LNG cold energy is at the heart of a new air separation unit (ASU) recently brought onstream in China, the first of its kind. In 2007 Air Products formed a joint venture with CNOOC Energy Technology and Services, Limited to create an ASU that liquefies air at low temperature using cold energy released during the LNG re-gasification process. This cold energy is not usually used once its created, but doing so allows for environmental and energy efficiency benefits. The unit can produce more than 600 tons of liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon per day.
“The use of cold energy significantly reduces power consumption in the industrial gas production process and helps protect the environment. This facility supports the Chinese government’s mission to save energy and reduce emissions by maximizing the utilization of natural gas and also Air Products’ overall sustainability goals of operational productivity improvements to reduce energy consumption and emissions,” said Bob Dixon, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Merchant Gases at Air Products.
The plant will be used to supply the expanding industrial gases market in Fujian Province, in particular in the Xiamen, Putian, Fuzhou triangle. CNOOC Energy and Technology Services Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). Air Products is heavily involved in the LNG industry, as the majority of total worldwide LNG is produced using the company’s technology.
