Carbon Molecular Sieve For PSA Nitrogen Generator

What is Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) in PSA Nitrogen Generators?

Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) is a specialized adsorbent material at the core of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) nitrogen generators. CMS efficiently separates nitrogen from compressed air by selectively adsorbing oxygen molecules because of the differences in their molecular sizes and the pore structure of the CMS. Oxygen molecules are smaller and can enter the pores of the CMS, while larger nitrogen molecules cannot, allowing for separation. This selective adsorption process allows pure nitrogen gas achieving purity levels up to 99.999% to pass freely through the system.
SorbiTech™ provides high performance Carbon Molecular Sieve specifically engineered for PSA nitrogen systems. It offers superior adsorption efficiency, improved nitrogen recovery, and longer operational lifespan. Choosing SorbiTech™ CMS ensures maximum reliability, efficiency, and long term success for nitrogen generation, from small scale units to large industrial systems.

How Carbon Molecular Sieve works in a Nitrogen Generator?

• Compressed Air: Compressed air enters the adsorb tower filled with Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS).
• Selective Oxygen Adsorption: The microporous structure of CMS quickly adsorbs smaller oxygen molecules, while larger nitrogen molecules pass through freely.
• Nitrogen Collection: High purity nitrogen exits the CMS bed and flows through a final filter cartridge and then enters a product receiver at the required purity level.
• Pressure Reduction and Oxygen Release: Pressure inside the CMS vessel rapidly drops, releasing the adsorbed oxygen molecules from the CMS pores.
• Regeneration and Cycling: After releasing oxygen, the CMS bed is ready for a new adsorption cycle within seconds. Continuously repeating this process to deliver a steady flow of pure nitrogen.

Key Features of CMS for PSA Nitrogen Generator

• Selective Oxygen Adsorption: Micropore sizes below ≈ 0.3 – 0.5 nm (upper limit ≈ 0.8 nm) trap O₂ and CO₂, yielding ultra dry, high purity N₂
• Rapid Adsorption/Desorption Cycles: Fast pressure build up and release shorten cycle times to boost productivity.
• Low Dust & Fines: High mechanical integrity minimizes dust formation and protects downstream valves.
• Long Service Life: Durable coconut shell derived CMS resists attrition over thousands of cycles.
• Energy Efficiency: High recovery (40-60 % with purity) cuts compressor run time and lowers OPEX.

Why Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) Is Used in PSA Nitrogen Generators?

Carbon molecular sieve is the preferred adsorbent in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) nitrogen systems because it:

• Selectively traps oxygen: CMS pores are sized to adsorb oxygen and other small gases faster than nitrogen, giving high product purity (up to 99.999 %).

• Delivers steady on site supply: Twin CMS beds alternate between adsorption and regeneration, providing a nonstop flow of nitrogen whenever the plant needs it.

• Lasts for years: The strong carbon matrix resists dusting and chemical attack, keeping maintenance simple and predictable.