Air Separation Plant Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Below 20 K CMPH,20-60 K CMPH,Above 60 K CMPH), By Application (Chemical,Industry Gas,Metallurgy Industry,Others), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035

Air Separation Plant Market Overview

The global Air Separation Plant Market size is projected to grow from USD 4795.19 million in 2026 to USD 5010.97 million in 2027, reaching USD 7152.21 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.

The global Air Separation Plant Market Overview shows over 5,636 million USD worth of market activity recorded in 2022, with plant installations supporting supply of oxygen, nitrogen and argon across heavy-industry sectors. In 2023, segmentation by process revealed that 60.2 % of market share came from cryogenic processes while 39.8 % came from non-cryogenic separation, delivering essential atmospheric gas components to steel, chemical and healthcare industries. The Air Separation Plant Market Report emphasizes deployment of over 1,000 large-scale air separation units globally, with over 5,000 units in emerging markets for energy and industrial use.

In the USA market, Air Separation Plant Market Analysis indicates more than 200 large cryogenic air separation plants, supplying 85 % of industrial oxygen to the chemical and metallurgy sectors. Over 40 new units were reported in the latest Air Separation Plant Industry Report, accounting for 15 % of North American capacity, with regional performance measured in tens of thousands of metric tons of gas supply per day.

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Key Findings

• Key Market Driver: Rising demand for oxygen in steelmaking drives 55 % of plant expansions.
• Major Market Restraint: High energy usage limits 30 % of potential new installations.
• Emerging Trends: Demand for modular ASUs accounts for 25 % of new project trends.
• Regional Leadership: Asia-Pacific contributes 40 % of global ASU capacity in operations.
• Competitive Landscape: Top two players Linde and Air Liquide hold 45 % global market share combined.
• Market Segmentation: Cryogenic vs non-cryogenic split is roughly 60 % cryogenic, 40 % non-cryogenic.
• Recent Development: On-site oxygen ASUs provide 20 % of hospital gas supply in emerging economies.

Air Separation Plant Market Latest Trends

In recent Air Separation Plant Market Trends, deployment of modular cryogenic ASUs has surged, with 25 % of new installations built as modular units for rapid deployment. Notably, high-purity oxygen units (above 99.5 % purity) now account for 35 % of new orders, matching demand from electronics and healthcare sectors. Integration of membrane separation complements traditional cryogenic processes in 15 % of new projects, enabling flexible nitrogen separation at lower CAPEX. In addition, 20 % of new air separation plants now feature energy-efficient heat-exchange systems, reducing operational air-handling energy by up to 10 %.

Air Separation Plant Market Forecast documentation highlights that 30 % of investment projects in Asia-Pacific focus on low-power adsorption systems, especially for small-scale chemical and metallurgical industry support. Industrial gas storage integration is present in 18 % of new plant designs to ensure buffer capacity, particularly in regions with intermittent power. Across B2B sectors, 22 % of new air separation plant contracts include remote monitoring features, reflecting increased automation. The Air Separation Plant Market Insights report indicates that 28 % of total installations now serve the healthcare sector, owing to increased onsite oxygen generation infrastructure in hospitals. These trends underscore strong momentum toward efficiency, modularity, and purity-focused Air Separation Plant Market Research.

Air Separation Plant Market Dynamics

DRIVER

"Rising demand for pharmaceuticals."

The pharmaceutical sector's requirement for high-purity oxygen and nitrogen supplies has propelled the deployment of over 150 new air separation plants in the last two years, each capable of delivering between 200 and 500 metric tons per day. This demand accounts for approximately 22 % of total new plant installations globally, based on Air Separation Plant Market Outlook metrics. The pharmaceutical segment now forms a critical component of the Air Separation Plant Market Dynamics, with over 150 new units commissioned specifically for high-purity oxygen and pharmaceutical-grade nitrogen production.

RESTRAINT

"Demand for refurbished equipment."

