5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Cryogenic Air Separation Plant?

14 Jul.,2025

 

Air Separation Unit (ASU): working principle and applications

The Air Separation Unit remains a key piece of equipment across a wide range of applications and industries. 

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As the growing demand for industrial gasses continues to increase, the ASU provides a reliable and efficient method for producing these gasses at the required purity levels. At the same time, the air separation process offers a cost-effective means of producing high-purity gasses compared to other methods, generating them in large quantities, leading to economies of scale and reduced per-unit production costs over time.

But what exactly is an Air Separation Unit, how does it work and what are its key applications? Here’s a guide to the ASU, written from our experience in cryogenic engineering and design and manufacture of these structures.

What is an Air Separation Unit?

An Air Separation Unit (ASU) is an industrial facility used to separate atmospheric air into its primary components (namely nitrogen, oxygen, and, in some cases, argon and other rare gasses). These units are typically composed of elements such as air compressors, an air purification system, heat exchangers, cryogenic cooling systems and distillation columns, among others.

Keep reading: Applied cryogenic technologies in the industry

How does an Air Separation Unit work?

While there are various methods that can be performed by an Air Separation Unit, fractional distillation is the primary separation technique employed.

The main working principle behind an ASU is the separation of air via its liquefying and distilling processes. A simplified overview of how an ASU typically operates looks like this:

  • Compression: in this stage, atmospheric air is drawn into the ASU and passed through a series of compressors to increase its pressure. The purpose is to make the subsequent cooling and separation processes more efficient, with typical pressure ranges going between 5 and 10 bar gauge. 
  • Purification: before further processing, the compressed air is typically purified to remove impurities (including moisture, carbon dioxide, or trace contaminants). This step ensures that the separated gasses are of high purity and avoids issues such as the freezing or plugging of the cryogenic equipment.
  • Cooling: the now purified, compressed air is cooled down to cryogenic temperatures using a series of heat exchangers and refrigeration cycles. This results in liquefying the air, as cryogenic distillation relies on the differences in boiling points of the various components.
  • Separation: the now cold, liquefied air is fed into a distillation column (or a series of distillation columns), so that the air is separated into its primary components based on differences in boiling points:
    • Nitrogen has a lower boiling point (-196°C or -321°F) than oxygen (-183°C or -297°F).
    • Argon, if being separated, has an even lower boiling point (-186°C or -303°F).

As the air ascends the column, it is gradually warmed, and different components evaporate at their respective boiling points. For instance, oxygen-rich vapor rises to the top of the column, while nitrogen-rich liquid collects at the bottom. The argon, if present, is usually extracted as a side product at an intermediate point in the column.

  • Collection, storage and delivery: the separated gasses are collected and sent to storage tanks, either pressurized tanks or cryogenic tanks. From there, the gasses can then be distributed and supplied to various industries and applications, depending on their purity requirements.

Across these operations, it’s key for the Air Separation Unit to operate presenting a very tight integration of heat exchangers and separation columns, ensuring its efficiency.

Applications of an ASU

  • Healthcare: the use of oxygen and other technical gasses in the healthcare industry can benefit from an ASU
  • Industrial processes: the Air Separation Unit is part of the applied cryogenic technologies in the industry for processes such as metal fabrication, chemical production, and wastewater treatment. It’s also involved in generating high-purity gasses for the semiconductor industry for processes like wafer manufacturing and device fabrication.
  • Food and beverage: nitrogen is used as part of what are known as the ‘food gasses’, used in the food and beverage industry for packaging and preserving products.
  • Energy production: an ASU can provide high-purity oxygen for use in combustion processes in power plants and steel mills.

You must be interested: Cryogenic industrial solutions that every cryogenic company should offer

Cryospain, experts in ASU projects

With our two-decade knowledge and experience in cryogenic engineering, at Cryospain we are one of the leading suppliers of state-of-the-art air separation plants. Our strength lies in our capacity to adjust to each project’s needs, considering its full lifecycle, potential and limitations. 

Through a combination of innovative technologies andend-to-end engineering services, we’ve designed, manufactured and implemented a series of successful ASU projects, all while complying with the relevant standards. 

As such, our involvement goes from procuring the materials, to assembling the equipment, electrics and piping, as well as taking care of crucial processes such as factory acceptance testing (FAT) for the containerized ASU’s components. It’s precisely our capacity to dedicate to planning, drawings, calculations and 3D modeling that makes us our strength, so that we can provide a tailored, end-to-end service.

