The application of nitrogen not only improves the quality of metal processing products,but also promotes the improvement of production efficiency and the reduction of costs.With the advancement of metal processing technology,the application of nitrogen in this field is expected to be more widely promoted and deepened.Nitrogen plays a vital role in the metal processing industry and has a wide range of applications,
mainly including the following aspects:
1. Laser cutting
As an auxiliary gas ,nitrogen prevents metal oxidation,ensures cutting quality,and removes molten metal....
2. Heat treatment
As a protective gas,nitrogen prevents oxidation corrosion when teh mental is heated,and is suitabel for special processes.
3. Welding
Use nitrogen protection to prevent weld oxidation,especially in stainles steel welding.
4. Casting、powder metallurgy
Nitrogen as a protective atmosphere improves the quality of finished products and improves the structure of castings.
5. Storage and transportation
Nitrogen creates an oxygen-free environment and effectively prevents oxidation and corrosion of metal materials.
Efficient and safe metal production relies on high-purity gases. RICH, with over 40 years of experience and 4,000+ systems installed worldwide, delivers tailored on-site nitrogen, oxygen, and gas purification solutions for the metal industry. From smelting and rolling to surface treatment and heat treatment, RICH ensures stable gas supply, optimized production, and improved product quality.
Oxidation & surface defects: Air exposure during smelting, casting, or heat treatment can degrade metal quality.
Process control: Consistent nitrogen and oxygen supply is critical for annealing, brazing, and laser cutting.
Moisture & contamination: Humidity or impurities in gases can affect metal properties or equipment.
Cylinder dependency: Bulk cylinders increase cost, logistics complexity, and safety risks.
Energy efficiency & operational continuity: Fluctuating gas supply or low-purity gas can slow production or cause waste.
Inert gas blanketing: Steel, aluminum, copper, and specialty alloys during smelting, casting, or storage
Heat treatment & annealing: Controlled nitrogen or oxygen atmosphere to improve hardness, ductility, and microstructure
Laser cutting & welding: High-purity nitrogen or oxygen for precise cutting, minimal oxidation, and better weld quality
Powder metallurgy & additive manufacturing: Dry, inert nitrogen for powder handling, storage, and 3D printing
Surface treatment & coating: Nitrogen or oxygen-enriched atmospheres for plating, brazing, or nitriding
PNF / PNF+ PSA Nitrogen Generators — high-purity nitrogen for heat treatment, blanketing, or inerting processes.
Membrane Nitrogen Generators — compact solution for moderate-purity nitrogen in cutting, welding, or storage operations.
POF Series PSA & VPSA Oxygen Plants — oxygen supply for oxidation processes, combustion enhancement, or controlled atmosphere operations.
Desiccant Dryers / Drying Systems — low moisture, high-purity gas for sensitive processing, powder handling, or additive manufacturing.
Systems can be configured for metal-grade applications, minimizing contamination and ensuring process stability.
Stable gas purity: RL-VI PSA technology ensures continuous nitrogen or oxygen purity, improving surface finish and metallurgical properties.
Energy efficiency: Optimized adsorption and tower design reduce air consumption and power costs.
Durable and low-maintenance: High-quality valves, cylinders, and tower internals withstand harsh factory environments.
Moisture control: Desiccant dryers prevent oxidation or corrosion during sensitive processes.
Process reliability: Load-adaptation and anti-vibration controls prevent interruptions and reduce OPEX.
1. Heat treatment / annealing
Problem: Inconsistent nitrogen/oxygen supply leads to surface oxidation or defects.
Solution: PNF+ PSA nitrogen generator with buffer vessels for controlled atmosphere furnaces.
Benefit: Uniform metallurgical properties, reduced scrap, improved product consistency.
2. Laser cutting & welding
Problem: Oxidation reduces surface quality; inconsistent gas pressure impacts precision.
Solution: Membrane or PSA nitrogen generator delivering stable flow and purity.
Benefit: High-quality cuts and welds, reduced post-processing, improved production efficiency.
3. Powder metallurgy & additive manufacturing
Problem: Moisture and air contamination degrade powder quality.
Solution: PSA nitrogen + desiccant dryer.
Benefit: Dry, inert gas atmosphere ensures powder integrity, reduces defects in finished parts.
4. Surface treatment & coating
Problem: Oxidation or impurity gases affect plating, brazing, or nitriding results.
Solution: High-purity PSA nitrogen or oxygen enrichment system.
Benefit: Consistent surface finish, improved adhesion, reduced waste.
Application type (blanketing, heat treatment, laser cutting, powder handling)
Required flow (Nm³/h or scfm)
Purity specification (% N₂ / O₂)
Delivery pressure (bar/psi)
Duty cycle (continuous, batch)
Ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, dust)
Installation constraints (indoor/outdoor, footprint)
Gas quality or contamination limits (ppm O₂, moisture)
Integration with automation or process control
| Application | Flow (Nm³/h) | Purity | Pressure | RICH solution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat treatment furnace | 50–500 | 95–99% N₂ | 1–6 bar | PNF / PNF+ PSA + buffer vessel |
| Laser cutting / welding | 10–200 | 95–98% N₂ | 2–6 bar | Membrane / PNF PSA |
| Powder metallurgy | 5–50 | 95–99% N₂ | 0.5–6 bar | PSA + desiccant dryer |
| Surface treatment / coating | 10–200 | 95–99% N₂ or 90–95% O₂ | 1–6 bar | PSA / VPSA system |
Metal-grade purity and low contamination
FAT/SAT verification for flow, purity, dew point, and pressure
Documentation: P&ID, GA drawings, operation & maintenance manuals
Optional automation and integration with plant control systems
Reduced oxidation, scrap, and rework
Stable gas supply ensures consistent product quality
Eliminates cylinder dependency, logistics, and safety risks
Energy savings via RL-VI efficiency (high-purity N₂)
Lower maintenance costs due to robust valves, towers, and compressors
Q: Can nitrogen purity be controlled for heat treatment and welding?
A: Yes, RL-VI PSA and membrane systems ensure consistent purity and flow.
Q: Are your systems suitable for dusty, industrial environments?
A: Yes — designed for durability with robust valves and tower internals.
Q: Can moisture be controlled for powder handling or additive manufacturing?
A: Yes — integrated desiccant drying provides low dew-point gas.
Q: Can gas supply be integrated with automated plant controls?
A: Yes — PLC/DCS integration and HMI monitoring are available.
