If you're looking for an efficient and reliable way to generate nitrogen on-site, SMC membrane nitrogen generators provide the ideal solution. Using advanced membrane separation technology, these systems produce nitrogen-enriched air directly from compressed air—helping to reduce operating costs, eliminate gas logistics and ensure a continuous, dependable supply.
Designed for point-of-use installation, the NMG series offers compact, easy-to-integrate solutions that can be adapted to a wide range of industrial applications. With no need for cylinder replacement or refilling, they provide a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional nitrogen supply methods.
The NMG series achieves a nitrogen concentration of up to 99.9% using only a compressed air supply, with no electrical power required for nitrogen generation.
Why choose SMC membrane nitrogen generators?
A reliable nitrogen supply is essential for maintaining product quality and process stability. SMC membrane nitrogen generators provide continuous nitrogen production using only a compressed air supply, simplifying system design and reducing operational complexity.
SMC solutions offer:
- Reduced costs compared to bottled or bulk nitrogen
- Elimination of pressurised gas cylinder handling and storage
- Compact, space-saving designs for easy installation
- No electrical power required for nitrogen generation
- No moving parts, ensuring quiet and reliable operation
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- RoHS-compliant design
With their simple and robust design, membrane nitrogen generators are ideal for applications requiring stable flow and long-term reliability.
Compared with nitrogen cylinder supply, SMC membrane nitrogen generation can reduce gas unit costs by approximately 91%—from around €1.10/m³ (ANR) for bottled nitrogen down to approximately €0.094/m³ (ANR)—while also eliminating the labour time associated with cylinder replacement and gas level checks.
Different types of membrane nitrogen generators offered by SMC
SMC's NMG series can be classified according to configuration and capacity:
Compact units designed for decentralised applications, offering nitrogen flow rates up to 36 L/min (ANR). Available in three sizes: 400 type (6.0 L/min), 800 type (20 L/min) and 1300 type (36 L/min).
Combined membrane configurations that provide increased output, delivering up to 56 L/min (ANR). Available as 1300 + 800 type (44 L/min) and 1300 + 1300 type (56 L/min).
Modular systems designed for higher capacity requirements, with flow rates up to 108 L/min (ANR). Available in 800 type × 2 (40 L/min), 1300 type × 2 (72 L/min) and 1300 type × 3 (108 L/min) configurations.
All variants are compact and easy to use at the point of consumption, with modular options available for flexible system integration. All models share common operating conditions: maximum operating pressure 1.0 MPa, proof pressure 1.5 MPa, and ambient/fluid temperature range of −5 to 60 °C.
How membrane nitrogen generators work
Membrane nitrogen generators operate using hollow fibre membranes that selectively separate gases within compressed air. Oxygen, moisture, and other gases permeate through the membrane wall faster than nitrogen, while nitrogen is retained and delivered as nitrogen-enriched air.
The membrane module consists of a bundle of hollow fibres. As compressed air passes through, oxygen molecules—which permeate the fibre wall more readily—are discharged as oxygen-enriched purge air. The remaining nitrogen-enriched air is collected at the outlet. The purge air discharge port (Rc1/2) can be connected to piping if required.
This enables:
- Continuous nitrogen production
- Adjustable nitrogen purity levels (up to 99.9%)
- Fast start-up and stable operation
- Reliable long-term performance with minimal wear components
Unlike alternative technologies, no chemical adsorbents are required, helping to reduce maintenance and simplify operation.
Which industries can benefit from SMC membrane nitrogen generators?
Membrane nitrogen generators are used across a wide range of industries where nitrogen is required to improve quality, safety or process performance. Typical industries include:
Applications for membrane nitrogen generators
SMC nitrogen generators provide efficient solutions for many industrial processes where nitrogen is used for protection, inerting or quality control. Common applications include:
- Oxidation prevention
- Modified atmosphere packaging
- Laser cutting assist gas
- Soldering and electronics production
- Process chamber inerting
- Leak testing and purging
- UV sterilisation and oxygen inhibition suppression in UV printers and emitters
- Hopper and injection area oxidation prevention in moulding machines
- Discolouration and black spot suppression in 3D resin printing
- Atmospheric pressure nitrogen replacement in annealing and drying chambers
- Gas injection for filling machines (N₂, CO₂)
- Assist gas supply for fibre laser cutting
How to select the right membrane nitrogen generator
There are several factors to consider when selecting a membrane nitrogen generator. The decision will depend, on the one hand, on process requirements and application conditions:
- Required nitrogen purity
- Required flow rate
- Available compressed air pressure and quality
- Operating conditions and environment
- Installation space and layout
And, on the other hand, on system and customer requirements, such as:
- Integration with existing air treatment equipment
- Need for modular or scalable solutions
- Future expansion requirements
- Level of control and monitoring required
Proper air preparation, including filtration and drying, is essential to maintain performance and extend the service life of the membrane system. SMC can offer all the air preparation required.
Efficient on-site nitrogen generation
SMC membrane nitrogen generators provide a simple, compact and cost-effective solution for producing nitrogen on demand. By eliminating the need for delivered gas and reducing maintenance requirements, they help improve efficiency, safety and overall operational performance.
Do you have any queries about membrane nitrogen generators? Ask our experts to help you find the right solution for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions about membrane nitrogen generators
What is a membrane nitrogen generator?
A membrane nitrogen generator is a device that produces nitrogen-enriched air from a standard compressed air supply using hollow fibre membranes. Oxygen and other gases permeate through the membrane walls and are discharged, while nitrogen is collected at the outlet. No electrical power, chemical adsorbents or gas bottles are required.
What nitrogen purity can SMC membrane nitrogen generators achieve?
The SMC NMG series achieves outlet nitrogen concentrations of up to 99.9% under rated conditions (0.7 MPa inlet pressure, 25 °C). Nitrogen concentration levels between 90% and 99.9% are achievable depending on the flow rate and inlet pressure selected. Note that "nitrogen concentration" refers to the total concentration of all components other than oxygen, including argon, CO₂ and water vapour.
Does a membrane nitrogen generator require electrical power?
No. SMC membrane nitrogen generators operate solely from a compressed air supply. No external power source is needed, which simplifies installation and reduces running costs.
How does a membrane nitrogen generator differ from a PSA nitrogen generator?
Membrane nitrogen generators use hollow fibre membranes to separate gases through selective permeation and are well suited to point-of-use applications requiring compact installation and operation using only compressed air. Compared with PSA systems, the SMC NMG membrane system saves space, is not subject to pressure vessel regulations, uses no chemical adsorbents and does not require solenoid valves or control devices for nitrogen generation.
What compressed air quality is required?
Inlet compressed air should meet ISO 8573-1:2010 purity class
