Can I Use My Existing Air Compressor for an On-Site Nitrogen Generator? 

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If you’re considering an on-site nitrogen generator, you may already have an air compressor supplying your facility. So, do you need another compressor, or can you use the one you already have? 

Possibly. Your existing air compressor may be able to support an on-site nitrogen generator, but having compressed air available doesn’t automatically mean your system is ready for nitrogen generation. 

Your compressor needs enough available capacity, the right operating pressure, and properly treated compressed air to support both the nitrogen generator and the rest of your facility’s demand. 

Why Does a Nitrogen Generator Need Compressed Air? 

An on-site nitrogen generator starts with compressed air. 

Your air compressor draws in ambient air, which contains nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases. Before entering the nitrogen generator, that compressed air is filtered and dried. The generator then separates nitrogen from the other gases and supplies it to your process at the required purity, pressure, and flow. 

That means the performance of your nitrogen generator is directly connected to the compressed air system feeding it. 

Before adding a generator, you need to know whether that system can handle the additional demand. 

Does Your Air Compressor Have Enough Capacity? 

This is one of the first things to evaluate. 

Your existing compressor may already be supplying production equipment, pneumatic tools, controls, or other processes throughout your facility. Adding a nitrogen generator creates additional demand on that same compressed air system. 

If there isn’t enough available capacity, adding another demand could affect your ability to maintain the pressure and airflow required elsewhere in the facility. 

That’s why looking only at the compressor’s rated capacity isn’t enough. You also need to understand how much air your facility is currently using and how much capacity is actually available. 

Lewis Systems can assess your existing compressed air system and nitrogen demand to determine whether your compressor can support both. 

Is Your Compressed Air at the Right Pressure? 

Capacity isn’t the only consideration. The nitrogen generator also needs compressed air supplied at the appropriate pressure. 

If your existing system can’t maintain the pressure required by the generator while also supporting the rest of your facility, nitrogen production may not perform as intended. 

Nitrogen flow and purity requirements can also affect how the overall system needs to be configured. Looking at these requirements together helps determine whether your existing compressed air system is a good fit. 

Is Your Compressed Air Properly Treated? 

Before compressed air enters the nitrogen generator, it needs to be properly filtered and dried. 

That makes your existing air treatment equipment another important part of the evaluation. 

Your system may need to be reviewed for: 

  • Dryer performance  
  • Filtration  
  • Compressed air quality  
  • Moisture and contaminants  
  • Required pressure  
  • Air treatment capacity  

If your existing dryer or filtration isn’t appropriate for the nitrogen generation system, additional air treatment may be needed. 

How Much Nitrogen and What Purity Do You Need? 

The compressor requirements can’t be determined without understanding what you expect the nitrogen generator to produce. 

A facility that needs a relatively small amount of nitrogen has different requirements than one with high or continuous demand. The purity required by your process matters too. 

Lewis Systems offers both PSA and membrane nitrogen generation systems. The right technology depends on your process, available compressed air, operating schedule, purity requirements, and other system needs. 

The goal is to size the system around what your process actually needs rather than producing more nitrogen or higher purity than necessary. 

What Should Be Evaluated Before Adding a Nitrogen Generator? 

Before deciding whether your existing compressor can support on-site nitrogen generation, look at the system as a whole: 

  • Available compressor capacity  
  • Current facility air demand  
  • Required operating pressure  
  • Compressed air quality and treatment  
  • Required nitrogen flow  
  • Required nitrogen purity  
  • Operating schedule  
  • Storage and piping requirements  

Evaluating these factors together helps determine whether your current compressor is ready to support nitrogen generation or whether changes to the compressed air system should be made first. 

Make Sure Your Existing System Is Ready 

You may not need a new air compressor to add an on-site nitrogen generator, but it’s important to find out before investing in the equipment. 

Lewis Systems can evaluate your existing compressor, air treatment, storage, piping, and process demand to determine what your complete nitrogen generation system requires. 

That helps ensure your nitrogen generator isn’t simply connected to an available air line. It’s supported by a compressed air system capable of meeting the needs of your operation. 

Is Your Compressor Ready for On-Site Nitrogen Generation? 

Lewis Systems can evaluate your existing compressed air system and nitrogen requirements to help determine what you need to produce nitrogen reliably on-site. 

CTA: Evaluate Your Nitrogen Generation Needs 

Lewis Systems On-Site Nitrogen Generators 

On-Site Nitrogen Generation vs. Delivered Nitrogen: Which Makes More Sense for Your Facility?

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If your facility relies on nitrogen, you have two main options: continue purchasing nitrogen through cylinders or bulk deliveries, or produce it directly at your facility with an on-site nitrogen generator. 

Neither option is right for every operation. The best choice depends on how much nitrogen you use, the purity your process requires, your current supply costs, and the compressed air system available to support on-site generation. 

So, how do you know which makes more sense for your facility? 

