Innovative Application and Value Enhancement of Nitrogen Generator in Food Industry

In the food industry, nitrogen, with its inert, non-toxic and antioxidant properties, has become a key gas for ensuring food safety and improving product quality. Nitrogen generator separates high-purity nitrogen directly from air through pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation technology, which significantly optimises the supply mode of traditional liquid nitrogen or bottled nitrogen. The following is an analysis of the important role of nitrogen generator from three aspects: technical innovation, application scenarios and industry value.

Technological innovation: efficient production and sustainable operation

Modern nitrogen generator is dominated by PSA technology, using carbon molecular sieve (CMS) to selectively adsorb oxygen to achieve precise control of nitrogen purity (the original ‘precise control’ is retained, as there is no limit to the word), with a flow rate range of 1-10,000Nm³/h. The equipment integrates PLC intelligent control system, which allows real-time adjustment of the flow rate of nitrogen, pressure and purity, to meet the food industry's needs and meet the requirements of high efficiency production and sustainable operation, The equipment integrates PLC intelligent control system, which can adjust nitrogen flow, pressure and purity in real time to meet the high standard requirements of the food industry on gas parameters. Compared with the traditional nitrogen supply method, on-site nitrogen production does not require storage and transport, energy consumption is reduced by about 50%, and the production process is pollution-free, which is in line with the trend of green production.

Diversified Application Scenarios

Food preservation and packaging

Nitrogen-filled packaging: High-purity nitrogen is used to replace the oxygen in the package (oxygen residue is usually less than 1%), effectively inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and prolonging the shelf life. For example, after a crisps brand adopted nitrogen-filled packaging, the shelf life was extended from 3 months to 9 months, and the loss rate was reduced by 15%.

Mixed gas preservation: Nitrogen is mixed with carbon dioxide and other gases in proportion to a customised preservation solution for meat, baked goods, etc., to maintain colour, taste and nutrition.

Processing Optimisation

Baking and cooling: Nitrogen is injected into bread and cakes during the cooling stage to accelerate the surface cooling process, avoid moisture loss and maintain the crispy texture.

Beverage production: Beer is filled with nitrogen to generate fine foam to enhance taste, and fruit juices are purged with nitrogen before filling to avoid oxidisation and deterioration.

Air-conditioned storage: create a low oxygen and high nitrogen environment in fruit and vegetable storage, significantly delay respiration and extend shelf life to 2-3 times of the original value.

Third, industry value and future trends

The application of nitrogen generator enables food enterprises to achieve a number of important improvements:

Cost optimisation: the payback period for on-site nitrogen plants is typically within 24 months.

Long-term operating costs mainly come from electricity

Improved safety: eliminating the risk of high-pressure cylinders, and modular design supports rapid maintenance.

Quality Assurance: Reduced reliance on chemical preservatives to meet consumer demand for natural and healthy foods.