Abstract: An air-conditioning planning unit: obtains air-conditioning control plan options indicating setting values for air-conditioning, a first room temperature of a space at a first control time, and a first air-conditioning power usage consumed at the first control time; calculates a second room temperature at a second control time with a first function whose explanatory variables include the first room temperature, the first air-conditioning power usage, and at least one of the options; calculates, for each of the options, room temperature and air-conditioning power usage in a time series by calculating a second air-conditioning power usage at the second control time with a second function whose explanatory variables include the first room temperature, the first air-conditioning power usage, and at least one of the options; calculates an evaluation indicator to evaluate a comfort level and cost; and selects an air-conditioning control plan from the options based on the evaluation indicator.

Abstract: A thermostat associated with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, includes a housing, at least one input, a sensor for measuring an ambient internal temperature, and an internal processor for operating the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in response to the at least one input and the measured ambient internal temperature. The thermostat is operable in a heating mode and a cooling mode. A heating set point is associated with the heating mode, and a cooling set point is associated with the cooling mode. The internal processor is programmable to incrementally adjust at least one of the heating set point and the cooling set point in response to a sensed condition.

Abstract: Tuning model structures of dynamic systems are described herein. One method for tuning model structures of a dynamic system includes predicting a variable for each of a number of models associated with a number of model structures of a dynamic system, calculating a rate of error of the predicted variable for each of the number of models compared to an observed variable, determining a best model structure among the number of model structures based on the calculated rate of error, and creating a revised model structure using the best model structure to tune the number of model structures of the dynamic system.

Abstract: A temperature control method includes obtaining, by a controller, a space temperature value, a space temperature set point, a discharge air temperature value, and a discharge air temperature set point. The method further includes determining a compressor speed using a first PI loop based on the space temperature set point and the space temperature value, and determining a supply fan speed using a second PI loop based on the discharge air temperature set point and the discharge air temperature value. The temperature control method further includes outputting a first control signal that controls the speed of a variable speed compressor based on the determination of whether the compressor speed is within the compressor operation range and a second control signal to control the speed of a variable speed supply fan based on the determination of whether the supply fan speed is within the supply fan operation range.

Abstract: A heating system comprising an air circulation fan, a heating unit, a memory that is operable to store a temperature map, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to operate the air circulation fan at a first speed and the heating unit in a first configuration. When the heating unit is in the first configuration, the heating unit is configured to achieve a first temperature and such that less than all of the burners are active. The microprocessor is also configured to receive a temperature set point and to determine a second speed for the air circulation fan using the temperature set point and the temperature map in response to receiving the temperature set point. Further, the microprocessor is configured to transition the air circulation fan from the first speed to the second speed in response to determining the second speed.

Abstract: A heating control system including an air circulation fan, a heating unit, a memory, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to operate the air circulation fan at a first speed and the heating unit in a first configuration where less than all of the burners are active. The microprocessor is further configured to determine a first temperature difference, compare the first temperature difference to a first temperature difference threshold, and transition the air circulation fan from the first speed to a second speed when the first temperature difference is less than the first temperature difference threshold. The microprocessor is further configured to determine a second temperature difference, compare the second temperature difference to a second temperature difference threshold, and transition the air circulation fan from the second speed to a third speed when the second temperature difference is less than the second temperature difference threshold.

Abstract: A heating control method includes determining a first speed for an air circulation fan that corresponds with a temperature set point using a temperature map that maps temperatures to speeds of the air circulation fan and operating the air circulation fan at the first speed and a heating unit in a first configuration with at least one active burner from a plurality of burners where less than all of the burners are active when the heating unit is in the first configuration. The method further includes measuring a first temperature while operating the air circulation fan at the first speed, determining a temperature difference between the first temperature and the temperature set point, comparing the temperature difference to a temperature difference threshold, and updating the temperature map to map the first speed to the first temperature when the temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold.

Abstract: A collaborative energy management system, method and program product for a multi-zone space. A system is disclosed including: a plurality of environment sensors located throughout the multi-zone space; an adaptive learning system that collects environment data from the environment sensors and generates a correlation model that correlates historical environment data with HVAC settings; and an optimization system that utilizes the correlation model, inputted preferences received from a plurality of occupants within the multi-zone space, and energy usage goals to periodically generate new HVAC settings for controlling an HVAC system for the multi-zone space.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image based HVAC control are described. In one embodiments, the systems and methods include detecting a presence of a person that satisfies a predetermined age criteria in a first room of a premises, determining a current temperature of the first room, determining a temperature setting associated with the first room, and adjusting one or more aspects of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system based on the presence of the person in the first room of the premises.

