - N2-04 Nitrogen Generator

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
2
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Installation
The N2-04 Nitrogen Generator is a free-standing unit but can be wall mounted.
The inlet and outlet ports are 1/4" female NPT. A 1/4" male connector which will withstand
145 psig (10 barg) and 90 SCFH (43 SLPM) should be used to connect to the nitrogen generator.
Shutoff Valve - A shutoff valve should be installed directly upstream from the nitrogen generator
to facilitate routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Use only a gate valve or other
slow-opening valve upstream from the generator. Use of a valve which is not slow-opening will
pressurize the membrane too quickly and may cause membrane rupture. Membrane failures re-
sulting from improper valve installation will not be covered under warranty.
Pressure Regulator - A pressure regulator should be installed directly upstream from the nitrogen
generator to set and maintain the inlet air pressure. Maintaining a constant inlet air pressure is
critical to the performance of the system.
Two stages of coalescing prefiltration are incorporated into the N2-04 Nitrogen Generator to protect
the membrane module from contamination . These filters are located behind the filtration access
panel, and they remove liquids and particulate matter from the incoming air supply. The filters are
equipped with float drains which automatically open to empty any liquids which accumulate inside
the filter housing. The drains are connected to 1/4" O.D. plastic tubing which discharges to atmo-
sphere at the back of the nitrogen generator (see Figure 1).
Air separation takes place in the membrane module. This module consists of bundles of hollow
fiber membranes. The inlet air enters the center bore of these fibers and travels the length of the
fibers. As the air passes through these hollow fibers, oxygen and water molecules pass through the
membrane wall at a higher rate than nitrogen molecules. This results in a high purity, dry nitrogen
gas stream exiting the membrane module. The oxygen enriched permeate stream exits the mem-
brane module through ports on the side of the module at a very low pressure.
Final filtration consists of a .01 micron (absolute) membrane filter. The final membrane filter will
assure the user a clean, commercially sterile supply of high purity nitrogen.
The controls in the Balston Nitrogen Generator consist of an inlet pressure gauge, an outlet pres-
sure gauge, and a pressure regulator (see Figure 1). Proper use of these controls will assure the
user of a 95% to 99% nitrogen outlet stream. The pressure gauges, which are mounted on the front
panel, measure operating pressure and outlet pressure. The outlet pressure regulator allows the
user to set the pressure of the emergent nitrogen process stream.
Prefiltration
Controls
Final Filtration
Air Separation
General

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
3
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Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
!
Location
Utilities
Flow Controller - If the application requires nitrogen at pressures higher than 10 psig (0.7 barg),
or if the downstream equipment does not have flow control, install a flow controller downstream
from the nitrogen generator, close to the point of use (see elecvated pressure section, pg. 4).
The Nitrogen Generator should be located indoors, protected from severe weather conditions,
and free from excessive ambient dust or dirt. Do not install the generator outdoors. The ambient
temperature of the air surrounding the generator must be between 60°F and 110°F (15°C and
43°C). Installation of the unit in an area where the ambient temperature exceeds 110°F(43°C) or
falls below 60°F(15°C) may affect the performance and/or life of the system. Allow a minimum of
6" (15 cm) clearance on all sides of the generator.
The environment surrounding the Nitrogen Generator should be adequately ventilated. The
N2-04 creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammability problem
in an oxygen-sensitive environment.
Nitrogen is nontoxic and largely inert. It can act as a simple asphyxiant by displacing oxygen in
air. Inhalation of nitrogen in excessive concentrations can result in unconsciousness without
any warning symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, etc.
Compressed Air - The N2-04 Nitrogen Generator requires a source of clean, dry compressed
air for operation. The incoming air should be between 60°F and 110°F (15°C and 43°C) and be
relatively free of water, compressor oil, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. An oil content
<0.01 mg/m3is recommended. The compressed air dewpoint is recommened to be 40°F (5°C)
at 145 psi. The inlet pressure of the compressed air supply should be regulated to 60 psig to 145
psig (4.1 barg to 10 barg).
The maximum operating pressure of the system is 145 psig (10 bar). Operating the Nitrogen
Generator at pressures above 145 psig (10 bar) will result in damage to the membrane.
Note: Do not use high temperature air directly from the compressor!
The maximum operating inlet air temperature of the Nitrogen Generator is 110°F (43°C). If the
inlet air temperature is above this specification, the longevity of the membrane will be re-
duced. Changes in inlet pressure or outlet flow requirements will alter the nitrogen purity.
Drain Lines - The 1/4" plastic drain lines from the first two stages of prefiltration (see Figure 1)
should be piped away to an appropriate disposal container. The liquid in this drainage will consist
primarily of water and compressor oil and should be disposed of properly.
The inlet and outlet connections to the N2-04 Nitrogen Generator must be checked for leaks prior
to system start-up. After the system is properly installed and checked for leaks, the inlet valve
can be opened to introduce compressed air to the system.
During start-up and adjustment of the system, the nitrogen produced by the unit will be of
variable purity. If the application for the nitrogen is critically dependent on purity, the nitrogen
produced during start-up or adjustment should be vented.
If the outlet nitrogen flow is closed, the system will still consume compressed air. The inlet air is
simply vented to atmosphere through the permeate ports of the membrane module.
The inlet air pressure must be constant in order for the system to supply nitrogen of consistent
purity to the application. The inlet pressure to the Nitrogen Generator should be maximized
(within process and generator parameters) to optimize the operation of the membrane module.
Startup
!
!
Operation/Adjustment Procedures

