On-site nitrogen generation system at food production facility
9 June 2026
A nitrogen generation installation has been implemented at a Milton Keynes food production site operated by Santa Maria UK, part of the Paulig Group, in a move away from bulk liquid nitrogen deliveries. The system was specified and supplied by ATLAS COPCO and installed by T&G Compressors.
The installation centres on an Atlas Copco NGP12+ PSA nitrogen generator configured to produce nitrogen for modified atmosphere packaging and silo blanketing duties within the facility. It is supported by a GA11 VSD rotary screw compressor providing dedicated compressed air supply, alongside a WSD75+ moisture separator and a CD30+ desiccant dryer delivering a -40°C pressure dew point. A QDT activated carbon tower and high-efficiency filtration stages are included to manage oil, water and particulate content in line with ISO 8573-1 air quality requirements.
The nitrogen generation system is arranged in a duty-standby configuration to maintain supply continuity during maintenance or operational interruptions. By producing nitrogen on site at 99.5% purity, the installation replaces regular liquid nitrogen deliveries and is associated with an estimated reduction of around 12 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, based on prior supply and transport requirements.