Finally, we present an outstanding production capacity, with two large-scale workshops and two industrial hubs which sum up a combined m2 dedicated to realizing our clients’ projects while guaranteeing the highest quality standards. 

Our success stories include: 

  • The provision of components for a containerized ASU project, a kind of prefabricated or modular ASU that facilitates transport, assembly, commissioning and installation. The result was a containerized ASU plant that presents cutting-edge rapid cooling and refrigeration technology, guaranteeing its cost-effectiveness. 
  • An integral cryogenic pipe-in-pipe system for a new Air Separation Unit in Ostrava (Czech Republic) for a major steel production company.
  • Two cryogenic piping projects in Poland and Russia, involving vacuum-insulated piping (VIP) for an Air separation unit (ASU) as part of a modern steel mill. The projects prioritized reducing its environmental impact in the area, so that it produces up to three times fewer emissions than a traditional mill.

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market: Analyzing Key Trends ...

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Size And Forecast

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Overview

The cryogenic air separation plant market has witnessed significant advancements driven by increasing demand for high-purity industrial gases across various sectors. Recent market studies indicate a robust growth trajectory fueled by rising industrialization, expansion of chemical processing industries, and an uptick in healthcare applications requiring oxygen and nitrogen gases. Enhanced process efficiencies, technological innovations, and expanding end-user industries have further contributed to market expansion. With environmental concerns becoming a priority, many industries are adopting cryogenic air separation technologies due to their ability to provide high-purity gases with lower energy consumption compared to alternative methods.

Moreover, the market dynamics are being shaped by investments in large-scale infrastructure projects and the growing need for reliable and continuous supply of industrial gases. Emerging economies, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are expected to drive demand due to rapid urbanization and growth in manufacturing sectors. Innovations in plant automation, modular plant designs, and integration with renewable energy sources are also shaping the competitive landscape. Overall, the market is poised for steady growth, supported by strategic collaborations, technological advancements, and evolving regulatory frameworks targeting cleaner and efficient production processes.

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Drivers

The increasing industrial demand for gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon is a primary driver for the cryogenic air separation plant market. These gases are critical in multiple industrial processes, including steel manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and food preservation. The growing healthcare sector also fuels demand, especially for medical-grade oxygen, which has seen heightened need due to recent global health challenges. Additionally, the rise in energy production activities, particularly in natural gas liquefaction and power generation, propels the adoption of cryogenic separation plants that provide consistent and large-scale gas supply with high purity.

Technological improvements and cost-effectiveness of cryogenic air separation technologies further drive market expansion. Modern plants boast higher operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs, making them attractive for industries aiming to optimize production costs. Environmental regulations focusing on reducing carbon footprints are encouraging industries to switch to cleaner and more sustainable gas production methods. These factors collectively stimulate investments in new plant installations and upgrades, boosting market growth globally.

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Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Trends

One of the prevailing trends in the cryogenic air separation plant market is the integration of automation and digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and safety. Advanced process control systems, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance have become standard practices, enabling plants to minimize downtime and optimize gas output. Additionally, modular and scalable plant designs are gaining traction as they offer flexibility and quicker installation timelines, making them suitable for diverse industrial requirements and remote locations.

Another notable trend is the growing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Companies are increasingly adopting energy recovery systems and innovative cooling techniques to reduce overall power consumption of cryogenic plants. Furthermore, the adoption of green technologies and renewable energy integration within the air separation process is attracting considerable interest, aligning the market with global environmental goals. These trends are expected to redefine plant operations and shape future developments within the sector.

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Challenges Analysis

Despite promising growth, the cryogenic air separation plant market faces significant challenges, primarily related to high capital expenditure and complex operational requirements. The initial investment for setting up cryogenic plants is substantial, which can deter small and medium-sized enterprises from adopting this technology. Furthermore, the need for skilled operators and the complexity of maintaining cryogenic temperatures add to operational challenges, requiring continuous monitoring and specialized maintenance protocols.

Additionally, fluctuating raw material prices and energy costs impact the overall economics of plant operations, potentially affecting profitability. Regulatory compliance concerning environmental and safety standards also poses hurdles, especially in emerging markets where enforcement mechanisms may be stringent. These challenges necessitate innovation in cost-reduction and process simplification strategies to sustain long-term growth in the cryogenic air separation plant market.

