Abstract: A process for cryogenic separation of a feed stream containing methane and air gases in which: the feed stream is cooled in order to produce a cooled stream, at least one portion of the cooled stream is sent to one level of a distillation column, a bottom stream is drawn off from the distillation column, the bottom stream being enriched in methane relative to the feed stream, a stream enriched in oxygen and in nitrogen relative to the feed stream is drawn off from the distillation column, at least one noncombustible dilution stream that is more volatile than oxygen is introduced into the distillation column at at least one level lower than the one at which the cooled stream is introduced. The dilution stream is extracted from the feed stream. Facility for producing biomethane by purification of biogases derived from non-hazardous waste storage facilities (NHWSF) implementing the process.

Abstract: A process for cryogenic separation of a feed stream containing methane and air gases in which: the feed stream is cooled in order to produce a cooled stream, at least one portion of the cooled stream is sent to one level of a distillation column, a bottom stream is drawn off from the distillation column, the bottom stream being enriched in methane relative to the feed stream, a stream enriched in oxygen and in nitrogen relative to the feed stream is drawn off from the distillation column, at least one noncombustible dilution stream that is more volatile than oxygen is introduced into the distillation column at at least one level lower than the one at which the cooled stream is introduced. The dilution stream is extracted from the feed stream. Facility for producing biomethane by purification of biogases derived from non-hazardous waste storage facilities (NHWSF) implementing the process.

Abstract: A process for cryogenic separation of a feed stream containing methane and air gases in which: the feed stream is cooled in order to produce a cooled stream, at least one portion of the cooled stream is sent to one level of a distillation column, a bottom stream is drawn off from the distillation column, the bottom stream being enriched in methane relative to the feed stream, a stream enriched in oxygen and in nitrogen relative to the feed stream is drawn off from the distillation column, at least one noncombustible dilution stream that is more volatile than oxygen is introduced into the distillation column at at least one level lower than the one at which the cooled stream is introduced. The dilution stream is extracted from the feed stream. Facility for producing biomethane by purification of biogases derived from non-hazardous waste storage facilities (NHWSF) implementing the process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filling pressurized gas tanks, characterized in that the filling process is interrupted when the input pressure reaches a maximum filling pressure, the maximum filling pressure in the cylinder being calculated to match the most serious of the two following conditions: nominal filling capacity or design temperature of the cylinders.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for filling pressurized gas tanks, characterized in that the filling process is interrupted when the input pressure reaches a maximum filling pressure, the maximum filling pressure in the cylinder being calculated to match the most serious of the two following conditions: nominal filling capacity or design temperature of the cylinders.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a liquid bath of oxygen. A liquid bath of at least 70 mol % of oxygen is located at the base of a cryogenic distillation column. The bath is continuously boiled by an aluminum reboiler. A portion of the liquid bath is purged to prevent a build up of inflammable impurities in the bath. A portion of the purge is sent to a second reboiler, which is less inflammable than the first reboiler. Oxygen boiled by the second reboiler is sent back to the column, and a portion of the oxygen rich liquid bath treated by the second reboiler is also purged. The invention also relates to an apparatus of carrying out this method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for treating at least one fluid, in a container that holds at least one mass of a particulate material between two perforated walls. Near the upper part of the mass, at least one deflector extends from the first wall towards the second wall. Fluid flows through the walls horizontally, and the deflector is positioned at an angle to this horizontal fluid flow direction. With this particular apparatus configuration, an area close to the second wall and opposite the adjacent end of the deflector is formed, which is generally free of particulate matter; thus, resulting in a more efficient treatment process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a liquid bath of oxygen. A liquid bath of at least 70 mol % of oxygen is located at the base of a cryogenic distillation column. The bath is continuously boiled by an aluminum reboiler. A portion of the liquid bath is purged to prevent a build up of inflammable impurities in the bath. A portion of the purge is sent to a second reboiler, which is less inflammable than the first reboiler. Oxygen boiled by the second reboiler is sent back to the column, and a portion of the oxygen rich liquid bath treated by the second reboiler is also purged. The invention also relates to an apparatus of carrying out this method.

Abstract: A system for sampling cryogenic liquids, and an air separation unit provided with at least one such system. The cryogenic liquid is introduced into a vaporizer, through heat exchange with the compressed air. The liquid passes through the vaporizer generally downwards. The walls of the vaporizer that are intended to come into contact with the cryogenic liquid are maintained at a temperature above the sublimation temperature or the boiling point of the least volatile impurity contained in this liquid. Downstream of the vaporizer, a gaseous phase coming from the vaporization of the cryogenic liquid is withdrawn and at least some of the gaseous phase is sent to an analyzer.

