Carbon Molecular Sieves (CMS) are used in PSA (pressure swing adsorption) Nitrogen gas generators. CMS also finds use in other separations like Hydrogen refinement from crude sources and also biogas refining.
We specifically referring to CMS for Nitrogen production. Carbon Molecular Sieve operates at a molecular level and under pressure separates oxygen from nitrogen when fed atmospheric air.
Carbon Molecular Sieves have a porous nano-structure which is arrived at after processing activated carbon as the raw material. The nano-pores capture the Oxygen molecule in compressed air when the CMS is subjected to pressure. This allows the balance Nitrogen, which is unable to be adsorbed, to be delivered as the product gas. Once the pores have been saturated with Oxygen, the CMS is de-pressurized back to atmospheric pressure and this allows the adsorbed Oxygen molecules to be released out as the exhaust.
The carbon molecular sieve (CMS) shelf time is about 3-5 years.
So, once you used it for 5years, you should consider the replacement.