Where to Start for the Most Effective Performance Optimization of PSA Oxygen Plants

China’s pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen production technology originated in the 1970s. After decades of development, the technology has been continuously upgraded, and high-efficiency lithium-based molecular sieves for oxygen production have been industrialized and widely applied. Latest research in the field shows that optimizing adsorbent manufacturing, improving adsorption tower design, and refining process flow are among the most effective approaches to enhance the performance of PSA oxygen plants. Future R&D on advanced oxygen production technologies can be expanded in the following aspects:

1.Further address issues such as low lithium ion utilization and high production costs, and explore the application potential of new lithium-based adsorbents in oxygen plants. Meanwhile, the development of carbon molecular sieves also provides broad opportunities for process optimization of PSA oxygen production units.

2.Through simulation and data analysis of adsorption towers, study the influences of adsorbent particle size distribution and internal tower structure on oxygen concentration and flow field distribution. Use the calculated results to promote the optimization of pilot radial-flow adsorption towers.

3.Continuously improve the design and optimization process to solve problems concerning oxygen recovery rate, energy consumption, investment cost, and intelligent operation. Analyze simulation data of new processes, apply optimization results to experimental oxygen plants, and obtain key process parameters, laying a foundation for further optimization of industrial demonstration units.

4.With scientific and technological advancement, the application fields of oxygen products are expanding. Large‑scale and ultra‑large‑scale oxygen plants show promising application prospects in plateau regions.

Having deeply engaged in PSA oxygen production technology for nearly 30 years, Peking University Pioneer Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to the industrial application of innovative technologies. As one of China’s earliest service providers engaged in PSA technology research, it boasts an efficient R&D team, rich engineering experience, and a complete service system. Worldwide, the company has delivered more than 400 medium and large‑scale VPSA oxygen plants for industries including iron and steel, nonferrous metals, papermaking, glass fiber, waste incineration, and new energy. Its technical strength is widely recognized in the industry.