Demand
- annual quantity
- typical flow
- peak and peak duration
Delivered gas or onsite generation
Nitrogen generator or delivered gas:
compare supply fairly.
The useful question is not “Which is always cheaper?” It is: which route covers actual demand at the required quality and pressure, with a credible reserve?
01 Short answer
Onsite generation is an option –
not an automatic choice.
A generator can reduce delivery dependence, but it transfers responsibility to the onsite chain of power, compressor, air treatment, generator, storage and maintenance. Demand, peaks, gas quality, pressure, logistics, space and required availability decide the route.
A fair comparison: Do not compare gas price with electricity alone. Use the same period, gas quality, handover pressure and availability requirement for both routes.
02 Supply routes
What each route does well –
and what it asks of the operator.
| Route | Typical strength | Key check |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder or bundle | simple entry for small, irregular or mobile demand | changeover, storage, handling and full delivery cost |
| Liquid/bulk | central supply of larger volumes | vaporisation, minimum take, losses, delivery windows and reserve |
| Onsite | demand-led generation at the facility | compressor, energy, treatment, maintenance, storage and backup |
| Hybrid | onsite base load plus delivered peaks or reserve | changeover, ownership and periodic functional checks |
03 Decision data
Which inputs make
the comparison credible?
Invoices show cost but do not always show actual demand. Delivery quantities, measurements and production time should be reconciled.
Quality and pressure
- purity or residual oxygen
- pressure at handover
- moisture and contaminant limits
Operation
- hours and shifts
- service windows
- failure consequence and reserve
Current supply
Gas, rental, transport, surcharges, minimum quantities, losses, internal handling and staff time belong in the baseline.
Site
Compressor reserve, space, heat rejection, power, pipe route, noise, ventilation, storage and safe operation determine feasibility.
04 Initial filter
When onsite generation
deserves closer review.
These are screening cues, not a decision without data.
Supports a review
- regular and measurable base demand
- significant delivery and handling effort
- suitable compressed-air and site infrastructure
- known gas quality and pressure
- stable long-term production need
May favour delivered or hybrid supply
- very small or occasional demand
- extreme short peaks without base load
- insufficient compressor reserve or space
- critical availability without planned redundancy
- uncertain or fast-changing requirements
05 Common questions
Compare supply
without a blanket answer.
Cylinders or a nitrogen generator?
Cylinders can fit small or mobile demand. A generator becomes more relevant when regular demand, suitable infrastructure and a credible full-cost case exist. Reserve and operating responsibility also belong in the decision.
Liquid nitrogen or onsite generation?
Bulk supply can cover large central demand. Onsite generation can reduce logistics but needs energy and maintenance. Compare the same quantity, quality, pressure and availability over the same period.
Can onsite generation replace every delivery?
No. Delivered reserve can still protect peaks, service or critical processes. Hybrid supply is a valid design route.
Next step
Have evidence for current supply?
Then the comparison can begin.
Invoices, delivery quantities, operating time and known process data are enough for an initial structured review.