ChemTron N2 TOWER Plus Nitrogen Generator
| Brand | ChemTron |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Model | N2 TOWER Plus |
| Nitrogen Generation Principle | Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) with Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) |
| Output Flow Rate | 4000 mL/min |
| Output Pressure | 5 bar |
| Nitrogen Purity | 99.999% |
| Nitrogen Dew Point | < −50 °C |
Overview
The ChemTron N2 TOWER Plus Nitrogen Generator is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring continuous, high-purity nitrogen gas without reliance on high-pressure cylinders. It employs a robust Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) process using certified Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) media to separate nitrogen from compressed ambient air. Unlike membrane-based or electrolytic systems, PSA technology delivers stable flow and consistent purity across variable demand—critical for analytical instrumentation where gas quality directly impacts baseline stability, retention time reproducibility, and detector sensitivity. Designed for integration into regulated environments, the N2 TOWER Plus meets foundational requirements for GLP-compliant operation and supports audit-ready workflows when paired with optional IQ/OQ documentation packages. Its non-pressurized internal architecture (operating well below 5 bar throughout the adsorption/desorption cycle) eliminates risks associated with cylinder storage, transport, and handling—making it suitable for shared lab spaces, cleanrooms, and ISO 17025-accredited facilities.
Key Features
- Stable output of up to 4000 mL/min at 5 bar (±0.05 bar), with real-time pressure regulation and digital feedback control
- Consistent 99.999% nitrogen purity (measured by calibrated thermal conductivity detection) under standard operating conditions; purity increases to 99.9998% when configured with optional oven-heated gas lines for GC carrier applications
- Dew point maintained below −50 °C via integrated static dry-membrane dehydration—no consumable desiccants, no regeneration cycles, no maintenance downtime
- Compact footprint (140 × 630 × 490 mm) and low acoustic signature (≤46 dB[A]) enable benchtop or under-bench installation in noise-sensitive areas
- Full-system diagnostics including inlet air pressure monitoring, catalytic oxidizer temperature profiling (dual-range sensor), and automatic fault logging with visual/audible alerts
- 128 × 64 pixel LCD touchscreen with tactile buttons for intuitive navigation; displays live metrics including outlet pressure, system status, alarm history, and maintenance timers
- Electropolished titanium CCEL electrolytic cell housing (in hybrid configurations) ensures zero metal leaching and electrochemical inertness—critical for trace-level elemental analysis (e.g., ICP-MS)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The N2 TOWER Plus is validated for use as a primary nitrogen source across multiple analytical platforms requiring ultra-high-purity inert gas. It serves as a compliant alternative to bottled nitrogen for GC and GC-MS carrier gas (when equipped with oven-heated delivery lines), HPLC-ELSD mobile phase sparging, ICP-OES/ICP-MS plasma support, TGA/DSC purge atmospheres, and controlled-environment incubators. Air intake requires externally supplied oil-free, desiccated compressed air meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 1.4.1 (particulates ≤0.1 µm, dew point ≤−40 °C, hydrocarbon content <0.01 mg/m³). Optional high-temperature catalytic oxidation module reduces residual hydrocarbons to <0.1 ppm, satisfying ASTM D6299 and USP specifications for chromatographic gas purity. The unit carries CE, FCC, and CSA certifications and supports full validation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with ChemTron’s optional electronic logbook and audit trail software.
Software & Data Management
While the N2 TOWER Plus operates autonomously via embedded firmware, its diagnostic interface enables seamless integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) through RS-232 or optional Ethernet connectivity. Event logs—including pressure excursions, temperature deviations, and alarm triggers—are timestamped and stored onboard for ≥30 days. For regulated environments, ChemTron provides Factory-Acceptance Test (FAT) reports, Installation Qualification (IQ), and Operational Qualification (OQ) protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and GxP expectations. All firmware updates are digitally signed and version-controlled; change logs are retained for retrospective review during internal audits or regulatory inspections.
Applications
- Gas Chromatography (GC) and GC-MS: Primary carrier gas supply with oven-heated line configuration ensuring thermal stability and minimizing moisture ingress
- HPLC Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (ELSD): High-flow, low-particulate nitrogen for consistent nebulization and signal-to-noise optimization
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP-OES/ICP-MS): Ultra-low hydrocarbon and particulate nitrogen for stable plasma ignition and reduced polyatomic interferences
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): Inert purge gas with precise dew point control to prevent sample oxidation or condensation artifacts
- Cell culture incubators and anaerobic workstations: Continuous, contamination-free nitrogen overlay for hypoxia studies and bioprocessing
- LC-MS nitrogen curtain gas and collision gas: Stable pressure delivery supporting reproducible fragmentation efficiency
FAQ
What compressed air specifications are required for optimal performance?
The N2 TOWER Plus requires oil-free, desiccated compressed air at 7–10 bar (110–140 psig), with a dew point ≤−40 °C and particulate filtration to ≤0.01 µm. Use of a refrigerated dryer + coalescing filter is strongly recommended.
Can the unit be used for GC carrier gas without the oven option?
Yes—but purity will be rated at 99.999% (not 99.9998%). For retention time precision in temperature-programmed GC methods, the oven-heated line configuration is advised.
Is routine CMS replacement required?
No. The CMS bed is designed for ≥20,000 hours of continuous operation under specified air quality conditions. Lifetime is extended with proper upstream air treatment.
Does the system require water cooling or external ventilation?
No. The unit is air-cooled and operates silently within ambient lab conditions (5–40 °C, 0–80% RH non-condensing).
How is compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 ensured?
When paired with ChemTron’s optional data logger and electronic signature module, the system provides user-authenticated access control, immutable audit trails, and electronic record retention—fully aligned with Part 11 Annex 11 requirements.
