On-Site Gas Production - Universal Industrial Gases (original) (raw)
When you purchase bulk liquid oxygen or nitrogen products, you pay the costs associated with separating air and producing purified products plus many other costs which are avoided with an onsite gas supply. While you do not see these additional costs as line items in your liquid products invoices, they are, nevertheless, a significant part of the total cost.
Someone (ultimately, you) must pay for these costs associated with purchasing gases as liquids:
- The cost of the energy required to liquefy the gas so that it can be transported to and stored at your site. It can take more than twice as much energy to make liquid oxygen or nitrogen than it takes to make and deliver these products as gases from an on-site gas plant.
- Amortization of the supplier’s cost for the equipment which is needed to liquefy the bulk merchant liquid products, and store them in large tanks until they are loaded into a trailer for delivery to you.
- A portion of the costs required to purchase and maintain the delivery trailer plus costs associated with providing the highway tractor, driver and fuel; as well as the product losses which occur when liquid is transferred into the trailer.
- The portion of your previously-purchased product which is vented from the tank at your site (to make room for the newly-delivered liquid) and, in some cases, the residual liquid which remains in the trailer after your tank has been filled.
When you consider all the costs, inefficiencies and losses that are avoided when you switch from buying liquid products on an ongoing basis and arrange to have the products you need made at your site as gases – it is not hard to see why you can realize significant savings with UCG on-site production and pipeline distribution arrangements. On-site produced gaseous products are immediately delivered, through your in-plant pipeline, to your usage points.
Switching from vaporized liquid to on-site gas generation does not eliminate the need for a liquid storage and vaporization system. Liquid storage and vaporization systems will continue to be used to supplement on-site gas production when demand suddenly increases, and to replace on-site produced product during maintenance shutdowns of the production unit. However, the number of tanks needed for backup may be fewer than the number used to support continuous demand.
With a cryogenic gas production plant on your site, the amount of liquid consumed to back up or supplement on-site gas production will be only a small fraction of the volume which would be purchased if vaporized liquid was used to meet the entire demand for nitrogen or oxygen. In many cases, the onsite production unit can be designed and operated to co-produce the small amount of liquid needed for meeting demand peaks and replace liquid lost to evaporation due to heat leak into the storage tank.
This illustrative cryogenic air separation flow diagram illustrates (in a generic fashion) many of the important steps in separating air and purifying its primary constituents into nitrogen, oxygen and argon as gas and liquid products. It does not represent any particular plant.
Nitrogen Production
Nitrogen’s inert properties make it essential across industries. It protects flammable materials, aids pollution control, and supports cryogenic grinding. In metals manufacturing, it treats melts and shields during heat treatment. Nitrogen cools concrete, stabilizes construction ground, purges refinery equipment, preserves food, and is vital in healthcare.
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Oxygen Production
Oxygen is vital in gas welding and cutting, crucial for steel production, and a key material in chemical processes. It's essential in healthcare and is used in wastewater treatment and water purification. Additionally, oxygen aids in glass, ceramics, pulp, and paper production and serves as an oxidizer in rocket fuels.
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Argon Production
Argon creates non-reactive atmospheres for TIG and MIG welding, and reduces chromium losses in steel production. It's used in aluminum degassing, light bulbs, high-efficiency windows, semiconductor manufacturing, and preserving old documents. In winemaking, argon prevents vinegar formation and preserves opened bottles.
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The UIG Difference
Choose UIG for unmatched flexibility in solutions and contracts. We offer more freedom and options than our competitors, aligning with your specific needs. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric service makes us a leader in the industrial gas field. With UIG, you get a partner dedicated to your success, offering tailored, reliable, and eco-friendly gas solutions.
Expertise
At UIG, we leverage our extensive expertise to craft clear and transparent agreements with no hidden costs
Customer Service
We prioritize support, mutual respect, collaboration, and safety. Valuing our employees and clients equally, we leverage Nucor's stability to offer unmatched flexibility and personalized service.
Flexible Solutions
We provide flexible industrial gas solutions, including customized gas supply systems, on-site production, and innovative storage, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Tailored Solutions
We pride ourselves on tailored solutions to suit our customers’ needs. Whether through a gas supply contract or providing a plant for the end user to own, UIG is committed to working with our customers to determine what works best for them.
Win-Win Contracts
UIG creates win-win contracts that ensure fair, transparent agreements, fostering long-term partnerships and mutual success for both our clients and our company.
A True Partner
We’re committed to being a true partner, offering personalized solutions, transparent communication, and unwavering support to ensure your success.
The UIG On-Site Gas Production Process
Air Intake & Compression
Air is taken in and compressed to high pressures, preparing it for separation.
Cooling & Liquefaction
The compressed air is cooled and liquefied, allowing for the separation of gases.
Separation
In the distillation columns, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon are separated based on their boiling points.
Gas Storage & Distribution
The separated gases are stored as liquids or gases and distributed through pipelines or transported as needed.
This efficient process ensures a steady and reliable supply of industrial gases tailored to your specific needs.
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- +1,000 Years of Industrial Gas Experience
- +99% Reliability on UIG Operated ASU's
- +1,000,000 Hours of safe construction with zero recordable or lost time incidents