NitroVend Introduces Self-Service Vender For Nitrogen Tire Inflation

METAIRIE, LA -- The Nitrogen Vending Machine Co. is readying a self-service system that gas station customers can use to fill their tires with nitrogen. NitroVend will make its formal debut at the Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo in Austin, TX from May 9 to 11.

The device, which the manufacturer describes as a "nitrogen vending machine exchanger," was developed to address the growing interest in using nitrogen gas to inflate automobile and truck tires. The earth's atmosphere is predominantly nitrogen, but it also contains oxygen and water vapor. Nitrogen is an inactive gas with large molecules, unlike oxygen. Therefore, using pure nitrogen (N2) rather than air decreases the rate at which tires deflate because of diffusion through the tire walls under use and has other advantages related to tire life, according to the Get Nitrogen Institute (Denver).

"It's not about the nitrogen," the institute explains "It's about reducing oxygen and moisture. Oxidation can damage the tire and its components, as well as the wheel. The rate of oxidation increases as the tire heats during use. Compressed air also contains moisture, which increases oxidation and pressure fluctuation."

The NitroVend machine is fitted with a system using Nayax wireless technology to support telemetry and cashless vending. It thus can track vender revenue, in real time, for viewing on the operator's own computer.

According to NVM's John Colby, a number of locations have contracted for the machine, but there are many opportunities for new operators and distributors. Information on the machine may be found at nitrovend.com. Details on the benefits of nitrogen for tires is at getnitrogen.org.

The Southwest Fuel & Convenience Expo is organized by the Texas Food & Fuel Association.