Abstract: A back-up power source apparatus in an indoor unit of a multi-split air conditioning system includes first and second voltage detecting circuits and a control circuit connected with the first and second voltage detecting circuits. The first and second voltage detecting circuits detect voltages of first and second power sources on a mainboard of the indoor unit in real time respectively, and the control circuit controls the back-up power source apparatus to enter a corresponding operation state according to the voltages of the first and/or second power sources. A controlling method of the back-up power source apparatus and a multi-split air conditioning system including the back-up power source apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A flanged duct blank has a male part defined by lead notches formed at each side of a leading end and has a female part defined by trail notches formed at each side of a trailing end. The male part includes a lock tab. The female part includes a leg part and a Z-bend. The Z-bend includes a leg part and a gap. The duct blank is repeatedly clamped and bent by a pivoting wiper to form a duct portion. The pivoting wiper includes a clench tool that has a retractable rib and a retractable roller. With the lock tab inserted into the Z-bend and the retractable rib engaged with the Z-bend, the retractable roller clenches the leg part over the lock tab to lock the male and female parts together in a duct seam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing easy access to air conditioning/heating/ventilation through a panel that has flip hinges connecting the filter grill to the panel. Traditional “Filter Grill Panels” require removal from the air conditioning vent when replacing a filter or accessing the vent. The inventor has created a “Filter Grill Panel” with two flip hinges which allow for the panel to stay connected to the vent and not require complete removal of the panel. The “Flip Hinged Filter Grill” will save time whenever access to the air conditioning vent is needed and allows for easier opening and closing of the Filter Grill Panel which otherwise is completely removed in order to replace or install an air filter by unscrewing multiple screws and removal of the panel. Reference numbers 100—Vent Panel 44×30 inch (Plan view and Axonometric view); 101—Filter Grill 26×12 inch (Plan view and Axonometric view); 102—Hinge 1¼ inch (Plan view and Axonometric view); 103—Clip Lock 2 inch (Plan view and Axonometric view).

Abstract: An evaporator rough-in box includes a plurality of walls that define and enclose a chamber, a first one of the walls having cutting lines that encircle a faceplate, one of the cutting lines defining an integral hinge that maintains the faceplate attached to the first one of the walls when a remainder of the cutting lines are cut so that the faceplate can move between an open position and a closed position. A closure maintains the faceplate in the closed position by attaching an edge of the faceplate to the first one of the walls. In addition, ports are provided in at least one of the walls, and a drainage sump is provided at a vertically lower end of the rough-in box, the drainage sump having a drain outlet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a water heating assembly (10) comprising a heating element (12) and a tube (11). The heating element (12) is arranged within the tube (11) forming a gap (19) between the heating element (12) and an inner wall of the tube (11) and is adapted to heat water within the gap (19). The water heating assembly comprises a spacer element (13) arranged within the gap (19). The invention is further directed to a method for producing a water heating assembly according to the present invention as well as a method for heating water by using the water heating assembly according to the present invention.

Abstract: A hot water supply device includes a heat exchanger, a temperature detection sensor detecting the surface temperature of the heat exchanger, and a fixing fitting fixing the sensor to a casing of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes heat exchange tubing, a plurality of fins brazed to the heat exchange tubing, and the casing within which the tubing and the fins are housed, and to which both end portions of each of the fins are brazed. The fixing fitting includes a sensor fixing portion to which the temperature detection sensor is fixed, and fitting fixing portions attached to the casing. A predetermined gap is defined between the sensor fixing portion and the casing. The fitting fixing portions are brazed to an outer surface portion of the casing corresponding to the outside of a portion thereof where the casing and one or a plurality of the fins are brazed together.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly and a hot water appliance including a heat exchanger and a burner assembly. The heat exchanger assembly includes a head portion including a water inlet for receiving water at a first temperature, a water outlet for outputting water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and a gas inlet port for receiving combustion gases. The heat exchanger assembly also includes a tube bundle including a plurality of combustion chamber tubes positioned about the gas inlet port, and a plurality of condensation chamber tubes positioned adjacent and parallel to the plurality of combustion chamber tubes. Each combustion chamber tube has a first surface shape and each condensation chamber tube has a second surface shape that is different than the first surface shape.