Refurbished air separation equipment accounts for nearly 12 % of global supply chain competition, limiting new plant orders by this proportion. Market Restraints in the Air Separation Plant Market include a growing preference for refurbished equipment, particularly in emerging economies, where it comprises close to 12 % of total installed ASU capacity. This preference slows demand for brand-new plants by diverting 12 % of potential new orders toward cost-saving refurbishment.

OPPORTUNITY

"Growth in personalized medicines."

Personalized medicine facilities now represent 8 % of total pharma-linked air separation plant demand, opening niche opportunities. In the Air Separation Plant Market Dynamics, personalized medicine development represents a promising opportunity: facilities engaged in bespoke biologics now account for approximately 8 % of pharma-related ASU demand. These installations are smaller units, often under 20 K CMPH, designed to deliver ultra-high-purity gases in batch-production environments.

CHALLENGE

"Rising costs and expenditures."

High-pressure equipment and cooling systems contribute to 25 % of total installation costs, challenging affordability. One of the primary challenges in the Air Separation Plant Market Dynamics is the sharply rising cost structure, where high-pressure compressors, cryogenic cooling systems, and advanced controls account for around 25 % of total plant installation costs. This elevated cost proportion presents a barrier to many mid-scale industries seeking to install new units.

Air Separation Plant Market Segmentation

Segmentation in the Air Separation Plant Market Segmentation is categorized by type and application, enabling precise positioning by capacity and industry. By type focuses on below 20 K CMPH, 20–60 K CMPH, and above 60 K CMPH. By application covers Chemical, Industry Gas, Metallurgy Industry, and Others, each capturing specific demand drivers in the Air Separation Plant Market Share.

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BY TYPE

Below 20 K CMPH: These small-scale units are often designed for on-site hospital or lab use, with average output around 15 K CMPH, representing approximately 18 % of total installations.

The Below 20 K CMPH segment in the global Air Separation Plant market is projected at USD 1,030 million in 2025, representing 22.5% share, expected to reach USD 1,545 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Below 20 K CMPH Segment

• United States: USD 320 million in 2025, 31.1% share, CAGR 4.5%, with over 80 small hospital-based oxygen plants supplying critical healthcare sectors and regional demand for medical gases.
• China: USD 250 million in 2025, 24.2% share, CAGR 4.8%, supported by 100 modular ASUs serving research labs and small-scale industries, covering chemical and electronics segments with expanding capacity.
• Germany: USD 160 million in 2025, 15.5% share, CAGR 4.4%, with 40 compact ASUs catering to healthcare and food-grade oxygen demand across urban centers.
• India: USD 150 million in 2025, 14.5% share, CAGR 4.7%, driven by healthcare initiatives and deployment of over 60 modular oxygen units for rural and mid-sized hospital systems.
• Japan: USD 150 million in 2025, 14.5% share, CAGR 4.6%, led by technology-driven small ASUs for electronics and medical industries, supporting consistent supply to advanced research hubs.

20–60 K CMPH: Mid-range plants serving chemical and food industries; 42 % of global unit count, delivering between 25 and 55 K CMPH, commonly installed in modular form.

The 20–60 K CMPH segment is valued at USD 1,560 million in 2025, representing 34% share, projected to grow to USD 2,350 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the 20–60 K CMPH Segment

• United States: USD 450 million in 2025, 28.8% share, CAGR 4.5%, supplying mid-sized ASUs across petrochemicals and industrial gases with robust adoption in Midwest manufacturing hubs.
• China: USD 400 million in 2025, 25.6% share, CAGR 4.7%, with 120 ASUs catering to fertilizer, chemical, and industrial gas production, expanding rapidly in coastal industrial regions.
• Germany: USD 250 million in 2025, 16% share, CAGR 4.6%, dominated by steel, automotive, and chemical sectors with around 50 plants delivering consistent output.
• India: USD 240 million in 2025, 15.4% share, CAGR 4.8%, driven by rising industrial output and about 70 new ASUs serving fertilizer and chemical processing industries.
• Brazil: USD 220 million in 2025, 14.2% share, CAGR 4.5%, propelled by oil refining and energy industries, supported by government investment in infrastructure-driven ASU installations.

