Introduction
For clinical and research laboratories that depend on a continuous supply of LN2, choosing the right liquid nitrogen generator is a critical decision. The wrong system can mean unexpected downtime, high running costs, and safety concerns. The right one ensures reliable performance, low operating costs, and long-term sustainability.
In this guide, we’ll break down the factors you should consider, helping you make a confident and informed decision.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Liquid Nitrogen
Liquid nitrogen is nitrogen gas (N₂) cooled and condensed into its cryogenic liquid form at −196 °C (−321 °F). Its unique properties make it invaluable across life sciences, healthcare, food processing, and industry:
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Inert and non-reactive: safe with biological and chemical samples.
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Exceptional cooling power: acts as an efficient heat sink.
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Non-corrosive and easy to store: doesn’t require special materials.
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Accessible and cost-effective: produced from atmospheric air.
LN2 generators work by first separating nitrogen from ambient air, then compressing and cooling it to below its boiling point of −196 °C. A cryocooler provides the ultra-low temperatures needed to condense the nitrogen gas into liquid form, which is then collected and stored in a dewar for immediate use.
Step 2: Assess Your Lab’s LN₂ Requirements
Start by calculating:
- Daily consumption (litres used per day)
- Peak demand vs. average use
- Storage capacity needed
Noblegen offers a full range of capacities, from compact plug-and-play systems for research labs to high-output generators designed for industrial facilities. This means you only pay for the capacity you need today, with scalable options for tomorrow.
Step 4: Consider Your Future Running Costs - Not Just Purchase Price
Some buyers compare only the upfront cost of generators. In reality, the savings come from:
- Eliminating LN₂ delivery charges and third party costs
- Avoiding evaporation and boil-off losses that are paid for by the customer and can reach up to 20-30%
- Reducing staff time spent handling deliveries
- Being protected against external market factors and fluctuating prices.
Noblegen offers energy-efficient generators with minimal maintenance needs, ensuring low operating costs. Beyond the initial capital investment, ongoing expenses are mainly limited to electricity and routine servicing. This makes future costs more predictable and removes the need to account for fluctuating delivery prices in operating budgets.
Step 3: Match LN2 Generator to Location
Where your generator will be installed matters:
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Ventilation – Nitrogen gas can displace oxygen, so good airflow is essential.
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Space & infrastructure – Ensure room for the generator, associated equipment (like water chillers), and safe storage vessels.
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Noise & heat – Pulse Tube cryocoolers are nearly silent, while GM cryocoolers may generate more heat and noise.
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Access & monitoring – Positioning near the point of use saves transfer losses and improves safety.
Step 4: Factor In Purity
Purity impacts system size, efficiency, and cost:
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Higher purity = larger system + more energy use + higher costs.
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99% purity is usually the sweet spot: it balances cost, efficiency, and performance.
In most lab applications, samples aren’t placed directly into LN₂—temperature stability is what matters. For example, vapour-phase freezers rely on cold nitrogen vapour, not liquid contact. Each time you open the freezer, air is introduced, so ultra-high purity is neither practical nor necessary.
Step 5: Assess Sustainability and Environmental Goals
Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a core priority for many laboratories. Traditional delivered LN₂ relies on large-scale production at central plants, followed by transportation in cryogenic tankers. This model not only contributes to high CO₂ emissions from regular truck deliveries, but also results in inefficiencies, such as nitrogen boil-off during storage and transfer, where valuable product evaporates before use.
By contrast, on-site LN₂ generators from Noblegen Cryogenics produce liquid nitrogen exactly where and when it’s needed. This on-demand generation eliminates transport emissions, reduces waste, and gives labs direct control over their supply. For organizations with net-zero or carbon-reduction initiatives, this shift can make a measurable difference in environmental reporting.
Beyond reducing environmental impact, sustainable LN₂ generation also supports operational resilience. By cutting dependency on external deliveries, labs avoid supply disruptions while demonstrating a commitment to greener science and responsible innovation.
Conclusion
Answering these questions will guide you to the most efficient, cost-effective, and future-proof LN₂ generator for your laboratory. If you’d like tailored advice or help evaluating options, feel free to reach out to our team: we’re here to support you in finding the right solution.
Send us a message: visit the contact page
Send an email to: sales@noblegencryo.com
Give us a call: +44 (0) 191 460 1177