LUFTDESTILLIERUNG ZUR ERHALTUNG VON SAUERSTOFF HOHER REINHEIT.

Air separation

AIR DISTILLING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF OXYGEN OF HIGH PURITY.

Air separation

AIR SEPARATION PROCESS.

ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON FROM CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION CYCLES

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to an improvement for the production of argon from cryogenic air separation processes. In particular, the improvement provides a better method of thermally linking the top of the crude argon column with the low pressure column. In the improvement, the argon-rich, overhead vapor from the top of the crude argon column is condensed in a boiler/condenser by indirect heat exchange against liquid descending the low pressure column; a portion of the condensed argon-rich, overhead vapor is returned to the top of the crude argon column to provide reflux. The most suitable location for such boiler/condenser is as an intermediate boiler/condenser in the low pressure column, particularly, the section of the low pressure column bounded by the feed point of the crude liquid oxygen from the bottom of the high pressure column and the vapor feed draw line for the crude argon column wherein an adequate temperature difference exists between the descending liquid and the condensing argon.

VAPORIZATION OF LIQUID OXYGEN FOR INCREASED ARGON RECOVERY

The present invention relates to an improvement for the production of argon from cryogenic air separation processes. In particular, the improvement comprises satisfying a portion of the the crude argon column condensing duty with refrigeration provided from the vaporization of a portion of the liquid oxygen from the bottom of the low pressure column.

Cryogenic installation of treatment, in particular of distillation of air.

Cryogenic distillation apparatus for cold box, has storage container provided with vaporizer for vaporizing liquid, transmitting unit sending calorigenic gas to vaporizer, and dump valve drawing out liquid from storage container

Un appareil de distillation cryogénique d'un mélange gazeux (1) comprend un appareil d'épuration (A) pour épurer le mélange gazeux dans un système à plusieurs bouteilles d'adsorbant, un système de colonnes (MP,LP,AR), une capacité (15), des moyens pour envoyer un liquide cryogénique (19,V19,29,V29) à la capacité, des moyens pour envoyer du liquide vaporisé (2,V2) de la capacité à une colonne (MP) du système, un vaporiseur (R2) dans la capacité pour vaporiser le liquide contenu, des moyens pour envoyer un gaz calorigène (4) au vaporiseur et des moyens pour soutirer du liquide (3) de la capacité.

Air separation in an apparatus containing at least two columns which can be operated normally or with air expanded to a low pressure in the turbine before distillation in the low pressure column

Dans un procédé de séparation d'air dans un appareil comprenant au moins deux colonnes, dont une colonne haute pression (K1) et une colonne basse pression (K2), sous une première marche, on envoie au moins une partie (7) de l'air à la colonne haute pression, on surpresse au moins une partie (5) de l'air, dans un surpresseur, l'air surpressé est divisé en au moins deux fractions (6, 9), une première fraction (6) d'air surpressé, échange de la chaleur avec au moins un débit liquide (37) provenant d'une colonne de l'appareil et une deuxième fraction (9) d'air surpressé est détendue dans une turbine (D3) d'une première pression à une deuxième pression et la fraction détendue dans la turbine est envoyé au moins en partie à la colonne haute pression, le débit liquide (37) provenant d'une colonne de l'appareil se vaporise par échange de chaleur avec la première fraction pour former un premier débit gazeux comme produit final. Sous une deuxième marche, la turbine (D3) est alimentée par un débit ...

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Wärmeaustausch

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum indirekten Wärmeaustausch von mehreren Gasströmen (14, 15, 16) mit einem Wärme-/Kälteträger (2, 7) in Wärmetauscherblöcken (23a, b, c, d, e), in denen die Gasströme (14, 15, 16) durch eine Vielzahl von Wärmeaustauschpassagen geleitet werden. Hierbei wird durch mindestens einen Wärmetauscherblock (23a, b, c, d, e) nur einer der Gasströme (14, 15, 16) geleitet. Die Wärmeaustauschpassagen des Wärmetauscherblocks (23a, b, c, d, e), durch den dieser Gasstrom (14, 15, 16) enden an zwei Stirnflächen des Wärmetauscherblocks (23a, b, c, d, e). Der Gasstrom (23a, b, c, d, e) wird diesen Wärmeaustauschpassagen über jeweils einen mit dem Wärmetauscherblock (23a, b, c, d, e) verbundenen Sammler/Verteiler (41) zugeführt und entnommen, welcher sich jeweils über die gesamte Stirnfläche des Wärmetauscherblocks (23a, b, c, d, e) erstreckt.

Air separation process

... 998,751. Cold separation of air. BRITISH OXYGEN CO. Ltd. July 2, 1964 [July 18, 1963; Nov. 14, 1963], Nos. 28470/63 and 45100/63. Heading F4P. Compressed air to be separated into gaseous nitrogen and liquid oxygen in a conventional double column 20, 24, Fig. 1, is washed in a water scrubber 2, precooled and partially dried in an exchanger 4 traversed by reverse flowing separated oxygen and nitrogen a portion of which recooled at 6 and recirculated by a blower 7 through the exchanger 4, partly freed of condensables in a pair of high temperature alternating absorbers 11 (only one of which is shown), further cooled in continuous heat exchangers 12, 13 traversed by reversely flowing nitrogen and oxygen respectively, completely freed of condensibles in a pair of alternating absorbers 14 (only one of which is shown) and the air feed is divided into a minor portion which is liquefied in a liquid oxygen vaporizer 15, and into a major portion which having been cooled in a nitrogen exchanger 16 is ...

Air separation

An improvement is provided in a process of separating air in a conventional double rectification column to produce oxygen and argon. In accordance with the invention, refrigeration is transfered to the oxygen-rich liquid conventionally formed in the higher pressure column from oxygen-poor liquid formed by condensing the oxygen-poor vapor formed in the higher pressure column. In addition, a portion of the oxygen-poor liquid is vaporized and either withdrawn as product or expanded in a turbine to provide refrigeration in the process.

ARGON PRODUCTION BY INSERTED BOILING UP OF LIQUID NITROGEN.

ANNULAR DIVIDED WALL COLUMN FOR AN AIR SEPARATION UNIT HAVING A RING SHAPED SUPPORT GRID

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

SINGLE HEAT PUMP CYCLE FOR INCREASED ARGON RECOVERY

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to an improvement for the production of argon from cryogenic air separation processes. In particular, the improvement comprises using a heat pump cycle to transfer refrigeration from the bottom of the low pressure column to the top of the crude argon column wherein the heat pump cycle employs a heat pump fluid having a nitrogen content equal to or greater than the feed air.

AIR SEPARATION SCHEMES FOR OXYGEN AND NITROGEN COPRODUCTION AS GAS AND/OR LIQUID PRODUCTS

The present invention is an improvement to a cryogenic distillation process for the separation of air into its constituent components. The present invention process uses a distillation column system which comprises at least two distillation columns wherein the top of the higher pressure column is in thermal communication with the lowerpressure column. The distinctive feature and improvement of the present invention comprise: (a) condensing a portion of the compressed, contaminant-free, feed air by appropriate means, such as against vaporization of liquid oxygen or other source of refrigeration; (b) using at least a portion of this liquid air as impure reflux in one of the distillation columns, and (c) removing a waste vapor stream from a location situated no more than four theoretical stages above the location where the liquid air is fed to the column, such that this waste vapor stream has a nitrogen mole fraction of less than 0.95.

ARGON FABRICATING AIR DISTILLATING MACHINE

La colonne de production d'argon impur est surmontée d'un tronçon de colonne auxiliaire refroidi en tête par vaporisation de liquide pauvre soutiré en tête de la colonne moyenne pression et détendu. Application à l'adjonction de moyens de production argon à une double colonne de distillation d'air.

Method and apparatus for seperating air with low temperature

本发明涉及一种低温分离空气的方法和装置，将经压缩、纯化的空气的第一部分冷却，再送入主精馏系统，在该系统中上述空气被分离。至少将第二部分流的一部分与上述液态产品馏分在进行间接热交换的下游用作冷却接在主精馏系统之后的粗氩塔的冷媒。上述第二部分流提供液化粗氩所需的全部或大体为全部冷量。最好将在粗氩塔的顶部冷凝中进行间接热交换而蒸发的至少部分第二部分流不进一步提高压力而送入主精馏系统中。

GAS MIXTURE RECTIFICATION

annular column wall divided for cryogenic air stripping or of its constituents.

System and method for production of crude argon by cryogenic rectification of air

A system and method for producing argon that uses a higher pressure column, a lower pressure column, and an argon column collectively configured to produce nitrogen, oxygen and argon products through the cryogenic separation of air. The present system and method also employs a once through argon condensing assembly that is disposed entirely within the lower pressure column that is configured to condense an argon rich vapor stream from the argon column against the oxygen-enriched liquid from the higher pressure column to produce an argon liquid product. The control system is configured for optimizing the production of argon product by ensuring an even flow split of the oxygen-enriched liquid is distributed to the argon condenser cores and by adjusting the flow rate of the argon removed from the argon condensing assembly to maintain the liquid/vapor balance in the argon condensing assembly within appropriate limits.

Combustion turbine and elevated pressure air separation system with argon recovery

An integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation system is operated with a cryogenic air separation system which produces oxygen used in a gasification system to produce fuel gas for the IGCC combustion turbine and pressurized nitrogen which is introduced into the combustor for control of nitrogen oxides and increased combustion turbine output. The air separation system produces argon as an additional product, and the air separation system preferably operates in the feed pressure range of about 100 to about 160 psia. The compressed air feed for the air separation system and the compressed combustion air for the IGCC system are provided independently in separate compression steps.

Cryogenic air separation system with integrated machine compression

Process for obtaining impure argon

Способ получения аргона

Lufttrennung

ARGONGEWINNUNG DURCH ZWISCHENGESCHALTETES AUFKOCHEN VON FLUESSIGEM STICKSTOFF.

