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).
Q: Innovation is a key driver in many industries today. How does PKU Pioneer define its role in promoting industrial innovation?
A: At PKU Pioneer, we believe that innovation is the foundation for progress. Our mission is to advance the industrial application of cutting-edge technologies. We were among the first in China to explore VPSA (vacuum pressure swing adsorption) and PSA (pressure swing adsorption) technologies, as well as solutions for industrial exhaust gas treatment and resource utilization. By collaborating with the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University, we have built a robust R&D platform. This allows us to leverage a highly skilled research team, extensive engineering expertise, and a comprehensive service system to address challenges across various sectors such as iron and steel, chemicals, non-ferrous metallurgy, glass, fiberglass, cement, new energy, and environmental protection. For example, PKU Pioneer is the first in the world to utilize PSA CO purification technology to separate carbon monoxide from blast furnace gas, calcium carbide furnace off-gas, and semi-coke off-gas. And it is also the first to successfully apply VPSA and PSA oxygen generation technology in segmented industrial sectors, such as lithium battery, soda ash, and sulfuric acid production.
Q: Could you explain the concept of oxygen-enriched combustion and why it is considered a high-efficiency technology?
A: Oxygen-enriched combustion involves using air with an oxygen content higher than the standard 21%. This method significantly enhances combustion efficiency and increases flame temperatures while lowering the ignition point of fuels. It also accelerates combustion reactions, reducing energy consumption and promoting complete fuel combustion. As a result, there are fewer flue gases, better heat utilization, and a reduced generation of hazardous substances. Additionally, this technology is conducive to capturing CO₂, making it an essential tool for industries aiming to reduce emissions while improving efficiency.
Q: How has oxygen-enriched combustion been applied across various industries?
A: The versatility of oxygen-enriched combustion is one of its greatest strengths. This technology is widely employed in sectors like iron and steel smelting, non-ferrous metallurgy, industrial kilns, and thermal engineering. Specific applications include blast furnace ironmaking, electric furnace steelmaking, copper and nickel smelting, glass and fiberglass kilns, cement kilns, boilers, and more. The growing affordability of oxygen production has further expanded its use in industrial processes.
Q: What are the technological approaches to generating oxygen-enriched air, and how do they compare?
A: There are three primary methods: cryogenic air separation, VPSA and PSA technologies and membrane technology. Cryogenic air separation produces 99.6% pure oxygen, which is then mixed with ambient air. VPSA and PSA technologies generate oxygen-enriched air with concentrations between 80% and 94%. Membrane technology yields air with around 30% oxygen.
Among these, VPSA and PSA have seen the fastest development for industrial applications due to their efficiency and lower operational costs. These technologies offer advantages such as energy savings, wide application potential, and lower oxygen production costs.
Q: Can you elaborate on the energy-saving benefits of VPSA and PSA oxygen-enriched combustion technology?
A: Absolutely. For example, in the glass industry, natural gas consumption can be reduced by 20%-40% through oxygen-enriched combustion. In blast furnace smelting, each 1% increase in the oxygen enrichment rate can raise the combustion temperature by 40–50°C, enhance the calorific value of coal gas by 3.4%, and boost molten iron production by approximately 4%. These figures illustrate the significant impact on energy efficiency and cost reduction.
Q: How does the cost of oxygen production influence the overall efficiency of oxygen-enriched combustion projects?
A: Oxygen production cost is a crucial factor. VPSA and PSA technologies offer a competitive advantage with a production cost of about 0.3 kWh per cubic meter of oxygen. To put it into perspective, for a 5000Nm³/h oxygen plant, reducing oxygen costs by 0.2 RMB per cubic meter can save approximately 8.76 million RMB (approximately €1,157,000) annually under optimal operation conditions. This makes VPSA and PSA systems highly attractive for industries looking to maximize efficiency.
Q: What operational advantages do VPSA and PSA systems provide?
A: These systems are highly automated, allowing for simple and unattended operation. They also offer flexible load regulation, enabling instant capacity adjustments between 50% and 100%. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for industries with fluctuating production needs, as it helps optimize economic returns while ensuring operational stability.