Above 60 K CMPH: Large cryogenic units supplying steel, petrochemical and energy sectors; account for 40 % of capacity and deliver up to 100 K CMPH, with most built in heavy-industry zones.

The Above 60 K CMPH segment is valued at USD 2,000 million in 2025, holding 43.5% share, projected to reach USD 2,950 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.4%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Above 60 K CMPH Segment

• China: USD 700 million in 2025, 35% share, CAGR 4.5%, with over 150 mega ASUs supporting steel, chemical, and power generation sectors across large-scale industrial bases.
• United States: USD 600 million in 2025, 30% share, CAGR 4.4%, with over 100 ASUs above 60 K CMPH supplying oxygen for steelmaking and Gulf Coast petrochemical hubs.
• India: USD 300 million in 2025, 15% share, CAGR 4.5%, supported by 50 large-scale ASUs serving metallurgy and energy, driven by infrastructure investments.
• Russia: USD 220 million in 2025, 11% share, CAGR 4.3%, with steel and mining industries relying heavily on high-capacity cryogenic ASUs.
• Germany: USD 180 million in 2025, 9% share, CAGR 4.4%, primarily used in integrated steel complexes and energy-intensive industrial facilities.

BY APPLICATION

Chemical: Air Separation Plant Market Application in chemical manufacturing accounts for 30 % of installations, with unit capacities ranging from 20–80 K CMPH for oxidative or inert gas demands.

The Chemical application segment is valued at USD 1,600 million in 2025, accounting for 34.9% share, expected to reach USD 2,380 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Chemical Application

• United States: USD 450 million in 2025, 28.1% share, CAGR 4.5%, led by fertilizer and chemical intermediates sectors with 90 operating ASUs supporting industrial chemical supply.
• China: USD 420 million in 2025, 26.2% share, CAGR 4.7%, driven by 120 ASUs integrated into petrochemical and fertilizer industries.
• Germany: USD 280 million in 2025, 17.5% share, CAGR 4.6%, focused on BASF-driven installations and integrated chemical clusters.
• India: USD 260 million in 2025, 16.2% share, CAGR 4.7%, primarily supplying nitrogen and oxygen for fertilizer and industrial chemical use.
• Brazil: USD 190 million in 2025, 11.8% share, CAGR 4.5%, expanding with investments in petrochemicals and chemical fertilizer ASUs.

Industry Gas: Industrial gas providers deploy plants for LNG support, onboard gas refueling, and glass processing, covering 25 % of installations, often in 20–60 K CMPH size.

The Industry Gas application is valued at USD 1,050 million in 2025, representing 22.9% share, projected to grow to USD 1,540 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.4%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Industry Gas Application

• China: USD 320 million in 2025, 30.4% share, CAGR 4.5%, driven by industrial gas majors with large contracts for LNG terminals.
• United States: USD 300 million in 2025, 28.5% share, CAGR 4.4%, supporting industrial gases for energy, healthcare, and aerospace.
• Germany: USD 170 million in 2025, 16.1% share, CAGR 4.5%, catering to automotive and advanced manufacturing.
• India: USD 150 million in 2025, 14.2% share, CAGR 4.6%, growing with rising demand for nitrogen and oxygen in industrial gas supply chains.
• Japan: USD 110 million in 2025, 10.4% share, CAGR 4.4%, led by demand from electronics and semiconductor fabrication units.

Metallurgy Industry: Steel, iron and metal fabrication uses represent 28 % of ASU deployment, largely via above-60 K CMPH cryogenic plants delivering bulk oxygen.

The Metallurgy Industry application is valued at USD 1,200 million in 2025, representing 26.1% share, projected to grow to USD 1,760 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.5%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Metallurgy Industry Application

• China: USD 500 million in 2025, 41.7% share, CAGR 4.5%, dominated by steel and iron production plants.
• United States: USD 300 million in 2025, 25% share, CAGR 4.4%, steelmaking sector remains the largest oxygen consumer.
• India: USD 200 million in 2025, 16.7% share, CAGR 4.6%, driven by expansion in steel and aluminum industries.
• Russia: USD 120 million in 2025, 10% share, CAGR 4.3%, heavy reliance on ASUs for metallurgy and mining sectors.
• Germany: USD 80 million in 2025, 6.6% share, CAGR 4.5%, integrated metallurgy clusters consuming high oxygen output.

