PKU Pioneer Project Spotlight: VPSA Oxygen Generation Project for Xinxing Pipes Now In Operation, Generating Over $1.76 million Annual Revenue

프로젝트 개요

VPSA oxygen generation project built by PKU Pioneer for Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Co.,Ltd. officially began grid-connected operation on May 30, marking the successful completion of the oxygen supply project for the No.5 Blast Furnace. The project serves as a key benchmark for quality and efficiency improvement at Xinxing Pipes’ Power and Control Department (the Department), and demonstrates PKU Pioneer’s ability to deliver customized oxygen solutions that contribute to the energy transition of steelmakers.

Since commissioning, the project supports an additional 6,000 Nm³/h oxygen consumption before the blast furnace blower, generating over $1.76 million in annual comprehensive benefits. The total investment is expected to be recovered within 3 years, laying a solid foundation for low-cost oxygen-enriched ironmaking.

Challenge and Solution

Prior to the project, the Department had already pushed the operational efficiency of its existing air separation unit (ASU) to 109% through refined operations, ensuring the economic and reliable supply. While meeting the primary demands, the unit generated nearly $58,700 per month from selling liquid argon. However, with expanding ironmaking and steelmaking capacities, the existing ASU could no longer meet the demand of 59,500 Nm³/h which is expected to reach 65,000 Nm³/h in the future. During peak production, the plant had to purchase liquid oxygen, adding significant operating costs.

To address this challenge, Xinxing Pipes evaluated multiple solutions and ultimately selected PKU Pioneer’s VPSA oxygen system for oxygen enrichment before the blower. Leveraging over 20 years of technical expertise, PKU Pioneer’s proprietary high-performance lithium-based molecular sieve, intelligent radial adsorption towers, and fully automated control system offer key advantages over traditional cryogenic oxygen production. Benefits such as shorter construction time, lower capital investment, reduced energy consumption, and intelligent unattended operation fundamentally solve the economics of oxygen supply.

Drawing on extensive EPC experience in the steel industry, PKU Pioneer assembled a dedicated team for engineering, construction, and commissioning, cooperating seamlessly with the client. Under principal leader responsibility system implemented by Xinxing Pipes, PKU Pioneer delivered fully integrated turnkey services. Construction began in February, and the project was completed and commissioned in just over four months — 33 days ahead of schedule. On May 21, the hot load test succeeded on the first attempt, with oxygen purity and average flow rates meeting all technical requirements, satisfying conditions for a 168-hour trial run.

Since operation began, the oxygen production cost is $0.04/Nm³ lower than that of vaporized liquid oxygen. At peak times, the system reduces the need for purchased liquid oxygen by 50–80 tons per day, saving $3,376 to $6,605 daily. Annual direct benefits exceed $1.76 million, which means Xinxing Pipes fully reversed the previous situation of supply deficit and shifted from buying oxygen to selling the surplus. In addition, the system enhances blast furnace productivity and reduces the coke rate, supporting energy savings and carbon reduction.

Future Commitment

Moving forward, PKU Pioneer remains dedication to the steel industry, helping industrial enterprises achieve cost efficiency, operational optimization, and low-carbon development through technological innovation.