MAHLE RTI NTF-515 (Rev A) - Manual (Page 4)

NITROGEN AND OXYGEN
The NTF-515 generates Nitrogen as a product. Oxygen enriched air is released as waste.
Warning
Nitrogen can cause suffocation. Oxygen enriched air leads to increased risk of
fire in the event of contact with flammable products. Make sure that there is
adequate ventilation at all times!
Do not install the NTF-515 in an area where explosive substances may be
present.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NTF-515 MEMBRANE
GENERAL
The NTF-515 separates compressed air into nitrogen and an oxygen enriched air stream. The
separation system is based on membrane technology. The compressed air comes from a central
system or from a dedicated compressor.
The nitrogen produced is stored in the nitrogen storage vessel. The NTF-515 then switches on and off,
depending on the nitrogen demand.
Separation Principle
H O, H
2 2
O
2
N
2
F S
Pressurized
Air Nitrogen
A C
B
Support Layer
Separation Layer
A Pressurized air inlet F Fast
B Hollow fiber membrane S Slow
C Nitrogen outlet
Ambient air contains nitrogen (78.1%), oxygen (20.9%), argon (1%), carbon dioxide, water vapor and
traces of other inert gasses. Pressurized air (A) is fed through the hollow fiber membrane (B). The
various air components diffuse through the wall of the membrane.
The diffusion rate differs for the various gases:
Oxygen and water vapor have a high diffusion rate and permeate rapidly through the membrane
wall.
Nitrogen has a low diffusion rate and permeates slowly through the membrane wall.
At the exit of the membrane (C), pressurized nitrogen is released.
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