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N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series Initial Startup and Normal Startup

Updated

This article applies to South-Tek Systems industrial N2-GEN TS, CS, and S series PSA nitrogen generators.

Use this article for first-time startup and routine startup of the generator. Before starting the system, make sure installation is complete, utilities are connected, and all personnel in the area are aware the equipment will be starting.

Before startup

  • Verify the unit has been installed in accordance with the project drawings and site requirements.
  • Verify the power connection matches the unit labeling.
  • Verify compressed air is available at the required pressure and quality.
  • Check that all piping and fittings are secure and leak free.
  • Confirm the touchscreen is in Stopped mode before initial startup.

Initial startup

  1. Verify that the power connection is 110 VAC or 220 VAC, single phase, 50/60 Hz, as labeled on the unit, and confirm the touchscreen is in Stopped mode.
  2. Start the air compressor following the original equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Once the air receiver is fully pressurized to the design pressure, open the air valve to the generator.
  3. Open the nitrogen supply valve to the nitrogen storage tank and open the gas sample valve from the tank to the generator. Keep the nitrogen-to-process valve closed at this stage.
  4. On the generator controller, toggle the Start/Stop button to green. The generator should begin cycling valves and pressurizing the left bed.
  5. Observe the pressure gauges on the pressure vessels for approximately 10 minutes. The pressure should swing from bed to bed every 50 to 90 seconds.
  6. Confirm the pressurizing bed reaches within 3 to 5 PSIG of the incoming air supply pressure by the end of each half cycle. While one bed is pressurizing, the other should be exhausting down to 0 to 10 PSIG.
  7. Confirm nitrogen begins flowing to the nitrogen storage tank and that tank pressure starts to build.
  8. When nitrogen storage pressure reaches the cut-out pressure, the generator should enter Standby mode and nitrogen production will pause.
  9. Once the system is in standby, open the nitrogen-to-process valve. As storage pressure falls to the cut-in pressure, the generator should automatically restart and resume filling the tank.

Note: When the generator is started for the first time, or after a prolonged shutdown, the first few cycles may not produce design purity while the system purges residual air and stabilizes.

Normal startup

  1. Open the air isolation valve.
  2. Toggle the Start/Stop button to Start. The button should illuminate green.
  3. Open any shutoff valves in the nitrogen product line to the user’s piping system.
  4. Allow nitrogen purity to rise before using product gas.

Note: If the generator or any part of the system has been opened to atmosphere, the system must be purged of residual air before full use.

What to expect during operation

  • When the unit is running, it will cycle automatically between adsorption beds.
  • Once storage tank pressure reaches the cut-out setting, the generator will enter Standby.
  • When tank pressure drops to the cut-in setting, the generator will automatically restart.
  • The Start/Stop button on the touchscreen is used to place the system in the On or Off state.

Shutdown

Normal shutdown

  1. Close the nitrogen-to-process valve at the outlet of the nitrogen storage tank.
  2. Toggle the Start/Stop button to Off on the Home screen.

Emergency shutdown

In an emergency, turn off the main power switch to the nitrogen generator. This will stop generator functions immediately. Nitrogen supply can also be shut off manually by closing the nitrogen-to-process valve at the storage tank outlet.

Warning: The generator remains pressurized after shutdown. Before performing any maintenance or opening any piping, always isolate and depressurize the system.

Startup checks

  • Verify the system cycles every 50 to 90 seconds during initial startup.
  • Verify the pressurizing bed approaches incoming air pressure as expected.
  • Verify the opposite bed exhausts properly.
  • Verify tank pressure increases.
  • Verify the system enters standby at cut-out and restarts at cut-in.
  • Check all fittings and valves for leaks during startup.

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