Which statement best describes the operation of a nitrogen generator?

The operation of a nitrogen generator is best described by the statement that it separates nitrogen from air to create inert gas. Nitrogen generators typically utilize processes such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or membrane separation to extract nitrogen from the ambient air, which is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and traces of other gases.

By effectively removing oxygen and other gases, the nitrogen generator produces a high-purity nitrogen stream that can be used for various applications, including inerting tanks, purging lines, and other processes where an oxygen-free environment is necessary. This inert gas minimizes the risk of combustion and maintains safety standards in environments where flammable materials are present.

In contrast, while high pressure can play a role in the efficiency of some nitrogen generating processes, it is not a defining characteristic of how these systems operate. Moreover, producing oxygen is not a function of a nitrogen generator, as its purpose is to extract nitrogen rather than enhance air quality. Lastly, nitrogen generators are utilized for more diverse applications than just in cooling systems, including food preservation and pharmaceutical manufacturing, making the other options less relevant than the correct statement.