Heat Exchanger in Industrial Oxygen Generators

The heat exchanger in industrial oxygen generators plays a critical role in both refrigeration (cryogenic method) and nitrogen production processes, separating air components by cooling them and exploiting their boiling point differences. In pressure swing adsorption (PSA) oxygen generators, while large-scale heat exchangers are absent, the molecular sieves within the adsorption towers undergo adsorption and desorption cycles. Throughout the air processing, condensation and purification of the air must be ensured to obtain high-purity oxygen.

Heat exchangers in cryogenic industrial oxygen generators

Function:

In cryogenic processes, refrigerants cool compressed air through heat exchangers to reduce its temperature.

Principle:

Leverages the physical property differences between oxygen and nitrogen at varying boiling points to achieve efficient separation during condensation, thereby extracting high-purity oxygen.

Heat exchangers in PSA pressure swing adsorption industrial oxygen generators

Function:

In PSA processes, heat exchangers are typically used to pre-cool air entering adsorption towers or to cool gases during adsorption, enhancing separation efficiency and equipment performance.

Principle:

Lowering temperatures reduces molecular motion, facilitating nitrogen adsorption by molecular sieves. Adsorbed nitrogen is subsequently released under reduced pressure.

Specific Components and Functions of Heat Exchangers

Air Compressor Aftercooler:

Before feeding air into the oxygen generator, the air compressor compresses and heats the air, necessitating a heat exchanger for cooling and moisture removal.

Plate Condenser:

Condensate water is typically cooled within the equipment via a plate heat exchanger.

Air Heat Exchanger:

In cryogenic processes, air heat exchangers cool air by exchanging heat with refrigerants or cryogenic gases.

Adsorption Tower Heat Exchanger:

In some PSA systems, molecular sieves within adsorption towers generate heat during adsorption and desorption cycles. Heat exchangers remove excess heat to maintain stable tower operation.