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Segmentation Analysis

The market segmentation by application reveals a dominant demand from industrial gases, medical gases, food and beverage, chemical processing, and other niche sectors. Industrial gases hold the largest share due to their extensive use in manufacturing and metal production. Medical gases are witnessing accelerated growth, driven by the healthcare industry's expanding needs. Food and beverage applications, primarily for packaging and preservation, also contribute notably to market revenues.

From a technological perspective, cryogenic distillation remains the most widely used method due to its efficiency in producing high-purity gases at large scales. However, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), membrane separation, and vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) technologies are gaining traction, especially in smaller capacity plants, due to their lower cost and flexibility. Product type segmentation emphasizes oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, with oxygen commanding a substantial market share given its diverse applications. End-use industries span energy and power, chemicals and petrochemicals, healthcare, metals and mining, and others, with energy and chemicals sectors being key consumers. Plant capacity segmentation distinguishes small, medium, and large capacity plants, catering to varying production requirements and market demands.

Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Regional Analysis

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific market is experiencing the fastest growth owing to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and expansion of manufacturing sectors in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. The region's increasing investment in infrastructure and energy projects, along with rising healthcare expenditures, supports growing demand for cryogenic air separation plants. Meanwhile, North America maintains a strong market position due to advanced technological adoption, well-established industries, and stringent environmental regulations driving efficient gas production methods.

Europe is also a significant market, propelled by strict regulatory frameworks, sustainability initiatives, and innovation in green technologies. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America markets are emerging with increasing investments in oil and gas, petrochemicals, and mining sectors. These regions are expected to witness gradual market expansion as industrial activities grow and the demand for high-purity gases rises. Overall, regional dynamics are influenced by economic growth rates, industrial activities, and regulatory environments shaping market opportunities worldwide.

Air Liquide, Linde, Praxair, Air Products, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, Messer Group, Universal Industrial Gases, Enerflex, Technex, SIAD Group, Universal Industrial Plant, Ranch Cryogenics, PCI Gases, Delhi Cryogenic Products, Cryotec

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Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Future Outlook

The future outlook for the cryogenic air separation plant market appears highly promising with continued growth anticipated over the next decade. Innovations in plant design focusing on energy efficiency and reduced operational costs will play a pivotal role in market expansion. Additionally, increasing demand for high-purity gases in emerging applications such as electronics manufacturing, aerospace, and environmental technologies is expected to open new avenues for market growth. Strategic partnerships and investments in research and development will further enhance technological capabilities, allowing manufacturers to cater to evolving industry requirements more effectively.

Moreover, the transition towards sustainable industrial processes will encourage wider adoption of cryogenic air separation technologies. Integration with renewable energy sources and the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions are anticipated to gain momentum, contributing to environmental goals while boosting market demand. Overall, the market is set to benefit from global industrial growth, technological innovation, and increasing environmental awareness, creating a favorable landscape for manufacturers and stakeholders in the cryogenic air separation plant industry.

This Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Research/Analysis Report Contains Answers to your following Questions

  • What are the global trends in the Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market? Would the market witness an increase or decline in the demand in the coming years?
  • What is the estimated demand for different types of products in Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market? What are the upcoming industry applications and trends for the Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market?
  • What Are Projections of Global Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Industry Considering Capacity, Production and Production Value? What Will Be the Estimation of Cost and Profit? What Will Be Market Share, Supply and Consumption? What about imports and Export?
  • Where will the strategic developments take the industry in the mid to long-term?
  • What are the factors contributing to the final price of Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market? What are the raw materials used for Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market manufacturing?
  • How big is the opportunity for the Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market? How will the increasing adoption of Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market for mining impact the growth rate of the overall market?
  • How much is the global Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market worth? What was the value of the market In ?
  • Who are the major players operating in the Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market? Which companies are the front runners?
  • Which are the recent industry trends that can be implemented to generate additional revenue streams?
  • What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Industry?

Detailed TOC of Global Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Research Report, -

1. Introduction of the Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market

  • Overview of the Market
  • Scope of Report
  • Assumptions

2. Executive Summary

3. Research Methodology of Verified Market Reports

  • Data Mining
  • Validation
  • Primary Interviews
  • List of Data Sources

4. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Outlook

  • Overview
  • Market Dynamics
  • Drivers
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
  • Porters Five Force Model
  • Value Chain Analysis

5. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market, By Application

6. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market, By End-User

6. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market, By Formulation

6. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market, By Distribution Channel

6. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market, By Source

7. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market, By Geography

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Rest of the World

8. Cryogenic Air Separation Plant Market Competitive Landscape

  • Overview
  • Company Market Ranking
  • Key Development Strategies

9. Company Profiles

10. Appendix

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