Parker N2-120 Instruction manual

Nitrogen Generator Installation,
Operation, & Maintenance Manual
Models: N2-120, N2-160, N2-240

NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
1

2
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. WARRANTY.............................................................................................................3
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS...........................................................................................4
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................5
4. ENGINEERED SYSTEM............................................................................................5
4.1 Prefiltration .......................................................................................................6
4.2. Air Separation ..................................................................................................6
4.3 Final Filtration ....................................................................................................6
4.4 Controls ............................................................................................................6
5. OXYGEN MONITORING ...........................................................................................7
6. INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................7
6.1 Moving..............................................................................................................7
6.2 General.............................................................................................................8
6.3 Location............................................................................................................9
6.4 Utilities..............................................................................................................9
6.5 Installation with a Receiver Tank........................................................................ 10
7. OPERATION ......................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Startup............................................................................................................ 11
7.2 System Adjustment for Desired Outlet Purity...................................................... 11
8. NITROGEN FLOW AT GIVEN OPERATING PRESSURE AND PURITY .......................... 12
9. OPERATION  ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES.......................................................... 14
9.1 Atmospheric Pressure Applications (<10 psig / 0.7 barg).................................... 14
9.2 Elevated Pressure Applications (>10 psig) ......................................................... 15
9.3 Receiving Tank Applications ............................................................................. 16
9.4 Temperature Equilibrium .................................................................................. 16
9.5 Evaluation ....................................................................................................... 17
9.6 System Upsets ................................................................................................ 17
9.7 Shutting Down ................................................................................................. 17
10. MAINTENANCE................................................................................................... 17
10.1 Cleaning........................................................................................................ 18
10.2 Filter Cartridge Replacement .......................................................................... 18
10.3 Activated Carbon Filter Replacement............................................................... 19
10.4 Ordering Information...................................................................................... 19
11. NITROGEN GENERATION SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS ........................................... 20
11.1 Approximate Inlet Air Consumption at 68°F by Purity and Pressure..................... 20
11.2 Optional Accessories...................................................................................... 21
11.3 Cautions........................................................................................................ 21
12. TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................................... 22

3
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
1. WARRANTY
SERIAL NUMBER
Each major component in this unit has a serial number. A serial number for the entire unit is
attached to the left side panel, near the inlet port. For your own records, and in case service is
required, please record the following:
Date In Service:
Serial No.
WARRANTY (NORTH AMERICA ONLY)
(FOR INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE)
Parker Hannifin guarantees to the original purchaser of this product, that if the product fails
or is defective within 12 months from the date of purchase, when this product is operated and
maintained according to the instructions provided with the product, then Parker guarantees, at
Parker’s option, to replace the product, repair the product, or refund the original price for the prod-
uct. This warranty applies only to defects in material or workmanship and does not cover: ring and
valve wear on compressors, routine maintenance recommended by the instructions provided with
this product, or filter cartridges. Any modification of the product without written approval from
Parker will result in voiding this warranty. Complete details of the warranty are available on request.
This warranty applies to units purchased and operated in North America.
MEMBER OF
R
E
C
Y
C
L
A
B
L
E
•
R
E
C
Y
C
L
A
B
L
E
•
R
E
C
Y
C
L
A
B
L
E
•

4
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
2. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
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. Any
modification of the product will void the warranty. If you have any questions or concerns, please
call the Technical Services Department at 1-800-343-4048, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time or email
at [e-mail]. (North America only). For other locations, please contact your
local representative.
EXPLANATION OF WARNING SYMBOLS
Caution. Refer to accompanying documents for explanation.

5
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Parker Nitrogen Generators are completely engineered systems which will convert a compressed
air supply into a 95% to 99.5% purity compressed nitrogen gas. Nitrogen purities as high as 99.9%
can be achieved with significant reduction in output flow. 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 model number of the generator
represents the approximate nitrogen flow in standard liters per minute that can be achieved at a
purity of 97% with a 100 psig (6.9 barg) outlet pressure. To achieve this outlet pressure, the inlet
pressure needs to be approximately 110-115 psig (7.6-7.9 barg).
4. ENGINEERED SYSTEM
The Parker N2-120, N2-160, and N2-240 Nitrogen Generators have been certified to IEC 1010
Standards (CSA 22.2 No. 61010-1-12). The generators bear the CSA safety marking on the
product label.
The Parker Nitrogen Generators include all the components required to generate high purity
nitrogen gas from compressed air. The user need only connect a supply of compressed 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 (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, flow
controls, and final filtration.
Figure 1
Nitrogen Generators

