Atlas Copco introduces the NPH nitrogen purifier: a two-stage high-purity nitrogen generation system with up to 40% feed air savings

16th December, 2024 - Atlas Copco has unveiled the Nitrogen Purifier through Hydrogen (NPH), its latest innovation in industrial gas solutions. The NPH delivers efficiency improvements in on-site nitrogen generation, enabling businesses to produce high-purity nitrogen with significant reductions in energy use and costs.

The NPH is designed to complement new and existing nitrogen generation systems. These systems typically consist of a compressor to supply the feed air and a nitrogen generator which removes oxygen from the air, leaving only nitrogen. One of the key advantages of on-site nitrogen generation is that users can select the exact purity to meet the specific requirements of their application. However, producing higher levels of purity requires significantly more energy.

This is where the NPH nitrogen purifier revolutionises the process. By introducing two-stage nitrogen generation, the NPH boosts lower-purity nitrogen produced by a generator to a purity of 99.999% up to 99.9999%. It does this with hydrogen, which reacts with the residual oxygen in the nitrogen.

40% feed air savings

One of the standout advantages of the NPH is its ability to significantly reduce energy consumption. To produce high-purity nitrogen directly, generators need substantial compressed air to remove the final traces of oxygen. The NPH allows the generator to produce lower-purity nitrogen. This requires 40% less feed air, enabling smaller compressor and generator setups, lowering operational costs, and contributing to CO2 emission reductions. The NPH also offers a practical solution for facilities with electrical system limitations. When added on to an existing system, the NPH can effectively double nitrogen production capacity.

Fully automated operation

The NPH is equipped with Atlas Copco’s advanced Elektronikon® Touch controller, which automates hydrogen dosing and monitoring. This avoids hydrogen overuse without requiring manual intervention.

The NPH also features advanced safeguards, such as the feed nitrogen check & restore and the outlet nitrogen check & restore features. The first ensures consistent and reliable purifier operation, while the latter allows no off-spec gas to reach the application. The NPH also comes with automatic start-up and standby modes as well as overflow protection.

Ben John, Business Line Manager, Industrial Air, Atlas Copco Compressors UK, highlighted the NPH’s transformative impact on industries requiring high-purity nitrogen, such as laser cutting, metals heat treatment and soldering. He explained, “The NPH is a game-changer for industries that work with high-purity nitrogen. Many are interested in on-site generation but have not implemented it because of energy costs, space constraints or electrical system limitations. A system with the NPH provides all the benefits of producing their own nitrogen while delivering significant operational savings.”

The NPH is available in a wide range of capacities, from 20 to 400 Nm³/h, making it suitable for industries with diverse nitrogen requirements. It is compatible with most nitrogen generators.

For more information on the NPH nitrogen purifier, click here.

For more information please contact:

Joanna Canton Long, Marketing and Communications Manager, Atlas Copco Compressors

+44 (0)1442 222240 or  joanna.canton.long@atlascopco.com

Danielle Burness, Senior Account Manager, Publitek

+44 (0)1582 390980 or danielle.burness@publitek.com

Atlas Copco Compressor Technique

Great ideas accelerate innovation. At Atlas Copco Compressor Technique we team up with our customers to turn industrial ideas into smart connected air and gas solutions and leading edge compressed air technology. Our passionate people, expertise and service bring sustainable value to industries everywhere. 

Atlas Copco is based in Stockholm, Sweden with customers in more than 180 countries and about 53 000 employees. Revenues of BSEK 173 in 2023. For more information: www.atlascopcogroup.com.