MAHLE RTI NTF-15 - Manual (Page 4)

Page 2 of 9
H O, H
2 2
O
2
N
2
F S
Pressurized
Air Nitrogen
A C
B
Support Layer
Separation Layer
Nitrogen and Oxygen
The NTF-15 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-15 in an area where explosive substances may be present.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NTF-15 MEMBRANE
General
The NTF-15 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-15 then switches on and off, depending on the
nitrogen demand.
Separation Principle
A Pressurized air inlet F Fast
B Hollow fibre 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 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.