Guidance

Permitting of air separation units

If you comply with the requirements in this regulatory position statement (RPS) you can operate air separation units without an environmental permit.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 27 March 2014

This publication was withdrawn on 23 November 2023

An explanation on how you can operate air separation units without an environmental permit is given in note 4.2.2 in Regulatory Guidance Note No. 2: Understanding the meaning of regulated facility, Appendix 1 – Interpretation of Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

Applies to England

Documents

[Withdrawn] Permitting of air separation units (ASUs): RPS 032

Ref: LIT 9932

PDF, 192 KB, 2 pages

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Details

Many installations covered by the Integrated Prevention and Pollution Control (IPPC) Directive need to use process gases – typically nitrogen for inerting/dilution, but also other inert gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Where demand for these gases cannot be met by bottled supplies, it may be provided by dedicated air separation units (ASUs) using pressure swing absorption, cryogenic or membrane separation units.

ASUs can be found on a variety of installations including food & drink, chemical and metal works.

You will not need to apply for an environmental permit for ASUs that are directly associated to an IPPC-listed activity if you meet the requirements set out in this guidance.

Published 27 March 2014