Eliminate processing, refilling and delivery issues with on-site Pressure Swing Adsorption Generator Systems

The use of Pressure Swing Adsorption technology has become increasingly popular for on-site oxygen or nitrogen production in many industries and the mining industry is not lagging behind. More and more mining and mineral processing applications now require the use of this technology.

OXYMAT has a wide range of nitrogen-generating systems for coal mines

By Patience Gumbo-Chimbetete

On-site Pressure Swing Adsorption

(PSA) generator systems find various applications in the mining industry, offering several advantages for specific processes. PSA is a process that separates gases based on their molecular characteristics to produce pure elements from compressed air. In silver and gold extraction, for example, oxygen is one of the key elements used for ore processing as pressure oxidation and cyanidation. Embracing the PSA technology can therefore alleviate many issues while increasing recovery and ore throughput.

On-site PSA generator systems offer significant advantages for mining projects, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for gas generation and supply. By taking this approach and implementing the system, mining operations can achieve greater autonomy, reliability, and efficiency in gas supply while ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. However, it is essential to conduct a thorough analysis of your specific mine requirements and consult with experts to determine the optimal design and configuration of PSA systems for each application. This is where OXYMAT comes in.

One of the top manufacturers of on-site oxygen and nitrogen generator systems, OXYMAT saw a gap in the mining industry around 2007 with the increased demand for nitrogen for inerting the atmosphere to reduce the risk of explosions in underground coal mines in Europe. Later on, the application was extended to oxygen-generating systems for gold mines after the introduction of extensive gold extraction. Since then, the Denmarkbased oxygen and nitrogen supplier has not looked back. “We have been producing oxygen since 1978 and nitrogen from 2001 for various industries. However, around 2007 we saw an increased demand in the mining sector and realised how our applications would go a long way in alleviating major issues. So, we started with the coal mines and later in gold,” says OXYMAT Sales Manager, Miroslav Simovic.

“Since then, OXYMAT has become a major player in the mining industry with more than 6000 oxygen and nitrogen generators installed worldwide,” Simovic adds.

He explains that the process looks very easy because all that’s needed is ambient air and electricity where adsorption takes place, leading to the production of pure nitrogen or oxygen. “Our units are offered in a well proven plugand-play solution, which means installation and start-up can be carried out in a couple of days, rather than the normal three to four months,” Simovic adds.

He shares that OXYMAT has a wide range of nitrogen-generating systems, specifically for coal mines where nitrogen is primarily used to prevent mine fires and to inert abandoned areas. In gold mines, Simovic says the company provides oxygen units with a power consumption of 0.55 kW/kg, adding that this is the lowest in the industry at the moment.