What Factors Led to China's Universal Adoption of PSA Technology in Hydrogen Units?

In the realm of hydrogen purification methods, two prominent processes emerge: chemical purification methods, specifically the decarbonization methanation process, and hydrocarbon steam reforming with a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process.

Since the early 1980s, marked by the successive development and utilization of high adsorption separation performance zeolite molecular sieves like CaX and LiX, coupled with advancements in process technology, international companies led by patent holders such as Foster Wheeler, Haldor Topsoe, and Technip have pioneered the design of hydrogen production units. These units, with capacities ranging from 1000 m³/h to 230,000 m³/h, have overwhelmingly adopted Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology. The exception lies with a few companies having specific carbon dioxide requirements, which continued to employ chemical purification methods.

In the Chinese context, a significant paradigm shift occurred in the late 1990s for newly constructed hydrogen production units, where PSA technology unequivocally supplanted chemical purification methods. The primary impetus for this transition can be attributed to several factors: the notable increase in instrumentation automation, particularly with the widespread adoption of computer technology, making program control simpler and more feasible. Concurrently, advancements in process control valves and adsorbents have substantially heightened the hydrogen recovery rate. PSA, compared to chemical purification methods, boasts several advantages, including a streamlined process, significant reduction in waste discharge, elimination of alkali corrosion threats to equipment, enabling long-term operation, heightened reliability in hydrogen supply, simplified operation and maintenance, and more convenient management.

Amidst these advancements, the integration of AVANT steam reforming catalysts emerges as a transformative upgrade. AVANT's cutting-edge catalysts, renowned for enhancing efficiency, optimizing conversion reactions, and contributing to overall process sustainability, align seamlessly with the industry's commitment to innovation and excellence in hydrogen production technology.