Large-scale air separation units are essential for industries like petrochemicals, metallurgy, and coal chemistry. These units are categorized by hourly oxygen production, e.g., a 30,000 m³/h unit produces 30,000 standard cubic meters of oxygen per hour.

The main subsystems include:

1. Impurity purification

2. Air cooling and liquefaction

3. Air distillation

4. Product transportation

5. Liquid storage

Global leaders in manufacturing these units are in the U.S., Germany, and France. China has grown significantly in this sector, entering the ranks of top global manufacturers after decades of development, starting with technology imported from the Soviet Union and later integrating advanced methods from Germany. The development of China's air separation industry dates back to the early 20th century. As the country's industrialization progressed, air separation technology became an indispensable part of modern industry, especially in sectors such as steel, chemicals, and petrochemicals.

Early Development (Early 20th Century to 1960s)

China's air separation industry started relatively late. In the early 20th century, the country mainly relied on imported equipment. It wasn't until the 1950s, with the rise of state-owned enterprises and the government's focus on industrial infrastructure, that the first batch of domestically produced air separation equipment began to be developed. During the 1960s, the growing demand for industrial gases in sectors like steel and chemicals prompted the gradual growth of the air separation industry.

Steady Growth Period (1970s to 1990s)

In the 1970s, China's air separation industry entered a period of steady growth. Supported by national policies, domestically produced air separation equipment gradually replaced imported products, and the industry's technological level improved. Breakthroughs in key technologies, such as cryogenic air separation, enabled China to establish a strong capability in independent research and development in this field.

Rapid Development Period (Early 21st Century to Present)

At the beginning of the 21st century, China's economy continued to grow rapidly, and the expansion of heavy industry and infrastructure construction brought new opportunities for the air separation industry. Domestic companies have combined the introduction of advanced foreign technologies with independent innovation, continuously improving product quality and technological standards. Today, China has become one of the world's leading producers of air separation equipment, with several globally competitive enterprises.

Future Outlook

As China places increasing emphasis on clean energy and green development, the application prospects of air separation technology in new energy and new materials are broad. In the coming years, China's air separation industry is expected to further enhance its technological innovation capabilities, driving the industry towards more efficient, environmentally friendly, and intelligent development.