This article outlines the safety requirements for installing, operating, and maintaining the South-Tek LABTEK™ TYP2M nitrogen generator. Read the full O&M manual before performing any work on the system. The LABTEK™ TYP2M has no electrical components — all safety considerations relate to pressurized gas handling and installation.
Nitrogen Gas Safety
The LABTEK™ TYP2M produces nitrogen (N₂) through a Pressure Swing Adsorption process. Nitrogen is not poisonous, but high concentrations displace oxygen and can cause asphyxiation.
General Safety Requirements
All personnel involved in installation, operation, or maintenance must read and fully understand the O&M manual before performing any work. The following requirements apply at all times:
- Follow safe working practices in accordance with OSHA and applicable local health and safety regulations.
- Only authorized and competent individuals may install, operate, or service the system.
- The owner is responsible for keeping the unit in safe working condition at all times.
- Use only factory-supplied replacement parts from South-Tek Systems or an authorized distributor. Substitute parts may be inferior and cause damage. Use of non-factory parts may void the warranty.
- Only use the generator for its designed purpose. Do not tamper with or modify any internal settings or components.
Pressurized Gas Hazards
- Always depressurize the system completely before moving, transporting, or servicing the unit. Confirm zero pressure on the tank gauge before disconnecting any fittings or hoses.
- Never disconnect a pressurized hose or fitting without first closing the isolation valve on that line.
- Never allow pressurized gas to exhaust from an unsecured hose. An unsecured hose can whip and cause serious injury. If a hose bursts, close all isolation valves immediately if it is safe to do so.
- Leak check all connections before placing the system in service. Undetected leaks cause excessive runtime and accelerated wear on the nitrogen generating media.
- Use only properly rated fittings, hoses, and valves for the operating temperature and pressure of the system.
Installation Safety
- Install the unit indoors, in an upright position, away from heat sources, water, and moving equipment.
- Ambient operating temperature must remain between 40°F and 90°F (4°C – 32°C).
- For wall-mounted installations: secure the cabinet at both the top and bottom mounting brackets before commissioning. Anchoring only the top bracket is insufficient and creates a fall hazard.
- For tank-mounted installations: anchor the storage tank to the floor before attaching the generator. Verify the tank cannot tip under the combined weight before hanging the generator.
- Install an isolation valve on every individual nitrogen supply line to allow safe depressurization during service or connection changes.
- Position the bulk water separator on the air inlet where expelled water can drain safely — to the floor or to a plumbed drain — without creating a slipping hazard.
Warranty & Unauthorized Modifications
All internal settings — including regulators and the pressure switch — are factory configured and must not be adjusted in the field. Changes made without proper diagnostic equipment and South-Tek Systems' authorization will affect nitrogen purity and flow performance, may damage the system, and will void the warranty.
Contact South-Tek Systems
Phone: (910) 415-1880
Email / Ticket: support@southteksystems911.zendesk.com