Argon production by low temperature air decomposition has the low-pressure column above the high-pressure column and the condensor below the oxygen-enriched fraction feed height to the low-pressure column

Argon production by low temperature air decomposition is effected in a specified arrangement with the low-pressure column (3) positioned above the high-pressure column (2) and with the crude argon condensor (13) positioned below the height (32) at which the first oxygen-rich fraction (33) is introduced (48) into the low-pressure column (3). Argon production by low temperature air decomposition is effected with the low-pressure column (3) positioned above the high-pressure column (2) and with the crude argon condensor (13) positioned below the height (32) at which the first oxygen-rich fraction (33) is introduced (48) into the low-pressure column (3), the process being of the type in which (A) air (28) is fed into a distillation system having a high-pressure (2) and a low-pressure (3) column; (B) an argon fraction (4) is withdrawn from the low-pressure column (3) and fed into a rectifier which has at least one crude argon column (5, 9); (C) a gas (20) from the crude argon rectifier is condensed ...

Kryogenisches Lufttrennungsverfahren mit integrierter Kompressionsmaschine

AIR SEPARATION PROCESS

... 1352140 Air rectification process BRITISH OXYGEN CO Ltd 23 June 1971 [24 June 1970] 30576/70 Heading F4P In a two-stage air rectification process for the production of gaseous oxygen and nitrogen a major portion of the feed air leaving a rotary compressor 2 at just above the pressure of the lower column 15, e.g. 6. 2. ats. is cooled in a switchable indirect exchanger 4 traversed by counterflowing waste nitrogen, the major portion of the so-cooled air is then slightly throttleexpanded at 6 and fed to column 15 whilst the remainder la is warmed in exchanger 4, a portion Ic added to the throttle expanded feed air and the remainder 1b is expanded in a turbine 8 and fed to the low pressure column 12. The remainder of the feed air leaving compressor 2 is further compressed to about 75 ats., cooled in a heat exchanger 24 in indirect contact with separated product oxygen and nitrogen and after removal of water and carbon dioxide at 26, 28 the high pressure air stream is divided into primary and ...

AIR SEPARATION PATTERN FOR THE KOPRODUKTION OF OXYGEN AND NITROGEN AS GAS AND/OR LIQUID PRODUCT

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH RECOVERY OF NITROGEN AND ARGON FROM A MODERATE PRESSURE CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon and an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater. The air separation is configured to produce a high purity oxygen enriched stream which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption prepurifier unit. Argon recovery is facilitated with the use of an argon superstaged column.

VAPORIZATION OF LIQUID OXYGEN FOR INCREASED ARGON RECOVERY

The present invention relates to an improvement for the production of argon from cryogenic air separation processes. In particular, the improvement comprises satisfying a portion of the the crude argon column condensing duty with refrigeration provided from the vaporization of a portion of the liquid oxygen from the bottom of the low pressure column.

ELEVATED PRESSURE AIR SEPARATION CYCLES WITH LIQUID PRODUCTION

The present invention relates to an improvement to a cryogenic process for the separation of air into its constituent components. In the process, a distillation column system having at least two distillation columns, a high pressure distillation column and a low pressure column is used; these two distillation columns are in thermal communication with each other. The low pressure column of the distillation column system operates at a pressure between 9 to 75 psig and a nitrogen product is produced from the top section thereof. At least 50% of the air to the distillation column system is removed as this nitrogen product, which has a nitrogen concentration of at least 95% and is at a pressure of at least 9 psig. The improvement to the process is a series of steps which allows for the production of liquid products from the cryogenic process in an efficient manner. These steps are primarily the partial warming of the nitrogen product, its subsequent isentropic expansion and use of the inherent ...

CRYOGENIC RECTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH HYBRID PRODUCT BOILER

A cryogenic air separation system wherein liquid oxygen is vaporized against condensing feed air and against condensing nitrogen which is taken from a higher pressure column and returned to the top of the higher pressure column, thus supplying added reflux for the air separation and enabling column system operation with improved flexibility and reduced energy usage.

COMBUSTION TURBINE AND ELEVATED PRESSURE AIR SEPARATION SYSTEM WITH ARGON RECOVERY

An integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power generation system is operated with a cryogenic air separation system which produces oxygen used in a gasification system to produce fuel gas for the IGCC combustion turbine and pressurized nitrogen which is introduced into the combustor for control of nitrogen oxides and increased combustion turbine output. The air separation system produces argon as an additional product, and the air separation system preferably operates in the feed pressure range of about 100 to about 160 psia. The compressed air feed for the air separation system and the compressed combustion air for the IGCC system are provided independently in separate compression steps.

INSTALLATION OF DISTILLATION Of AIR PRODUCING OF ARGON

PROCESS AND APPARATUS OF SEPARATION Of a GAS MIXTURE BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION

Process for Obtaining a Krypton-Xenon Mixture from Air

GAS MIXTURE RECTIFICATION

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH RECOVERY OF NITROGEN AND ARGON FROM A MODERATE PRESSURE CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

Air distillation improvements for high purity oxygen

The inefficiency of the nitrogen stripping section of a high purity oxygen-producing air distillation plant is reduced. This allows increased recovery of byproduct argon and in some cases increased recovery of refrigeration work also. The improvement is obtained by evaporating kettle liquid with condensing argon rectifier vapor in two sequential stages, to yield vapor streams respectively having more and less O2 content than the kettle liquid, and separately feeding them to the N2 removal column. The improvement is applicable to both dual and triple pressure processes. Referring to FIG. 1, kettle liquid is supplied via valve 11 to the top of contactor 18, and overhead reflux condenser 13 of argon rectifier 14 reboils the bottom of contactor 18. Vapor streams of differing O2 composition are withdrawn from above and below 18.

METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING COARSE ARGON TOWER

CONTROL OF NITROGEN CONCENTRATION IN MATERIAL ARGON

PURPOSE: To improve the estimating accuracy of nitrogen concentration in material argon by a method wherein the discharge amount of product oxygen or material air amount is manipulated and the nitrogen concentration is continuously and automatically controlled to attain a preset value. CONSTITUTION: A relation between temperature and nitrogen concentration is previously obtained separately for each pressure value at each of specified steps in an upper part of an oxygen rectifying tower, the nitrogen concentration in material argon is obtained from the measured pressure and temperature and, according to the difference between an estimated value and a target value, the discharged amount of product oxygen and the amount of material air are manipulated, whereby the nitrogen concentration in the material argon is continuously controlled to attain the target value. Concerning the manipulation of the oxygen discharge amount and the material air amount, the manipulating amount is obtained by multiplying ...

Verdampfung von Flüssigsauerstoff zwecks verbesserter Argonrückgewinnung

Kryogenische Behandlungsanlage, insbesondere für die Lufttrennung

AIR SEPARATION

RECIRCULATION OF A STORED TEMPORARILY LIQUID WHEN RECSTARTING AN ARGON COLUMN

ELEVATED PRESSURE AIR SEPARATION CYCLES WITH LIQUID PRODUCTION

ANNULAR DIVIDED WALL COLUMN WITH RING SHAPED COLLECTORS AND DISTRIBUTERS FOR AN AIR SEPARATION UNIT

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

CRYOGENIC PROCESSING APPARATUS, ESPECIALLY FOR AIR DISTILLATION

ABRÉGÉ DESCRIPTIF Dans cette installation, la colonne de traitement est isolée par une enveloppe sous vide, tandis que la ligne d'échange thermique est isolée par une boite froide à la pression atmosphérique contenant un isolant solide, notamment particulaire.

Refrigerating process of separation of gas mixtures comprising at least three components

INSTALLATION OF DISTILLATION Of AIR PRODUCING OF ARGON

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRODUCTION OF OXYGEN OF INFERIOR PURENESS AND OXYGEN OF SUPERIOR PURENESS

AIR SEPARATION UNIT AND METHOD FOR CRYOGENIC SEPARATION OF AIR USING A DISTILLATION COLUMN SYSTEM INCLUDING AN INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE KETTLE COLUMN

An air separation unit and associated method for separating air by cryogenic distillation using a distillation column system including a higher pressure column, a lower pressure column, an intermediate pressure kettle column, and an argon column arrangement is provided. The disclosed air separation unit and method is particularly suited for production of an oxygen product as well as several nitrogen products wherein a portion of the nitrogen overhead intermediate pressure kettle column is taken as an intermediate pressure nitrogen product. The present air separation unit and associated method employs a once-through kettle column reboiler, a once-through kettle column condenser, and a once-through argon condenser. The once through argon condenser is disposed within the lower pressure column where an argon-rich vapor stream is condensed against the descending liquid in the lower pressure column.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON AND OXYGEN FROM A NITROGEN PRODUCING CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED BOOSTER AND MULTICOMPONENT REFRIGERATION COMPRESSION

A cryogenic air separation system wherein pressure energy is supplied by a bridge machine having one or more booster compressors and a multicomponent refrigerant fluid compressor of a multicomponent refrigerant fluid circuit, all of the compressors of the bridge machine driven by power supplied through a single gear case.

Process of separation, by correction, of a gas mixture containing with the moinstrois constituent

Cryogenic air separation, for argon production, uses plant with second level of low-pressure column above first level and separated from it by theoretical plates

Un appareil de distillation comprend au moins une colonne (19) équipée de plusieurs sections de garnissages structurés, de préférence du type ondulés-croisés, comprenant un élément de prélèvement d'un échantillon de gaz constitué par un tube (51) pénétrant dans une section (53) de la colonne (19) de façon oblique du haut vers le bas, ce tube étant ouvert aux deux extrémités, l'extrémité supérieur étant relié avec l'extérieur de la colonne ...

