Cryogenic Air Separation Unit For Argon Extraction

Core Technology: Cryogenic Separation, Precise Argon Capture

 

Based on the principle of cryogenic distillation, the equipment utilizes a multi-tower synergistic separation system to achieve a step-by-step purification of nitrogen, oxygen, and argon from air:

 

●Pretreatment Stage: Utilizing high-efficiency filtration and adsorption dehydration and decarbonization processes, dust, moisture, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons are removed from the air, preventing subsequent icing or blockage of the cryogenic system and ensuring long-term stable operation of the equipment.

 

●Cryogenic Refrigeration Stage: A refrigeration cycle consisting of a turbine expander and a heat exchanger cools the compressed air to below -170°C, converting it into a gas-liquid mixture.

 

●Multi-tower Distillation Separation: After the initial separation of nitrogen and oxygen in the main distillation tower, the argon-rich (approximately 0.93%) "crude argon fraction" enters the crude argon tower, where multiple gas-liquid contact reactions remove residual oxygen.The crude argon then enters the refined argon tower, where deep distillation removes trace nitrogen and impurities, ultimately producing a product with a purity of [approximately 100% purity]. High-purity argon gas: 99.999% to 99.9999% (5N to 6N);

 

 

 

High Recovery & High Purity: The argon recovery rate can reach over 85%. Three customizable purity grades are available: 99.99% (4N), 99.999% (5N), and 99.9999% (6N). Electronic-grade 6N argon meets the needs of high-end applications such as semiconductor wafer etching and photovoltaic silicon wafer coating.

 

Low Energy Consumption: Utilizing a high-efficiency plate heat exchanger (heat exchange efficiency ≥ 98%) and a variable frequency turbine expander, this system reduces unit argon energy consumption by 12%-15% compared to conventional equipment of the same specifications, significantly reducing annual operating costs.

 

Long-Term Stable Operation: Core equipment components are constructed of 304/316L stainless steel, offering excellent low-temperature corrosion resistance. Equipped with an online impurity monitoring system and automatic blowdown, the system boasts a mean time between failures (MTBF) of ≥8,000 hours, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

 

Modularity & Customization: Supports single-unit production capacity Customizable from 50 to 1000 Nm³/h, the vertical or horizontal layout can be designed based on customer site conditions, and interfaces are reserved for future capacity expansion, making it suitable for various scenarios such as small and medium-sized gas plants and steel companies' self-owned gas source stations.

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1. What applications does argon purity support? Can it be upgraded?

Customizable purities include 4N (industrial), 5N (photovoltaic), and 6N (semiconductor) to meet diverse needs. Upgrade ports are available, allowing for modular upgrades to improve purity without replacing the main equipment.
 

2. What are the energy consumption and cost advantages? What is the payback period?

Unit energy consumption is 12%-15% lower than traditional equipment, with an argon recovery rate of 85%+ (compared to approximately 60% for traditional equipment). Core components have an average trouble-free operating time of ≥8,000 hours. Based on a production capacity of 100 Nm³/h and an electricity price of 0.8 yuan/kWh, annual energy savings are approximately 180,000 yuan, with a payback period of 1.5-2 years.
 

3. What are the site requirements? How long does it take from delivery to commissioning?

The site must be load-bearing and well-ventilated (with a distance of 1.5 meters or more from walls on all sides), and have a 380V power supply and stable cooling water. For 50-300 Nm³/h equipment: 12 weeks of production + 3-4 weeks of installation; for 300-1000 Nm³/h equipment: 16 weeks of production + 5-6 weeks of installation.
 

4. What consumables require regular replacement? Is maintenance difficult? Is training provided?

The consumables include filter cartridges and molecular sieves, all standardized components. The equipment has intelligent alarms, allowing daily inspections by one person. Three days of on-site training will be provided after delivery, along with an operating video and manual.
 

5. Can the equipment be expanded? Will this impact production?

A 20%-30% expansion capacity is reserved, which can be achieved by adding a crude argon column packing section and upgrading the expander power. Using "offline prefabrication + online connection," the site only requires 48 hours of downtime, and a temporary gas supply plan will be developed to minimize production disruptions.

6. What are the safety risks associated with low-temperature operation? What protective measures are in place?

The main risks are leakage of cryogenic media and system overpressure. Protective measures: 316L stainless steel piping, double-pass seals, and leak alarms. The equipment is equipped with a safety valve and pressure interlock, and the overall system meets Ex d IIB T4 explosion-proof standards.

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