PKU Pioneer Launches VPSA Oxygen Plant, Saving Steel Mill $4.5 Million

On November 14, 2025, Beijing Peking University Pioneer Technology Co., Ltd. (PKU Pioneer) successfully commissioned a new pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) oxygen generation facility for Chifeng Yuanlian Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. This second-phase project, with a capacity of 14,000 Nm3/h, establishes a total VPSA oxygen generation capacity of 28,000 Nm3/h for Chifeng Yuanlian, significantly lowering the plant’s annual blast furnace oxygen enrichment costs by more than $4.5 million.

The new facility is designed to enhance energy efficiency and support carbon reduction goals, aligning with national initiatives aimed at transforming the iron and steel industry. Chifeng Yuanlian operates a variety of production lines, including two blast furnaces and advanced plate production capabilities. The company’s swift action to implement this second-phase project follows the positive results achieved from the first-phase VPSA installation in 2024, which successfully optimized oxygen costs and energy consumption.

Technological Advancements and Economic Impact

The newly commissioned VPSA oxygen generation plant mirrors the specifications of its predecessor, providing 80% oxygen purity tailored for blast furnace operations. A project leader from Chifeng Yuanlian noted, “After conducting comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies, we determined that VPSA technology offers distinct advantages such as shorter construction cycles, lower investment costs, and quick returns on investment.”

PKU Pioneer also addressed potential concerns regarding equipment stability and monitoring accuracy during the project’s design. Enhancements to the control system and monitoring capabilities have been implemented to ensure reliable long-term operation. Chifeng Yuanlian prioritized this initiative, completing civil engineering ahead of schedule to prevent construction delays.

Both companies collaborated closely on-site, achieving operational readiness 20 days before the planned completion date. The data collected post-commissioning confirms the effectiveness of the upgraded oxygen generation capacity. Previously, the cost of oxygen production using the original cryogenic air separation system was RMB 0.28 per Nm3, but the VPSA system has reduced this cost by over 60%.

Environmental and Industrial Benefits

The combined output of both phases, now totaling 22,400 Nm3/h of pure oxygen, allows Chifeng Yuanlian to save over RMB 90,000 daily in oxygen generation costs, resulting in an annual savings of approximately RMB 32 million (around $4.5 million). This efficiency not only meets the oxygen demands of the blast furnaces but also aids in lowering the overall air separation emissions from the plant, reinforcing Chifeng Yuanlian’s commitment to green manufacturing practices.

As a leading supplier of gas separation technology for the iron and steel sector, PKU Pioneer has installed large-scale VPSA systems in nearly 100 facilities worldwide. The company is dedicated to driving technological advancements to help traditional manufacturing sectors achieve their production, energy conservation, and carbon reduction targets.

PKU Pioneer’s ongoing efforts aim to contribute to a sustainable future and foster a new ecosystem for green industrial development, benefiting both the environment and the economy.

For further information, interested parties can contact Alena Lan at PKU Pioneer via email at [email protected] or visit their website at www.vpsatech.com.