NovaTech Automation Upgrades to i-Flow for Reliable High-Purity Nitrogen Supply

Background

NovaTech Automation produces metering and automation equipment for utilities across the world. At its Bethlehem, Pennsylvania manufacturing hub, high purity nitrogen gas plays an important role in PCB production, helping the team maintain the highest levels of quality and repeatability required for their products used in critical infrastructure applications globally.

PEAK Gas caught up with Daniel Jobson, Manufacturing Manager at NovaTech, to find out why they replaced their previous N2 gas generator with a modular-expandable i-Flow generator, how the new system helped reduce downtime, and their journey towards net zero and sustainable manufacturing.

Replacing an aging nitrogen supply

Daniel first met PEAK Gas Generation at an electronics conference while looking for options to replace an old nitrogen generator. The previous system had become a source of unnecessary downtime, requiring a lengthy startup process and period of stabilization before reaching the required N2 gas purity, leaving the production team waiting.

With limited floor space available, it quickly became evident that the i-Flow’s compact design and scalable output were ideal for their soldering application, while the modular system gave NovaTech the flexibility to modify N2 output in the future in line with changing production requirements.

Most importantly for Daniel, the i-Flow provided the reliable nitrogen gas supply needed to minimize previous production disruptions.

Upholding manufacturing standards when quality’s crucial

Daniel’s team uses the i-Flow generator to create an inert atmosphere during PCB soldering. By reducing oxygen within the process, nitrogen helps minimize oxidation and improve solder wetting and joint formation, supporting reliable electrical and mechanical connections.

A reliable nitrogen supply is essential for maintaining the controlled environment required for modern PCB manufacturing

For NovaTech, whose finished products support critical infrastructure applications across the world, repeating quality from one PCB to the next are crucial.

With the addition of the i-Flow, NovaTech can maintain its stringent production standards.

As Daniel explained, the system allows his team to achieve efficiently the same outstanding product quality “repeatedly at the highest standards”.

Less downtime, less worries

One of the biggest differences Daniel highlighted has been the simplicity and reliability of the new Peak Gas system.

NovaTech’s previous generator required frequent maintenance, often followed by lengthy periods of downtime while the system stabilized and returned to the required purity level. The i-Flow has eliminated this uncertainty with a rapid start-up process, producing high-purity nitrogen in a fraction of the time previously required.

This challenge is common with older nitrogen generation systems. As components age, increased mechanical wear can lead to more frequent filter replacements, seal degradation, CMS breakdown, and, ultimately, reduced nitrogen purity and performance.

Following installation, Daniel found the i-Flow much more modern, easy to operate, and well suited to their application:

“It automatically does its thing. We don’t have any downtime, except for very simple annual maintenance.”

The dependable supply means nitrogen takes up far less of Daniel’s time and attention on a daily basis. Rather than monitoring another piece of critical equipment, he can focus on production, knowing the generator will deliver consistently. Or, as Daniel puts it, “it just works”.

PEAK’s support has also been an important part of Daniel’s experience. From installation to ongoing operation, he has been impressed with the team’s responsiveness and the level of after-sales support they received.

Supporting sustainable manufacturing

Moving to a reliable on-demand nitrogen supply also supports NovaTech’s wider effort to reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing operations. Generating nitrogen on-site removes the need for routine deliveries, giving the facility the power to generate exactly what they require while reducing the emissions associated with road N2 deliveries.

When asked if he would urge other manufacturers to follow their path, Daniel highlighted the advantages of autonomy and sustainability, emphasizing that for facilities already utilizing a compressed air supply, reliable nitrogen generation is a logical next step.

Decarbonization is an important goal for NovaTech, both through the solutions it provides to the power grid and within its own operations. The i-Flow supports these efforts by providing a more self-sufficient nitrogen supply that aligns with the company’s carbon reduction, greenhouse gas emissions and net zero objectives.

Visit www.keepitcool.earth to learn more about NovaTech’s sustainability and decarbonization initiatives and news.

Results

Since implementing the i-Flow generator, NovaTech gained a reliable source of high-purity nitrogen gas that helps maintain consistent PCB quality while reducing downtime and uncertainty associated with their previous supply source.

The reliability of their nitrogen supply has supported further investment in the soldering process alongside additional equipment upgrades. The i-Flow N2 generator has helped NovaTech maintain consistent manufacturing results while significantly reducing solder dross and associated material waste. However, for Daniel, the clearest measure of success is simply the fact that he no longer has to think about his nitrogen supply:

Easy operation, reliable purity and minimal intervention ensure Daniel and his team can focus their attention elsewhere while the PEAK Gas i-Flow N2 generator continues to support the PCB manufacturing process in the background.