Myth Vs Reality- Repair and Maintenance of PSA Oxygen Plants

1: Only the Air Compressor Requires Maintenance in a PSA Oxygen Plant

Myth

Reality: While the air compressor is a crucial component that consumes the most power and requires periodic maintenance (such as replacing consumables), other parts also need attention. Proper maintenance includes:

• Replacing airline filters, muffler elements, and oxygen sensors to ensure smooth operation.
• Timely cleaning of the air dryer and air compressor to prevent breakdowns.
• Protecting the molecular sieves from contamination by oil or moisture, as they are the most expensive and essential part of the plant.

2: The Maintenance Cost of a PSA Oxygen Plant Is Very High

Myth

Reality: The maintenance cost is primarily associated with consumables such as:

• Air compressor spares: Suction filters, oil separator elements, and oil.
• PSA oxygen module consumables: Oxygen sensors, airline filter elements, and muffler elements.
• Periodic cleaning and breakdown maintenance.

With the widespread adoption of PSA oxygen plants post-COVID, Comprehensive Maintenance Contracts (CMC) are now available. These contracts cover all consumables, breakdown parts, and service visits, functioning like an extended warranty.

• For smaller models (up to ₹30 lakh), CMC costs around 8-10% of the plant’s price per year.
• For larger models (above ₹50 lakh), CMC costs approximately 7-8% per year.

3: Molecular Sieves Need to Be Topped Up Every Year

Myth

Reality: If the PSA bed (molecular sieve bed) is packed correctly and the plant is designed to maintain gas velocity within safe limits, molecular sieves do not degrade or require frequent topping up.
The misconception arises from poorly designed plants where the sieve bed is not packed properly, causing sieves to break down over time. A high-quality PSA plant from a reliable manufacturer eliminates the need for topping up, reducing long-term costs.
👉 Learn more in our blog on Molecular Sieves (1)

4: CMC is better than AMC for PSA Oxygen Plants

Reality: This statement is correct. CMCs are always a better solution as compared to AMCs considering the economics and availability. To understand this better, let us try to understand what AMCs and CMCs entail.
Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC): This is a contract between the service provider or OEM and the machine owner for a limited number of free service visits. It does not cover any consumables or breakdown spares. The cost is usually lower than CMCs.

Comprehensive Maintenance Contracts (CMC): This a contract between the service provider or OEM and the machine owner for unlimited number of free service visits with replacement of consumables and breakdown spares. It is more like an extended warranty and peace of mind for the customer as everything is covered from breakdown to periodic maintenance. The cost is usually higher compared to AMC but it is fixed for a period of time.

4: Zeolite Molecular Sieves Are Covered Under CMC

Reality: If the PSA oxygen plant is properly maintained, molecular sieves have a very low chance of contamination or damage.

• Absstem offers a 10-year warranty on zeolite molecular sieves and covers them under CMC for PSA plants manufactured by Absstem.
• For PSA plants from other manufacturers, a service inspection is conducted first. Once the plant is fully operational, a CMC contract can be executed for continued maintenance.

Contact Us

For tailored solutions and expert advice on maintaining PSA Oxygen or Nitrogen Generators, contact us:

• Email: info@absstem.com
• Phone: 1800 3010 3394
• Website: www.absstem.com

Reference

Absstem Technologies. (2024). Understanding Molecular Sieves or Adsorbents: CMS & ZMS