Abstract: A thermal appliance is provided. The thermal appliance includes a heating compartment within the enclosure that is surrounded by insulating material. The insulating material comprises one or more layers, and the insulating material includes at least one channel. A channel allows air to travel within the enclosure to hotspot locations.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a controller for a multistage gas furnace, a multistage gas furnace and computer readable medium for performing a method to operate a furnace. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive a heating call and (2) a corrosion reducer configured to ignite the gas furnace at a high fire operation based on if an indoor circulating fan of the gas furnace is active.

Abstract: To overcome shortcomings of the conventional thermal receiver, embodiments of the technology disclosed herein are directed towards an improved thermal receiver. More particularly, the various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein relate to thermal receivers without a vacuum insulation, otherwise known as an approximation of a blackbody. Various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein enable greater absorption of sunlight collected by a parabolic solar trough concentrator compared with conventional thermal receivers.

Abstract: A process for producing power including injecting a first heat transfer fluid through an injection well to a geothermally-heated formation that contains a second heat transfer fluid. The first heat transfer fluid may then be heated via indirect heat exchange in an interwell run fluidly connected to the injection well and disposed within the geothermally-heated formation. The heated first heat transfer fluid may then be recovered through a production well fluidly connected to the interwell run. Thermal energy contained in the recovered heated first heat transfer fluid may then be converted in a power production unit fluidly connected to the injection well and the production well. The interwell run, in some embodiments, may include multiple heat exchange tubes disposed within a perforated casing or drill pipe.

Abstract: An ejector refrigeration cycle includes a bypass passage that guides a refrigerant on an outlet side of an evaporator drawn from a refrigerant suction port of an ejector to a suction port side of a compressor while bypassing a diffuser passage of the ejector. A differential pressure regulating valve is disposed as a bypass flow-rate adjustment device that adjusts a bypass flow rate of the refrigerant circulating though the bypass passage. An enlarged portion for gradually enlarging the passage area is formed at a most downstream part of the refrigerant flow in the bypass passage. During a low-load operation, the differential pressure regulating valve increases the bypass flow rate, thereby allowing the refrigerant to flow into the evaporator connected to the upstream side of a refrigerant suction port using the suction effect of the compressor.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a main closed-loop refrigerant circuit having a compressor and a condenser. The cooling system also includes a subcooler closed-loop refrigerant circuit having a compressor and a condenser. A portion of the condenser of the subcooler circuit is in parallel with the condenser of the main circuit with respect to air flow. A single exhaust fan can be in fluid communication with both the condenser of the main circuit and the condenser of the subcooler circuit.

Abstract: A rotary valve of a multivalve type pulse tube refrigerator includes: a stationary seat; a rotary disk to change a coolant path by rotating while surface-contacting with a face of the stationary seat; a plurality of first ports provided in the face of the stationary seat to supply a high-pressure coolant to a regenerator and exhaust a low-pressure coolant from the regenerator; and a plurality of second ports provided in the face of the stationary seat to supply a high-pressure coolant to a pulse tube and exhaust a low-pressure coolant from the pulse tube. The first ports are arranged in a first circular track area in rotation symmetry with respect to the center of the face. The second ports are arranged in a second circular track area in rotation symmetry with respect to the center of the face.

