Applies to: N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series PSA nitrogen generators
This article covers the basic safety practices for installing, operating, and servicing N2-GEN TS, CS, and S Series nitrogen generators. The system's two primary hazards are high-pressure gas and oxygen displacement (asphyxiation), and either can cause serious injury or death if the unit is mishandled. Read this article, and the full O&M manual, before working on the system.
ℹ Note This article covers the nitrogen generator. Peripheral equipment such as air compressors, dryers, and boosters carries its own safety guidance, so follow each manufacturer's recommendations for those components as well.
In this guide
Who may install, operate, and service the unit
- Only authorized, trained, and competent individuals may perform installation, operation, maintenance, and repair.
- The owner is responsible for keeping the unit in safe operating condition at all times, and the operator must use safe working practices when running it.
- Always use approved parts for maintenance and repairs. Replacement parts must meet or exceed the original part's specification.
▲ Attention Work performed by unqualified persons, or use of non-approved parts, will void the warranty.
Pressurized gas hazards
⚠ Warning Pressurized gas is contained within the generator, the air receiver, and the nitrogen storage (product) tanks. Pressurized gas is dangerous and can cause injury or death if handled or used inappropriately.
- Completely isolate the incoming and outgoing pressure to the generator, and depressurize the section being serviced, before any mechanical work, including changing filters.
- Never allow pressurized gas to exhaust from an unsecured hose. An unsecured hose can whip and cause serious injury. If a hose bursts during use, close all isolation valves if it is safe to do so, then power down the unit.
- Never disable or bypass any safety relief valve.
Asphyxiation and room ventilation
⚠ Warning Nitrogen is not poisonous, but it displaces oxygen and in high concentrations can cause asphyxiation. Never directly inhale the gas. Install the unit in a well-ventilated room that is not sealed off from normal air changes.
- Vent the generator's exhaust gas, and any other venting gas, to the outside or to a large, well-ventilated room to avoid suffocation from oxygen depletion.
ℹ Note — Estimating vented volume The generator exhausts gas that is slightly higher in oxygen than normal air, typically 20.9% to 40% O2 with the balance nitrogen. As a rough estimate, the volume vented to the room each minute equals the bed's pressurized volume, taken at 50% of the incoming air pressure. For example, with a 10 cubic-foot bed volume and 100 PSIG incoming air: 100 PSIG × 50% = 50 PSIG; 50 + 14.7 = 64.7 PSIA; 64.7 ÷ 14.7 = 4.4 ATM; 4.4 ATM × 10 cubic feet = 44 cubic feet vented per minute (44 SCFM). Size room ventilation accordingly.
Electrical safety
- Always make certain the nitrogen generator is disconnected from supply power before performing any electrical work.
Personal protective equipment
- Wear safety glasses if the cabinet door is open while the machine is operating.
- Use ear protection when the equipment is operating.
Regulatory and general responsibilities
- Follow OSHA and local health and safety code regulations alongside this manual during installation, operation, and maintenance.
- Read the full O&M manual before installing or operating the generator, to prevent accidents and damage.
- Use the generator only for its designed purpose. Do not tamper with, experiment on, or exceed the equipment's technical specifications.
- Contact South-Tek Systems if you encounter a problem you cannot resolve with the manual.
Need help? South-Tek Systems Service — Phone: (910) 415-1880 · Open a support ticket at support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com or through the Help Center.