Features and Applicability of Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Generators

　   Compared with traditional cryogenic air separation technology,Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generatorThe main advantages of this technology are: simple process, no need for complex pretreatment devices, high degree of automation. Strong device independence, good stability, high reliability, and sustainable oxygen supply. Short shutdown time (generally within 30 minutes to meet usage requirements). Operates at normal temperature and pressure, with good safety performance. Low operation and maintenance costs, low construction costs, and zero water and electricity consumption. Only 30 kilowatt-hours/Nm3) According to relevant national policies, metallurgical enterprises should make full use of existing steelmaking surplus oxygen and strongly advocate the use of dedicated VPSA deoxidizers for ironmaking blast furnaces to ensure a stable and continuous oxygen supply. Traditional cryogenic air separation equipment is energy-intensive, with a simple process, small structure, high degree of automation, and relatively low investment and operating costs. PSA oxygen generator technology has a very broad application prospect and meets the requirements of the enterprise's rapid and intensive development. Given sufficient funding and other supporting conditions, major steel mills should actively consider PSA oxygen generators to ensure the stable and balanced operation of the iron and steel system and promote the rapid and sustainable development of the steel industry.

　   Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generatorTechnology

　    The oxygen purity required for the enriched blast furnace in ironmaking only needs to reach 80%~85%. PSA oxygen generators are economical for producing oxygen of this purity. Pressure swing adsorption is a non-cryogenic air separation technology that uses the adsorption capacity of gases on adsorbents to separate air. Generally, the atmospheric pressure adsorption vacuum desorption method (VPSA method) is used. The VPSA oxygen system mainly consists of a blower, vacuum pump, switch valve, adsorber, and oxygen buffer tank. After the raw air removes dust particles through the intake filter, it is pressurized to 0.45 barg by a Roots blower and enters one of the adsorbers. Inside the adsorber, moisture, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of other gaseous components are adsorbed on the activated alumina filled in the floor at the adsorber inlet, and then nitrogen is adsorbed on the zeolite molecular sieve filled on the activated alumina. Oxygen (including argon), as a non-adsorbed component, is discharged from the top outlet of the adsorber in the form of product gas into the oxygen buffer tank.

　　 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generatorCompact size, simple operation, easy maintenance, low operating costs, quick on-site oxygen production, convenient switching, no pollution, no noise, and rapid gas production; oxygen can be supplied as soon as the power is connected.

        After a certain degree of adsorption in the adsorber, the adsorbent will reach saturation. At this time, after a uniform pressure drop process via the conversion valve, part of the oxygen in the four spaces of the adsorption tower is recovered, and the pressure in the adsorption tower is simultaneously reduced to a slight negative pressure. Using a vacuum pump to create a vacuum (opposite to the adsorption direction), the vacuum degree is -0.50 barg. The adsorbed moisture, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and a small amount of other gaseous components are extracted and discharged into the atmosphere, and the adsorbent is regenerated.