PKU Pioneer Commissions VPSA Oxygen Plant for Blast Furnace Oxygen Enrichment, Slashing Steel Mill's Annual Costs by $4.5 Million

Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Recently, the second-phase 14,000 Nm³/h pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) oxygen generation facility, constructed by Beijing Peking University Pioneer Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "PKU Pioneer") for Chifeng Yuanlian Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Chifeng Yuanlian"), has successfully commissioned and achieved stable oxygen supply. With this milestone, Chifeng Yuanlian's total VPSA oxygen generation capacity reaches 28,000 Nm³/h, significantly reducing the cost of blast furnace oxygen enrichment. Technological upgrading supports energy conservation and carbon reduction goals, delivering dual improvements in economic and environmental benefits.

Chifeng Yuanlian operates one 1,200 m³ blast furnace, one 1,280 m³ blast furnace, two 110-ton converters, and multiple high-end plate production lines including medium-wide strip steel and cold-rolled galvanizing. In response to the national "Special Action Plan for Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction in the Iron and Steel Industry" and the implementation of a comprehensive conservation strategy, Chifeng Yuanlian moved quickly to launch the second-phase project. This decision followed the significant benefits achieved from the first-phase 14,000 Nm³/h VPSA oxygen generation project, which was developed in cooperation with PKU Pioneer in 2024 to further optimize blast furnace oxygen costs and the overall energy consumption structure of the plant.

It is reported that the second-phase oxygen generation plant put into operation this time has the same specifications as the first phase: 14,000 Nm³/h VPSA units with 80% oxygen purity, tailored for the blast furnace oxygen enrichment process. A Chifeng Yuanlian project leader stated, "Based on the actual oxygen demand of the two blast furnaces and the operational status of multiple existing air separation systems at the plant, the company determined the technical route after comprehensive technical and economic feasibility studies. VPSA oxygen generation technology offers distinct advantages such as short construction cycles, lower investment costs, and quick return on investment. Coupled with the stable operation and tangible benefits of the first-phase project, we have strengthened our confidence in continuing the cooperation."