Enter your nitrogen demand, purity and local energy prices — this calculator estimates what on-site PSA generation really costs per year against delivered liquid nitrogen and high-pressure cylinders, and how fast a generator pays for itself. All figures are indicative planning values; ask us for a formal quote for procurement.

PSA annual cost
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Delivered gas / year
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You save every year
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PSA investment (est. FOB)
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Payback period
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How the estimate works

  • System energy: 0.10–0.28 kWh per Nm³ depending on purity — this covers the full chain: compressor, dryer and PSA towers, not just the generator module.
  • Equipment investment: indicative FOB China ranges for complete PSA systems, adjusted for purity class.
  • Maintenance: 5% of investment per year — filters, valves, analyzer calibration.
  • Delivered gas: what you pay today per Nm³ including rental, delivery and losses. If you don't know it, check your last gas invoice and divide by volume delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this estimate?
It uses published energy benchmarks (0.10–0.28 kWh per Nm³ system-level, depending on purity), indicative FOB equipment ranges and typical delivered-gas prices. It is a planning figure: your final quote depends on site conditions, compressor selection and gas logistics in your region.
What costs are included in the PSA annual cost?
Electricity for the full system (compressor + PSA) and a maintenance allowance of about 5% of equipment investment per year. It excludes operator labor, which is near zero for unattended PSA systems, and excludes depreciation.
Why is delivered gas so much more expensive?
With cylinders and liquid nitrogen you pay for the gas plus energy used to liquefy it, cryogenic losses, rental containers, and repeated delivery logistics. On-site PSA uses ambient air and electricity only, which is why savings typically run 60–90%.
What if my demand is intermittent?
Below roughly 5 Nm³/h of continuous use, delivered gas can remain competitive. Size the system for average demand with a buffer tank, and re-run this calculator with your real duty cycle before drawing conclusions.
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Disclaimer: results are engineering estimates for planning purposes only and do not constitute an offer. Actual pricing depends on site conditions, compression configuration and certification requirements.