Others: Includes food & beverage, healthcare, electronics; this category accounts for 17 % of installations, often using below-20 K CMPH or modular setups.

The Others application is valued at USD 740 million in 2025, representing 16.1% share, expected to grow to USD 1,160 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Top 5 Major Dominant Countries in the Others Application

• United States: USD 240 million in 2025, 32.4% share, CAGR 4.5%, supported by healthcare and food industries.
• China: USD 220 million in 2025, 29.7% share, CAGR 4.6%, deploying modular oxygen generators for hospitals and food processing.
• India: USD 100 million in 2025, 13.5% share, CAGR 4.7%, demand from rural hospitals and cold-chain industries.
• Japan: USD 90 million in 2025, 12.2% share, CAGR 4.4%, used in advanced electronics, food packaging, and medical systems.
• Brazil: USD 90 million in 2025, 12.2% share, CAGR 4.5%, serving beverage and healthcare oxygen needs.

Air Separation Plant Market Regional Outlook

The Air Separation Plant Market Regional Outlook shows varied performance: North America leads with over 36 % share of total capacity, Asia-Pacific emerges rapidly with around 40 % capacity deployment, Europe holds 18 %, and Middle East & Africa account for 6 % of the global installed ASU base.

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North America

North America dominates the regional standings, supplying over 36 % of global Air Separation Plant Market capacity as of the latest data. The USA alone houses more than 250 large ASUs, including over 70 units above 60 K CMPH dedicated to steel and petrochemical complexes. Industrial gas demand in the chemical sector represents around 30 % of US ASU usage, with 20 % used in healthcare and food. The Air Separation Plant Market Research indicates that the US Midwest holds 40 % of domestic installed capacity, while Gulf Coast facilities account for 35 % due to concentration of oil & gas operations.

The North America Air Separation Plant Market is estimated at USD 1,450 million in 2025, accounting for 31.6% share, projected to grow to USD 2,150 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.5%.

North America - Major Dominant Countries in the “Air Separation Plant Market”

• United States: USD 1,000 million in 2025, 69% share, CAGR 4.5%, dominated by steel and healthcare industries.
• Canada: USD 220 million in 2025, 15.2% share, CAGR 4.4%, driven by oil sands and metallurgy.
• Mexico: USD 120 million in 2025, 8.3% share, CAGR 4.6%, rising petrochemical projects.
• Brazil (region inclusion): USD 80 million in 2025, 5.5% share, CAGR 4.4%, healthcare and beverage demand.
• Rest of NAFTA: USD 30 million in 2025, 2% share, CAGR 4.5%, modular ASUs for smaller industries.

Europe

Europe accounts for approximately 18 % of global Air Separation Plant Market capacity. Germany leads with around 5 % of global installations, comprising 40 mid- to large-scale ASUs (20–80 K CMPH) serving automotive, chemical, and steel plants. France contributes 3 %, where 25 air separation units are deployed for high-purity medical and industrial applications. The UK holds 2 %, with 15 units focused on chemical and LNG support functions.

The Europe Air Separation Plant Market is valued at USD 920 million in 2025, holding 20% share, forecast to reach USD 1,360 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.4%.

Europe - Major Dominant Countries in the “Air Separation Plant Market”

• Germany: USD 300 million in 2025, 32.6% share, CAGR 4.4%, driven by automotive and steel.
• France: USD 200 million in 2025, 21.7% share, CAGR 4.5%, with healthcare oxygen plants.
• UK: USD 160 million in 2025, 17.4% share, CAGR 4.4%, supported by petrochemicals.
• Italy: USD 140 million in 2025, 15.2% share, CAGR 4.5%, metallurgy and energy demand.
• Spain: USD 120 million in 2025, 13% share, CAGR 4.4%, food and beverage gas supply.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific commands approximately 40 % of global Air Separation Plant Market capacity, driven by industrialization in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia. China alone accounts for 18 % of global ASU capacity, with over 300 large units, particularly above 60 K CMPH, serving steel and chemical industries. India contributes roughly 10 %, featuring 120 units, including 50 new modular plants commissioned for healthcare and small-scale gas delivery. Japan covers 5 % of market share, deploying 30 specialized cryogenic units for electronics and healthcare.

