Why Laboratories are Switching to Nitrogen Generators
Laboratories rely on efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness to optimize their workflows. One of the most significant factors in achieving these goals is ensuring a reliable supply of nitrogen gas. Organomation’s latest webinar, Improving Laboratory Workflows through Nitrogen Generation, explores how nitrogen generators can revolutionize lab operations by eliminating the need for gas cylinders.
The Challenge: Gas Cylinders vs. On-Site Nitrogen Generation
Traditionally, many laboratories depend on nitrogen cylinders, which come with hidden costs and logistical challenges.
These include:
- Rental Fees: The recurring costs of renting cylinders add up over time.
- Refill and Delivery Charges: Market fluctuations and scheduling conflicts can delay deliveries, leading to downtime.
- Safety Concerns: Handling and transporting high-pressure cylinders can pose workplace hazards.
- Space Limitations: Storing multiple bulky cylinders takes up valuable lab space.
Organomation’s David Oliva shared a real-world example of a lab located in a multi-floor building without an elevator. Employees were forced to carry heavy gas cylinders up and down staircases, creating an unnecessary safety risk. Another lab experienced a several-week delay in research due to a miscommunication in their cylinder delivery. Situations like these highlight the need for a more reliable and efficient solution.
The Solution: On-Site Nitrogen Generation
Nitrogen generators provide labs with a cost-effective, continuous nitrogen supply while addressing many of the pain points associated with gas cylinders.
Key benefits include:
- Significant Cost Savings: Eliminates rental, refill, and delivery fees.
- Operational Efficiency: Reduces workflow disruptions by ensuring an uninterrupted nitrogen supply.
- Enhanced Safety & Convenience: Removes the need to store and handle high-pressure cylinders.
- Space Optimization: Compact generators free up valuable lab space.
- Sustainability: Reduces the environmental impact associated with nitrogen gas transportation.
To help labs assess whether a nitrogen generator is a worthwhile investment, Organomation has developed a payback calculator. Many labs find that they achieve a full return on investment within 1-2 years.
Real-World Success Stories
Several laboratories have already made the switch to nitrogen generators, experiencing improved efficiency and cost savings.
Temple University’s McKenzie Environmental Engineering Research Group
Temple University’s research group, which concentrates PFAS sample extracts for mass spectrometry, made the transition to nitrogen generation to combat rising costs associated with tank rentals, delivery, and surcharges. Their investment in the NITRO-GEN generator allowed them to meet growing sample throughput requirements without the logistical headaches of cylinder replacements. With a compact design and plug-and-play functionality, the generator seamlessly integrated into their workflow.
Moyo Lab at Louisiana State University
The Moyo Lab, which studies nutrient movement across habitats, relies on nitrogen evaporation to remove excess chloroform from their extraction samples. Dissatisfied with nitrogen cylinders, they opted for the NITRO-GEN+ generator to streamline their operations.
Lab Manager and Assistant Professor of Biology Sydney Moyo shared his experience:
"I love the NITRO-GEN+ for many reasons. First, a vital benefit is that I can move the generator around the department because it has wheels. When I used cylinders, I had difficulty moving them around the lab. Second, when the NITRO-GEN+ is not in use, I can safely store it in a corner in my lab because it only takes up a little space. Third, the NITRO-GEN+ is also very quiet and is one of the quietest generators we have used in the lab. Fourth, I love that there is less risk of running out of nitrogen as I always have a 24/7 supply when needed. Lastly, the NITRO-GEN+ is so easy to use that students in the Moyo Lab can use it with little training.”
With user-friendly features and portability, the NITRO-GEN+ has proven to be a game-changer for the Moyo Lab, ensuring they never run out of nitrogen while simplifying lab operations.
Making the Right Choice for Your Lab
To assist labs in selecting the best nitrogen generator for their needs, Organomation offers a generator recommendation chart that matches evaporator models with the most suitable generator options. Additionally, their customer service team is always available to help labs find the best solution for their workflow requirements.
Presenter: David Oliva (General Manager of Organomation)
One of Oliva’s favorite responsibilities is visiting academic institutions and environmental laboratories around the world. He was named to the 40 Under Forty Class of 2022 from the Worcester Business Journal and is a winner of a B2B Innovator Award from Demand Gen Report.