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
4
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Maintenance
If the N2-04 Nitrogen Generator is being used to deliver nitrogen at an elevated pressure
(>10 psig/0.7 barg), use the following procedure for start-up and adjustment of the system. (Note:
in elevated pressure applications, the customer should install a flow controller downstream from
the Nitrogen Generator, as detailed in the Installation section of this manual).
1Open the (customer installed) inlet air gate valve.
2Adjust the (customer installed) inlet air pressure regulator until the Operating Pressure
Gauge shows the operating pressure reading necessary to provide the purity and flow de-
manded by the application, as shown in the table on page 6.
3Set the Outlet Pressure Regulator (see Figure 1) to the desired outlet nitrogen pressure.
4Allow the system to reach equilibrium at the desired flow rate, pressure, and purity param-
eters. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
If the temperature of the inlet air to the Balston Nitrogen Generator differs from the tempera-
ture of the module (i.e. ambient temperature), the system must be allowed to reach temperature
equilibrium before a constant purity of nitrogen is delivered from the system. If the temperature
difference is 10°F-20°F (5°C-11°C), this equilibrium period may be as long as 60 minutes. The
inlet air temperature and, more importantly, inlet air dewpoint, should not be higher than the
temperature of the system, or condensation of water within the system may occur, resulting in
inefficient performance of the system and/or damage to the membrane.
Performance of the Nitrogen Generator is highly dependent on the temperature of the inlet air.
The data on purity and flow rate presented in this bulletin is based on an inlet air temperature of
68°F (20°C). If the temperature of the inlet air at the point of use for this system varies from 68°F
(20°C) by more than 5°F (3°C), consult the factory for flow and purity information.
The performance and operating conditions of the N2-04 Nitrogen Generator should be checked
at least once per week. This routine system check should include confirming pressure gauge
reading stability and operating pressure setting, and checking the downstream flowmeter (if ap-
plicable) to ensure flows are consistent with the required nitrogen purity level.
The optimum performance of the Balston Nitrogen Generator is dependent on system param-
eters remaining stable and accurate; as such, the use of an oxygen analyzer to monitor system
performance is highly recommended.
System upsets relative to pressure or flow rate will result in variations in purity of the outlet gas.
System upsets relative to temperature, dewpoint, or hydrocarbon content of the inlet compressed
air may result in variations of the system performance. These types of upsets should be elimi-
nated from the compressed air delivery system to assure consistent performance of the Balston
Nitrogen Generator.
Proper shutdown of the Balston Nitrogen Generator can be accomplished by simply closing the
inlet air gate valve. If this valve is left open, the system will continue to consume inlet com-
pressed air. Closing the outlet flow control valve will not prevent air consumption because the
membrane module permeate ports are open to atmosphere.
Shutting Down
Evaluation
System Upsets
Temperature
Equilibrium
To avoid system damage and/or personal harm , isolate the nitrogen generator from the com-
pressed air supply and fully depressurize the system.
All maintenance activities for the N2-04 Nitrogen Generator should be performed by suitable
personnel using reasonable care. Safety risks that may affect the service personnel are
identified with protective measures that apply. The service personnel will verify the system
is safe after the maintenance is completed.
Required maintenance for the nitrogen generator consists of changing the prefilter and final
filter cartridges, and calibrating the performance of the system. The prefilters and final filter are
located behind the filtration access panel. The recommended service schedule and replacement
part numbers are outlined at the end of this section.
!
Elevated Pressure
Applications
(>10 psig/0.7 barg)

