Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement for the production of ultra-high purity oxygen from cryogenic air separation processes which produce nitrogen and/or commercial purity oxygen products. In particular, the improvement comprises removing or producing an oxygen-containing but heavy contaminant-lean (free, stream from one of the distillation columns of a single or multiple column cryogenic air separation facility and further stripping the removed or produced oxygen-containing stream in a fractionator to produce ultra-high purity oxygen (i.e., contaminant concentration <10 vppm).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement to a cryogenic air separation process having an argon sidearm column. The improvement to the process for maximizing argon recovery comprises effectuating the intimate contact of the liquid phase stream and the vapor phase stream in the low pressure column and the argon sidearm column of an integrated multi-column, e.g. three column, cryogenic distillation system by utilizing a structured or ordered packing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement to a conventional cryogenic air separation process having an argon sidearm column. The improvement to the process comprises reducing the pressure of the feed gas to the argon sidearm column across a control valve and operating the argon sidearm column at the lowest possible pressure consistent with a minimum temperature difference across the overhead condenser and the unrestricted return of crude oxygen vapor from the overhead condenser to the low pressure column.

Abstract: Low pressure steam leaving a turbine (108) is used to preheat a major part of the feed water to a boiler (107) to a higher temperature than the balance of the feed water. The preheated part of the feed water is then introduced into the boiler (107) at a higher temperature zone than the remainder of the feed water.

Abstract: Liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen are produced from the separation of air in an installation of reduced size wherein the refrigeration necessary for the operation of the air separation unit is produced from the use of a single compander and a freon refrigeration unit affixed to a split-out stream of the main heat exchanger with appropriate recycling and heat exchange. The process for such an installation is also set forth.

Abstract: The operation of a prior art freezer installation for freezing food can be improved by:(1) providing air curtains at the doors of the freezer;(2) using a pulse bag filter for separating ice from the air leaving the freezer; and(3) ensuring that the air leaving the freezer is colder than -80.degree. F.

Abstract: The operation of a prior art freezer installation for freezing food can be improved by:(1) improved refrigeration techniques;(2) providing air curtains at the doors of the freezer;(3) using a pulse bag filter for separating ice from the air leaving the freezer; and(4) ensuring that the air leaving the freezer is colder than -80.degree. F.