Why Replace CO2 with Nitrogen in your Brewery

Using nitrogen is not about fully replacing CO2, but it can reduce their consumption of CO2 by close to 70%. Using nitrogen is about sustainability. Creating your own nitrogen is easy and will reduce the use of a greenhouse gas, which is better for the environment. It will also save you money as early as month one adding that savings to your bottom line.

This might leave you wondering what part of the brewing process nitrogen is used in. The answer is throughout the whole process.

Another reason to consider making your own nitrogen is the concern that CO2 is experiencing supply shortages driving the cost of the gas up. Some breweries are concerned about keeping up with demand and keeping prices consistent.

So, we said creating your own nitrogen is easy and it is, if your brewery already has an air compressor you are already 50 percent of the way there – adding a small nitrogen generator is all you need to do. A nitrogen generator separates the nitrogen molecules from the oxygen molecules within compressed air, resulting in a purified supply on nitrogen.

The idea of creating your own nitrogen is certainly intriguing but getting started might seem overwhelming. Here are four core questions to estimate the size of the nitrogen generator you would need.

  1. What are the sizes of your FVs (fermenting vessels) and BBTs (brite tanks)?
  2. Do your inert tanks transfer products or packages at the same time?
  3. What is your transfer rate for packaging (cans, bottles, kegs)?
  4. What else do you use nitrogen or CO2 for?

Nitrogen generators are as close to β€˜fit and forget’ as possible. Some consumables such as filters need to be changed regularly, but service is often around every 4,000 hours. The same team that takes care of your air compressor would service your generator at the same time.

The nitrogen generator of your choice comes with a simple controller and comes with full remote monitoring capability via an app.

Oxygen Generators

Pneumatech gives oxygen to your business. With the PPOG series, Pneumatech offers an attractive replacement for traditional oxygen supply with very interesting returns on investment.

The PPOG1-120 series uses Pressure Swing Adsorption technology to extract oxygen from compressed air, resulting in oxygen purity levels up to 95%.

The PPOG 2-18 HE series is a true game changer in on-site oxygen generation. 30% more efficient than traditional oxygen generators, the PPOG HE gives you the oxygen volume, purity and reliability you need at a massively reduced cost and a smaller environmental footprint.

PSA Oxygen Generators
With the PPOG series, Pneumatech offers an attractive replacement for traditional oxygen supply with very interesting returns on investment.

Nitrogen Generators

Discover the inner workings, versatile applications, and numerous benefits of an N2 generator. This revolutionary machine effectively separates nitrogen from compressed air, comprised of 78% N2 and 21% O2. A gas generator stands out as the easiest, most flexible, and economically viable method for securing your own nitrogen supply. Elevate your professional approach and embrace the efficiency and sustainability offered by on-site nitrogen generation, exclusively available in New Zealand.

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Who we are and how Ash Air can help your business!

Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

  • Reciprocating, Screw, air compressors
  • Vacuum pumps
  • Nitrogen
  • An extensive line of air treatment components

Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, Alup, Pneumatech, and Quincy compressors are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported by a 13 locations nationwide, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

Reliability and Efficiency

With Ash Air compressors, you can count on reliability and high performance for even the most demanding applications. We focus our efforts on the following:

  • Increasing uptime
  • Reducing unexpected repairs
  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Improving the cleanliness of compressed air


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When using air compressors, there are many variables that are integral to the quality and effectiveness of your compressed air. When dryer air is necessary, being able to constantly and accurately monitor dew points can be a critical factor to your operation.


Compressed air plays an integral role in breweries both large and small around the world. From start to finish, all details in the brewing process are managed in fine detail and having the right air compressor is no exception.