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
5
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Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
1st Stage 2nd Stage Final Filter
Replacement Element 100-12-DX 100-12-BX GS-050-05-95
Change Frequency Annual Annual Annual
The product is not intended for use in extremely dirty environments. If necessary, the N2-04 Nitro-
gen Generator may be wiped clean with a dry cloth on an as needed basis.
All filter housings which require routine service are easily accessible when the filtration access
panel is opened. The two coalescing prefilters are Parker Balston 2002N-0B1-DX and
2002-0B1-BX filter assemblies. Replace these filter cartridges with Balston 100-12-DX and
100-12-BX filter cartridges. When replacing the prefilter cartridges, be sure it install the proper
grade filter in the proper housing (the housings are labeled). The final membrane filter is a Balston
74945-95 filter assembly. Replace this membrane filter cartridge with a Balston Grade GS
050-05-95 membrane filter cartridge.
For convenience, Parker offers a maintenance kit, P/N MK7840, which contains a one year supply of
replacement filter cartridges.
Cleaning
Filter Cartridge
Replacement
Service Schedule
Follow-Up
Replacement prefilter cartridges and final membrane filter cartridges may be ordered through your
local representative. Part numbers and change frequencies are detailed below.
The performance of the system should be reviewed on a monthly basis. This review should include
checking the settings for inlet pressure, outlet flow rate, and outlet pressure. If these readings
have changed from the original settings, adjustments must be made as described in the Adjustment
Procedure section of this bulletin. Calibration must be performed routinely on any oxygen analyzer
being used with the system. Consult the manufacturer for procedure and frequency of calibration.
To ensure consistent product performance and reliability, use only genuine Balston replacement
parts and filter cartridges.
The filter cartridges in the filter assemblies are removed by: turning filter bowl 1/4 turn, lowering
the filter bowl away from the filter head, and unscrewing the element retainer from the base of the
cartridge. Insert the new filter cartridge and reassemble the housing in reverse order.
The time required to service all three stages of filtration is less than 15 minutes.
Figure 3 - Maintenance Items
Note: To ensure consistent product performance and reliability, use only genuine Balston
replacement parts and filter cartridges.

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
6
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Model Number N2-04
CSA Certification Standard CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1-12
Purity (% Nitrogen) 95% to 99%, 90 psig (6.2 barg)
Atmospheric Dewpoint -58°F (-50°C)
Particles > 0.01µm None
Suspended Liquids None
Commercially Sterile Yes
Max. Operating Pressure 145 psig (10 barg)
Maximum Pressure Drop 10 psig (0.7 barg)
@ 95% N2,125 psig (8.6 barg)
Min/Max Ambient Operating Temperature 60°F / 110°F (15°C / 43°C)
Recommended Ambient Operating Temp. 68°F (20°C)
Max. Relative Humidity 80%
Altitude 2000 m Max.
Min/Max Inlet Air Temp. 60°F / 110°F (15°C / 43°C)
Maximum Recommended Inlet Air Temp. 68°F (20°C)
Dimensions 11" x 13" x 16" (27cm x 34cm x 41cm)
Shipping Weight 43 lbs. (19 kg)
Balston Nitrogen
Generation System
Operating Pressure N2Outlet Flow Purity Inlet Air Required (1)
psig barg SLPM %N2 SLPM
125 8.6 6 99 45
125 8.6 24 95 70
90 6.2 4 99 30
90 6.2 16 95 45
60 4.1 2 99 20
60 4.1 10 95 30
Nitrogen Flow and
Inlet Air Consumption
at Various Purities
and Pressures
1Total air demand at full Nitrogen outlet flow.

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
7
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Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
Complete and mail or fax in your warranty registration card.
Keep your product certification in a safe place.
The serial number label for the unit is on the left side of the generator, below the inlet port.
For your own records, and in case service is required, please record the following:
DATE IN SERVICE SERIAL NO.
Serial Numbers
Don’t Forget To:
Symptom - Nitrogen Generator Course of Action
Loss of Outlet Pressure Check that the flow control valve on the generator is fully open and control the flow with a valve at the process.
Check operating pressure to assure that it is greater than 60 psig (4.1 barg).
Check the system for leaks.
Loss of Outlet Flow Check operating pressure to assure that it is greater than 60 psig (4.1 barg).
Check setting of flow control valve. Adjust if necessary.
Check the system for leaks.
Purity is Lower than Specified for Check setting of flow rate compared to specification.
Check the operating pressure to assure that it has not varied from the original reading.
Check the system for leaks.
Measure the temperature and dewpoint of the inlet air. The recommended temperature is 68°F (20°C) and the recom-
mended dewpoint 60°F (15°C) or lower.
Calibrate oxygen analyzer (if needed).
Air Leak Through Drains of Check inlet pressure. It should be greater than 15 psig (1 barg) to seal drain.
Remove tubing from the drain outlet, hold finger over drain opening for a few seconds to allow pressure to build and
drain to seal.
Remove bowl from filter assembly and rinse with water.
If leak persists, replace automatic float drain (P/N 21552).
Operating Conditions
All troubleshooting and service activities should be performed by suitable personnel using
reasonable care.
!
To arrange for system service, contact the Technical Services Department at 1-800-343-4048
or email at [e-mail], 8AM to 5PM Eastern Time. For other locations
outside North America, please contact your local representative.
Prefilters

Bulletin TI-N2-04K Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Technical Information Model N2-04 Nitrogen Generator
Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
Lancaster, NY • 1-800-343-4048
8
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Parker Manufacturing (UK) Ltd
Gas Separation & Filtration Division EMEA
Dukesway, Team Valley Trading Estate
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England NE11 0PZ
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.parker.com/gsfe [e-mail]
Parker Hannin Corporation
Industrial Gas Filtration and Generation Division
4087 Walden Avenue
Lancaster, NY 14086
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.parker.com/igfg
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© 2004, 2015 Parker Hannin Corporation Printed in U.S.A. Bulletin TI-N2-04K
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