Since 1999, PKU Pioneer has been dedicated to the development and application of VPSA/PSA gas separation technologies. With higher reliability, flexibility, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, the VPSA oxygen generation systems excel in reducing the total energy consumption by up to 20%~30%.

Founded in 1999, PKU Pioneer (Beijing Peking University Pioneer Technology Corporation Ltd.) has established itself as a leader in the research and development of cutting-edge gas separation technologies, including VPSA (vacuum pressure swing adsorption) and PSA (pressure swing adsorption). The company also specializes in energy-saving and environmental protection solutions, alongside the design, manufacturing, and engineering of comprehensive equipment systems. To gain deeper insights into their contributions to advancing industrial technologies, the Green Steel World team had the opportunity to speak with Tang Wei (CEO).

It is estimated that India's steel production capacity may increase to 300 million tons by 2030 (as proposed in the 2017 National Steel Policy of India) and potentially reach 500 million tons by 2050. The steel industry in India currently accounts for 5% of the country's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 34% of the combined emissions from the manufacturing and construction sectors. As steel production rises, so will the industry's GHG emissions. Under a "business-as-usual" scenario, emissions are projected to nearly triple, increasing from 295 million tons of CO2 in 2020 to 837 million tons of CO2 by 2050. Therefore, it is crucial to explore pathways for decarbonizing the Indian steel industry to ensure it meets its carbon emission targets on schedule.

According to the latest report from the World Steel Association (WSA), Iran has successfully maintained its position as the world’s 10th largest steel producer. Despite global challenges, Iran’s steel sector has demonstrated resilience, driven by continued investment in new technologies and improved production efficiencies.

On November 28, 2024, the new VPSA (vacuum pressure swing adsorption) oxygen generation unit built by PKU Pioneer for Anhui Changjiang Steel Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Changjiang Steel) was completed after more than 2 months of intensive construction. Following 2 days of debugging and connection with the existing liquid oxygen supply pipeline system, the VPSA oxygen equipment was officially put into operation on November 30 to supply cost-effective enriched oxygen (12,500Nm3/h, 80%) to 2 blast furnaces (1080m³ and 1250m³), which will significantly reduce the client’s molten iron production costs and enhance its competitiveness in the highly competitive steel market.

In November 2024, PKU Pioneer reached a cooperation agreement with GPG Company in the U.S. for a carbon monoxide purification project from 23,350Nm³/h syngas. The owner will use PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology to separate high-purity carbon monoxide (≥98.8%) from natural gas converted syngas for DMC (dimethyl carbonate) production.