Abstract: The process and the apparatus are used to obtain argon using a three-column system for the fractionation of air, which has a high-pressure column (11), a low-pressure column (13) and a medium-pressure column (12). A first charge air stream (10, 64) is introduced into the high-pressure column (11), where it is separated into a first oxygen-enriched liquid and a first nitrogen top gas. A first oxygen-enriched fraction (23, 24, 26) from the high-pressure column (11) is introduced into the medium-pressure column (12), where it is separated into a second oxygen-enriched liquid and a second nitrogen top gas. A second oxygen-enriched fraction (33, 35), from the high-pressure column and/or from the medium-pressure column (12), is introduced into the low-pressure column (13), where it is separated into a third oxygen-enriched liquid and a third nitrogen top gas.

Abstract: A system and process for vaporizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and separating natural gas liquids from the LNG. The process vaporizes the LNG to produce natural gas meeting pipeline or other commercial specifications. The process in some embodiments uses a closed loop power generation system.

Abstract: The invention is an absorption process for recovering C2+ components from a pressurized liquid mixture comprising C1 and C2+. The pressurized liquid mixture is at least partially vaporized by heating the liquid mixture in a heat transfer means. The heat transfer means provides refrigeration to an absorption medium that is used in treating the vaporized mixture in an absorption zone. The vaporized mixture is passed to an absorption zone that produces a first stream enriched in C1 and a second stream enriched in C2+ components. The pressurized liquid mixture is preferably pressurized liquid natural gas (PLNG) having an initial pressure above about 1,724 kPa (250 psia) and an initial temperature above −112° C. (−170° F.). Before being vaporized, the pressurized liquid mixture is preferably boosted in pressure to approximately the desired operating pressure of the absorption zone.

Abstract: For adjusting the capacity of a low-temperature rectification unit having a high pressure column and a low pressure column in which a fluid is introduced into the high pressure column (1) and in which liquid from the bottom of the high pressure column is directed into the low pressure column (2), the amount of liquid that is removed from the bottom of high pressure and fed to the low pressure column (2) is controlled via flow adjustment (4), wherein a nominal value for flow adjustment (4) is set to a desired amount of flow, and the liquid level of the liquid at the bottom of column (1) that operates at higher pressure is fixed without a set nominal value corresponding to the amount of liquid that is removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering pressurized liquefied natural gas to an import terminal equipped with containers and vaporization facilities suitable for conventional LNG.

Abstract: Hyperbaric Hypoxic Fire Escape and Suppression System is provided for multilevel buildings, transportation tunnels and other human-occupied environments. The system produces and maintains a hypoxic hyperbaric environment in a separate part of a building (staircase shaft) or a tunnel (service tunnel) in order to provide an entirely secure escape area in case of a fire emergency and instantly extinguish an ongoing fire in a building or a tunnel by releasing a breathable hyperbaric hypoxic fire-extinguishing composition into location affected by fire. Additionally, the system provides continuing adequate protection against biological and chemical warfare and contaminants by filtering ambient air before processing it by the system and by establishing breathable fire-suppressive atmosphere at a positive atmospheric pressure inside a building or tunnel.

Abstract: An impingement cooler or freezer includes at least one impingement section, having a plurality of channeling means defining apertures enabling cooling fluid impingement flow toward and onto objects on a conveyor and defining a channel through which the cooling fluid from the objects flows into a duct which carries the fluid to a unit that chills the fluid, and includes passage means which receives cooling fluid from said apertures and lets it enter the duct after having flowed toward and onto said objects, the fluid being impinged and recirculated by a fan.

Abstract: A total flood fire suppression system is provided for transportation tunnels and other human-occupied environments, which employs a selective gas delivery method for supplying a breathable fire-extinguishing agent to a location closest to a fire site. The agent is produced from ambient air at site and stored in high-pressure containers communicating with an addressed gas delivery hose installed throughout a tunnel. When fire is detected, the agent is released from storage containers into the gas delivery hose that simultaneously becomes penetrated or broken in a location next to the fire site, allowing releasing the agent there and extinguishing the fire by totally flooding the affected portion of a tunnel. Additionally, the direction of the agent flow can be controlled by air blocks or inflatable tunnel plugs that, via a signal from a central control station, can inflate and block a tunnel tube in order to redirect the agent flow into the opposite to a block direction.

Abstract: An electrochemical heat pump system comprising an electrochemical pump, refrigerant-based cooling system, and gas-driven compressor. The electrochemical pump is capable of reversibly producing and consuming hydrogen gas. The cooling system comprises a condenser, compressor, and evaporator in thermal communication with an object to be cooled. The compressor comprises a chamber having a fixed volume and a flexible separator that physically divides the chamber into a gas space and a refrigerant space containing vapor refrigerant. As hydrogen gas is produced in the gas space, the flexible separator extends into the refrigerant space thereby expanding the gas space and compressing the vapor refrigerant. As the vapor refrigerant is compressed, it is forced through the condenser where the refrigerant is liquefied. The liquid refrigerant then passes through the evaporator where the liquid refrigerant is evaporated by absorbing heat from the object to be cooled.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a partially decentralized operating control system wherein five defined separate controllers control either one or more than one defined variables.

