Believe it or not, Americans are still pretty regular consumers of film, which is why production facilities must continue to maintain optimal levels of manufacturing and storage to ensure the quality of their products so that film oxidization does not occur.
Did you know that last year, 35 million rolls of film sold in North America? Not only that, but 13 million blank VHS and cassette tapes sold in America, too, proving that not everyone relies on Netflix and Pandora for their entertainment needs (source). Although most of the world has turned to digital media for capturing images and sounds, data from the Consumer Electronics Association and research firm NPD prove that the film manufacturing industry is alive and kicking.
In order for manufacturing plants to produce quality film products, the atmosphere of the facility must be optimized for the unique needs of film production so that film oxidization does not occur. In most scenarios, nitrogen gas is used for this optimization. Nitrogen is released into the atmosphere of the production facility, creating a clean, dry, inert environment. The major concern when it comes to film manufacturing is the elimination of moisture during the printing process. Moisture can cause film to oxidize or separate, ruining the film product and causing the facility to lose money.
How Does Nitrogen Work to Prevent Oxidation?
As nitrogen is released into the atmosphere, it effectively displaces moisture and oxygen. And since the dew point of nitrogen is extremely low (between -40 and -100 degrees F), there’s virtually no chance of the nitrogen liquefying. Because nitrogen is also an inert gas, it is considered one of the safest gases you can use in industrial applications.
To receieve the full benefit of using nitrogen in your film manufacturing facility, consider investing in a nitrogen generation system. Unlike having to rely on expensive, high-pressure cylinders, a nitrogen generator actually pulls nitrogen from the air we breathe. These generators provide high-purity nitrogen on-demand, 24/7. No more handling dangerous cylinders and no more risk of running out during peak operational hours.
South-Tek Systems is a leading manufacturer of nitrogen generators. We have a full range of systems, with model series for just about any type of industrial or manufacturing application. For more information on how a nitrogen generator from South-Tek Systems can improve the safety and efficiency of your facility, please call (888) 526-6284.
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