Abstract: A structured packing arrangement for reducing vapor bypass in the gaps between the edges of structured packing elements or bricks and the packed distillation column wall is provided. The structured packing arrangement includes a high pressure drop shroud attached to portions of the perimeter of the structured packing elements and in the gap between the edge of the structured packing elements and the interior surface of the distillation column wall. The high pressure drop shroud urges the ascending vapor flowing at or near the edges of the structured packing elements to stay within the structured packing elements instead of escaping through the side of the structured packing toward the distillation column wall.

Abstract: A wiper band assembly suitable for use in packed distillation columns used in an air separation unit is provided. The wiper band assembly includes specially designed metal or metal alloy wiper tabs that are longer and thinner than conventional wiper tabs. The longer and thinner wiper tabs preferably have a thickness between about 0.05 mm and 0.25 mm and a length greater than about 50.0 mm. The physical dimensions and characteristics of the wiper tabs are selected to avoid permanent deformation during the installation process and provides continuous engagement with the interior surface of the packed column wall when the wiper tabs are exposed to pressure differentials typically seen in such packed distillation columns.

Abstract: An adsorbent bed structure and process is disclosed for use in an adsorption based gas separation process. A conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation process is replaced with a one or more modular compact adsorbent bed units which are connected to make an adsorbent bed structure. The modular design requires lower fabrication and maintenance costs; is easier to transport; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cyclic adsorption process for separating components of a gas stream with at least one adsorber vessel containing at least one adsorber bed undergoing the steps of at least pressurization and depressurization such that the steps are driven by at least one compressor, the compressor undergoing the steps of acceleration and deceleration in association with the steps of pressurization and depressurization. The compressor is operated at or above predetermined speeds which do not generate undesirable frequency pulsations while meeting the requirements of the cyclic adsorption process.

Abstract: An adsorbent bed structure and process is disclosed for use in an adsorption based gas separation process. A conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation process is replaced with a one or more modular compact adsorbent bed units which are connected to make an adsorbent bed structure. The modular design requires lower fabrication and maintenance costs; is easier to transport; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a cyclic adsorption process for separating components of a gas stream with at least one adsorber vessel containing at least one adsorber bed undergoing the steps of at least pressurization and depressurization such that the steps are driven by at least one compressor, the compressor undergoing the steps of acceleration and deceleration in association with the steps of pressurization and depressurization. The compressor is operated at or above predetermined speeds which do not generate undesirable frequency pulsations while meeting the requirements of the cyclic adsorption process.

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed induction variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.

Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed induction variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual feed and dual vacuum four bed VPSA process for selectively adsorbing a component from a feed stream, e.g., nitrogen from air, to produce an oxygen-enriched gas stream using a multi-port indexing drum valve, a system comprising a multi-port indexing drum valve and method for operating such a system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual feed and dual vacuum four bed VPSA process for selectively adsorbing a component from a feed stream, e.g., nitrogen from air, to produce an oxygen-enriched gas stream using a multi-port indexing drum valve, a system comprising a multi-port indexing drum valve and method for operating such a system.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation plant and method of operation wherein, after an interruption in operation, liquid from the sump of a lower pressure column and liquid from the sump of a higher pressure column is passed to a condenser, preferably an argon column top condenser, prior to the restarting of the plant.

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.