In modern gas production and processing industries, achieving ultra-high purity levels is essential. Within air separation units (ASUs)—systems that generate oxygen, nitrogen, and argon through cryogenic distillation—carbon monoxide (CO) represents one of the most challenging impurities to control. Even trace levels of CO can contaminate high-purity gases, compromise downstream applications, and affect the quality of end products in industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, and medical gas supply.
To address this critical challenge, DEAI CHEM provides a proven and efficient solution: the CO Removal Catalyst, engineered to eliminate carbon monoxide through a controlled catalytic oxidation process, ensuring both system reliability and product purity.
The Role of CO Removal in Air Separation Units
Air separation units rely on the precise cooling and liquefaction of atmospheric air to separate its components by boiling point differences. However, during this process, impurities like CO, CO₂, and hydrocarbons can enter the feed air or form through equipment contamination and incomplete combustion.
If not effectively removed, carbon monoxide poses several risks:
Catalyst poisoning in downstream processes such as hydrogen or ammonia production.
Gas quality degradation, impacting sensitive industrial and medical applications.
Operational hazards, due to the flammable and toxic nature of CO.
Therefore, CO removal is not merely a purification step—it is a safety and quality safeguard fundamental to air separation technology.
Catalyst Design and Reaction Mechanism
The DEAI CHEM CO Removal Catalyst is a manganese dioxide–copper oxide (MnO₂–CuO) granular catalyst, optimized for use under ambient or low-temperature conditions. Its unique composition enables the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide (CO₂) without the need for external heating or complex control systems.
The reaction proceeds as follows:
[2CO + O₂ → 2CO₂]
This exothermic process occurs rapidly within a properly designed purification bed, converting toxic carbon monoxide into a stable and harmless gas, ensuring air purity in critical cryogenic and compressed air systems.
Advantages of DEAI CHEM CO Removal Catalyst
1. High Catalytic Efficiency
Ensures complete conversion of CO even at low concentrations, maintaining the purity required for ultra-clean gas applications.
2. Ambient Temperature Operation
Functions efficiently without additional energy input, reducing system complexity and operational costs.
3. Long Service Life
Engineered for durability in continuous air separation and cryogenic operations, with stable performance over extended service periods.
4. Safe and Environmentally Responsible
Produces no harmful byproducts, aligning with global environmental standards for clean gas production.
5. Proven Compatibility
Suitable for use in various purification system designs, including fixed-bed and mixed-bed configurations in ASUs and cryogenic plants.
Applications Beyond Air Separation
While the CO Removal Catalyst is indispensable in air separation and cryogenic gas purification, its versatility extends to multiple industries, including:
Compressed Breathing Air Systems — used in firefighting, mining, and aerospace applications.
Industrial Gas Production — supporting purity control in nitrogen and argon generation.
Cryogenic Gas Storage and Transfer — preventing contamination during long-term gas handling.
Commitment to Purity and Performance
At DEAI CHEM, we understand that purity and reliability are non-negotiable in critical gas applications. Our CO Removal Catalyst is engineered to meet the stringent requirements of air separation systems, providing an effective, long-lasting, and maintenance-friendly solution.