Objective The technical and economic applicability of four molecular sieve regeneration systems, methods which are direct electric heater, coil cast-in aluminum electric heater, gas-fired heat conduction oil furnace, and electric heat conduction oil furnace, were determined to provide technical reference for selecting the optimal regenerative heating systems.

Methods The equipment structure, common faults and technical concerns of the four regeneration heating systems were introduced, and the technical comparative analysis was carried out from the aspects of applicable conditions, safety performance, equipment investment, advantages and disadvantages, etc.

Results It is recommended that the heat load of the direct electric heater should be within 300 kW, and it should be equipped with perfect multi-dimensional multi-point control and protection measures; Coil cast-in aluminum electric heater was recommended to be used in high pressure, corrosive, toxic media and other special working conditions with heat load within 200 kW; The electric heat conduction oil furnace is easy to realize miniaturization, standardization and modularization, and the recommended heat load is 150-400 kW. Gas-fired heat conduction oil furnace was recommended to used under the conditions of large heat load, multi-point heat and double temperature position heat.

Conclusions The suitable regenerative heating method should be selected after technical and economic comparison under the design condition of molecular sieve dehydration device.