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Atlas Copco Oxygen Generators:
On-Site Production, Installation, and Maintenance

Atlas Copco oxygen generators use Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) to extract oxygen from compressed air. This equipment provides a continuous supply at 90–95% purity. Facilities reduce reliance on liquid oxygen cylinders by generating gas on-site.

J Ll Leach manages the specification and installation of these systems. Our engineers validate PSSR 2000 compliance. We verify energy performance for the service life of the unit.

How does PSA technology generate oxygen?

PSA technology separates gas species using pressure differentials. This application isolates oxygen from compressed air via a physical process. The Zeolite Molecular Sieve (ZMS) serves as the filtration medium. ZMS traps nitrogen molecules under pressure. Oxygen passes through the sieve to the application.

The Atlas Copco OGP system follows a four-phase cycle:

  • Adsorption (Pressurisation): Compressed air fills the first tower. Nitrogen binds to the ZMS pores. Oxygen flows to the buffer tank.
  • Equalisation: Gas transfers from the high-pressure tower to the low-pressure tower. This step pre-charges the second vessel. It reduces air consumption for the next cycle.
  • Regeneration (Depressurisation): The first tower vents to the atmosphere. The pressure drop releases nitrogen from the ZMS.
  • Purge: Product oxygen sweeps the sieve bed. This flow removes residual nitrogen to restore capacity.

What is the difference between the
OGP and OG+ series?

Atlas Copco manufactures two primary oxygen generator ranges. J Ll Leach engineers specify the unit based on
flow profiles and purity targets.

FeatureOGP Series (Standard Industrial)OGP+ Series (High Efficiency)
Series DescriptionWelded steel vessels designed for industrial environments and continuous base load operationsExtruded aluminium vessels with advanced flow dynamics and tightly packed ZMS to prevent air channelling
Capacity2 – 200 Nm³/h3 – 30 Nm³/h (modular)
EfficiencyStandard industrial efficiencyHigh efficiency design capable of reducing feed air consumption by up to 30% depending on demand profile, correct system sizing, and feed air quality
Key Design FeaturesRobust welded steel construction for durability and continuous operationAdvanced flow design, tightly packed ZMS, Variable Cycle Saver (VCS), Elektronikon controller integration
ApplicationBase load applications where capital cost is the primary factor, including wastewater treatment and ozone generationVariable demand applications requiring high efficiency and reduced compressed air consumption
Energy Saving FeaturesStandard operational efficiency for continuous running systemsVariable Cycle Saver (VCS) monitors buffer tank pressure and halts the cycle during low demand to reduce compressed air consumption

Why does feed air quality determine reliability?​

An oxygen generator is only as reliable as the compressed air system feeding it. The ZMS is highly sensitive to contamination. Oil vapour and moisture will cause irreversible damage to the sieve, which can force a costly re-bedding of the unit.

J Ll Leach specifies strict adherence to ISO 8573-1 Class 1.4.1 air quality requirements for all oxygen installations.

  • Moisture Control (Class 4 or Better): The minimum requirement is a Pressure Dewpoint (PDP) of +3°C. For critical applications or outdoor piping, a Desiccant Dryer achieving Class 2 (-40°C) is specified. Moisture causes hydrothermal aging of the ZMS, permanently reducing its capacity.
  • Oil Removal (Class 1): Oil prevents nitrogen adsorption in PSA systems. Feed air must have a total oil content of <0.01 mg/m³. The installation requires an Activated Carbon Tower (QDT) or catalytic converter to remove oil vapour. Without this, oil coats the ZMS pores and blocks nitrogen adsorption.

Read more about air quality requirements and filtration standards.

How does on-site oxygen reduce operating costs?

Switching to on-site generation offers financial benefits compared to liquid oxygen (LOX) or cylinders, depending on usage volume.

  • Operational Savings: LOX contracts include tank rental, delivery fees, and environmental surcharges. LOX tanks also naturally vent (boil off) approximately 1-2% of their volume daily (varying with tank size, insulation, and ambient conditions). On-site generation operational costs are limited to the electricity required to run the compressor.
  • UK Full Expensing: Under current tax rules, UK companies can claim “Full Expensing” for qualifying plant machinery. This allows businesses to write off 100% of the equipment cost against taxable profits in the year of purchase.

How does J Ll Leach deliver an oxygen project?

Installing an oxygen generator is an engineering project requiring a structured workflow to ensure performance and safety.

  1. Site Survey & Monitoring: Logging of current flow and pressure requirements to ensure correct system sizing.
  2. System Design: Specification of the full skid: Air Compressor, Wet Receiver, Dryer, Filtration Stack (Carbon Tower), Oxygen Generator, and Buffer Tank.
  3. Installation: Installation of pipework to BCGA CP4 standards, ensuring all oxygen lines are “oxygen cleaned” and constructed from appropriate materials (typically copper).
  4. Commissioning: Engineers verify oxygen purity levels. We configure dew point alarms. The team programs the Elektronikon controller for your demand profile.

  5. Handover: The site operator receives O&M manuals. We conduct safety limit verification training.

What do you receive upon commissioning?

The handover package typically includes:

  • Commissioning Certificate and Purity Verification Log.
  • Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) support data for PSSR 2000 compliance.
  • As-fitted drawings and P&IDs.
  • Detailed maintenance schedule and recommended spares list.

What compliance standards apply?

Installation of oxygen systems involves strict legal duties. J Ll Leach ensures installations meet UK safety standards:

  • PSSR 2000: Oxygen generators operate under pressure. We coordinate the Written Scheme of Examination (WSE) required by law.
  • BCGA CP4: Pipework is installed according to the British Compressed Gases Association Code of Practice 4, strictly managing velocity limits in ferrous systems to prevent fire risks.
  • Ventilation Safety: PSA generators vent nitrogen. Plant room ventilation is assessed to prevent oxygen depletion (asphyxiation risk) or enrichment (fire risk).

What maintenance is required?

Proactive maintenance is essential to protect the ZMS life, which can exceed 40,000 hours contingent on strict moisture and oil control.

Mandatory Maintenance​​

    • Every 4,000 Hours: Replacement of inlet filter elements (UD+/PD) to maintain Class 1 particulate protection and calibration of the oxygen sensor.
    • Every 8,000 Hours: Replacement of the Activated Carbon (QDT) media. This is the primary defence against oil contamination. Service of process valves to ensure correct cycle timing.

Sensor Maintenance

  • Zirconia Sensors: These sensors need periodic calibration. They do not deplete over time.
  • Electrochemical Sensors: Oxygen exposure degrades these sensors. Operators must replace them every 12 to 24 months.


We also apply this maintenance approach to
on-site nitrogen generation systems.

Summary

Atlas Copco oxygen generators replace delivered oxygen with a controlled, on-site supply—but the system is only as good as the installation and maintenance behind it.

J Ll Leach manages these systems as engineered assets to ensure cost efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Contact J Ll Leach today to assess your oxygen demand and request a site survey.