AIGA Manuals

Safe Operation of Reboilers/Condensers in Air Separation Units

This document, published by the Asia Industrial Gases Association (AIGA), provides design and operating recommendations for the safe use of reboilers and condensers in air‑separation units (ASUs). It covers definitions, scope, potential hazards, and recommended practices to prevent incidents such as explosions, leaks, and contaminant buildup.

The guide includes detailed tables of maximum allowable contaminant concentrations for both thermosyphon and downflow reboilers, design considerations for plant surroundings, and procedures for cleaning, deriming and handling of foreign material. Appendices list typical air‑quality design bases and specific contaminant limits.

Covers: Introduction · Scope and Purpose · Definitions · Reboiler Incidents · Air Contaminants · Design Consideration