Is liquid nitrogen more cost-effective, or is a nitrogen generator better? How much does it cost per cubic meter?

This depends on your usage volume and the number of large-scale air separation units available in the region, which determines the planning. For example, if you have high usage and few such devices in the area, and you don’t mind spending money, then go ahead and install it yourself. If there are many such devices in the area, with low usage levels and a shortage of funds, it is best to purchase liquid nitrogen for self-vaporization.

In my opinion, the key factor is the surrounding facilities. If there is affordable liquid nitrogen available in the vicinity, it’s better to use liquid nitrogen; if no such liquid nitrogen is available but electricity costs are not high, then a nitrogen generation machine can also be a good option

Producing nitrogen on your own is definitely more cost-effective, although the investment required is higher. You need an air compressor, drying equipment, nitrogen generation machines, etc. If purchasing directly from outside, only a liquid nitrogen storage tank and a vaporizer need to be bought. Let’s do the calculation together: one ton of liquid nitrogen expands to 800 m3 when it vaporizes. In reality, some loss occurs during unloading and discharge at the site, so the actual amount of liquid nitrogen that can be used after purchase is approximately 750 m3 per ton. The price of liquid nitrogen is around 900 yuan, with the actual cost per cubic meter being 1.2 yuan. When producing nitrogen ourselves, our cost is 0.3 yuan per m3, of which 0.25 yuan is for electricity costs and 0.05 yuan is for costs related to circulating water, dryers, etc. It’s mainly the electricity cost; about three parts of air are needed to produce one part of nitrogen. The oxygen content in the backflow gas from a conventional nitrogen generator is around 35%.

If the usage amount is small and it is not used continuously, liquid nitrogen is a better choice. If it is used continuously and in large quantities, it is more cost-effective to install a nitrogen generation machine oneself

600 cubic meters per hour should be a pretty large amount

Very professional and experienced, huh:handshake

Building on the analysis above: if it is 600 m3 per hour and the plant operates for 8,000 hours per year, the annual demand for nitrogen will be 4,800,000 m3. At 1.2 yuan per ton, the annual cost is 5,760,000 yuan; at 0.4 yuan per ton, the annual cost is 1,920,000 yuan. The cost of purchasing nitrogen generation equipment along with an air compressor with a capacity of 600 m3/h and a purity level of 99.5% is approximately 600,000–700,000 yuan. (The price varies depending on the air compressor brand and purity level.) It can save enterprises 5,760,000 – 1,920,000 – 700,000 = 3,140,000 yuan per year.

The analysis is well-organized, making it easy to understand at a glance.