Application of Ozone Decomposition Catalysts in Air Separation Units

Air separation units are indispensable key equipment in modern industry, producing gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, which are widely used in steel, chemical, electronics, and other fields. With the increasing demand for gas purity in industrial development, air separation units face new technical challenges, among which ozone pollution has become increasingly prominent. As a strong oxidizing agent, ozone not only corrodes equipment and reduces production efficiency but also affects the quality of the final gas products. In this context, the application of ozone decomposition catalysts has become a key technology to address this issue.

 

1. Principles and Characteristics of Ozone Decomposition Catalysts

Ozone decomposition catalysts primarily decompose ozone molecules into oxygen through catalytic action. The catalyst surface features special active sites that can adsorb ozone molecules and weaken their chemical bonds, causing decomposition reactions at relatively low temperatures. This process produces no secondary pollution, making it an environmentally friendly method for ozone removal.

 

Common ozone decomposition catalysts mainly include two categories: noble metal catalysts and transition metal oxide catalysts. Noble metal catalysts such as platinum and palladium exhibit excellent catalytic activity but are costly; transition metal oxide catalysts such as manganese oxide and copper oxide offer better cost-performance ratios and stability.

 

The performance indicators of catalysts mainly include decomposition efficiency, service life, and anti-interference capability. High-quality ozone decomposition catalysts can achieve over 99% ozone decomposition efficiency at room temperature and maintain long-term stable catalytic performance.

 

2. Ozone Pollution Issues in Air Separation Units

Ozone in air separation units mainly originates from ozone pollution in the raw air. With increasing industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, atmospheric ozone concentrations are on the rise. These ozone molecules become concentrated during the air compression process, severely impacting air separation units.

 

The harm caused by ozone to air separation units is mainly reflected in two aspects: first, the corrosion of equipment materials, particularly the oxidation damage to rubber seals and metal components; second, the impact on the performance of adsorbent materials such as molecular sieves, reducing their adsorption efficiency and service life.

 

Traditional ozone removal methods, such as high-temperature decomposition and activated carbon adsorption, suffer from high energy consumption, low efficiency, and the risk of secondary pollution, making them inadequate for modern air separation units.

 

3. Practical Application of Ozone Decomposition Catalysts in Air Separation Units

In air separation units, ozone decomposition catalysts are typically installed at the front end of the air pretreatment system. The specific location must consider factors such as airflow distribution, temperature conditions, and pressure changes to ensure the catalyst operates under optimal conditions.

 

Performance evaluations show that the application of ozone decomposition catalysts significantly improves the operational stability of air separation units, extends equipment maintenance cycles, and effectively ensures the quality of gas products. A case study of a large air separation unit demonstrated that the catalyst maintained over 95% ozone decomposition efficiency after two years of continuous operation.

 

In practical applications, regular inspection and replacement of the catalyst are necessary to avoid catalyst poisoning or deactivation. Additionally, the structure and dimensions of the catalyst bed must be properly designed to ensure uniform airflow distribution and maximize the catalyst's effectiveness.

 

The application of ozone decomposition catalysts provides an efficient and reliable solution for ozone removal in air separation units. With continuous advancements in catalyst technology, their application prospects in air separation units will become even broader. In the future, developing new catalysts with higher activity and longer lifespans, as well as optimizing the integration of catalysts in air separation systems, will be key research directions in this field. The ongoing development of this technology will bring greater economic and environmental benefits to the air separation industry.