Ultra high-purity nitrogen generator NITROBERG®

inertpurehigh-purity

Overview
NITROBERG® nitrogen generators produce nitrogen on site from compressed air with configurable purities from 97 % up to 99.999 %. The range is sized to match laser‑cutting requirements (purity, pressure and flow) so systems are specified to the process rather than to maximum datasheet values.

Key performance summary

• Purity configurable: 97 % to 99.999 %
• Nitrogen output across the range: up to 1,709.1 Nm³/h
• Typical sound level: 55–78 dB(A)
• Conformity assessment: PED 2014/68/EU (Notified Body NB 2912)

How nitrogen performs in laser cutting
Laser cutting with nitrogen is fusion cutting: the laser melts the material and the assist gas mechanically removes the melt from the kerf. Nitrogen is non‑reactive, producing bright, oxide‑free edges and reducing or eliminating secondary cleaning operations. Fusion cutting requires both sufficient volume and pressure; consumption varies with nozzle diameter, material and thickness.

Recommended purity by material

• Mild steel (nitrogen cut) — 99.9 % — bright edge without oxide
• Stainless steel, thin gauge — 99.9 % — standard fusion cutting
• Stainless steel, visible or weld‑ready edge — 99.95 % — limits edge tinting from residual oxygen
• Stainless steel, thick sections — 99.95 % and above — longer melt dwell increases reaction
• Aluminium — 99.95 % — oxide forms readily
• Precision parts, no rework allowed — 99.999 % — special cases only

Air consumption vs purity (air factor)
Every purity requires a defined amount of compressed air per cubic metre of nitrogen. Typical air factors (m³ air per m³ N₂):

• 97 % → 2.3
• 98 % → 2.3
• 99 % → 2.6
• 99.5 % → 2.9
• 99.9 % → 3.4
• 99.99 % → 4.6
• 99.995 % → 5.2
• 99.999 % → 6.4

Delivery pressure and boosters
Typical nozzle pressures: ~8–14 bar on stainless steel, rising toward 20 bar on thick sections and 22–30 bar for thick mild steel with nitrogen. A PSA stage delivers around 10 bar (from ~7 bar(g) inlet); higher nozzle pressures are achieved using a booster/compression stage. Berg supplies boosters and engineered compression stages to meet higher pressure needs.

On‑demand generation vs storage

• On demand — generator produces while lasers cut. Generator and compressor handle peaks; suitable for operations running ≳12 h/day or ≳100,000 Nm³/year.
• From storage — generator fills a buffer during idle periods; peaks are supplied from storage, allowing smaller generator/compressor sizing; suitable for shorter shifts.

Sizing guidelines

• Determine peak flow per machine from nozzle diameter, cutting pressure and material; apply simultaneity for multiple lasers.
• Select purity to meet the required edge finish, not merely the highest available grade.
• Decide on on‑demand vs buffered operation based on cutting hours/day.
• Calculate compressor demand: nitrogen flow × air factor at chosen purity; verify compressed air quality for sieve life (ISO 8573‑1:2010 recommendations).

NITROBERG® typical sizes for laser cutting

• NITROBERG® 1000 — N₂ at 99.9%: 34.4 Nm³/h; compressed air at 99.9%: 117.1 Nm³/h
• NITROBERG® 1100 — N₂ at 99.9%: 45.1 Nm³/h; compressed air at 99.9%: 153.3 Nm³/h
• NITROBERG® 1200 — N₂ at 99.9%: 55.8 Nm³/h; compressed air at 99.9%: 189.6 Nm³/h
• NITROBERG® 1300 — N₂ at 99.9%: 78.7 Nm³/h; compressed air at 99.9%: 267.6 Nm³/h
• NITROBERG® 1400 — N₂ at 99.9%: 109.9 Nm³/h; compressed air at 99.9%: 373.6 Nm³/h
• Range continues up to 1,709.1 Nm³/h for large installations.

On‑site generation vs tanks/cylinders
Cylinders suit only short trials; cryogenic tanks deliver peaks but incur rental, evaporation losses and delivery logistics. On‑site generation converts recurring supply costs into a capital and electricity cost and often yields a payback within a few years depending on usage profile.

Advantages and product features

• Configured purity to match the cut and reduce compressor sizing and running cost.
• Standard, off‑the‑shelf wear parts and filters.
• Generator, compressors, boosters, air treatment and storage can be supplied as an engineered chain.
• Warranty: standard 3 years; extended coverage with service contract.

Selected FAQs (summary)

• How much nitrogen does a laser cutter use? — A 6 kW fibre laser typically draws ~40–60 Nm³/h; consumption increases with material thickness and nozzle pressure.
• What purity is needed? — Typically 99.9 %–99.95 % for most cuts; 99.999 % reserved for precision parts without rework.
• What pressure does a generator deliver? — PSA stage ~10 bar (from 7 bar(g) inlet); higher nozzle pressures require a booster.
• Do I need a bigger compressor? — Multiply nitrogen flow by the air factor for chosen purity and consider storage to reduce peak compressor sizing.

Technical specifications

• Brand / product family: NITROBERG® (Berg GaseTech)
• Purity range: 97 % to 99.999 % (configurable)
• Nitrogen output range: example models listed above; series up to 1,709.1 Nm³/h
• Typical PSA delivery pressure: 10 bar (from compressed air inlet at 7 bar(g))
• Compressed air quality recommendation: ISO 8573‑1:2010 class 1.4.1
• Air factors by purity: examples provided above
• Sound level (range): 55–78 dB(A)
• Conformity: PED 2014/68/EU (NB 2912)
• Booster options: available to reach higher nozzle pressures