Mine sites traditionally use compressed air for tyre inflation. This air comprises of around 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and some water vapour and is delivered at high pressure. New systems have been innovated to improve this process whilst also eliminating risks. Nitrogen inflation is an effective alternative to compressed air inflation. Gas Generation Australia takes this one step further with on-site nitrogen generation for mining eliminating the costly need for nitrogen cylinders. Improved safety and low investment costs are the innovative solutions the industry has been looking for. 

The problem with traditional compressed air inflation is that it causes a string of risk factors and wear on tyres that can easily be eliminated with nitrogen. Compressed air can accelerate wheel rust and corrosion due to high water vapour and oxygen content. Gas Generation Australia’s membrane systems can produce purity levels up to 98%, which minimises corrosion levels but are also ideal for jobs that require high volume levels. Oxygen also reacts chemically with rubber causing it to lose its elasticity, affecting the rubber’s strength as the oxygen leaks through. The damage rate caused by oxygen increases as pressure increases.

Hot tyres are one of the most significant risk factors for traditional tyre inflation. Hot tyres refer to the heat generated within tyres through environmental temperatures or lighting strikes, and when mixed with oxygen, the only outcome is combustion, fire or explosions. This is amplified in the Australian climate, with remote conditions being some of the harshest and hottest in the country. In heavy mining equipment, the tyres' operational temperatures can be extreme, leading to pyrolysis and significantly raising the risk of auto-ignition when oxygen is present. The Department of Mines and Petroleum Resources Safety states that when oxygen levels are over 5.5% by volume, there is the potential for auto ignition, and using compressed nitrogen controls these risks. These risk factors and knowing that oxygen molecules are prone to leaking can result in significant site shutdowns with weeks of profit loss. 

Switching from oxygen to nitrogen inflation will significantly reduce explosions caused by lightning strikes, contact with power lines, and hot tyres. Nitrogen is the benchmark in safety tyre inflation for the mining industry. Nitrogen is used in tyres to control temperature and reduce the damage oxygen can cause to the rubber and corrosion levels. Nitrogen-filled tyres at 95% or higher purities will run under load at 20% cooler temperatures than compressed air. This ensures the tyre pressure remains stable and is less prone to high-temperature failures. Nitrogen minimises fire and explosion risks, all leading to prolonged tyre life  

But what if we were to tell you there is an even better way of doing things? The issue faced with the nitrogen solution was that bottled nitrogen was the most common delivery source, and it wasn’t meeting expectations. It is impractical, costly, and results in a negative carbon footprint. Gas Generation Australia specialises in on-site nitrogen generation. We bring the solution to you. We are committed to providing an innovative, high-quality, optimally economical service and tech solutions to our customers nationwide. 

Hear what our Business Development Manager says: “The most effective method to make nitrogen available in sufficient quantity for mining applications is to have an on-site generation system. On-site generation removes transport costs, handling risks and wastage. A correctly sized generator will provide fill times and pressures that meet the miners' exact requirements. The most effective solution is a Membrane Nitrogen Generator that minimises on-site infrastructure while delivering the required nitrogen volumes. A good system should allow for adjustment of pressures, increase of volumes and adjustment to Nitrogen purity without major increases in cost.”

‍

Our nitrogen generator systems are designed to meet and solve all your industry requirements for a consistent autonomous gas source. We offer a whole system approach delivered to you by industry experts and highly trained technicians to guarantee optimum results. Gas Generation Australia selects only the best suppliers and service partners for outstanding customer satisfaction and operates across diversified industries. Autonomous nitrogen gas is an investment that will see ROI in just 12 months whilst improving the safety of your site and minimising downtime. It is an investment that’s worth implementing. Talk to the leading experts today to find out more.

Gas Generation Australia offers innovative onsite gas generation solutions to the Australian mining industry. From packaged modular systems to custom-designed solutions, Gas Generation Australia provides an onsite nitrogen supply tailored to meet the high standard required on mine sites in Australia. Our wide range of PSA or membrane generators deliver optimal purity and reliable production volume.