Use of OXYVITAL PSA Nitrogen Generators in Heat Treatment (Nitriding and Annealing) Processes
Heat treatment — the process of enhancing the surface hardness of metals and alloys — is designed to impart long service life and mechanical strength to the material. Nitriding, applied as part of this process, enables controlled nitrogen diffusion into the surface, making it easier to achieve high hardness and superior wear resistance.
Oxyvital PSA nitrogen generators are purpose-built to meet exactly these demands, delivering a meaningful contribution to industrial processes. By producing nitrogen on-site within the facility, they eliminate external supply dependency, enhance process safety, and provide a sustainable cost advantage throughout the heat treatment process.
Why Use a Nitrogen Generator in the Heat Treatment Industry?
Unlike conventional liquid nitrogen tanks or high-pressure cylinder gases, traditional supply methods introduce significant disadvantages — including high costs, logistical dependency, storage requirements, and safety risks. PSA nitrogen generators eliminate these challenges by enabling continuous, controlled on-site nitrogen production. They also play an active role at multiple stages:
At elevated temperatures, a low-oxygen environment is required to prevent oxidation and undesirable reactions on metal surfaces. High-purity nitrogen creates an inert atmosphere that preserves surface quality.
In certain applications, controlled cooling of the metal is required. In this context, generators provide a safe cooling atmosphere without inducing oxidation, helping to preserve the metallurgical properties.
In specialized heat treatment processes, precise adjustment of the in-furnace gas composition is essential. Nitrogen generators supply gas at the required purity and flow rate, facilitating accurate process control.
During annealing, nitrogen protects the metal surface against oxidation and undesirable chemical reactions. This ensures that stress relief is achieved effectively and that the targeted microstructure is obtained.
Benefits of PSA Nitrogen Generators in Heat Treatment Processes

Nitrogen gas is used in many applications as the primary carrier atmosphere gas for the controlled delivery of reactive gases.
As a carrier gas, nitrogen enables the controlled transport of reactive gases in processes such as carburizing, nitriding, and carbonitriding.
Its inert properties help displace oxygen from flammable gas mixtures, enhancing safety.
In its role as a protective atmosphere, it prevents the formation of oxide layers on surfaces — particularly during annealing and sintering operations.
CE Certificate
ISO 9001
ISO 13485
ISO 14001
ISO 45001
2017/745 MDR
PED 2014/68/EUOn-Site Production with Oxyvital Nitrogen Generator Solutions
Oxyvital PSA nitrogen generators are engineered to accommodate the variable flow and purity requirements of the heat treatment industry. They provide stable atmosphere control across nitriding, annealing, carburizing, and sintering lines.
For operations targeting sustainability, cost control, and quality consistency in heat treatment, PSA nitrogen generators represent a strategically significant choice. With Oxyvital solutions, safe, economical, and uninterrupted on-site nitrogen production becomes a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitrogen creates an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation, preserves surface quality, and enables the controlled transport of reactive gases.
It produces nitrogen continuously on-site, eliminates the risk of gas supply interruptions, and reduces costs associated with cylinder or liquid nitrogen procurement.
Yes. Nitrogen plays a critical role in maintaining a controlled atmosphere and preventing oxide formation on surfaces during these processes.














