Get Nitrogen Institute Nitrogen in Tires

Why Nitrogen? The average American can save between $150 and $300 in fuel savings and extended tire life by properly inflating their tires.

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Nitrogen is an inert, non-flammable and non-combustible gas for increased safety.

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Nitrogen maintains a more consistent tire pressure.

Nitrogen decreases oxidation and rust on the rim and valve stem.

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Nitrogen inflated tires provide better fuel economy.

Nitrogen enables tires to operate a 20% cooler temperature.

» Nitrogen inflation improves the

Nitrogen migrates through a tire at a rate that is 3 to 4 times slower than oxygen resulting in a slower rate of pressure loss.

total tire life by up to 31%.

NITROGEN INFLATION INCREASES TIRE LIFE & FUEL ECONOMY.

What is Nitrogen? 

Nitrogen is the main chemical compound of the air that we breathe… 78% Nitrogen  21% Oxygen  0.9% Argon  0.1% Other Gases 

Air contains impurities, such as pollution and moisture. Nitrogen does not.  HAZMAT tested – Non Combustible  Used in Spalding “Never Flat” basket ball, motorcycles, wheelchairs etc. 

Nitrogen in Tires Today     

Aircraft tires – FAA Required (sec.25.733) NASCAR, Formula 1, Le Mans and Indy Race Teams OTR NASA – The Space Shuttle A vastly growing number of fleet and consumer vehicles

Nitrogen Gas Delivery Options  Bottled

Nitrogen Delivery

 Most

cost effective if you service less than 2 vehicles a day

 On-Site

Generation Systems

 Membrane

Based – 99% of units in the field  PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) – Slightly higher purity

HOW IS NITROGEN GENERATED? MEMBRANE PERMEATION METHOD Oxygen

Nitrogen

Air

Hollow Fibre

H2O CO2 Air

O2

Ar Nitrogen

Why Do Tires Lose Air? Permeation…

Rubber is not 100% impermeable

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The pressurized air inside the tire is seeking equilibrium with the atmospheric pressure outside the tire. Oxygen molecules migrate through the tire’s sidewalls, belts & tread area (about 75% of air loss), around the tire bead (about 15%) and through or around the valve stem (about 10%) according to Bridgestone / Firestone.

EFFECTS OF INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE OVER INFLATION Center of tread considerably more worn than both shoulders

Tread pattern Clearly visible on both shoulders

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Wears tires excessively in the center. Tires are more susceptible to shock and impact damage. Tires produce a smaller contact patch.

TIRE OVER INFLATION NEGATIVELY AFFECTS FUEL ECONOMY !

EFFECTS OF INCORRECT TIRE PRESSURE UNDER INFLATION Center of tread shows less sign of wear than both shoulders.

Tread pattern much further worn on both shoulders than center of tread

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Wears tires excessively on the outer edges. Larger tread footprint increases the rolling resistance in tires. Generates excessive tire heat, reducing tread life.

TIRE UNDER INFLATION NEGATIVELY AFFECTS FUEL ECONOMY !

The Science Behind Why Nitrogen Works Membrane Technology

1. Less Permeable 2. Greater Bond Strength 3. Slightly Larger Size

FEED High pressure

PERMEATE Low pressure

PERMEABLITY

P = D(c) * S(c) SELECTIVITY

Nitrogen has a higher diatomic bond strength N2 = 226.80 KCal/mole O2 = 188.86 KCal/mole Nitrogen’s Diatomic Radii is larger as well: N2 = 1.4 Å O2 = 1.32 Å

α=

MEMBRANE NONPOROUS

[ ] [ ][ ] P1 P2

=

D1

S1

D2

S2

Permeability is determined by the product of solubility and diffusivity

FAST

o

SLOW

H2 H2S

CO 2

Solubility- Tc ( K) 33 373 304 D-diameter (A) 2.9

3.7

3.3

O2

N2

CH 4

C2H6

C3H8

155

126

191

307

370

3.4

3.6

3.8

3.8

4.2

diameter- is kinetic diameter from zeolite measurements

TIRE COMPANY ENDORSEMENTS Product Service Bulletin # 2004-09 Nitrogen gas, as an inflation alternative to air, is becoming more prevalent in the market place and is being marketed as a benefit to the standard practice of using air to inflate tires. Goodyear supports the use of nitrogen, as an inflation gas, in all Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Associate Brand and Private Brand products, based on the availability for a tire to retain pressure for a longer period of time. The use of nitrogen will not affect the tire warranty. Please be advised that even with the use of nitrogen as an inflation gas, regular inflation pressure checks are highly recommended. Please follow the manufacturer / supplier’s safety guidelines for the storage and handling of nitrogen.

Goodyear supports the use of nitrogen, as an inflation gas, in all Goodyear, Dunlop, Kelly, Associate Brand and Private Brand products, based on the availability for a tire to retain pressure for a longer period of time. The use of nitrogen will not affect the tire warranty.

TIRE COMPANY ENDORSEMENTS Technical Bulletin – November 2003 Several chemical companies are promoting the use of nitrogen as an inflation gas to the Tire Industry with claims of improved tire performance. The air we breathe and use to inflate tires chemically consists of 78% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and 2% other. When using nitrogen as an inflation gas, the composition of nitrogen increase from 79% to near 100%. Michelin supports the use of nitrogen based on its ability to better retain air over a period of time. MAST approves the use of nitrogen as the inflation gas for all Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, and P/A branded tires and will continue to warranty our products with the use of nitrogen.

MAST approves the use of nitrogen as the inflation gas for all Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, and P/A branded tires and will continue to warranty our products with the use of nitrogen.

What the Experts Say: Fuel Economy and Tire Life Proper inflation = 3.3%+ improvement in fuel economy and 20% longer tire life 

You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

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found that 57% of vehicles have at least one tire more than 5 psi under inflated and 22% of vehicles have at least one tire under inflated by 20 psi or more.

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says 15% under inflation = 8% less tread mileage - Goodyear Radial Truck and Retread Service Manual pg.40

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says 20% under inflation = 15% shorter tire life

What the Experts Say: Tire Life and Tire Aging 20%+ Increase in Tire Life and Improved Tire Safety 

says - “An under-inflated tire operates at high deflection resulting in decreased fuel economy, sluggish handling and may result in excessive mechanical flexing and heat build-up leading to catastrophic tire failure.”

 -David Kolasinsky, Manager of Truck Tire Marketing, Transport Topics, 8/22/05

 May, 2003

 Nitrogen Inflation on Tire Aging and Performance” Rubber Division / ACS May, 2004

-J.M.Balwin, D.R. Bauer, K.R.Ellwood “Effects of

  CUSTOM WHEELS

CAR TIRES