What’s the Difference Between Delivered and On-Site Nitrogen? 

Delivered nitrogen typically arrives in cylinders or through bulk refills. For facilities with low or occasional nitrogen demand, this may be a practical way to get the nitrogen they need without investing in additional equipment. 

However, facilities that use nitrogen consistently also must manage deliveries, storage, cylinder or tank rentals, changing supply costs, and nitrogen inventory. 

An on-site nitrogen generator takes a different approach. The system uses properly treated compressed air and separates nitrogen from oxygen and other gases, allowing your facility to produce nitrogen where it is needed.  

This can give your operation more control over nitrogen availability while reducing its dependence on outside deliveries. 

When Does On-Site Nitrogen Generation Make Sense? 

On-site nitrogen generation is often worth considering when nitrogen is a regular part of your operation. 

It may be a good fit if your facility: 

  • Uses nitrogen consistently  
  • Receives frequent cylinder or bulk deliveries  
  • Pays recurring delivery and rental charges  
  • Has limited space for nitrogen storage  
  • Has experienced supply or delivery delays  
  • Expects nitrogen demand to increase  
  • Wants greater control over nitrogen purity and availability  

For these operations, producing nitrogen on-site can help reduce dependence on deliveries, limit storage and handling requirements, and create more predictable supply costs.  

PSA or Membrane Nitrogen Generation? 

If on-site generation makes sense, the next step is choosing the right technology. 

PSA nitrogen generators are commonly used for applications requiring higher nitrogen purity and consistent production. Membrane nitrogen generators provide a compact option for applications that do not require ultra-high purity.  

The right choice depends on your required purity, flow, available compressed air, operating schedule, and application. 

This is also why it’s important not to automatically specify the highest possible purity. Your nitrogen system should be sized around what your process actually requires. 

Is On-Site Nitrogen Generation Right for Your Facility? 

If your facility has consistent nitrogen demand and regularly manages deliveries, rentals, storage, or changing supply costs, on-site nitrogen generation may be worth evaluating. If your nitrogen needs are relatively small or infrequent, continuing with delivered nitrogen may make more sense. 

Lewis Systems can evaluate your nitrogen demand, required purity, existing compressed air system, air treatment, storage, piping, and current delivered-gas costs to help determine the right approach for your operation.  

Take More Control of Your Nitrogen Supply 

Ready to find out whether on-site nitrogen generation makes sense for your facility? 

CTA: Explore On-Site Nitrogen Generation 

Lewis Systems On-Site Nitrogen Generators 

5 Situations Where Renting an Air Compressor Makes More Sense Than Buying

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Buying an air compressor can be a smart long-term investment, but it isn’t always the best solution for every situation. If your facility only needs additional compressed air temporarily, renting can provide the equipment you need without committing to a permanent purchase.

From unexpected breakdowns to temporary increases in production, here are five situations where renting an air compressor may make more sense than buying.

1. Your Air Compressor Breaks Down Unexpectedly

An unexpected compressor failure can quickly bring production to a stop. If repairs will take time, a rental air compressor can provide temporary compressed air while your existing equipment is being serviced.

Having access to rental equipment helps reduce downtime and keeps your operation moving while repairs are completed.

2. You Have Planned Maintenance or Repairs

Even planned maintenance can interrupt production if your facility depends on compressed air every day.

Renting an air compressor during scheduled service allows you to maintain your air supply while your primary equipment is offline. This can make it easier to complete necessary maintenance without putting normal operations on hold.

3. Production Demand Temporarily Increases

Your current compressed air system may handle normal production just fine but struggle when demand increases.

Seasonal production, a large order, or a temporary increase in workload can require additional compressed air. Instead of purchasing equipment that may not be needed long term, a rental can provide extra capacity for as long as you need it.

4. You Have a Short-Term Project or Facility Expansion

Some projects require compressed air for only a few days, weeks, or months. This could include facility expansions, new equipment installations, construction, or other temporary projects.

An air compressor rental gives you access to the additional capacity you need without investing in equipment that may have limited use once the project is finished.

5. You’re Waiting for New or Replacement Equipment

Purchasing and installing a new air compressor can take time. If your existing equipment needs to be replaced before the new system is ready, a rental can help bridge the gap.

Temporary rental equipment can keep your facility supplied with compressed air while you wait for your permanent equipment to arrive and be installed.

Find the Right Air Compressor Rental for Your Operation

Renting an air compressor can be a practical option when your compressed air needs are temporary or unexpected. The right rental can help minimize downtime, support changing production demands, and keep your facility operating without the immediate commitment of purchasing new equipment.

Lewis Systems provides short- and long-term air compressor rentals for industrial facilities throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. With rental options for different applications and compressed air requirements, our team can help you determine the right equipment for your operation.

Need temporary compressed air? Contact Lewis Systems to discuss your air compressor rental needs.