The Asia Air Separation Plant Market is projected at USD 1,850 million in 2025, representing 40.3% share, expected to reach USD 2,760 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.6%.

Asia - Major Dominant Countries in the “Air Separation Plant Market”

• China: USD 950 million in 2025, 51.3% share, CAGR 4.6%, largest global base of ASUs.
• India: USD 400 million in 2025, 21.6% share, CAGR 4.7%, rapid expansion in healthcare and metallurgy.
• Japan: USD 220 million in 2025, 11.9% share, CAGR 4.5%, advanced ASU technology.
• South Korea: USD 150 million in 2025, 8.1% share, CAGR 4.6%, driven by electronics and chemical sectors.
• Indonesia: USD 130 million in 2025, 7% share, CAGR 4.5%, rising petrochemical demand.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa hold roughly 6 % of global Air Separation Plant Market capacity. Saudi Arabia accounts for 2 %, deploying 25 large cryogenic ASUs serving petroleum refining and petrochemical complexes in Eastern Province, with average capacities of 60–90 K CMPH. United Arab Emirates contributes 1 %, with 15 mid-scale units for oil & gas and healthcare clusters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Egypt covers 1 %, deploying 10 small to mid-scale plants for steel and fertilizer industries. South Africa accounts for 1 %, featuring 12 units supporting mining and metals sectors.

The Middle East and Africa Air Separation Plant Market is valued at USD 370 million in 2025, accounting for 8.1% share, projected to reach USD 570 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 4.4%.

Middle East and Africa - Major Dominant Countries in the “Air Separation Plant Market”

• Saudi Arabia: USD 120 million in 2025, 32.4% share, CAGR 4.4%, strong petrochemical demand.
• UAE: USD 80 million in 2025, 21.6% share, CAGR 4.5%, refinery and LNG growth.
• South Africa: USD 70 million in 2025, 18.9% share, CAGR 4.3%, mining and metallurgy reliance.
• Egypt: USD 60 million in 2025, 16.2% share, CAGR 4.5%, fertilizer sector expansion.
• Nigeria: USD 40 million in 2025, 10.8% share, CAGR 4.4%, healthcare and industrial gases demand.

List of Top Air Separation Plant Companies

• Linde
• Air Liquide
• Praxair
• Air Products
• Taiyo Nippon Sanso
• Hangyang
• Sichuan Air Separation
• HNEC
• Messer
• JSC Cryogenmash
• AMCS
• Gas Engineering LLC

Top two companies with highest market share

• Linde and Air Liquide jointly control approximately 45 % of global Air Separation Plant Market share, with Linde accounting for an estimated 25 % and Air Liquide around 20 % of installed capacity.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in the Air Separation Plant Market reveal robust industrial interest, with over 120 new ASU projects financed globally in the past year. Asia-Pacific attracted 40 % of capital allocation, with 50 new units totaling combined capacity of 1,500 K CMPH under construction. North American investment targeted retrofits and expansions of over 80 ASUs, focusing on energy recovery systems in 30 units. Europe’s clean-technology fund supported 25 modular cryogenic installations, each under 30 K CMPH, totaling 600 K CMPH in capacity. Middle East & Africa investments totaled 15 new plant initiations, all serving petrochemical or healthcare applications.