System and method for recovering non, condensed gas, such as neon, helium, xenon - and krypton from air separation unit

CRYOGENIC RECTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH ARGON HEAT PUMP

annular column wall divided

Cryogenic treatment installation, particularly for the destillation of air

In this installation, the treatment column (1) is insulated by a vacuum casing (15), while the heat exchange line (3) is insulated by a cold box (19) at atmospheric pressure containing a solid insulant, in particular in particle form. ...

Enhanced recovery of argon from cryogenic air separation cycles

The present invention relates to an improvement for the production of argon from cryogenic air separation processes. In particular, the improvement provides a better method of thermally linking the top of the crude argon column (135) with the low pressure column (119). In the improvement, the argon-rich, overhead vapor (245) from the top of the crude argon column (247) is condensed in a boiler/condenser by indirect heat exchange against liquid descending the low pressure column; a portion (250) of the condensed argon-rich, overhead vapor is returned to the top of the crude argon column to provide reflux. The most suitable location for such boiler/condenser is as an intermediate boiler/condenser in the low pressure column, particularly, the section of the low pressure column bounded by the feed point of the crude liquid oxygen from the bottom of the high pressure column and the vapor feed draw line for the crude argon column wherein an adequate temperature difference exists between the descending ...

Verfahren zur Zerlegung von Luft durch Verfluessigung und Rektifikation

Low temperature separation of gaseous mixtures

... 770,746. Cold separation of gas mixtures. SOC. L'AIR LIQUIDE, SOC. ANON. POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPLOITATION - DES PROCEDES G. CLAUDE. June 27, 1955 [June 29, 1954], No. 18510/55. Class 8(2) A process for separating argon from air comprises passing about 70 per cent of the compressed air leaving a heat exchanger 2 traversed by returning separated nitrogen, oxygen and argon in lines 31, 32, 33 through a turbine 4 and a line 5 to the high pressure column 10 of a conventional two stage column 10, 11 liquifying the remaining 30 per cent of the cooled compressed air by indirect heat exchange with liquid at the base of column 10 and using this liquid in a coil 24 to cool the head of an auxiliary argon column 21 which is supplied through a line 20 with argonrich oxygen gas from the column 11 and thereafter feeding the so warmed minor portion of air to the low pressure column through a line 17. In operation crude liquid oxygen and nitrogen passes from the column 10 through expansion valves 16, 14 to ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON AND OXYGEN FROM A NITROGEN PRODUCING CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON AND OXYGEN FROM A NITROGEN PRODUCING CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED MACHINE COMPRESSION

A cryogenic air separation system wherein base load pressure energy is supplied to the feed air by a base load compressor and custom load pressure energy is supplied to the feed air by a bridge machine having one or more turbine booster compressors and one or more product boiler booster compressors, all of the compressors of the bridge machine driven by power supplied through a single gear case.

Method and apparatus for obtaining a gaseous product by cryogenic air separation

A method to obtain a gaseous product by the low temperature fractionation of air includes supplying a first, purified and cooled stream of air to a high-pressure column. At least one liquid stream from the high-pressure column is passed into a low-pressure column. A product stream in the liquid state is drawn off from the low-pressure column and is brought to an elevated pressure. The product stream is then evaporated in an indirect heat exchange with a second purified stream of air. The second stream of air, which is condensed at least partly during the indirect heat exchange, is expanded at least partly in a work-producing manner. The second stream of air subsequently is passed into the low-pressure column. The pressure of the second stream of air at the outlet of the work-expansion is lower than the operating pressure in the sump of the high-pressure column. The work-expansion of the second stream of air is carried out in a single step.

Argon separation method and apparatus therefor

The present invention employs a dry-type condenser capable of heat exchange even at small temperature difference for the condensers for the crude argon column, deoxidation column, and pure argon column in an argon separation apparatus using air liquefication and distillation. Additionally, oxygen-enriched liquefied air withdrawn from a plate which is higher than the bottom of the higher pressure column of a double distillation column is employed as the cold source for the condensers. As a result, a large temperature difference between the condensive and vaporative sides of each column's condensers can be obtained. Moreover, even when the total number of theoretical steps of the crude argon column and the deoxidation column exceeds 100, it is not necessary to provide a blower to increase pressure of the crude argon. Thus, the cost of the apparatus and its operation can be reduced. In addition, the condenser of each column can be made smaller and more compact, while the time required to start-up ...

Hochdruck-Lufttrennungsverfahren mit Gewinnung von Flüssigkeit.

Rezirkulation einer zwischengelagerten Flüssigkeit beim Wiederanfahren einer Argonsäule

Improvements in or relating to processes for the separation of the constituents of ternary gaseous mixtures

... 255,104. Air Reduction Co., Inc., (Assignees of Nuys, C. C. van). July 11, 1925, [Convention date]. Separating gases by liquefaction. - A ternal'y gaseous mixture, e.g. air considered as a mixture of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen, is separated to obtain a gas rich in the element (argon) of intermediate boiling point, by withdrawing from the usual rectification column a liquid or gas rich in this element and rectifying this extract in an auxiliary column heated by the whole or a part of the incoming compressed and cooled gas mixture to be separated. The cooled compressed air &c. is delivered through a pipe 33 to a heatexchanger 34 through which the separated elements pass away. A portion is led through a liquefier 44 traversed in the opposite direction by the separated elements, and either directly or through the heating coil 26 of the auxiliary column to pipes 49, 9 leading to the base of the main column. The other portion is led through an expansion engine 39 and either directly or through ...

ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON FROM CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION CYCLES

CRYOGENIC RECTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING LOWER PURITY OXYGEN AND HIGHER PURITY OXYGEN

ANNULAR DIVIDED WALL COLUMN FOR AN AIR SEPARATION UNIT

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF NON-CONDENSABLE GASES SUCH AS NEON, HELIUM, XENON, AND KRYPTON FROM AN AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A system and method for recovery of rare gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton in an air separation unit is provided. The rare gas recovery system comprises a non-condensable stripping column linked in a heat transfer relationship with a xenon-krypton column via an auxiliary condenser-reboiler. The non-condensable stripping column produces a rare gas containing overhead that is directed to the auxiliary condenser-reboiler where most of the neon is captured in a non-condensable vent stream that is further processed to produce a crude neon vapor stream that contains greater than about 50% mole fraction of neon with the overall neon recovery exceeding 95%. The xenon-krypton column further receives two streams of liquid oxygen from the lower pressure column and the rare gas containing overhead from the non-condensable stripping column and produces a crude xenon and krypton liquid stream and an oxygen-rich overhead.

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CRUDE ARGON

Abstract of the Disclosure A process is disclosed for producing gaseous crude argon by low-temperature rectification n f air wherein a portion of the compressed air is further compressed. The further compressed air is partially liquefied by countercurrent heat exchange with evaporating crude argon obtained in the liquid phase, this crude argon being under elevated pressure.

Apparatus for cryogenic treatment, such as air distillation

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON AND OXYGEN FROM A NITROGEN PRODUCING CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

OPTIMIZED INTERMEDIATE HEIGHT REFLUX FOR MULTIPRESSURE AIR DISTILLATION

The invention discloses process and apparatus for separating high purity oxygen and crude argon from air by fractional distillation. The improvement, which applies to both dual pressure and triple pressure configurations, entails maximizing the distillation efficiency of both the HP rectifier (2) and the LP N2 rectifier (1a and 1b) by feeding precisely correct quantities of liquid air reflux to each via respective valves (6) and (8). In order to efficiently produce the required amount of liquid air, liquid oxygen at least 0.2 ATA above LP column pressure is evaporated by two air condensers: a total condenser (22) and a partial condenser (23).

Process and device for low-temperature separation of air

The process and the device are used for low-temperature separation of air. A first split stream of compressed and purified air is cooled, fed to a main rectifying system and separated there into liquid oxygen and gaseous nitrogen. A liquid product fraction (for example, oxygen and/or nitrogen) is vaporized in indirect heat exchange with a second split stream of compressed and purified air. The second split stream condenses during indirect heat exchange at least partially. At least a portion of the second split stream, downstream from indirect heat exchange with the liquid product fraction, is used as cooling medium for top cooling of a crude argon column downstream from the main rectifying system. The second split stream makes available all or essentially all the cold needed for liquefaction of crude argon. Preferably, at least a portion of the second split stream, vaporized in the indirect heat exchange in the top condenser of the crude argon column, is fed without further pressure increase ...

AIR SEPARATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS

AIR SEPARATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS

AIR SEPARATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR HIGH ARGON RECOVERY AND MODERATE PRESSURE NITROGEN RECOVERY

Air Separation Process And Apparatus For High Argon Recovery And Moderate Pressure Nitrogen Recovery Process and apparatus to produce argon at high recovery with nitrogen at higher than conventional pressure comprising three columns wherein first column bottoms are passed into the second column, second column bottoms drive a third column top condenser, and argon-containing fluid is passed for separation into the third column from the second column at a point intermediate the points where first column bottoms enter and second column bottoms exit the second column.

AIR SEPARATION

ABSTRACT AIR SEPARATION An improvement is provided in a process of separating air in a conventional double rectification column to pro-duce oxygen and argon. In accordance with the invention, refrigeration is transfered to the oxygen-rich liquid conventionally formed in the higher pressure column from oxygen-poor liquid formed by condensing the oxygen-poor vapor formed in the higher pressure column. In addition, a portion of the oxygen-poor liquid is vaporized and either withdrawn as product or expanded in a turbine to provide refrigeration in the process.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED RECOVERY OF ARGON AND OXYGEN FROM A NITROGEN PRODUCING CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

CRYOGENIC RECTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH ARGON HEAT PUMP

CRYOGENIC RECTIFICATION SYSTEM WITH ARGON HEAT PUMP A cryogenic rectification system wherein condensed heat pump fluid is subcooled in the upper portion of an argon column, cools incoming feed, and is compressed and then condensed against cryogenic rectification plant bottoms for reboil thus improving reflux ratios and increasing argon recovery. D-16873 ...

