CMS Nitrogen Generation for compressor gas seals in Energy Power applications

What Does CMS Nitrogen for Compressor Gas Seals in Energy Power Generation?

In steam or gas turbine power plants, as well as many other large rotating equipment installations, centrifugal compressors almost invariably use dry gas seals. Consequently, they minimize process gas leakage and seal lubricant contamination. Those seals require a constant supply of clean, dry, inert gas at a slightly higher pressure than the compressor casing. SorbiTech™ provides high quality Carbon Molecular Sieve to produce ultra pure nitrogen on site nitrogen generators to create an inert environment ensures consistent and controlled heat transfer. This leads to uniform material properties, reduced distortion, and improved product quality.

How Nitrogen Works in Compressor Gas Seals?

• Nitrogen generation: Nitrogen (N₂) is generated onsite using a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) system. As a result, CMS separates oxygen and contaminants from compressed air, providing clean nitrogen gas.
• Gas pressure control: Pressure regulators control nitrogen pressure, thus ensuring it stays slightly higher than the compressor’s internal gas pressure.
• Seal protection: Nitrogen flows into the compressor seals, creating a thin protective gas layer (gas film). As a result, this layer prevents the metal surfaces of the seal from touching, eliminating friction and wear.
• Leak prevention and safety: Nitrogen pressure slightly above the compressor gas pressure prevents internal gas from leaking out. If nitrogen pressure drops or rises too much, alarms trigger, and automatic valves close to safely shut down the compressor.

Key Benefits of using CMS Nitrogen Generation in Compressor Gas Seals

• Reduced leakage: Nitrogen is used in dry gas seals to create a barrier between the rotating and stationary parts of the compressor, minimizing gas leakage into the atmosphere. This is especially important for preventing the escape of harmful or valuable gases.
• Zero O₂ & moisture: Prevents carbon tracking, corrosion and seal face oxidation.
• Consistent pressure: Stable barrier gas avoids seal lift-off or face contact.
• Longer seal & bearing life: With no oxygen or moisture to oxidize metal or form sludge, seal faces run cooler and last longer, cutting unplanned outages and maintenance spend.
• Higher uptime: Fewer unplanned outages from seal failures or bearing contamination.

Why Dry Gas Seals Need Ultra Pure Nitrogen?

• Extremely Low Moisture (Low Dew Point): Ultra-dry nitrogen (dew point below –70 °C) prevents moisture condensation, therefore avoiding damage to seal surfaces and corrosion.
• Chemical neutrality: Nitrogen is chemically inert. It does not react with process gases, lubricants, or seal materials, unlike air (oxidizing) or CO₂ (acidic when moist).
• Consistent Gas Film Pressure: Ultra-pure nitrogen maintains a stable, thin gas film between rotating seal surfaces, therefore ensuring reliable, frictionless operation.
• Enhanced Safety & Reliability: Firstly, high-purity nitrogen removes the risk of flammable mixtures, oxidation, or chemical reactions, that could compromise seal integrity or plant safety.