BRANDENBURG AIR SEPARATION UNIT WITH LIQUEFIER

Project Overview

The Brandenburg, KY ASU is a state-of-the-art UIG model A500/L500 plant, commissioned in 2023. This advanced facility has the capacity to produce 500 tons per day of gaseous nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, while also liquefying an additional 500 tons per day. Strategically connected via pipeline to Nucor Steel’s new plate mill, situated in the heart of the USA’s most significant plate-consuming region, the ASU plays a critical role in supporting industrial operations. The liquid produced by the plant is used to back up the gas supply, ensuring reliability, with any excess liquid being efficiently marketed and sold. This project underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions and ensuring seamless integration with our clients’ operations.

At A Glance

  • Plant Model: UIG model A500/L500
  • Production Capacity:
    • 500 tons/day of gaseous nitrogen, oxygen, and argon
    • 500 tons/day of liquefied gases
  • Commissioned: 2023
  • Pipeline Connection: Directly linked to Nucor Steel’s state-of-the-art plate mill
  • Location: Heart of the USA’s most significant plate-consuming region
  • Liquid Production:
    • Backs up gas supply
    • Excess sold into the market

The Client’s Challenge

The Brandenburg plate mill was a $1.7 billion capital investment for Nucor. While the ASU is a small fraction of this total, UIG understands that every cost counts. As Nucor’s wholly owned gas experts, UIG was tasked with sizing the ASU to meet Nucor’s short- and long-term gas consumption needs, ensuring reliable backup supply and maximizing investment value.

The UIG Solution

By incorporating a liquefier into the Brandenburg ASU facility, we created a revenue stream through the sale of liquid products to the market. This added value allows us to reduce the monthly gas supply fees for the onsite customer, similar to how homeowners with solar panels can sell excess energy back to the utility provider.