具有一体化机械压缩的低温空气分离系统

... 一种低温空气分离系统，其中通过基本负荷压缩机向进料空气提供基本负荷压力能和通过有一台或多台涡轮增压器压缩机和一台或多台产品锅炉增压器压缩机的桥式装置向进料空气提供规定负荷压力能，桥式装置的所有压缩机都由经过单一变速箱提供的能量驱动。 ...

Installation de distillation d'air produisant de l'argon

La colonne de production d'argon impur 2 est surmontée d'un tronçon de colonne auxiliaire 9 refroidi en tête par vaporisation de liquide pauvre soutiré en tête de la colonne moyenne pression 3 et détendu. Application à l'adjonction de moyens de production argon à une double colonne de distillation d'air.

System and method for enhanced recovery of argon and oxygen from a nitrogen-producing cryogenic air separation unit

Process and apparatus for heat exchange

For the indirect heat-exchange of a plurality of gas streams (14, 15, 16) with a heat-cold carrier (2, 7) in heat-exchange blocks (23a, b, c, d, e) in which the gas streams (14, 15, 16) are passed through a multiplicity of heat-exchange passages, only one of the gas streams (14, 15, 16) is passed in this case through at least one heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e). The heat-exchange passages of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e), through which this gas stream (14, 15, 16) flows end at two end surfaces of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e). The gas stream (23a, b, c, d, e) is fed to an taken off from these heat-exchange passages via in each case a collector/distributor (41) connected to the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e), which collector/distributor extends in each case over the entire end surface of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e).

ANNULAR DIVIDED WALL COLUMN FOR AN AIR SEPARATION UNIT

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall and radially spaced therefrom to define an annulus column region as the space between the first annular column wall and the second annular column wall. An interior core column region is also defined by the interior space of the second annular column wall. The present annular divided wall column further includes a plurality of packing elements, plurality of trays or a heat exchange device disposed within the interior core column region; and a plurality of packing elements disposed within the annulus column region.

System and method for recovery of non-condensable gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton from an air separation unit

A system and method for recovery of rare gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton in an air separation unit is provided. The rare gas recovery system comprises a non-condensable stripping column linked in a heat transfer relationship with a xenon-krypton column via an auxiliary condenser-reboiler. The non-condensable stripping column produces a rare gas containing overhead that is directed to the auxiliary condenser-reboiler where most of the neon is captured in a non-condensable vent stream that is further processed to produce a crude neon vapor stream that contains greater than about 50% mole fraction of neon with the overall neon recovery exceeding 95%. The xenon-krypton column further receives two streams of liquid oxygen from the lower pressure column and the rare gas containing overhead from the non-condensable stripping column and produces a crude xenon and krypton liquid stream and an oxygen-rich overhead.

Air separation apparatus

A cryogenic air separation method and apparatus in which first and second liquid streams are produced. The first liquid stream has a higher oxygen content than air and can consist of a higher pressure distillation column bottoms and the second liquid stream, for instance, air, has a lower oxygen content than the first liquid stream and an argon content no less than the air. The second liquid stream is subcooled through indirect heat exchange with the first liquid stream and both of such streams are introduced into the lower pressure column. The second liquid stream is introduced into the lower pressure column above that point at which the crude liquid oxygen column bottoms or any portion thereof is introduced into the lower pressure column to increase a liquid to vapor ratio below the introduction of the second liquid stream and therefore, reduce the oxygen present within the column overhead.

Methods and apparatus for the low temperature air separation

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERY OF NITROGEN, ARGON, AND OXYGEN IN MODERATE PRESSURE CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

ARGON CONDENSATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through heat exchangers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column. 1. An argon reflux condensation system for an air separation unit having an argon column , a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column , said argon reflux condensation system comprising:a plurality of once-through heat exchangers connected to an argon column such that argon-rich vapor streams composed of argon-rich vapor column overhead are condensed within condensation passages of the once-through heat exchangers to produce an argon-rich liquid product stream and argon-rich liquid reflux stream returned to the argon column as reflux, the argon-rich vapor column overhead produced through distillation of a crude argon feed stream fed from the lower pressure column to the argon column;crude oxygen feed conduits connected between the higher pressure column and vaporization passages of the once-through heat exchangers such that a plurality of crude liquid oxygen streams composed of a crude liquid oxygen column bottoms of the higher pressure column are partially vaporized in the vaporization passages of the once-through heat exchangers through indirect heat exchange with the argon-rich ...

System and method for recovery of non-condensable gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton from an air separation unit

A system and method for recovery of rare gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton in an air separation unit is provided. The rare gas recovery system comprises a non-condensable stripping column linked in a heat transfer relationship with a xenon-krypton column via an auxiliary condenser-reboiler. The non-condensable stripping column produces a rare gas containing overhead that is directed to the auxiliary condenser-reboiler where most of the neon is captured in a non-condensable vent stream that is further processed to produce a crude neon vapor stream that contains greater than about 50% mole fraction of neon with the overall neon recovery exceeding 95%. The xenon-krypton column further receives two streams of liquid oxygen from the lower pressure column and the rare gas containing overhead from the non-condensable stripping column and produces a crude xenon and krypton liquid stream and an oxygen-rich overhead.

ANNULAR DIVIDED WALL COLUMN

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions. 120-. (canceled)21. An annular divided wall column for distillation or rectification of fluids , said column comprising:a first annular column wall;a second annular column wall radially spaced from the first annular column wall and disposed within a first interior space of the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region between the first annular column wall and the second annular column wall and to define an interior core column region as part or all of a second interior space of the second annular column wall;a conical shaped transition wall rigidly connected to the first annular column wall and an upper end of the second annular column wall and wherein the conical shaped transition wall is configured to isolate the annulus column region from the interior core column region proximate the upper end of the second annular column wall;a first plurality of structured packing elements or trays disposed within the interior core column region and a second plurality of structured packing elements disposed within the annulus column region;wherein the second annular column wall is hung from ...

ANNULAR DIVIDED WALL COLUMN WITH RING SHAPED COLLECTORS AND DISTRIBUTERS

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions. 117-. (canceled)18. An annular divided wall column for distillation or rectification of fluids , said column comprising:a first annular column wall;a second annular column wall radially spaced from the first annular column wall and disposed within a first interior space of the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region between the first annular column wall and the second annular column wall and to define an interior core column region as part or all of a second interior space of the second annular column wall;a plurality of structured packing elements disposed within the annulus column region;one or more ring-shaped cantilevered collectors disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements, the one or more ring-shaped cantilevered collectors having a first collector wall rigidly attached to the first annular column wall, a second collector wall disposed proximate to but unattached to the second annular column wall, and a collector deck disposed between the first collector wall and the second collector wall, and wherein the one or more ...

Method and apparatus for adsorptive distillation for cryogenic argon/oxygen separation

In a method for separating argon by cryogenic distillation, in which a flow containing argon, oxygen and nitrogen and being more rich in argon than the air is sent to a distillation column, and an argon-rich gas flow is withdrawn at the top of the column, a portion of the argon-rich gas flow is mixed with beads to form a gas mixture containing beads, the beads being capable of adsorbing oxygen in the presence of argon at the column operating temperatures; the portion of the argon-rich gas flow mixed with the beads is condensed and then sent to the top of the column; and a bottom liquid containing beads is withdrawn from the column and treated to remove the beads, the beads removed being regenerated to remove the adsorbed oxygen and being again mixed with the argon-rich gas flow.

Annular divided wall column

An annular divided wall column is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall and radially spaced therefrom to define an annulus column region as the space between the first annular column wall and the second annular column wall. An interior core column region is also defined by the interior space of the second annular column wall. The present annular divided wall column further includes a plurality of packing elements, disposed within the interior core column region within the annulus column region having different surface area densities and optionally, also have different geometries.

ARGON CONDENSATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through heat exchangers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. (canceled)10. (canceled)11. (canceled)12. (canceled)13. (canceled)14. (canceled)15. (canceled)16. (canceled)17. (canceled)18. (canceled)19. A method of condensing argon reflux within an air separation unit having an argon column , a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column , said method comprising the steps of:extracting a crude argon feed stream from the lower pressure column;distilling the crude argon feed stream in the argon column to produce an argon-rich vapor column overhead;directing at least a portion of the argon-rich vapor column overhead to a plurality of once-through heat exchangers;condensing the argon-rich vapor streams within condensation passages of the plurality of once-through heat exchangers such that argon-rich vapor streams composed of argon-rich vapor column overhead are condensed within condensation passages of the once-through heat exchangers to produce an argon-rich liquid product stream and argon-rich liquid reflux streamreturning the argon-rich ...

ARGON CONDENSATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through condensers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the air separation plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Prior to flowing into the once-through condensers, the partially vaporized crude oxygen stream enters a phase separator which separates the crude oxygen vapor from the crude liquid oxygen. The separated crude oxygen vapor bypasses the once-through condensers and is mixed with the vaporized oxygen stream that exits the one-through condensers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. (canceled)10. (canceled)11. (canceled)12. (canceled)13. (canceled)14. (canceled)15. (canceled)16. (canceled)17. (canceled)18. (canceled)19. (canceled)20. (canceled)21. A method of condensing argon reflux within an air separation unit having an argon column , a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column , said method comprising the steps of:extracting a crude argon feed stream from the lower pressure column;distilling the crude argon feed stream in the argon column to produce an argon-rich vapor column overhead;directing at least a portion of the argon-rich vapor column overhead to a plurality of once-through heat exchangers; ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH RECOVERY OF NITROGEN AND ARGON FROM A MODERATE PRESSURE CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION UNIT

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon and an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater. The air separation is configured to produce a high purity oxygen enriched stream which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption prepurifier unit. Argon recovery is facilitated with the use of an argon superstaged column.