Opportunities for investors include financing the 8 % of personalized medicine-focused modular installations and supporting 10 small-scale adsorption ASUs in rural energy zones. Green funding has underwritten 12 energy-efficiency upgrade projects, each saving 5 MW thermal energy. Lease-based financing models now support 18 % of new modular unit deployments, reducing upfront costs for B2B clients. Increased demand in emerging industrial regions suggests opportunity for 20 brownfield expansions and 15 new greenfield ASUs. Investment in remote monitoring technology is another area, present in 22 % of new builds, and offers ROI through operational efficiency. Overall, the Market Forecast positions ASU installations as strong candidates for industrial and infrastructure investment, due to quantifiable capacity growth, structured demand segments, and modular innovation pathways.

New Product Development

New Product Development in the Air Separation Plant Market focuses on several innovation vectors. First, modular cryogenic ASUs under 20 K CMPH constitute 25 % of new product launches, designed for rapid deployment within industrial parks and medical campuses. Second, membrane-assisted nitrogen generators now comprise 15 % of new offerings, providing non-cryogenic separation with scalable output between 10–50 K CMPH. Third, energy-efficient heat exchanger-integrated cryogenic units make up 20 % of new product lines, with reported thermal recovery of 5 MW per unit. Fourth, hybrid systems combining cryogenic distillation and PSA technology account for 10 % of new designs, enabling flexible gas switching between oxygen and nitrogen in under 30 seconds. Fifth, remote-monitored ASUs now represent 22 % of new products, featuring IoT sensors, predictive maintenance analytics, and remote control interfaces. Lastly, hospital-specific oxygen generators (< 20 K CMPH) form 8 % of product innovations, offering redundancy and pipeline integration for healthcare facilities. These figures indicate a strong trend in the Air Separation Plant Market Operations toward compact, flexible, efficient, and digitally driven solutions.

Five Recent Developments

• Air Liquide commissioned a 350 t/day oxygen ASU in Uttar Pradesh in mid-2023, catering to industrial gas demand in India.
• Linde completed merger with Praxair in 2022, increasing combined installed ASU count by 15 % globally.
• Air Products partnered with ThyssenKrupp in late 2021 on advanced cryogenic ASU designs, improving energy recovery by 10 %.
• Baker Hughes introduced modular "BLOCS" on-site ASUs in 2020, with capacity scaling to 50 K CMPH per unit.
• Sasol divested 16 cryogenic air separation trains (totaling 42,000 t/day oxygen capacity) to Air Liquide in 2020.

Report Coverage of Air Separation Plant Market

The Report Coverage of Air Separation Plant Market outlines comprehensive scope across multiple dimensions. It covers global ASU deployments spanning over 5,600 million USD worth of market activity, segmented by technology (cryogenic vs non-cryogenic), gas output (oxygen, nitrogen, argon), and B2B applications (chemical, healthcare, metallurgy, industry gas). Regional analysis spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, encompassing 1,200 documented ASU installations, with detailed capacity breakdowns (e.g., over 250 large units in USA, 300 in China). The coverage also includes segmentation by capacity: below 20 K, 20–60 K, above 60 K CMPH with data on 150, 500, and 400 units respectively. It addresses competitive landscape, profiling top 12 companies, and noting that Linde and Air Liquide together control 45 % of capacity.

Market Dynamics includes detailed analysis of drivers (pharmaceutical demand, 22 % of new builds), restraints (12 % refurbished equipment share), opportunities (8 % personalized medicine demand), and challenges (25 % of costs due to high-pressure systems). The report details product trends: modular units (25 %), membrane systems (15 %), hybrid units (10 %), and remote-monitored ASUs (22 %). Investment analysis includes 120 new ASU projects, regional distribution of investment, and financing models. It features five recent developments and historical vs emerging unit counts, ensuring a full B2B Air Separation Plant Market Research Report coverage.

Air Separation Plant Market Report Coverage

REPORT COVERAGE	DETAILS
Market Size Value In	USD 4795.19 Million in 2026
Market Size Value By	USD 7152.21 Million by 2035
Growth Rate	CAGR of 4.5% from 2026-2035
Forecast Period	2026 - 2035
Base Year	2025
Historical Data Available	Yes
Regional Scope	Global
Segments Covered	By Type : Below 20 K CMPH 20-60 K CMPH Above 60 K CMPH By Application : Chemical Industry Gas Metallurgy Industry Others
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