Nitrogen Tire Inflation

A Physicist's View on Nitrogen Tire Inflation

A physicist gives his thoughts on nitrogen for filling tires.  He uses his physics background to explain some of the perceived benefits of nitrogen for tires (vs. compressed air).  I agree with most of his theory, even that there is probably minimal benefit when compared to DRY compressed air and regular top offs.  The problem, however, is that most shops dont even have an air dryer, let alone a major industrial dryer to get down to the extremely low dew point of nitrogen (-58F). 

And $200 seems a bit much for nitrogen tire inflation.  $5-$10 per tire seems to be the industry norm.

Nitrogen an Option for National Tire Safety Week

It is National Tire Safety Week, and this article provides some ideas for safer tires.   One of the options is Nitrogen filled tires, as nitrogen permeates through the tire slower than compressed air.  One of the often forgotten benefits of nitrogen for tires is enhanced safety, as properly inflated tires are much safer than those which are underinflated.  Safety was the primary driver behind TPMS being required on every vehicle, as underinflated tires are more likely to lead to a vehicle accident.  Maintaining the proper tire pressure with nitrogen will provide a safer ride.

Tiresaver Nitrogen Generator for Tire Inflation

Here is a video that shows our Tiresaver Nitrogen Inflation System in action.  This system performs a full vehicle Nitrogen service in less than 10 minutes on cars and about 15 minutes on Light Trucks.  It is designed to provide an in tire nitrogen purity of >95% on all vehicles, via a dual purge & fill cycles. An operator is not required during that time, as the system is completely automatic. 

Next Generation Nitrogen Technology

The April 2011 edition of Modern Tire Dealer has an article about new nitrogen tire filling technology.  The Parker Hannifin nitrogen inflation wand is covered in this article, as well as a number of competing technologies.  What I found most interesting in this article was the fact that 20% of all tire dealers offer nitrogen tire inflation.  This is astonishing market penetration in a relatively short amount of time, considering that it was nearly 0% five years ago.  Nitrogen filled tires are here to stay. 

Nitrogen Tire Wand in Action

 

Here is a great video of the Parker Tiresaver Wand in action.  The TS018-Wand is a great entry level option for smaller service stations, tire shops, etc.