System and method for enhanced recovery of argon and oxygen from a nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OBTAINING PURE NITROGEN AND PURE OXYGEN BY LOW-TEMPERATURE SEPARATION OF AIR

Feed air is compressed to a first pressure in a main air compressor. A first sub-stream of the air compressed to the first pressure is cooled and fed at least in part to the distillation column system. A second sub-stream of the air compressed to the first pressure is cooled and at least partially liquefied in a low-pressure column bottom evaporator. The at least partially liquefied second sub-stream is introduced at least in part into the distillation column system. A liquid oxygen-enriched fraction is introduced into the evaporation chamber of a high-pressure top condenser. An argon-containing oxygen stream from an intermediate point in the low-pressure column is introduced into an argon column. The second sub-stream is introduced at least in part into an argon top condenser and partially evaporated therein. The second sub-stream is then introduced at least in part into the high-pressure column and/or into the low-pressure column. 216247202117248. The process as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the first substream (; ) claim 1 , upstream of its introduction into the high-pressure column () or into the low-pressure column () claim 1 , is expanded to perform work in a first expansion machine (; ).31113244. The process as claimed in claim 2 , characterized in that the first substream claim 2 , upstream of its expansion to perform work claim 2 , is recompressed ( claim 2 , ; ) to a second pressure higher than the first pressure.4. The process as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that{'b': 58', '78', '59', '79', '26, 'a liquid fraction (; ) from the distillation column system in the liquid state is brought (, ) to an elevated product pressure, warmed in the main heat exchanger () under this elevated product pressure and finally drawn off as a gaseous compressed product (GAN-IC; GOX-IC),'}{'b': 10', '8', '11', '34', '26, 'a third substream (, ) of the feed air compressed to the first pressure is recompressed (, ) to a third pressure higher than the first ...

Process and device for recovering a product under pressure by cryogenic air separation

Recovery of pressure product (22) from low temperature air breakdown in a rectifier system, the assembly has a pressure column (3) and a low pressure column (4). Product fraction taken from the rectifier system is converted into a liquid by pressure and evaporated by indirect heat exchange with head product in the mixing column at the main heat exchanger, to be taken off as a pressure product. Recovery of a pressure product (22) from a low temperature air breakdown in a rectifier system, the assembly has a pressure column (3) and a low pressure column (4). An initial flow (50) of compressed clean air (1) is cooled in a main heat exchanger system (2), to be carried by a feed (51) into the pressure column. At least one fraction (5) from the pressure column is relaxed (7) and stored in the low pressure column. A fraction (218a), rich in oxygen, is converted into a liquid in a pressure stage (220) and carried (224,226) to a mixing column (27). A heat carrier (66) enters the lower section of the mixing column, to move through the fraction in a counterflow, and a gas head product (28) is extracted from the upper section of the column. A product fraction taken from the rectifier system is converted into a liquid by pressure, and evaporated by indirect heat exchange with the head product in the mixing column at the main heat exchanger, to be taken off as a pressure product.

Temperature swing adsorption process for purification of oxygen by cryogenic adsorption

중압 극저온 공기 분리 유닛으로부터의 질소 및 아르곤의 고 회수율을 위한 시스템 및 방법

아르곤의 최대 약 96% 회수율 및 98% 이상의 전체 질소 회수율을 제공하는 중압 공기 분리 유닛 및 공기 분리 사이클이 개시된다. 공기 분리는 아르곤 응축기 내에서 아르곤을 응축시키기 위한 냉매로서 사용되는 고 순도 산소 부화 스트림을 생성하도록 구성되며, 이때 생성되는 기화된 산소 스트림은 온도 스윙 흡착 사전정화기 유닛을 재생하는 데 사용된다. 아르곤 회수가 아르곤 슈퍼스테이지식 칼럼의 사용에 의해 용이해진다.

用于从中压低温空气分离单元实现氮和氩的高回收率的系统和方法

本发明公开了一种中压空气分离单元和空气分离循环，该中压空气分离单元和空气分离循环提供最多至约96％的氩回收率和98％或更大的总氮回收率。该空气分离被构造为产生高纯度富氧流，该高纯度富氧流用作制冷剂以在氩冷凝器中冷凝氩，并且所得气化的氧流用于再生变温吸附预纯化器单元。使用氩超级塔来促进氩回收。

질소 생성 극저온 공기 분리 유닛으로부터의 아르곤 및 산소의 향상된 회수율을 위한 시스템 및 방법

아르곤의 최대 약 96% 회수율, 98 퍼센트 이상의 전체 질소 회수율 및 제한된 기체 산소 생성을 제공하는 중압 공기 분리 유닛 및 공기 분리 사이클이 개시된다. 공기 분리는 저압 칼럼으로부터 제1 고 순도 산소 부화 스트림 및 제2 보다 낮은 순도의 산소 부화 스트림을 생성하도록 구성되고, 그 중 하나가 아르곤 응축기 내에서 아르곤을 응축시키기 위한 냉매로서 사용되며, 이때 생성되는 기화된 산소 스트림은 온도 스윙 흡착 사전-정화기 유닛을 재생하는 데 사용된다. 제1 고 순도 산소 부화 스트림의 전부 또는 일부분이 기체 산소 생성물을 생성하도록 주 열 교환기 내에서 기화된다.

질소 생성 극저온 공기 분리 유닛으로부터의 아르곤 및 산소의 향상된 회수율을 위한 시스템 및 방법

아르곤의 최대 약 96% 회수율, 98 퍼센트 이상의 전체 질소 회수율 및 제한된 기체 산소 생성을 제공하는 중압 공기 분리 유닛 및 공기 분리 사이클이 개시된다. 공기 분리는 저압 칼럼으로부터 제1 고 순도 산소 부화 스트림 및 제2 보다 낮은 순도의 산소 부화 스트림을 생성하도록 구성되고, 그 중 하나가 아르곤 응축기 내에서 아르곤을 응축시키기 위한 냉매로서 사용되며, 이때 생성되는 기화된 산소 스트림은 온도 스윙 흡착 사전-정화기 유닛을 재생하는 데 사용된다. 제1 고 순도 산소 부화 스트림의 전부 또는 일부분이 기체 산소 생성물을 생성하도록 주 열 교환기 내에서 기화된다.

Device and method for purifying liquid argon

一种用于液氩提纯的装置及方法，所述装置包括液氩提纯塔系统、换热系统、热源提供系统、冷量补充系统、废液回收系统，方法为从精氩塔引出不合格低纯液氩，送入液氩提纯塔系统进行精馏并获得高纯液氩，来自热源提供系统的气体经换热系统冷却后进入液氩提纯塔系统作为热源，其自身被冷凝后经换热系统冷却后又进入液氩提纯塔系统作为冷源，冷量不足部分由冷量补充系统提供，废液进入原主空分设备的循环液氧泵入口进行回收利用，气体经换热系统进入热源提供系统压缩。本发明系统间高度耦合，适用于不同纯度的液氩进一步提纯，适用范围宽广，提升整体经济效益，同时，本装置布置在原主空分设备外，对原主空分设备改动影响小，操作灵活，可复制性强。

Air separation device

The present invention relates to an air separation facility for reducing the amount of power consumed, which comprises: a water charge cooling device connected to a compressor and receiving compressed air; a heat exchange device connected to the water charge cooling device; and a rectifying device connected to the heat exchange device by a piping unit and separating the supplied air into oxygen, nitrogen, and argon gas. The piping unit comprises: a first pipe connecting the heat exchange device and a bottom tower of the rectifying device; a second pipe connecting an upper tower of the rectifying device and the heat exchange device, and branched to a cooling auxiliary pipe; and a control valve provided at a branch point of the second pipe. The cooling auxiliary pipe may be connected to the first pipe.

Systems and methods for recovering non-condensable gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton from an air separation unit

공기 분리 유닛으로부터 네온, 헬륨, 제논, 및 크립톤과 같은 희가스를 회수하는 시스템 및 방법이 제공된다. 희가스 회수 시스템은 보조 응축기-재비등기를 통해 제논-크립톤 칼럼과 열 전달 관계로 연결된 비-응축형 스트리핑 칼럼을 포함한다. 비-응축형 스트리핑 칼럼은 보조 응축기-재비등기로 인도되는 희가스 함유 오버헤드를 생성하며, 대부분의 네온은 약 50% 몰 분율 초과의 네온을 함유하고, 전체 네온 회수가 95%를 초과하는 미정제 네온 증기 스트림을 생성하도록 추가로 처리되는 비-응축형 배출 스트림 내에서 포획된다. 제논-크립톤 칼럼은 저압 칼럼으로부터의 액체 산소 및 비-응축형 스트리핑 칼럼으로부터의 희가스 함유 오버헤드의 두 스트림들을 추가로 수용하여 미정제 제논 및 크립톤 액체 스트림 및 산소-풍부 오버헤드를 생성한다.

Collecting method for crude argon of little nitrogen content

Integrated nitrogen liquefier for nitrogen and argon generating cryogenic air separation units

아르곤 및 질소 생성 극저온 공기 분리 유닛과 통합되도록 구성된 질소 액화기 및 질소 액화 방법이 제공된다. 통합형 질소 액화기 및 이와 연관된 방법은 (i) 제로 액체 질소 모드; (ii) 저 액체 질소 모드; 및 (iii) 고 액체 질소 모드를 포함한 적어도 세 가지 별개 모드에서 작동될 수 있다. 본 시스템 및 방법은, 공기 분리 유닛의 저압 칼럼으로부터의 산소 풍부 스트림이 아르곤 응축기에 사용되는 산소 풍부 응축 매질인 것을 추가적인 특징으로 한다.

