JZUS - Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE

Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A 2014 Vol.15 No.5 P.309-322

Research and development of large-scale cryogenic air separation in China*

Author(s): Xiao-bin Zhang¹, Jian-ye Chen¹, Lei Yao², Yong-hua Huang³, Xue-jun Zhang¹, Li-min Qiu¹
Affiliation(s): 1. Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; more
Corresponding email(s): limin.qiu@zju.edu.cn
Key Words: Air separation, Cryogenic, Large-scale equipment, Technological development

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Xiao-bin Zhang, Jian-ye Chen, Lei Yao, Yong-hua Huang, Xue-jun Zhang, Li-min Qiu. Research and development of large-scale cryogenic air separation in China[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science A, 2014, 15(5): 309-322.

@article{title="Research and development of large-scale cryogenic air separation in China",
author="Xiao-bin Zhang, Jian-ye Chen, Lei Yao, Yong-hua Huang, Xue-jun Zhang, Li-min Qiu",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science A",
volume="15",
number="5",
pages="309-322",
year="2014",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/jzus.A1400063"
}

%0 Journal Article
%T Research and development of large-scale cryogenic air separation in China
%A Xiao-bin Zhang
%A Jian-ye Chen
%A Lei Yao
%A Yong-hua Huang
%A Xue-jun Zhang
%A Li-min Qiu
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A
%V 15
%N 5
%P 309-322
%@ 1673-565X
%D 2014
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/jzus.A1400063

TY - JOUR
T1 - Research and development of large-scale cryogenic air separation in China
A1 - Xiao-bin Zhang
A1 - Jian-ye Chen
A1 - Lei Yao
A1 - Yong-hua Huang
A1 - Xue-jun Zhang
A1 - Li-min Qiu
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science A
VL - 15
IS - 5
SP - 309
EP - 322
%@ 1673-565X
Y1 - 2014
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
ER -
DOI - 10.1631/jzus.A1400063

Abstract
Chinese Summary
Academic Network
Reviewer Comment

Abstract: With the rapid growth in demand for industrial gas in steel and chemical industries, there has been significant emphasis placed on the development of China’s large-scale air separation technology. Currently, the maximum capacity of a single unit has been able to attain 120 000 Nm³/h (oxygen), and the specific power consumption of 0.38 kWh/m³. This paper reviews the current state-of-the-art for large-scale cryogenic air separation systems being deployed in China. A brief introduction to the history and establishment of the large-scale cryogenic air separation industry is presented. Taking the present mainstream large-scale air separation unit operating at 60 000 Nm³/h (oxygen) as an example, the technological parameters and features of the involved key equipment, including a molecular sieve adsorber, air compressor unit, plate-fin heat exchanger, turbo-expander and distillation column are described in detail. The developing 80 000–120 000 Nm³/h air separation processes and equipment are also introduced. A summary of the existing problems and future developments of these systems in China are discussed.

中国大规模空分研究进展

本文概要：中国钢铁、化工等行业对工业气体需求的快速增长，极大地促进了大规模空分技术的发展。目前，中国生产的单套空分设备最大氧产量达到了120 000 Nm³/h，单位能耗为0.38 kWh/m³。本文介绍了中国大规模空分技术发展水平，回顾了中国大规模空分工业的发展历史。以成熟的60 000 Nm³/h空分系统为例，详细介绍了分子筛吸附器、空压机、板翅换热器、透平膨胀机和精馏塔等主要设备的技术参数。然后介绍了中国正在发展中的80 000~120 000 Nm³/h空分工艺和装备。最后讨论了中国大规模空分技术存在的主要问题及未来发展方向。

关键词：空分；深低温；大规模装置；技术发展

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