The invention uses a feed of atmospheric air and mixes the air with
hydrogen. The hydrogen and air mixture is fed into a catalytic reactor
where a deoxygenation reaction occurs. The deoxygenation reaction uses a
platinum catalyst to produce water from oxygen and hydrogen. The nitrogen
passes through the catalytic reactor without reacting with the hydrogen,
the oxygen, or the water. The water is separated from the nitrogen in a
dryer. The nitrogen may then be used in drilling and production
operations. The water is fed into an electrolyzer where an electrolysis
reaction occurs. The electrolyzer passes an electrical current through
the water to produce gaseous oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen is
recycled back to the catalytic reactor and the oxygen may be vented or
sold.