Abstract: A corrugated strip made of sheet material, which may be used in a packing module. The peaks and the troughs of the strip, when viewed in a side view, define lines which have a general sloping direction relative to the direction the fluid flow. Each strip includes a spanning zone and a transition zone. In the transition zone, each peak/trough line extends inside a specific area centered on a curve which extends tangentially from the peak/trough line of the spanning zone. The structured interface region between the spanning and transition zones helps to reduce head loss across the strip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating a liquid bath of oxygen. A liquid bath of at least 70 mol % of oxygen is located at the base of a cryogenic distillation column. The bath is continuously boiled by an aluminum reboiler. A portion of the liquid bath is purged to prevent a build up of inflammable impurities in the bath. A portion of the purge is sent to a second reboiler, which is less inflammable than the first reboiler. Oxygen boiled by the second reboiler is sent back to the column, and a portion of the oxygen rich liquid bath treated by the second reboiler is also purged. The invention also relates to an apparatus of carrying out this method.

Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger containing a number of stacked dividing plates of roughly uniform thickness (e), at least one passage, and at least one fin. The minimum thickness (e?) of the fin is 0.8 times greater than the thickness (e) of each dividing plate(s).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for treating at least one fluid, in a container that holds at least one mass of a particulate material between two perforated walls. Near the upper part of the mass, at least one deflector extends from the first wall towards the second wall. Fluid flows through the walls horizontally, and the deflector is positioned at an angle to this horizontal fluid flow direction. With this particular apparatus configuration, an area close to the second wall and opposite the adjacent end of the deflector is formed, which is generally free of particulate matter; thus, resulting in a more efficient treatment process.

Abstract: The invention concerns a corrugated packing module for treating a fluid delimited by two channels (18). It comprises a running zone (4) whereof the channels define ridge lines (26) having a global sloping direction (D1) relative to a general direction of circulation (Df) of the fluid. The strip comprises a transition zone (6, 8) adjacent to the running zone (4). Each ridge line (26) of the transition zone (6, 8) extends inside a specific zone centered on a curve (A) which extends tangentially the ridge line (26) of the running zone (4). The radial width (Lr) is 10% of the corresponding radius of curvature of the curve (A). The radius of curvature (Rc) of the curve (A) is at all points 1.5 times greater than the hydraulic diameter (Dh) of a channel (18). The invention is applicable to air distillation columns.

Abstract: In this process, during at least one phase of the treatment cycle, the gas outflow is increased or decreased locally in at least one marginal region of the packing. Application to drying/CO2 removal of atmospheric air intended to be distilled, or to the separation of gaseous mixtures by pressure modulated adsorption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip, made from a sheet material, for a packing module for treatment of liquids, comprising corrugations, which are mainly oriented at an inclination to the direction of flow of said liquid, when the strip is in an approximately vertical plane with the edges thereof approximately horizontal. The strip comprises openings (44) with extended edges. The direction of the edges on the lower section of the openings and the natural direction of flow (S) of the liquid on at least 75% of the length of the edges of said lower section form an included angle of between 0° and 20°. The above finds application in air distillation columns.

Abstract: The heat exchanger can be used for the vaporization of a pressurized liquid and comprises at least one passage way (P) for a liquid extending in a first direction, being provided with exchange waves that are substantially parallel to the first direction and comprising at least one redistribution area associated with at least one lateral collector in an intermediate area of the length thereof, in addition to being provided with deviation waves extending in at least one second direction forming an angle with the first direction, whereby the redistribution area takes up the entire width of the passage way, in a crosswise position with respect to the first direction, whereby the deviation waves communicate with the exchange waves. The deviation waves are essentially as rigid as the exchange waves. The invention can be used with exchangers in pumped air-distillation devices.

Abstract: An evaporator has main passages placed in a heat-exchange relationship, an arrangement for forming a pool of the liquid to be evaporated so that it flows through at least a first of the main passages, and a device for introducing a refrigerant into at least a second of the main passages so that evaporation of the liquid is ensured.

Abstract: According to this method:

Abstract: The invention concerns a packing module (2) comprising an assembly of deflectors (7, 9, 11) which define a set of horizontal layers of fixed mixing ventilators (3, 4, 5). In at least one axial end zone (6) of the module, the deflectors constitute transition deflectors (9, 11) defining at least one layer of fixed transition ventilators (4, 5) whereof the mixing effect is reduced relative to that of the layers (3) located in the current part of the module. The invention is useful for air distillation columns.