Abstract: An offshore liquefied natural gas regasification system is disclosed, which includes a mobile floating platform having a regasification unit disposed on it. The regasification unit is adapted to operatively couple to an outlet of a liquefied natural gas carrier. The regasification unit is adapted to operatively couple at its outlet to a tap on an offshore gas pipeline. The mobile floating platform is adapted to moor to at least one liquefied natural gas carrier.

Abstract: A device useful for delivering carbon dioxide snow comprises a supply conduit for providing a flow of pressurized carbon dioxide, a plurality of tubes disposed side by side, each tube having a constant cross-sectional configuration and area throughout its length, each tube having a first end the peripheral edges of which are sealed to the outside of the conduit wall and a second end which is open to the ambient atmosphere, and a plurality of apertures for carbon dioxide to flow through the conduit wall and expand to solids and vapor, there being at least one aperture communicating with the interior of each of said plurality of tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaporizer-condensor (4) of the bath type, comprising at least one heat exchange body (13), having a multitude of flat passages (18) for the countercurrent circulation of two fluids in a same direction, and a sealed chamber (14) for confining a fluid containing the or each heat exchange body, the confinement chamber comprising a central section (50) of generally cylindrical shape along a longitudinal axis (Y—Y). The longitudinal axis of the central section of said or each confinement chamber is orthogonal to the direction of countercurrent circulation of the fluids in the flat passages of the corresponding heat exchange body. Use in double column air distillation installations.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for a Dewar vessel combines an insulative vapor plug and a vapor barrier. The plug is sized so as to define an open space between it and the neck portion of the Dewar vessel to allow venting of vaporous cryogen from the inner vessel of the Dewar vessel through a Dewar opening. The vapor barrier provides an interference between the plug and the neck portion that disrupts venting of vaporous cryogen but does not form an airtight seal that would block venting and cause unacceptable build-up of pressure within the inner vessel. Multiple vapor barriers, especially four or more, provide multiple interferences that create multiple chambers between the plug and the neck portion. Each interference disrupts migration of vaporous cryogen as an incremental increase (e.g., 2 psig or less) in vapor pressure of each chamber causes the chamber to breach and then another incremental increase in vapor pressure of the liquid cryogen in the vaporous state is required to breach each successive chamber.

Abstract: A transport assembly for a cryogenic processor having an elongated housing forming a channel for the delivery of a frozen product from an intake end to a discharge end. The system includes a screw-type conveyor disposed within the elongated housing for movement of the frozen product from the intake end to the discharge end. An indirect drive motor assembly is provided and configured to rotate the screw-type conveyor. A nozzle assembly is provided for attachment to the transport assembly at the discharge end, the nozzle assembly being configured to inject wash and rinse solutions into the elongated housing. In addition, a drain line is disposed near the intake end of the elongated housing. The drain line facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of low pressure gaseous oxygen (“GOX”) in which compressed and purified feed air (1) is cooled and at least partially condensed in heat exchange means (E1) having a warm end and a cold end and the cooled and at least partially condensed feed air (2) is then distilled in a cryogenic distillation column system (C1, C2). A liquid oxygen (“LOX”) product stream (8) is removed from the column system (C1, C2) and vaporized and warmed by heat exchange (E1) to produce GOX. LOX refrigerant (10) from an external source is used to provide a portion of the refrigeration duty required for the cooling and at least partial condensation of the feed air stream (1).

Abstract: A cycle-side system (20) is formed by duct connecting a compressor (21), a heat exchanger (30), a demoisturizer (22), and an expansion device (23) in that order. The compressor (21) draws in room air and supply air for ventilation and compresses the same. The compressed air exchanges heat with exhaust air for ventilation in the heat exchanger (30), thereby being cooled. Water vapor in the cooled, compressed air is removed in the demoisturizer (22). The demoisturizer (22) is provided with a separation membrane and separates water vapor in the compressed air without the occurrence of condensation. Thereafter, the compressed air is expanded in the expansion device (23) to change into low-temperature air. The low-temperature air is supplied into a room. On the other hand, the heat exchanger (30) is fed exhaust air cooled in a humidifying cooler (41).

Abstract: A superconducting device includes a winding including superconductor material, which can be rotated about a rotation axis. For indirect cooling of the winding, a regenerative cryocooler having a co-rotating cold head and including a compressor unit is provided, as well as, in between, a transfer unit including a gas coupling for conveying a working gas between the stationary and rotating parts. The working gas is delivered to the cold head directly after the gas coupling.

Abstract: A mixture containing oxygen is introduced into a distillation column (1); an intermediate stream, substantially free from impurities heavier than oxygen, is withdrawn (at 17) at a level of the column located above the point (4) of introduction of the air, the point (22) of withdrawal being separated from this point (4) of introduction by a distillation section (6), particularly with packing; the stream withdrawn (at 17) is sent to an oxygen purification column (2), and a reflux liquid is distributed over the section (6) by a distributor (9). A predetermined non-uniformity of the distribution of the reflux liquid over the upper surface (8) of the section (6) is effected in at least one localized region (23) of this surface.

Abstract: In order to produce a frozen, composite food product including at least two components, a continuous flow of pieces of the first component is advanced along a mixing tank in which the pieces are simultaneously tossed and a continuous flow of at least one second component is spread on the first component as it advances through the mixing tank.