Process and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation

Titre : Procédé et appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique Dans un procédé de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique, de l’air (1) refroidi et épuré en eau est envoyé à une première colonne (K1) opérant à une première pression où il est séparé en un gaz enrichi en azote et un liquide (3) enrichi en oxygène, un gaz enrichi en argon (7) par rapport à l’air est soutiré de la deuxième colonne, au moins une partie du liquide enrichi en oxygène est vaporisée par échange de chaleur avec le gaz enrichi en argon et le liquide enrichi en oxygène vaporisé (5) est envoyé à un niveau intermédiaire de la deuxième colonne. Figure de l’abrégé : Fig.1A Title: Process and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation In a process for separating air by cryogenic distillation, air (1) cooled and purified of water is sent to a first column (K1) operating at a first pressure where it is separated into a gas enriched in nitrogen and a liquid (3) enriched in oxygen, a gas enriched in argon (7) with respect to air is withdrawn from the second column, at least part of the liquid enriched in oxygen is vaporized by heat exchange with the argon-enriched gas and the vaporized oxygen-enriched liquid (5) is sent to an intermediate level of the second column. Abstract Figure: Fig.1A

METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR AIR SEPARATION BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION

Process and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation

Titre : Procédé et appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique Dans un procédé de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique, de l’air (1) refroidi et épuré en eau est envoyé à une première colonne (K1) opérant à une première pression où il est séparé en un gaz enrichi en azote et un liquide (3) enrichi en oxygène, un gaz enrichi en argon (7) par rapport à l’air est soutiré de la deuxième colonne, au moins une partie du liquide enrichi en oxygène est vaporisée par échange de chaleur avec le gaz enrichi en argon et le liquide enrichi en oxygène vaporisé (5) est envoyé à un niveau intermédiaire de la deuxième colonne. Figure de l’abrégé : Fig.1A

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR SEPARATION BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION

Dans un procédé de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique dans un système de colonnes comprenant au moins une première colonne (100) opérant à une première pression et une deuxième colonne (102) opérant à une deuxième pression inférieure à la première pression, la tête de la première colonne étant thermiquement reliée à la cuve de la deuxième colonne par un vaporiseur-condenseur (21),un gaz enrichi en azote (17) est soutiré de la tête de la première colonne, comprimé dans un compresseur (19) ayant une température d'entrée d'au plus -150°C et se condense dans le vaporiseur-condenseur , un fluide riche en oxygène (43) est soutiré de la partie inférieure de la deuxième colonne et se réchauffe dans la ligne d'échange, un gaz riche en azote (41) est soutiré de la partie supérieure de la deuxième colonne et se réchauffe dans la ligne d'échange et le liquide enrichi en oxygène est envoyé à la deuxième colonne sans avoir été réchauffé contre un gaz enrichi en azote de la première colonne et en ce que le vaporiseur-condenseur est le seul moyen de vaporisation de liquide dans la partie inférieure de la deuxième colonne. In a process for separating air by cryogenic distillation in a column system comprising at least a first column (100) operating at a first pressure and a second column (102) operating at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the head of the first column being thermally connected to the tank of the second column by a vaporizer-condenser (21), a nitrogen-enriched gas (17) is withdrawn from the head of the first column, compressed in a compressor (19) having a inlet temperature of at most -150 ° C and condenses in the vaporizer-condenser, an oxygen-rich fluid (43) is withdrawn from the lower part of the second column and heats up in the exchange line, a nitrogen-rich gas (41) is withdrawn from the upper part of the second column and heats up in the exchange line and the oxygen-enriched liquid is sent to the second column ...

Systems and methods for recovering non-condensable gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton from air separation units

공기 분리 유닛으로부터 네온, 헬륨, 제논, 및 크립톤과 같은 희가스를 회수하는 시스템 및 방법이 제공된다. 희가스 회수 시스템은 보조 응축기-재비등기를 통해 제논-크립톤 칼럼과 열 전달 관계로 연결된 비-응축형 스트리핑 칼럼을 포함한다. 비-응축형 스트리핑 칼럼은 보조 응축기-재비등기로 인도되는 희가스 함유 오버헤드를 생성하며, 대부분의 네온은 약 50% 몰 분율 초과의 네온을 함유하고, 전체 네온 회수가 95%를 초과하는 미정제 네온 증기 스트림을 생성하도록 추가로 처리되는 비-응축형 배출 스트림 내에서 포획된다. 제논-크립톤 칼럼은 저압 칼럼으로부터의 액체 산소 및 비-응축형 스트리핑 칼럼으로부터의 희가스 함유 오버헤드의 두 스트림들을 추가로 수용하여 미정제 제논 및 크립톤 액체 스트림 및 산소-풍부 오버헤드를 생성한다.

System and method for recovering nitrogen, argon and oxygen from an intermediate pressure cryogenic air separation unit

提供了一种中压制氮和制氩低温空气分离单元，该中压制氮和制氩低温空气分离单元包括三个蒸馏塔系统和涡轮空气流旁通布置或回路。涡轮空气流旁通布置或回路被构造成通过任选地将涡轮空气流的一部分分流到从低温空气分离单元的低压塔抽取的氮废物流回路，使得涡轮空气流的分流部分绕过蒸馏塔系统，从而在所选的操作模式下改善氩和氮回收率。

Process and installation of air separation by cryogenic distillation

Dans un procédé de distillation d'air, un débit de liquide pressurisé se vaporisé dans la ligne d'échange principale (1) par échange de chaleur avec de l'air ou de l'azote. Les frigories nécessaires sont produites par une ou plusieurs turbines hydrauliques (9, 39) produisant des débits comprenant au moins 95 % de liquide. In an air distillation process, a flow of pressurized liquid is vaporized in the main exchange line (1) by heat exchange with air or nitrogen. The necessary frigories are produced by one or more hydraulic turbines (9, 39) producing flows comprising at least 95% of liquid.

Elevated pressure air separation cycles with liquid production

The present invention relates to an improvement to a cryogenic process for the separation of air into its constituent components. In the process, a distillation column system having at least two distillation columns, a high pressure distillation column and a low pressure column is used; these two distillation columns are in thermal communication with each other. The low pressure column of the distillation column system operates at a pressure between 9 to 75 psig and a nitrogen product is produced from the top section thereof. At least 50% of the air to the distillation column system is removed as this nitrogen product, which has a nitrogen concentration of at least 95% and is at a pressure of at least 9 psig. The improvement to the process is a series of steps which allows for the production of liquid products from the cryogenic process in an efficient manner. These steps are primarily the partial warming of the nitrogen product, its subsequent isentropic expansion and use of the inherent refrigeration of the expanded nitrogen. These steps can be carried out in three ways.

Method and apparatus for the cryogenic separation of air

Argon production method and apparatus thereof

Air separation method

A cryogenic air separation method and apparatus in which first and second liquid streams are produced. The first liquid stream has a higher oxygen content than air and can consist of a higher pressure distillation column bottoms and the second liquid stream, for instance, air, has a lower oxygen content than the first liquid stream and an argon content no less than the air. The second liquid stream is subcooled through indirect heat exchange with the first liquid stream and both of such streams are introduced into the lower pressure column. The second liquid stream is introduced into the lower pressure column above that point at which the crude liquid oxygen column bottoms or any portion thereof is introduced into the lower pressure column to increase a liquid to vapor ratio below the introduction of the second liquid stream and therefore, reduce the oxygen present within the column overhead.

Method and apparatus for the cryogenic separation of air

Das Verfahren und die Vorrichtung dienen zur Tieftemperaturzerlegung von Luft. Es wird ein Destillationssäulen-System eingesetzt mit einer Hochdrucksäule (2), mit einem Hauptkondensator (3) und einer über dem Hauptkondensator (3) angeordneten ersten oberen Säule (4). Über der ersten oberen Säule (4) sitzt einen Argonkondensator (5), neben der Kombination aus der Hauptkondensator (3) und der ersten oberen Säule eine erste Nebensäule (7, 207). Ein erster Strom flüssigen Stickstoffs (26) aus der Hochdrucksäule (2) wird auf den Kopf der ersten Nebensäule (7, 207) aufgegeben wird. In dem Destillationssäulen-System ist über dem Argonkondensator (5) eine zweite obere Säule (6) angeordnet. Flüssiger Rohsauerstoff (15) vom Sumpf der Hochdrucksäule (2) wird in den unteren Bereich der zweiten oberen Säule (7, 207) eingeleitet wird. Ein argonangereicherter Gasstrom (32) wird aus dem Verflüssigungsraum des Argonkondensators (5) abgezogen wird und der Sumpf der ersten Nebensäule (7, 207) steht in bidirektionaler Strömungsverbindung (37, 38; 237, 238) mit dem unteren Bereich der ersten oberen Säule (4) oder mit dem unteren Bereich der zweiten oberen Säule (6). The method and apparatus are used for cryogenic separation of air. A distillation column system is used with a high-pressure column (2), with a main condenser (3) and a first upper column (4) arranged above the main condenser (3). Above the first upper column (4) sits an argon condenser (5), in addition to the combination of the main condenser (3) and the first upper column, a first secondary column (7, 207). A first stream of liquid nitrogen (26) from the high-pressure column (2) is fed to the top of the first secondary column (7, 207). In the distillation column system, a second upper column (6) is disposed above the argon condenser (5). Liquid raw oxygen (15) from the bottom of the high-pressure column (2) is introduced into the lower region of the second upper column (7, 207). An argon-enriched gas stream (32) is ...

Nitrogen and argon producing air separation unit

A nitrogen liquefier configured to be integrated with an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit and method of nitrogen liquefaction are provided. The integrated nitrogen liquefier and associated methods may be operated in at least three distinct modes including: (i) a nil liquid nitrogen mode; (ii) a low liquid nitrogen mode; and (iii) a high liquid nitrogen mode. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.

Installation of cryogenic treatment, in particular of air distillation.

