Systems - FAQ  [ Return towards  Nitrogen membrane - Systems  ]

Most of the 2000 membrane module systems designed by Air Liquide Engineering /  are owned and operated by Air Liquide subsidiaries in more than 60 countries. For more than 10 years, the Local Field Technicians, the After Sales Departments and the Design Offices have been measuring the systems performances and improving the design of the membrane module systems to achieve the optimal balance between the systems capital cost, their reliability and long term operating costs. This unique expertise into air compression, air filtration, air separation and process control ensures all the Air Liquide Nitrogen membrane module systems users the highest level of trust. 

1. Why do you preferably use oil lubricated screw compressors to oil free compressors in your membrane module systems ? 


2. Some membrane module systems do not have an activated carbon tower. Why do ALE /  includes this equipment ?


3. What is Air Liquide policy for gas or equipment sale around the world ?


4. Does Air Liquide propose Nitrogen PSA Systems ?


5. Can you install a Membrane Module System directly on an existing air network ? 


6. Is it possible to increase the Nitrogen capacity of an existing Membrane module System ?


7. What is the life of a membrane module ? 

1 . Why do you preferably use oil lubricated screw compressors to oil free compressors in your membrane module systems ? Generally, oil lubricated compressors run at lower temperature and higher pressure than oil free compressors. Field experience shows that oil lubricated compressors run cheaper on the long term, use less energy and are more reliable. ALE /  designed a complete filtration line to enable a safe use of oil lubricated compressors. 

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2. Some membrane module systems do not have an activated carbon tower. Why do ALE /  includes this equipment ? Our long term design philosophy means that Membrane modules are a capital part of the Systems and do not need maintenance or replacement. To keep the Membrane module safe and performing on the long term, the activated carbon tower is proved to be highly valuable, adsorbing both the oil vapors and other chemical pollutants that can be present in the environment. ALE /  design principle is not compatible with minor capital savings that can jeopardize the long term performance of the membrane module Systems. 

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3. What is Air Liquide policy for gas or equipment sale around the world ?  manufactures all the Membrane modules for the Air Liquide Group or outside customers. The  Systems division manufactures Membrane module Systems for Air Liquide subsidiaries in America, English speaking Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Air Liquide Engineering - VIC Floxal Group, based in France, manufactures Membrane module Systems for Air Liquide subsidiaries in the rest of the world. In those countries where Air Liquide can propose gas and services contracts, you can contact the local Air Liquide Center (see the Contacts & Locations page). · Both  and ALE also proposes Systems for outside customers, especially for the Oil & Gas Industry, LNG & other tankers or countries where the Air Liquide subsidiaries are not active in gas sale. See the Membranes Contact page for more information. 

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4. Do Air Liquide proposes Nitrogen PSA Systems ? Air Liquide manufactured N2 PSA Systems until the Membrane module Systems development took over. The higher reliability, easier maintenance and more flexible design of the Membrane module Systems proved to overpass the Nitrogen PSA technology. The  Membrane modules very high performances enabled to promote Membrane systems as the sole non cryogenic on site system, even at purity as high as 99.9%. Some manufacturers do not have access to high performing Membrane modules and still propose N2 PSA units. 

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5. Can you install a Membrane module System directly on an existing air network ? We often install Membrane module Systems on existing instrument or process air networks. Design of the filtration line and sizing of the system will be calculated directly from your air network characteristics : pressure, temperature, water and oil content, etc…See the Contact Us page for details. 

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6. Is it possible to increase the Nitrogen capacity of an existing Membrane module System ? Yes. We propose various sizes of Membrane module Systems, designed on maximum air flow (size of filters, pipes and cabinet). Depending on the System size you presently use, it is easy to add Membrane modules and increase the System capacity. Return to Top of the page 

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7. What is the life of a membrane module? With proper system maintenance, membrane module life can be indefinite. Air Liquide has membrane modules in service now for more than 6 years. The use of a carbon tower results in a conservative fault tolerant system design to assure long membrane life. 

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