Abstract: A system (20; 300; 500) comprises: a compressor (22) having a suction port (40) and a discharge port (42); an ejector (32) having a motive flow inlet (50), a suction flow inlet (52), and an outlet (54); a separator (34) having an inlet (72), a vapor outlet (74), and a liquid outlet (76); a first heat exchanger (24); at least one expansion device (28, 30; 520); a second heat exchanger (26); and a plurality of conduits and a plurality of valves (100, 120, 130, 140, 144, 148, 150; 100, 140, 144, 148, 150, 320, 340; 100, 120, 530). The conduits and valves are positioned to provide alternative operation in: a cooling mode; a first heating mode wherein the ejector has a motive flow and a suction flow and where utilizing a first expansion device (30; 520) of the at least one expansion device; and a second heating mode utilizing the first expansion device and wherein the ejector has a suction flow and essentially no motive flow.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heating/cooling device may include first and second thermally conductive headers. A plurality of thermoelectric elements thermally may be coupled in parallel between the first and second thermally conductive headers. In addition, a resistive heating element may be provided on the second header, and the second header may be between the resistive heating element and the plurality of thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A method of operating a multiple-compressor refrigeration system is provided. This method includes the steps of supplying, via a common supply line, refrigerant gas and oil to a plurality of compressors coupled in series, and attaching an oil flow conduit between adjacent compressors of the plurality of compressors. The oil flow conduit is configured to move oil from a compressor with a relatively higher pressure to a compressor with a relatively lower pressure. The method further includes controlling the pressure for each of the plurality of compressors by regulating a speed at which each of the plurality of compressors operates in order to maintain a pressure differential between the adjacent compressors to facilitate the flow of oil from the compressor with the relatively higher pressure to the compressor with the relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condenser receiver adapted to receive and house a fluid used in a cold loop of an air-conditioning circuit. The condenser receiver comprises an outer wall and an inner wall which define an intermediate space, said inner wall defining an inner space for housing the fluid. The intermediate space comprises a static component adapted to store and release a given quantity of heat in order to allow a heat exchange between the static component and the fluid contained in the inner space.

Abstract: An evaporator includes an inlet side space of a leeward side upper tank into which a refrigerant flows from a refrigerant inlet port, and an inlet side turn path that is formed of a group of tubes and connected to the inlet side space. A ratio of a total passage cross-sectional area AT1 of the group of tubes forming the inlet side turn path to an inlet passage cross-sectional area Ain of the refrigerant inlet port is set at 3.5 or less, and a ratio of a longitudinal direction length Lg1 of the inlet side space to an inlet equivalent diameter Din of the refrigerant inlet port is set at 25 or less. Further, a Reynolds number Re of the refrigerant that has flowed into the inlet side turn path is set at 1800 or more.

Abstract: An evaporator for an appliance includes a conduit extending between an inlet and an outlet. The conduit has a diameter. The diameter of the conduit is less than three-eighths of an inch. A vapor bypass is mounted to the conduit such that the vapor bypass extends between the inlet of the conduit and the outlet of the conduit. The vapor bypass has a diameter. The diameter of the vapor bypass is less than the diameter of the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recuperative trapping stage (3) for a refrigerator or refrigerator system. The recuperative trapping stage (3) comprises at least one first portion and at least one second portion configured for conveying fluids, wherein the first portion is in fluid communication with the second portion and wherein at least one part of the second portion is arranged within the first portion. Further the present invention relates to a refrigerator with at least one recuperative trapping stage (3) according to the present invention and with at least one cooler (1), the cooler (1) having at least one cold stage, wherein at least a part or section of the first portion of the at least one recuperative trapping stage (3) is thermally coupled, or at least configured to be thermally coupleable, to the at least one cold stage. Finally the present invention relates to a method of cleaning at least one recuperative trapping stage (3) in a refrigerator according to the present invention.

Abstract: A lubricant additive for introduction into a AC/R system to improve lubricant miscibility and performance in the AC/R system.

Abstract: Provided is a heat pump system (10, 10A) for a conditioned space comprising a first thermal fluid circuit adapted to selectably operate to circulate a thermal fluid therein, and a second thermal fluid circuit adapted to selectably operate to circulate the thermal fluid therein. The first thermal fluid circuit may comprise a compressor (15), a first heat exchanger (11), and a passage (55) of a heat accumulator (50). The second thermal fluid circuit may bypass the first heat exchanger (11), or the passage (55) of the heat accumulator (50), or both. The second thermal fluid circuit may comprise the compressor (15), and a second heat exchanger (12).

Abstract: A heating system includes a heat pump that provides heat to a major fluid circuit and a minor fluid circuit for performing different heating operations. The system includes a power source having a variable cost and a controller configured to regulate flow of the major and minor fluid circuits to perform the heating operations. The controller is configured to receive information regarding the variable cost of the power source and distribute flow between the major and minor fluid circuits to perform the heating operations to minimize the electricity cost. The combined enhanced demand regulation and enhanced output regulation amplifies the total heat output and power consumption while permitting greater use of a power source of varying cost (e.g. PV)—thereby minimizing overall daily operating cost.

