Grains such as wheat, rice, and corn are dietary staples globally. Behind their availability lies a massive collective effort—from cultivation to trade and storage. Protecting these high-value commodities from pests and fungi is critical for grain producers aiming to meet growing demand and stringent export standards.
Phosphine has traditionally been used to control pests in stored grain, but nitrogen is now gaining traction as a safer, residue-free alternative. As an inert and non-toxic gas, nitrogen offers several advantages:
With on-site nitrogen generation, storage environments can be modified to drastically reduce oxygen levels. This creates an atmosphere that kills insects through oxygen deprivation—without introducing harmful chemicals or leaving residues.
Choosing the right nitrogen generator involves assessing your operation's specific needs. Here are four key considerations:
1. Capital Outlay
Initial investment is one of the most important factors. On-site generation significantly reduces long-term gas costs, but upfront capital may be a barrier for smaller or early-stage operations. That said, many clients working with Gas Generation Australia have seen return on investment (ROI) in under two years, with consistent long-term savings.
2. Purity Requirements
Effective fumigation requires high-purity nitrogen. For grain protection, nitrogen purity should be 99%, especially to meet controlled atmosphere standards and kill all life stages of pests. Be sure to confirm that your generator is capable of delivering this purity.
3. Technology Type
There are two main types of nitrogen generation technology:
Understanding your required purity and flow rate will help determine which technology best suits your operation.
4. Contingency Planning
Unplanned downtime can mean serious disruptions—especially during peak harvest or storage periods. Consider a backup plan, such as installing a secondary unit or maintaining a mobile generator on standby, to ensure your supply remains consistent.
Gas Generation Australia partners with leading global supplier NOVAIR to provide premium nitrogen solutions, including the NITROSWING® PSA modular nitrogen generator. This system consistently delivers purity levels above 99%, meeting the requirements for grain storage and pest control.
We also work with certified local partners to install and service on-site nitrogen systems across Australia, ensuring reliability and expert support at every step.
About Gas Generation Australia
Gas Generation Australia delivers robust, on-site nitrogen and oxygen generation systems for the Australian agricultural and industrial sectors. Whether you need modular PSA or membrane solutions, we provide systems engineered for efficiency, autonomy, and high purity. As part of The Crommelin Group, we proudly support Australian farmers and grain handlers with world-class gas technology—on time, every time.
