PEAK Intura N2 Nitrogen Generator
| Brand | PEAK |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported Laboratory Gas Generator |
| Model | Intura N₂ |
| Instrument Type | Membrane-Enhanced Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Nitrogen Generator |
| Output Flow Rates | 250 cc/min, 600 cc/min, 1000 cc/min |
| Output Pressure | 100 psi (6.9 bar) |
| Nitrogen Purity | 99.9995% (5.5 N) |
| Dew Point | −65 °C (−85 °F) |
| CO₂ Content | <10 ppm |
| Power Consumption | Low-energy PSA architecture |
| Dimensions | Compact benchtop footprint |
| Warranty | 12 months standard |
Overview
The PEAK Intura N₂ Nitrogen Generator is an engineered solution for laboratories requiring a continuous, on-demand supply of ultra-high-purity nitrogen gas for gas chromatography (GC) and related analytical instrumentation. Utilizing an optimized dual-stage pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process enhanced with carbon molecular sieve (CMS) technology, the Intura N₂ separates nitrogen from compressed ambient air by selectively retaining oxygen, moisture, CO₂, and trace hydrocarbons. This results in a stable, contamination-controlled nitrogen stream meeting stringent analytical requirements for GC carrier gas, detector make-up gas (e.g., FID, ECD, NPD), and purge applications. Unlike cylinder-based supply, the Intura N₂ eliminates logistical constraints, safety hazards associated with high-pressure gas storage, and variability in gas quality between deliveries—ensuring consistent retention time stability, baseline integrity, and method reproducibility across long-term analyses.
Key Features
- Ultra-high nitrogen purity of 99.9995% (5.5 N), verified continuously via integrated purity monitoring circuitry
- Three selectable flow configurations: 250 cc/min, 600 cc/min, and 1000 cc/min — scalable to single or multi-GC installations
- Regulated output pressure up to 100 psi (6.9 bar), compatible with all major GC manufacturers’ carrier gas inlet specifications
- Dew point consistently maintained at −65 °C (−85 °F), ensuring sub-ppm moisture levels critical for sensitive detectors and column longevity
- CO₂ content <10 ppm — compliant with ASTM D6349 and ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1 for compressed gas purity
- Energy-efficient PSA architecture reduces compressed air demand by up to 30% versus conventional systems, lowering both operational power draw and thermal load in temperature-sensitive lab environments
- Compact benchtop design (W × D × H: 320 × 410 × 320 mm) minimizes footprint without compromising service accessibility or internal filtration staging
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Intura N₂ is designed for direct integration into regulated analytical workflows. Its gas output meets or exceeds purity and stability requirements for USP , EP 2.2.43, and ICH Q5C guidelines governing inert gas use in pharmaceutical QC testing. The system supports GLP/GMP-compliant operation through optional audit-trail-enabled firmware (PEAK iLink™), which logs runtime, pressure events, purity alerts, and maintenance cycles. All internal wetted materials comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compatible data integrity protocols when paired with validated software interfaces. No external drying or polishing stages are required — the integrated multi-stage filtration (coalescing pre-filter, activated carbon, desiccant, and final 0.01 µm particulate filter) ensures full compliance with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 1 (solid particles), Class 2 (water), and Class 2 (oil) specifications.
Software & Data Management
While the base Intura N₂ operates as a standalone plug-and-play unit, it supports digital integration via RS-232 or optional Ethernet interface. PEAK’s proprietary iLink™ software enables remote status monitoring, real-time purity trending, predictive maintenance scheduling, and export of CSV-formatted operational logs for internal QA review or regulatory submission. Firmware updates preserve backward compatibility and include security patches aligned with IEC 62443-3-3 industrial cybersecurity standards. All event timestamps are synchronized to UTC and retain millisecond resolution for forensic traceability during method validation or audit preparation.
Applications
- Carrier gas for capillary GC and GC-MS systems requiring stable, low-oxygen, low-moisture nitrogen streams
- Make-up gas for electron capture detectors (ECD), nitrogen-phosphorus detectors (NPD), and thermal conductivity detectors (TCD)
- Purge gas in headspace samplers and automated sample introduction modules
- Inert blanketing during solvent evaporation, sample concentration, and vial crimping in regulated bioanalytical labs
- Support gas for FTIR purge compartments and laser cavity environments demanding ultra-dry, particle-free nitrogen
FAQ
Does the Intura N₂ require an external air compressor?
Yes — it requires a clean, oil-free, desiccated compressed air feed (minimum 100 psi, 3.5 CFM at 1000 cc/min configuration). PEAK recommends pairing with its Genius系列 or equivalent ISO 8573-1 Class 1.2.1-certified compressors.
How often must the CMS columns be replaced?
Under typical laboratory usage (8 hrs/day, 5 days/week), CMS life expectancy exceeds 20,000 operating hours. Replacement intervals are tracked automatically and signaled via front-panel alert and iLink™ dashboard.
Is the nitrogen output suitable for LC-MS nitrogen drying gas?
No — while purity meets GC requirements, LC-MS drying gas demands additional hydrocarbon removal and higher dew point control; PEAK recommends the Precision series for that application.
Can multiple GCs be fed from one Intura N₂ unit?
Yes — provided total demand does not exceed the selected model’s maximum flow rating and pressure drop across distribution manifolds remains within ±5 psi of setpoint.
What certifications does the Intura N₂ hold?
CE marked per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU; RoHS 2011/65/EU compliant; UL/cULus recognition pending final certification cycle (expected Q3 2024).
