INCREASE OF LIQUID OXYGEN PRODUCTION IN AIR SEPARATION UNITS OF AVERAGE PRESSURE

Abstract

Taking into account growth of electricity tariffs, the main task in designing and building air separation units (ASUs) is to achieve their minimum possible energy consumption. The article analyses in general terms various ways of increasing the yield of liquid oxygen in medium-pressure units. Some of the methods can already be used in the new generation ASUs. Using the example of ASU КgK-0,5, it is shown that even partial introduction of the proposed methods substantially increases its production of liquid oxygen. Further improvement of this unit will allow reducing the specific electricity consumption up to 1,0...1,1 kWh/kg of liquid oxygen. The undertaken research has shown that it is possible to move from a piston compressor to a centrifugal compressor while maintaining practically the same high values. In this case, it will be possible to create liquid medium pressure ASUs on the basis of machines of dynamic principle of operation.