i-Flow: Nitrogen Generators for Wine Production

Companies operating in the highly competitive wine industry know that oxygen contamination and exposure can have significant effects on product quality, as well as stability and suitability for consumption. Oxidation of wine leads to spoiling and deterioration, observed through changes in smell, taste, texture and it manifests as a rancid, vinegary taste which, in some cases, can make the consumer ill.

These highly undesirable outcome ultimately impact both the company reputation and the customer experience. To combat oxidation, nitrogen is used to displace oxygen when purging or blanketing tanks, barrels, or bottles of wine  which reduces spoilage.

Nitrogen gas is the most cost-effective industry solution to maintaining a clean, dry, and inert environment to prevent bacterial growth and to ensure product quality. Nitrogen will sparge out dissolved contaminants, blanket storage tanks to prevent spoiling, purge air and moisture form bottles before filling, and purge equipment to limit bacteria and future contamination. When companies source nitrogen, they can get it in-house from a nitrogen gas generator or outsource the nitrogen supply and use cylinder, dewars, or liquid nitrogen supply. 

Traditional sources of nitrogen are very costly to maintain. While it may seem cost effective to get a cylinder gas delivery service, a gas generator will provide you with a quicker return on investment and a better alternative to cylinders as nitrogen is produced on demand.

A nitrogen cylinder contract will look like a cheaper option because payment is broken up into monthly installments, but there are many additional and hidden costs that will ultimately drive your total investment price up. You will be charged extra fees for purchasing additional cylinders, ongoing maintenance of your regulators, delivery, fuel, and pallet and cylinder rentals.

You are also subject to annual or biannual price increases, the need to invest in pipelines, investment of safe cylinder storage areas, and the health and safety training of the staff who will be managing your cylinder maintenance and replacements.