Dans cette installation, la colonne de traitement (1) est isolée par une enveloppe sous vide (15), tandis que la ligne d'échange thermique (2) est isolée par une boîte froide (19) à la pression atmosphérique contenant un isolant solide, notamment particulaire. In this installation, the treatment column (1) is isolated by a vacuum jacket (15), while the heat exchange line (2) is isolated by a cold box (19) at atmospheric pressure containing a solid insulator , especially particulate.

Adsorptive distillation process and apparatus for cryogenic Argon-Oxygen separation

Titre : Procédé et appareil de distillation adsorptive pour la séparation cryogénique Argon-Oxygène Dans un procédé de séparation d’argon par distillation cryogénique dans lequel un débit (2) contenant de l’argon, de l’oxygène et de l’azote, plus riche en argon que l’air, est envoyé à une colonne de distillation (1),un débit gazeux riche en argon (3) est soutiré en tête de la colonne, une partie du débit gazeux riche en argon (11) est mélangée avec des billes ayant un diamètre inférieur à 5mm pour former un mélange gazeux (15) contenant des billes, les billes étant en matière adsorptive capable d’adsorber de l’oxygène en présence d’argon aux températures d’opération de la colonne, le mélange est condensé puis est envoyé en tête de la colonne et un liquide de cuve (19) est soutiré de la colonne et traité pour enlever les billes, les billes enlevées sont régénérées pour enlever l’oxygène adsorbé et sont de nouveau mélangées avec la partie du débit gazeux riche en argon. Figure de l’abrégé : Fig. 2 Title: Adsorptive Distillation Process and Apparatus for Argon-Oxygen Cryogenic Separation In a process for the separation of argon by cryogenic distillation in which a stream (2) containing argon, oxygen and nitrogen, plus rich in argon than air, is sent to a distillation column (1), an argon-rich gas stream (3) is drawn off at the top of the column, part of the argon-rich gas stream (11) is mixed with balls having a diameter of less than 5 mm to form a gaseous mixture (15) containing balls, the balls being of adsorptive material capable of adsorbing oxygen in the presence of argon at the operating temperatures of the column, the mixture is condensed and then is sent to the head of the column and a bottom liquid (19) is withdrawn from the column and treated to remove the beads, the removed beads are regenerated to remove the adsorbed oxygen and are again mixed with the part of the argon-rich gas flow. Abstract Figure: Fig. 2

Integrated nitrogen liquefier for a nitrogen and argon producing cryogenic air separation unit

A nitrogen liquefier configured to be integrated with an argon and nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit and method of nitrogen liquefaction are provided. The integrated nitrogen liquefier and associated methods may be operated in at least three distinct modes including: (i) a nil liquid nitrogen mode; (ii) a low liquid nitrogen mode; and (iii) a high liquid nitrogen mode. The present systems and methods are further characterized in an oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column of the air separation unit is an oxygen enriched condensing medium used in the argon condenser.

Argon purification system by cryogenic distillation

Titre : Système de purification d’argon par distillation cryogénique Système de purification d’argon par distillation cryogénique comprenant unedont au moins les deux tronçons les plus hauts de la colonne (T1, T2) sont équipés respectivement d’un premier distributeur de liquide (D1 ), et d’un deuxième distributeur de liquide ( D2 ),, le deuxième distributeur étant capable d’assurer une fonction de mélange entre des liquides tombant sur le distributeur, chacun des premier et deuxième distributeurs étant disposé au-dessus du tronçon respectif et dont au moins deux tronçons les plus bas de la colonne (TN-1, TN), sont équipés respectivement d’un (N-1)ème et d’un Nième distributeurs de liquide (DN-1, DN ), capables d’assurer une fonction de mélange entre des liquides tombant sur le distributeur, disposé au-dessus du tronçon respectif les premier, deuxième, (N-1)ème et Nième distributeurs sont dimensionnés chacun pour contenir une hauteur maximale de liquide, celle(s) des premier et deuxième distributeurs étant supérieures à celle(s) des (N-1)ème et Nième distributeurs Figure de l’abrégé : Fig. 1 Title: System for purifying argon by cryogenic distillation System for purifying argon by cryogenic distillation comprising a column of which at least the two highest sections of the column (T1, T2) are respectively equipped with a first liquid distributor (D1 ), and a second liquid distributor (D2), the second distributor being capable of providing a mixing function between liquids falling on the distributor, each of the first and second distributors being arranged above the respective section and of which at least two lowest sections of the column (TN-1, TN), are equipped respectively with a (N-1)th and an Nth liquid distributors (DN-1, DN ), capable of ensure a function of mixing between liquids falling on the distributor, arranged above the respective section the first, second, (N-1)th and Nth distributors are each sized to contain a maximum height of liquid, that (s) of the ...

Air separation

System and method for recovery of nitrogen, argon, and oxygen in moderate pressure cryogenic air separation unit

A moderate pressure nitrogen and argon producing cryogenic air separation unit is provided that includes a three distillation column system and turbine air stream bypass arrangement or circuit. The turbine air stream bypass arrangement or circuit is configured to improve argon and nitrogen recoveries in select operating modes by optionally diverting a portion of the turbine air stream to a nitrogen waste stream circuit drawn from the lower pressure column of the cryogenic air separation unit such that the diverted portion of the turbine air stream bypasses the distillation column system.

Annular divided wall column for an air separation unit

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

Air separation

Cryogenic air separation system with liquid air stripping

有利地分离原料空气的低温精馏系统，其中利用双塔主装置上游的汽提塔来减小氩塔顶部冷凝器和低压塔的热力学不可逆性。

Patent JPS5617584B1

Adsorption distillation process and apparatus for cryogenic Argon-Oxygen separation

Titre : Procédé et appareil de distillation adsorptive pour la séparation cryogénique Argon-Oxygène Dans un procédé de séparation d’argon par distillation cryogénique dans lequel un débit (2) contenant de l’argon, de l’oxygène et de l’azote, plus riche en argon que l’air, est envoyé à une colonne de distillation (1),un débit gazeux riche en argon (3) est soutiré en tête de la colonne, une partie du débit gazeux riche en argon (11) est mélangée avec des billes ayant un diamètre inférieur à 5mm pour former un mélange gazeux (15) contenant des billes, les billes étant en matière adsorptive capable d’adsorber de l’oxygène en présence d’argon aux températures d’opération de la colonne, le mélange est condensé puis est envoyé en tête de la colonne et un liquide de cuve (19) est soutiré de la colonne et traité pour enlever les billes, les billes enlevées sont régénérées pour enlever l’oxygène adsorbé et sont de nouveau mélangées avec la partie du débit gazeux riche en argon. Figure de l’abrégé : Fig. 2 Title: Adsorption Distillation Process and Apparatus for Argon-Oxygen Cryogenic Separation In a cryogenic distillation argon separation process in which a flow (2) containing argon, oxygen and nitrogen plus rich in argon than air, is sent to a distillation column (1), a gas flow rich in argon (3) is withdrawn at the top of the column, a part of the gas flow rich in argon (11) is mixed with beads having a diameter less than 5mm to form a gas mixture (15) containing beads, the beads being of adsorptive material capable of adsorbing oxygen in the presence of argon at the operating temperatures of the column, the mixture is condensed then is sent to the top of the column and a bottom liquid (19) is withdrawn from the column and treated to remove the beads, the removed beads are regenerated to remove the adsorbed oxygen and are again mixed with the part of the gas flow rich in argon. Abstract figure: Fig. 2

Separation of the constituents of ternary gaseous mixtures

Method and device for adsorptive distillation for cryogenic separation of argon and oxygen

AIR SEPARATION PROCESS AND APPARATUS

System and method for recovery of non-condensable gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton from an air separation unit

A system and method for recovery of rare gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton in an air separation unit is provided. The rare gas recovery system comprises a non-condensable stripping column linked in a heat transfer relationship with a xenon-krypton column via an auxiliary condenser-reboiler. The non-condensable stripping column produces a rare gas containing overhead that is directed to the auxiliary condenser-reboiler where most of the neon is captured in a non-condensable vent stream that is further processed to produce a crude neon vapor stream that contains greater than about 50% mole fraction of neon with the overall neon recovery exceeding 95%. The xenon-krypton column further receives two streams of liquid oxygen from the lower pressure column and the rare gas containing overhead from the non-condensable stripping column and produces a crude xenon and krypton liquid stream and an oxygen-rich overhead.

Annular dividing wall column of air separation unit

本发明提供了一种用于低温精馏空气或空气成分的环形分壁塔。环形分壁塔包括第一环形塔壁和第二环形塔壁，第二环形塔壁设置在第一环形塔壁内以限定环空塔区域和内芯塔区域。本发明的环形分壁塔还包括设置在至少环空塔区域内的规整填料元件以及环形悬臂式收集器；以及环形分配器，环形分配器设置在环空塔区域中且位于多个规整填料元件上方或下方。第二环形塔壁在径向方向和轴向方向上的热膨胀和收缩与第一环形塔壁在径向方向和轴向方向上的热膨胀和收缩无关。

Cryogenic air separation system with liquid air stripping

A cryogenic rectification system which advantageously separates feed air wherein the thermodynamic irreversibility of the argon column top condenser and the lower pressure column is reduced by using a stripping column upstream of the double column main plant.

Vaporization of liquid oxygen for increased argon recovery

System and method for enhanced recovery of argon and oxygen from a nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

Cryogenic air separation system with integrated machine compression

A cryogenic air separation system wherein base load pressure energy is supplied to the feed air by a base load compressor and custom load pressure energy is supplied to the feed air by a bridge machine having one or more turbine booster compressors and one or more product boiler booster compressors, all of the compressors of the bridge machine driven by power supplied through a single gear case.

