Illustrative worked example. The inputs are assumptions, not a customer project. The arithmetic is real.
The scenario
A glass plant is planning oxygen-enriched combustion. It needs 2,000 Nm³/h of oxygen around the clock at about 93% purity.
Converting to mass
Oxygen has a density of about 1.429 kg/Nm³ at normal conditions. 2,000 Nm³/h is about 2,858 kg/h, or roughly 68.6 tonnes a day.
Choosing the technology
- Flow. 2,000 Nm³/h is above the range of twin-tower PSA (5 to 500 Nm³/h) and at the top of the VPSA range (500 to 2,000 Nm³/h).
- Duty. The demand is large and continuous, so energy per Nm³ decides the running cost. VPSA regenerates under vacuum and uses less energy.
- Purity. 93% is inside the 90 to 95% VPSA range. Oxygen above about 95% would need another route.
- Result. VPSA is the fit.
Specification to request a quotation
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | VPSA |
| Rated flow | 2,000 Nm³/h |
| Purity | About 93% |
| Duty | Continuous, 24/7 |
| Delivery pressure | As required by the burners |
What Eldtek confirms
- Power for the blower and vacuum pump.
- Purity at the rated flow.
- Delivery pressure and buffering for the burners.
- Supply during maintenance.
See the oxygen generation plants page for the full range.
Frequently asked questions
Why VPSA and not PSA at 2,000 Nm³/h?
Eldtek's twin-tower PSA covers up to 500 Nm³/h, so at 2,000 Nm³/h VPSA is the suitable technology. For a large, continuous demand, its lower energy per Nm³ also helps the business case.
Can a VPSA plant supply 99% oxygen?
No. Argon stays with the oxygen, which limits PSA and VPSA to roughly 93 to 95%. Higher purity normally needs cryogenic separation.
Have a similar requirement?Send your figures and an Eldtek engineer will size it for your site.
Request a quotation