Abstract: A water switch assembly for a nugget ice making assembly is provided. The ice making assembly includes a hollow auger rotatably mounted within a reservoir and configured for extruding ice. The water switch assembly extends vertically through the center of the ice making auger and reservoir. The water switch assembly is in fluid communication with a water inlet and includes a float for measuring the water level. In this manner, the water switch assembly is configured to control the level of water within the reservoir.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide: a tray for an ice making machine which has low heat capacity without requiring surface treatment such as silicon coating and the like; an ice making machine comprising the same; and a refrigerator comprising the ice making machine. The tray for an ice making machine, according to the present invention, which has an inner space capable of accommodating liquid, comprises: a first case which is formed from sheet metal and has a hollow partition for dividing the inner space; and a second case which is formed from resin, wherein the second case is formed by insert injection of the resin into the first case so that the first case and the second case are coupled so as to be superimposed on each other.

Abstract: A refrigerator, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a cabinet including a refrigerator compartment, and a freezer compartment provided under the refrigerator compartment; a refrigerator compartment door rotationally connected to the front side of the cabinet to open/close the refrigerator compartment and including an ice compartment for storing ice; an ice bank which is provided to the ice compartment and stores ice; an icemaker which comprises an upper tray forming a hemispherical upper cell, a lower tray forming a hemispherical lower cell, and a rotating shaft for rotating the lower tray, and which is provided in the freezer compartment; a housing which accommodates the icemaker in an upper space thereof and has an ice collector, provided to a lower part thereof, for collecting ice separated from the icemaker; an ice transfer duct for connecting the housing and the ice bank; and an ice transfer device for transferring the ice collected in the ice collector to the ice bank along

Abstract: A plane heater is a plane heater arranged in an ice tray of an ice machine including the ice tray having a partitioned space arranged therein to receive ice-making water, an ejector for separating ice within the ice tray, a motor which is arranged to face the ice tray and drives the ejector therein, and a control box having a printed circuit board formed therein. The plane heater includes a heat emitting body which is formed by a metal thin film and has a thickness thicker than 0 mm and equal to and thinner than 0.5 mm, a heat insulation member arranged to cover the heat emitting body, an electrode pad electrically connected to the heat emitting body, and a power source connection part including a support plate arranged below the electrode pad.

Abstract: A device for producing snow, with a rasp onto which a piece of ice can be pressed by means of a plunger, wherein the rasp and the piece of ice can be brought toward one another in a relative movement (?v or ??), and wherein the device has a holding element, for example a guide cylinder, into which a container that is open toward the rasp and contains the piece of ice can be inserted, and wherein a base plate on which the container can be supported is arranged between holding element and rasp. The invention further relates to an electric machine and a hand-held device for producing snow based on the same principle.

Abstract: A microchannel condenser includes a first header, the first header including a body defining an interior and further defining an inlet bore and a first outlet bore, and a second header spaced apart from the first header, the second header including a body defining an interior and further defining a second outlet bore. The microchannel condenser further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the second outlet bore. The microchannel condenser further includes a plurality of tubes extending between the first header and the second header, each of the plurality of tubes defining a plurality of microchannels, each of the plurality of microchannels in fluid communication with the interior of the first header and the interior of the second header, each of the plurality of microchannels having a maximum cross-sectional width of less than or equal to 5 millimeters.

Abstract: A sealed system for an appliance includes a compressor having a shell and lubrication oil disposed with the shell. A condenser in fluid communication with the compressor such that compressed refrigerant from the compressor flows to the condenser during operation of the compressor. The sealed system also includes a heat exchanger for cooling the lubrication oil during operation of the compressor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cold air generating device configured to generate cold air, a plurality of storage chambers arranged in at least a part of an area around the cold air generating device, a cold air guide unit configured to extend from the cold air generating device toward the plurality of storage chambers for guiding cold air generated from the cold air generating device selectively to the respective storage chambers, and a discharge guide unit configured to guide inside air of the respective storage chambers to the outside.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a sealed system for an appliance. The sealed system includes a compressor operable to generate a flow of compressed refrigerant, an evaporator and a drain trough disposed below the evaporator. A bypass conduit fluidly couples a bypass valve and the evaporator. The bypass valve is configured for selectively directing refrigerant from a condenser around an expansion device to the evaporator. A portion of the bypass conduit is positioned at and connected to the drain trough. A related method for defrosting an evaporator is also provided.

Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance includes a water dispenser unit having a serving unit for discharging a cold beverage. The serving unit includes a receiving unit into which at least one container containing a flavoring can be inserted. In the inserted state of the container, the container is coupled to a dispensing container of the water dispenser unit containing a liquid in such a way that the cold beverage can be discharged as a mixture of the liquid and the flavoring when the serving unit is actuated.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, includes a heat-insulating wall which delimits a cooled storage chamber, a reservoir embedded or let in the wall and a conduit for a heat transfer fluid. Part of the conduit forms a first heat exchanger which is disposed in thermal contact with the reservoir. A shut-off element can be switched between a position allowing circulation of the heat transfer fluid and a position blocking circulation.

Abstract: A refrigerator equipped with a door that becomes transparent as necessary to make the interior thereof visible is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage compartment defined therein, a lighting device for illuminating the interior of the storage compartment, a door, which is hingedly coupled to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment, and has an opening and a panel assembly including a front panel disposed on the front surface thereof, a sensor for detecting sound waves, which are generated by a knock input applied to the door and are transmitted through the front panel, and a controller for controlling the lighting device to allow light to be transmitted through the panel assembly, thus making the storage compartment visible from outside the door through the opening when a predetermined knock input is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator for uniformly illuminating an inner space thereof. The refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment having a predetermined size, a shelf installed in the storage compartment, the shelf including a light source unit for illuminating an inside of the storage compartment, a transmitter connected to an external power supply for wirelessly transmitting power, the transmitter having a primary resonance frequency within a predetermined range, and a receiver for wirelessly receiving the power from the transmitter so as to supply the power to the light source unit of the shelf, the transmitter transmitting the power to the receiver using a secondary resonance frequency generated when the receiver is located close to the transmitter.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for selecting a full length antibody comprising the steps of a) generating from a parent full length antibody a plurality of full length antibodies by randomizing one or more amino acid residues selected from the amino acid residues at positions 1-23 in the heavy chain variable domain (numbering according to Kabat), at positions 55-83 in the light chain variable domain (numbering according to Kabat), at positions 145-174 in the first heavy chain constant domain (numbering according to EU index), and at positions 180-97 in the first heavy chain constant domain (numbering according to EU index), b) determining the binding strength of each of the full length antibodies from the 10 plurality of antibodies to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), and c) selecting a full length antibody from the plurality of full length antibodies that has a different binding strength to the FcRn than the parent full length antibody.

Abstract: A process for separating a mixed or raw gas feed to produce a dry gas product and a hydrocarbon liquid product is provided. The process comprises scrubbing heavier hydrocarbon components from the gas feed to produce a lighter ends gas stream and a heavier ends liquid stream; cooling the lighter ends gas stream and separating the cooled lighter ends gas stream into a cold liquid stream and the dry gas product; and using the cold liquid stream to assist in scrubbing the heavier hydrocarbon components from the gas feed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of natural gas containing carbon dioxide, methane and paraffins. The method comprising: a step of extracting the paraffins from the natural gas in a paraffin-removal column, and a step of separating the carbon dioxide and the methane in a distillation column. The operation of the two columns being provided by means of the thermal coupling of said two columns using a thermal coupling heat exchanger.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing pressurized gaseous nitrogen by cryogenic separation of air. The distillation column system includes a high pressure column, a medium pressure column, a main condenser and top condenser both being condenser-evaporators. Compressed and purified feed air is cooled in a heat exchanger and introduced to the distillation system. A gaseous nitrogen stream from the high pressure column is condensed in the main condenser. Bottom liquid of the medium pressure column is evaporated and gaseous nitrogen from the medium pressure column is condensed in the top condenser. Liquid nitrogen from the medium pressure column is pressurized and introduced to the high pressure column. A second gaseous nitrogen stream from the high pressure column is recovered as pressurized gaseous nitrogen product. A portion of the compressed and purified feed air is work-expanded and then warmed in the main heat exchanger.