System and method for production of argon by cryogenic rectification of air

一种用于生产氩的系统及方法，其使用了较高压力塔、较低压力塔和氩塔，它们共同构造成通过空气的低温分离来生产氮、氧和氩产物。本系统和方法还采用了单程的氩冷凝组件，其完全设置在较低压力塔内，较低压力塔构造成相对于来自较高压力塔的富氧液体冷凝来自氩塔的富氩蒸气流，以生产氩液体产物。控制系统构造成用于通过以下优化氩产物的生产：通过确保富氧液体的均匀分流被分送至氩冷凝器核心，且通过调整从氩冷凝组件除去的氩的流动速率，以将氩冷凝组件中的液体/蒸气平衡保持在适当界限内。

Annular divided wall column for an air separation unit having a ring shaped support grid

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

Purification of oxygen by cryogenic adsorption

Apparatus and a process for producing high purity oxygen containing not more than 1 ppm by volume of hydrocarbons. An oxygen stream containing up to about 100 ppm by volume of hydrocarbons is subjected to cryogenic temperature swing adsorption in an adsorption bed containing calcium-exchanged type X zeolite, type 5A zeolite or 13X zeolite, for the removal of the hydrocarbons and any nitrogen present in the oxygen stream.

Method and device for separating a gas mixture by cryogenic distillation

本发明涉及一种用于气体混合物(1)的低温蒸馏装置，包括用以在具有多个吸附剂罐的系统中净化气体混合物的净化设备(A)，塔系统(MP，LP，AR)，容器(15)，向该容器输送低温液体(19，V19，29，V29)的设备，将蒸发的液体(2，V2)从该容器输送到塔系统中的塔(MP)的设备，位于该容器中的用于使所容纳的液体蒸发的蒸发器(R2)，向该蒸发器输送产生热量的气体(4)的设备，以及从该容器中抽取液体(3)的设备。

System and method for high recovery of nitrogen and argon from a moderate pressure cryogenic air separation unit

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon and an overall nitrogen recovery of 98% or greater. The air separation is configured to produce a high purity oxygen enriched stream which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption prepurifier unit. Argon recovery is facilitated with the use of an argon superstaged column.

Cryogenic rectification system with enhanced argon recovery

A cryogenic air separation system which improves argon recovery wherein vapor from the argon column top condenser is turboexpanded to generate refrigeration and is then passed into the lower pressure column.

Patent JPS6044585B2

METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR AIR SEPARATION BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION

Dans un procédé de distillation d'air, un débit de liquide pressurisé se vaporise dans la ligne d'échange principale (1) par échange de chaleur avec de l'air ou de l'azote. Les frigories nécessaires sont produites par une ou plusieurs turbines hydrauliques (9, 39) produisant des débits comprenant au moins 95 % de liquide. In an air distillation process, a flow of pressurized liquid is vaporized in the main exchange line (1) by heat exchange with air or nitrogen. The necessary frigories are produced by one or more hydraulic turbines (9, 39) producing flows comprising at least 95% of liquid.

Cryogenic rectification system with hybrid product boiler

A cryogenic air separation system wherein liquid oxygen (121) is vaporized against condensing feed air (103) and against condensing nitrogen (138) which is taken from a higher pressure column (15) and returned (128) to the top of the higher pressure column, thus supplying added reflux for the air separation and enabling column system operation with improved flexibility and reduced energy usage.

Procedure and air separation apparatus

Cryogenic air separation system with integrated booster and multicomponent refrigerant compression

A cryogenic air separation system wherein pressure energy is supplied by a bridge machine having one or more booster compressors and a multicomponent refrigerant fluid compressor of a multicomponent refrigerant fluid circuit, all of the compressors of the bridge machine driven by power supplied through a single gear case.

Annular split wall column with ring-shaped collector and distributor for air separation unit

공기 또는 공기의 구성성분의 극저온 정류를 위한 환형 분할식 벽 칼럼이 제공된다. 환형 분할식 벽 칼럼은 제1 환형 칼럼 벽 및 제1 환형 칼럼 벽 내에 배치되어 환형부 칼럼 영역 및 내부 코어 칼럼 영역을 한정하는 제2 환형 칼럼 벽을 포함한다. 본 환형 분할식 벽 칼럼은 적어도 환형부 칼럼 영역 내에 배치되는 구조화된 패킹 요소뿐만 아니라 링-형상의 캔틸레버식 수집기; 및 환형부 칼럼 영역 내에서 복수의 구조화된 패킹 요소 위 또는 아래에 배치되는 링-형상의 분배기를 추가로 포함한다. 반경 방향 및 축 방향으로의 제2 환형 칼럼 벽의 열 팽창 및 수축은 반경 및 축 방향으로의 제1 환형 칼럼 벽의 열 팽창 및 수축과 관계없다. An annular divided wall column for cryogenic rectification of air or a constituent of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annular column region and an inner core column region. The present annular divided wall column comprises at least a ring-shaped cantilevered collector as well as a structured packing element disposed within the annular column region; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed above or below the plurality of structured packing elements within the annular column region. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in the radial and axial directions is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

Cryogenic rectification system with hybrid product boiler

A cryogenic air separation system wherein liquid oxygen is vaporized against condensing feed air and against condensing nitrogen which is taken from a higher pressure column and returned to the top of the higher pressure column, thus supplying added reflux for the air separation and enabling column system operation with improved flexibility and reduced energy usage.

Method of and apparatus for decomposing air using a cryogenic distillation process

System and method for enhanced recovery of argon and oxygen from a nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit

A moderate pressure air separation unit and air separation cycle is disclosed that provides for up to about 96% recovery of argon, an overall nitrogen recovery of 98 percent or greater and limited gaseous oxygen production. The air separation is configured to produce a first high purity oxygen enriched stream and a second lower purity oxygen enriched stream from the lower pressure column, one of which is used as the refrigerant to condense the argon in the argon condenser, with the resulting vaporized oxygen stream used to regenerate the temperature swing adsorption pre-purifier unit. All or a portion of the first high purity oxygen enriched stream is vaporized in the main heat exchanger to produce the gaseous oxygen products.

Process and apparatus for the recovery of oxygen

In a process for the recovery of oxygen by two-stage separation of air at low temperature, the air is compressed, cooled in heat exchange with separation products, and at least partially pre-separated in a first stage by reflux condensation into a liquid enriched with oxygen and nitrogen in vapour form. The pre-separation products are separated in a second stage into oxygen product and nitrogen. To be able to recover oxygen of high purity in such a process, a portion of the nitrogen in vapour form from the reflux condensation is compressed and liquefied in heat exchange with liquid oxygen from the second stage.

Method of liquefying and separating air

(57)【要約】本公報は電子出願前の出願データであるた め要約のデータは記録されません。

Annular divided wall column with ring shaped collectors and distributers

An annular divided wall column for the cryogenic rectification of air or constituents of air is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall to define an annulus column region and an interior core column region. The present annular divided wall column further includes structured packing elements disposed within at least the annulus column region as well as a ring-shaped cantilevered collector; and a ring-shaped distributor disposed in the annulus column region above or below the plurality of structured packing elements. The thermal expansion and contraction of the second annular column wall in a radial direction and in an axial direction is independent of the thermal expansion and contraction of the first annular column wall in the radial and axial directions.

System and method for recovering non-condensable gases such as neon, helium, xenon, and krypton from an air separation unit

本发明提供了一种用于在空气分离单元中回收稀有气体诸如氖气、氦气、氙气和氪气的系统和方法。所述稀有气体回收系统包括不可冷凝物汽提塔，所述不可冷凝物汽提塔经由辅助冷凝器‑再沸器与氙气‑氪气塔以热传递关系相连。所述不可冷凝物汽提塔产生的稀有气体包含塔顶馏出物，所述塔顶馏出物被引导至所述辅助冷凝器‑再沸器，其中大部分所述氖气被捕集在不可冷凝排放流中，所述不可冷凝排放流还被处理以产生粗氖蒸气流，所述粗氖蒸气流含有大于约50％摩尔份数的氖气，所述总氖气回收率超过95％。所述氙气‑氪气塔还从所述低压塔接收两股液氧流，并且从所述不可冷凝物汽提塔接收含所述稀有气体的塔顶馏出物，并且产生粗氙气和氪气液流和富氧塔顶馏出物。

A method for producing lower purity oxygen and higher purity oxygen and an apparatus thereof

바닥형 재가열기를 갖는 측면 칼럼을 사용하여 고순도 및 저순도 산소에 대한 높은 회수율을 갖는 저온 정류 시스템으로서, 상기 정류 시스템에 있어서 공급 공기는 부분적으로 응축되고 그 부분 응축 이후에 남아있는 공급 공기의 증기는 정류 이전에 터보팽창된다. A low temperature rectification system having a high recovery rate for high purity and low purity oxygen using a side column with bottom reheating wherein the feed air in the rectification system is partially condensed and the steam of the remaining feed air after the partial condensation Is turboexpanded prior to commutation.

Process and plant for air separation by cryogenic distillation

Annular divided wall column

An annular divided wall column is provided. The annular divided wall column includes a first annular column wall and a second annular column wall disposed within the first annular column wall and radially spaced therefrom to define an annulus column region as the space between the first annular column wall and the second annular column wall. An interior core column region is also defined by the interior space of the second annular column wall. The present annular divided wall column further includes a plurality of packing elements, disposed within the interior core column region within the annulus column region having different surface area densities and optionally, also have different geometries.

Oxygen production facility and oxygen production method

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide power saving-type oxygen producing equipment and an oxygen producing method using the same, capable of increasing a producing ability in summer of high air temperature. <P>SOLUTION: This oxygen producing equipment is provided with an atomization room comprising a water-jet device at a front side of an air compressor, and this oxygen producing method uses the oxygen producing equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Argon condensation system and method

An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through condensers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the air separation plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Prior to flowing into the once-through condensers, the partially vaporized crude oxygen stream enters a phase separator which separates the crude oxygen vapor from the crude liquid oxygen. The separated crude oxygen vapor bypasses the once-through condensers and is mixed with the vaporized oxygen stream that exits the one-through condensers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column.

Patent TW210989B