Nitrogen/ Hydrogen Gas Purification

The purpose of the Ni-20 Ni-Train system is to remove nitrogen or hydrogen from an argon or helium background atmosphere in a glovebox.

By constant recirculation of the glovebox atmosphere through the Ni-Train, the Ni-Train will attain low ppm impurity levels of nitrogen or hydrogen and will continue to remove nitrogen or hydrogen that diffuses through the glovebox gloves or seals.

The Ni-Train is designed to work only in conjunction with VAC’s Nexus systems. The Nexus system provides an inert atmosphere nearly free of oxygen and moisture, and also provides an interlock to protect the Ni-Train in case of high oxygen levels.

For safety reasons the Ni-Train is supplied with automatic isolation and bypass valves.

The High Oxygen Protection System (HOPS) function, found in the Ni-Train menu of the Nexus system, will automatically isolate and bypass the Ni-Train system in the event of high oxygen levels.

For safety reasons, the system uses an oxygen analyzer to monitor the levels of O2 in the glovebox. In the event of a high O2 level the analyzer sends signals to the Ni-Train bypass valves to prevent high O2 from entering the Ni-Train retort. 

Nitrogen/ Hydrogen Removal

The Ni-Train is capable of attaining and maintaining an atmosphere of less than 1 ppm (by volume) of nitrogen and less than 20 ppm of hydrogen in a relatively leak tight glovebox when circulating argon or helium. Attaining an inert atmosphere in a glovebox is accomplished by first purging with an inert gas to a reasonable oxygen, nitrogen, and moisture level (less than 200 ppm). Next, the inert gas is circulated through a Nexus purifier to remove moisture and oxygen (to less than 10 ppm). Lastly, the inert gas is circulated through the Ni-Train to remove nitrogen or hydrogen.

Nitrogen Removal

Nitrogen is removed from the inert atmosphere using a retort heated to 900°C. Once a retort is used for nitrogen removal, it cannot be switched over to hydrogen removal. However, a retort used for hydrogen can be switched to nitrogen by simply raising the retort temperature after bake-out.

Hydrogen Removal

Hydrogen is removed from the inert atmosphere using a retort heated to 600°C.

Technical Standards

Power

Electrical Input Power: 200-240 VAC, single phase connection, 40 A, 60 Hz, hard wire connection inside input power junction box (6 x 6 x 6 inch pull box with knockouts for 1⁄2 to 1 inch conduit fittings). Electrical conduit to Ni-Train is customer furnished.

Main and Retort Circuit Breakers: 40 A.

Dimensions: 76 inches high, 26 inches wide, 36 inches deep.

Weight: Approximately 900 lb.

O2 Protection

High Oxygen Protection (HOPS): The Ni-Train must be plumbed into a glovebox with an oxygen removal system (Nexus Purifier). An oxygen analyzer and oxygen high limit dry contact relay is required.

Connections

Piping: All stainless steel for high temperature gas flow. Copper pipe for ambient temperature gas flow.

Enclosure Connections:
Circulation Lines: 1-1/2 inch, o-ring sealed, NW40-KF (2)
Evacuation line: NW25-KF
Pneumatic Connection: Compressed air, regulated, 90 psi nominal, 120 psi maximum, 1⁄4″ female NPT with compression fitting for 3/8″ OD tubing.

Cooling Water: 8 gpm at 50 – 55° F, 1⁄2 FPT fittings at inlet and outlet. Flow meter on inlet line required (customer furnished).

Specifications

Environmental: Ambient Temperature: 59° – 90° F (15° –32° C) Ambient Humidity: 0–90% non-condensing

Inert Gas Flow Rates: 

Argon: 20 cfm through retort

Helium: 25 cfm through retort

Nitrogen removal capacity: 75 liters

Hydrogen removal capacity: 50 liters

Titanium Charge: 2.3 kg (5 lb)

Instrumentation: PLC based controller with touchscreen operator interface, independent over temperature controller.

Request Quote