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November 14, 2006

TNSC Launches Low-Energy PSA-Type Nitrogen Gas Generator

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC) has developed a new
low-energy pressure swing absorption (PSA) type nitrogen gas
generator. The product uses TSNC’s proprietary control system,
in which electricity consumption varies in tandem with gas
generation volumes.

1. Background regarding product development
Targets for reducing CO
2
,

set in line with the Kyoto Protocol
to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
and recent amendments to energy conservation laws have put
pressure on manufacturers and managers of other types of
businesses to adopt energy conservation measures. Such measures
include the installation of power consumption control systems
in plants and business offices.

In response to these various developments and user
requests, TNSC has designed energy-saving systems for gas
production and supply equipment, including the recent
development of a new energy-saving PSA-type nitrogen gas
generator that coordinates electricity consumption with gas
generation volumes.

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2. Overview of low-energy pressure swing adsorption (PSA) type
nitrogen gas generator
TNSC’s low-energy PSA-type nitrogen gas generator starts and
stops in response to gas usage levels. Electricity consumption
declines when the air compressor is operating in “unload” mode,
thus reducing energy consumption. Conventional generators
employ energy-saving systems in which power consumption is
controlled through a series of phased reductions. Our new device,
however, utilizes an in-house developed small process
controller (ExMPICS) employing an anticipatory control method
linked to gas usage levels for controlling the generator. In
this way, the new gas generator enables more efficient control
of the air compressor when in “unload” mode operations.

This system also renders unnecessary the use of air
compressors employing expensive inverters. The energy
conservation rate is particularly high when used in the
operation of reflow ovens and similar facilities which
experience extreme fluctuations in gas-usage volumes. Compared
to our previous model, the new low-energy PSA-type nitrogen gas
generator enables power savings of up to 40%.

3. Future Plans

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Since launching the low-energy PSA-type nitrogen gas generator
in October, we have received many inquiries from users, and hope
to sell about 100 units per year.
Caption
Exterior view of the PSA-type nitrogen gas generator