Patents Examined by Ronald C. Caposseln
  • High efficiency nitrogen generator
    Patent number: 5711167
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for highly efficient generation of nitrogen product in a single column arrangement. Oxygen-enriched liquid from a distillation column is partially vaporized to form a liquid and a vapor phase. The liquid is vaporized in a second reboiler/condenser and thereafter the vapor expanded to provide process refrigeration. The vapor portion having higher nitrogen content is compressed and returned to the distillation column for higher overall nitrogen recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Air Liquide Process & Construction
    Inventors: Bao Ha, Michael A. Turney