MAHLE RTI NTF-15 - Manual (Page 5)

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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 gasses:
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.
Process Parameters
The nitrogen production depends on these parameters:
Flow rate The lower the flow rate of compressed air through the hollow fiber membrane, the more
oxygen can permeate through the membrane wall. As a result, the nitrogen produced at the
outlet will have a higher purity. Nitrogen purity can be adjusted with the flow control valve.
Temperature The NTF-15 operates optimally at a temperature between 70-80 /F. If the temperature
increases, the pressurized air consumption will also increase. Do not place the system in a
room where the temperature may rise unnecessarily high.
Allow enough piping between the compressor exit and the NTF-15 inlet so that the hot
compressed gas has time to cool within the specifications listed in this manual.
Membrane pressure A higher membrane pressure will increase the capacity (i.e. nitrogen output) of the NTF-15.
Pressure also enables operation of the pneumatic pressure switch.
External pressure There must be atmospheric pressure at the outlet. The capacity and the purity of the nitrogen
gas decreases strongly if the vent pressure exceeds the atmospheric pressure.
Unpack & Check Equipment
Ensure that all components were delivered.
Ensure that the compressed air source meets specification:
Oil content of the compressed air is below 0.01mg/m 3 .
Ensure that the compressed air pressure and quality is always as prescribed.
Ensure that the air capacity is sufficient.