NTF-515
Operation Manual
10 Innovation Drive
York, Pennsylvania 17402 USA
Phone: 717-840-0678
Toll Free: 800-468-2321
Web-site: www.rtitech.com
RTI Technologies, Inc.
Manual P/N: 035-81474-00 (RevA)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects......................3
Description of the NTF-515 Membrane
Process Parameters 5
Unpack & Check Equipment 6
Safety Precautions 6
Operation 7
Nitrogen Purity Selection
Automatic Tire Filling
Manual Single Tire Vacuum and Fill 10
Testing Nitrogen Purity 11
Maintenance 12
Trouble Shooting Guide 13
Parts Identification 14
Pictograms 3
4
7
8
Nitrogen is generated by the NTF-515 and retained in the storage
tank. Nitrogen generation stops when this tank fills to the specified
design pressure.
The pressure in the NTF-515 storage tank may drop after extended
non-use (over night for example). This is normal, and is similar to
air compressors that will periodically cycle on to replenish pressure
lost in the air storage tank and attached delivery system.
Permeation through service hoses, fill nozzles, valves and other
components directly associated with nitrogen generation is to be
expected, and does not impact normal operation.
It may take a few minutes to replenish the pressure in the storage
tank to maximum next time the NTF-515 is used. This is normal.
NORMAL OPERATION – LOSS OF PRESSURE
2
PICTOGRAMS
Warning: Hazard that can cause death or serious injury. Follow the instructions.
Caution: Danger that can cause damage to the equipment. Follow the
instructions.
Warning: Risk of death due to suffocation.
Risk of fire: Oxygen-enriched air leads to an increased risk of fire in the event of
contact with flammable products.
High pressure risk: Follow the instructions with respect to compressed gasses.
Instructions with respect to the environment.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
GENERAL
Correct use of the NTF-515 Nitrogen generator is important for your personal safety and for trouble-free
functioning. Incorrect use can cause damage to the NTF-515 or can lead to incorrect gas supply to the
customer’s process.
Warning: Read this manual before you start operating the NTF-515. Prevent
accidents and damage. Contact RTI if you detect a problem that you cannot
solve with this manual.
COMPRESSED AIR
Warning: Ensure that the feed air pressure can not exceed 190 psig.
3
NITROGEN AND OXYGEN
The NTF-515 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-515 in an area where explosive substances may be
present.
DESCRIPTION OF THE NTF-515 MEMBRANE
GENERAL
The NTF-515 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-515 then switches on and off,
depending on the nitrogen demand.
Separation Principle
Separation Layer
Support Layer
Pressurized
Air
A C
B
Nitrogen
HO,H
22
FS
O
2
N
2
A Pressurized air inlet F Fast
B Hollow fiber 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 gases:
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.
4
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-515 operates at a temperature between 40-110
0
F (70-800F optimally). 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.
Membrane
pressure
Allow enough piping between the compressor exit and the NTF-515 inlet so that the
hot compressed gas has time to cool within the specifications listed in this manual.
A higher membrane pressure will increase the capacity (i.e. nitrogen output) of the
NTF-515. 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.
CLEAN SHOP AIR – PROPER FLOW & PRESSURE
Many shop air supplies have an oiler installed to provide lubrication for air tools. The life of the filters in
the NTF-515 will be increased if the shop air supply is free from moisture and oil.
Recommendation - install a separate air line without an oiler to connect to the NTF-515. If this is not
practical, consider installing a separate pre-filter before connecting the NTF-515 to limit potential
contamination to the NTF-515 filters.
Also, ensure the shop air supply meets the pressure and flow ratings stated in the NTF-515 Operation
Manual for maximum nitrogen generation.
... IMPORTANT ...
Indicator
CLEAN
0
0
4
7
3
0
8
0
6
5
CHANGE
The condition of the Filter Element (mounted on rear of unit) can
only be checked when shop air is connected to the unit and it is in
the FILL TIRE mode of operation with Nitrogen being generated
and filling the tank. It may be necessary to press the trigger on the
fill wand to cause the tank filling. At all other times the Indicator will
not be visible.
The Filter Element must be changed when the indicator moves into
the CHANGE area and at least annually to protect the membrane
warranty.
5