6
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
4.1 Prefiltration
Two Balston®high efficiency coalescing filters, an activated carbon filter, and a particulate filter are
incorporated into the Parker Nitrogen Generators to protect the membrane module from contamina-
tion. The coalescing filters are located behind the filtration access panel. They remove liquids and
particulate matter from the incoming air supply to 0.01 micron. These 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 atmosphere on the left side of
the generator (see Figure 1).
The activated carbon filter removes hydrocarbons from the compressed air before it enters the
separation module. A Balston high efficiency particulate filter is installed between the activated
carbon filter and the separation module to protect the membrane from carbon dust.
4.2 Air Separation
Air separation takes place in the membrane modules. The modules consist of bundles of hollow
fiber membranes. 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 differential permeation
results in a high purity, dry nitrogen gas stream exiting the membrane module. The oxygen enriched
permeate stream is exhausted through ports on the membrane module at a very low pressure.
4.3 Final Filtration
The final filter on the generators is a Balston Grade GS membrane filter. The final membrane
filter removes particulate contamination to 0.01 micron (absolute), and assures the user a clean,
commercially sterile supply of high purity nitrogen.
4.4 Controls
The flow controls integral to the Parker Nitrogen Generators comprise: an operating pressure
gauge, a flowmeter, a flow control valve, an outlet pressure gauge, and an outlet pressure regulator
(see Figures 1 and 2). Proper use of these controls will assure the user of a 95% to 99.5% purity
nitrogen outlet stream. The pressure gauges, mounted on the front panel, measure operating pres-
sure and outlet pressure. The outlet pressure regulator allows the user to set the pressure of the outlet
nitrogen process stream. The flow control valve sets the flow rate of nitrogen exiting the membrane
module. The scale on the flowmeter is dimensionless because the operating pressure can range from
60 psig (4.1 barg) to 145 psig (10 barg). The flowmeter adjustment label on the control panel is used
to convert the dimensionless flowmeter reading into standard liters per minute of outlet nitrogen
based on operating air pressure.

7
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
5. OXYGEN MONITORING
Note: In hazardous applications where the oxygen content is critical (i.e., blanketing explosive
chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor and/ or trace oxygen
analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarm systems to assure
proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.
If an oxygen analyzer is needed, Parker Model 72-730NA, which has built-in alarms for connection
to external relays, may be used. This oxygen analyzer has all the controls necessary to assure safe
and accurate monitoring of the oxygen concentration in a process stream. It can be easily installed
on top of the nitrogen generator and connected to the outlet nitrogen line using appropriate fittings.
6. INSTALLATION
All installation, operation, and maintenance procedures should be performed by suitable
personnel using reasonable care.
6.1 Moving
The Parker N2-120, N2-160, and N2-240 Nitrogen Generators are shipped on a wooden skid.
Use a lifting device designed for moving skidded products to move the generator to its installation
location. Gently move the generator from the skid to its final installation position. Secure to floor
if desired. If a future move is required, the generator should be returned to a skid and moved as
detailed above. For moves over short distances, the generator may be slid on its supporting base
or moved using a two-wheeled moving device.
Figure 2
Flow Schematic

8
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Figure 3
Top View of Base Holes
6.2 General
The Nitrogen Generators are free-standing units. Do not suspend the nitrogen generator from
a wall or ceiling. Its considerable weight and size could pose a falling hazard. Holes have been
pre-drilled in the base of the generator (see Figure 3) to secure it to the floor, if desired.
The inlet and outlet ports on the nitrogen generators are 1/2" female NPT. A 1/2" male connector
which will withstand 145 psig (10 barg) should be used to connect to the nitrogen generator. Parker
offers an installation kit (P/N IK75880) which combines all the basic fittings and refrigeration grade
copper tubing required to bring the system online. This kit can be used to connect the generator
to up to 2 instruments and to the compressed air supply. See Figure 4 for the recommended
installation schematic.
Shutoff Valve - A shutoff valve should be installed directly upstream from the nitrogen generator
to facilitate routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. The valve should always be
opened slowly. Opening a valve quickly will pressurize the membrane too rapidly and may cause
membrane rupture. Membrane failures resulting 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.
Flow Controller - If the application requires nitrogen at pressures higher than 10 psig (0.7 barg),
install a flow controller downstream from the nitrogen generator, close to the point of use
(see Adjustment Procedure section, page 14).

9
NITROGEN GENERATORSINSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Figure 4
Recommended Installation
6.3 Location
The generator should be located indoors, protected from severe weather conditions, and free
from excessive ambient dust or dirt. Do not install the generator outdoors. Ensure that the
ambient temperature of the air surrounding the generator is within the range of that specified for
the generator (see specifications page 20). Allow a minimum of 6" (15 cm) clearance on all sides
of the generator.
The environment surrounding the nitrogen generator should also be adequately ventilated. The
generator creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammability risk
in an oxygen sensitive environment.
6.4 Utilities
Compressed Air - The Parker Nitrogen Generators require a source of compressed air at room
temperature and relatively free of water, compressor oil, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. An oil
content <0.01 mg/m3is recommended. The dewpoint of the incoming air is recommended to be less
than or equal to 40°F (5°C) at 145 psig. The compressed air should be as close to instrument quality
as possible and regulated to a pressure between 60 psig and 145 psig (4.1 barg and 10 barg),
depending on downstream flow and purity desired.
DO NOT OPERATE THE NITROGEN GENERATOR WITHOUT THE FRONT SHEET METAL FILTER
ACCESS PANEL SECURED IN PLACE.
Note: The piping and fittings on the inlet air delivery system should be at least the same size as the
inlet port on the generator. This will help ensure an adequate supply of air to the generator.
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.