LNG Cold Energy ASU Came on Stream     

China's first air separation unit (ASU) facility that uses liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy to produce industrial gases has been brought on stream. Located in Putian, the plant is a joint venture between Air Products and CNOOC Energy Technology & Services Limited, and is capable of producing over 600 tons per day of liquid oxygen, nitrogen and argon to supply the fast growing industrial gases market in Fujian province, especially in the Xiamen, Putian, Fuzhou triangle area. Air Products announced November 11th.
   The first of its kind in China, the ASU plant is designed to liquefy air at low temperatures by using cold energy released during the LNG re-gasification process to produce industrial gas products. The plant brings tremendous environmental and energy efficiency benefits compared to conventional processes as this ASU plant consumes approximately 50% less electricity by using the LNG cold energy to aid in liquefaction and to produce chilled glycol. The chilled glycol displaces the cooling water utility previously used for air compression in the ASU plant, thereby also conserving water resources.  Additionally, the use of LNG cold energy technology decreases carbon dioxide emissions by reducing electrical use in operation of the ASU.  
   Cold energy is the energy contained in the LNG, which is at a temperature of -162 degrees centigrade (-262 degrees Fahrenheit). The energy is released when the LNG is re-gasified to its natural gas state for multiple application uses. Most of the time, the great amounts of cold energy released in the re-gasification process are not used beneficially.
   Air Products formed the joint venture in 2007 with CNOOC Energy Technology & Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).