Abstract: The present invention provides generally a method and apparatus for purifying a liquid. More particularly, purification of a bulk liquid is performed by introducing a liquid stream to a purification vessel, which comprises both a distillation chamber for forming a purified vapor and an annular chamber for collecting a purified liquid that is condensed from the purified vapor. A refrigerant system provides thermodynamic efficiency in the purification method by directing waste heat generated in one part of the refrigerant system for heating duty in another part of the refrigerant system. The method and apparatus can be applied to producing purified carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ammonia and fluorocarbons.

Abstract: Air separation units are designed and constructed by selecting two or more modules from libraries containing different module designs. Each library comprises at least two modules with standardized interface point layouts. The standardization of interface points for each module in a given library allows for module interchangeabilty and flexibility in the design and construction of air separation units.

Abstract: Liquid is distributed substantially uniformly in a liquid-vapour separation column 22 located on an off-shore floating platform using a liquid distributor 24 characterised in that (i) the distance between the two apertures that are furthest apart in the or each secondary distributor is such that the liquid distributor provides, at each angle of tilt, a standard deviation of liquid flow rates through the apertures of the or each secondary distributor that is less than a first predetermined maximum for all angles of tilt; and (ii) the difference in flow rate between the aperture having maximum liquid flow and the aperture having minimum liquid flow in the or each secondary distributor at each angle of tilt is less than a second predetermined maximum for all angles of tilt.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cooling an object using a heat transfer fluid are presented. One of the methods comprises the steps of contacting the object with a heat transfer fluid comprising helium as a major component, the object traversing through a heat exchange unit having an object inlet end and an object outlet end; preventing ingress of contaminants into the heat exchange unit inlet end and outlet end using a seal gas, the seal gas exiting with the heat transfer fluid to form an exit gas; compressing the exit gas to form a compressed recycle gas; routing the compressed recycle gas to a gas-liquid separator, thus forming a helium enriched gas which function as the heat transfer fluid and an enriched liquid; and heating the enriched liquid to form the seal gas.

Abstract: An air treatment system comprising an exhaust including an exhaust annulus defined by an inner exhaust wall, an outer exhaust wall circumscribing the inner wall, and a pressurized annulus between the inner and outer walls, and at least one condenser suspended within the exhaust annulus, where the at least one condenser includes a cooling fluid therein.

Abstract: For the indirect heat-exchange of a plurality of gas streams (14, 15, 16) with a heat-cold carrier (2, 7) in heat-exchange blocks (23a, b, c, d, e) in which the gas streams (14, 15, 16) are passed through a multiplicity of heat-exchange passages, only one of the gas streams (14, 15, 16) is passed in this case through at least one heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e). The heat-exchange passages of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e), through which this gas stream (14, 15, 16) flows end at two end surfaces of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e). The gas stream (23a, b, c, d, e) is fed to an taken off from these heat-exchange passages via in each case a collector/distributor (41) connected to the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e), which collector/distributor extends in each case over the entire end surface of the heat-exchange block (23a, b, c, d, e).

Abstract: A method and a system for treating an internal combustion engine exhaust gas using a hydrocarbons as fuel. The internal combustion engine exhaust gas contains particulates and toxic substances. Such particulates and toxic substances being liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and Nox. The system uses carbon dioxide to interact with the exhaust gas. The carbon dioxide is stored within a container at its triple state. The carbon dioxide and the exhaust gas are conducted through an emission exchanger. The exhaust gas is scrubbed or cleaned by the carbon dioxide and the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, Nox, and particulate emissions are carried away by a carbon dioxide gas stream. The cleaned exhaust gas can be discharged into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide gas stream can be cleaned by passing the same through separator components which remove the pollutants therefrom.

Abstract: A purifier process, includes supplying a first stream of a feed gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in a MOL ratio of about 2/1, and also containing methane, and argon, then cryogenically separating the feed gas into the following: a) a second stream of a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in a MOL ratio of about 3/1, b) waste gas containing principally nitrogen, and also containing substantially all of the methane supplied in the first stream, and splitting the waste gas into: c) a third stream of nitrogen rich gas d) a fourth stream of methane rich gas useful as a fuel, or as a feed to a subsequent process.

Abstract: A method of treating gaseous waste from an optical fiber preform fabrication unit containing halogenated compounds includes a step of forming a liquid effluent from the gaseous waste by condensing the gaseous waste. The gaseous waste is preferably condensed by cooling it. Plant for implementing the method includes a condenser and a container for collecting condensate. The condenser is preferably a refrigerating device. The plant can further include a soot box.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) (ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons) from liquefied natural gas (LNG) is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is split with at least one portion used as an external reflux, without prior treatment, to improve the separation and recovery of the natural gas liquids (NGL).

Abstract: In a hydrocracking unit, the flash gases from the high-pressure separator are fed to the bottom of an absorption zone where the entering gases are counter-currently contacted with a lean solvent. The lean solvent absorbs away the contained methane, ethane, propane, butanes and pentanes (C1+) from the contained hydrogen. The overhead gas stream from the absorption zone typically contains hydrogen at a purity of 90 to 98 mol %, or even higher, which is fed to the recycle gas stream to provide hydrogen purity in the range of 96 to 99 mol %, thereby providing an increase in the overall efficiency of the hydroprocessor unit. The process can also be employed with hydrotreating, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation and hydrodealkylation reactors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cooling an object using a heat transfer fluid are presented. One of the methods comprises the steps of contacting the object with a heat transfer fluid comprising helium as a major component, the object traversing through a heat exchange unit having an object inlet end and an object outlet end; preventing ingress of contaminants into the heat exchange unit inlet end and outlet end using a seal gas, the seal gas exiting with the heat transfer fluid to form an exit gas; compressing the exit gas to form a compressed recycle gas; routing the compressed recycle gas to a gas-liquid separator, thus forming a helium enriched gas which function as the heat transfer fluid and an enriched liquid; and heating the enriched liquid to form the seal gas.

Abstract: A discharge gas containing PFC gas including CF4 and NF3 generated from a manufacturing process (10) is adsorbed at an adsorbing device (18) and then desorbed using nitrogen as a purge gas. A desorbed gas with CF4 and NF3 concentrated can be obtained in this manner. The desorbed gas is then supplied to a chromatographic separator (20) for chromatographic separation with nitrogen as a carrier gas. In this manner, CF4 and NF3 within the PFC gas can be separated. In particular, because the gas is once concentrated at the adsorbing device (18), chromatographic separation of the gas constituents can be efficiently performed. By independently concentrating CF4 and NF3 obtained by the chromatographic separation, high purity gas constituents of the PFC gas can be obtained, and reused at the manufacturing process (10).

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus used to perform the process for batch distillation of a multi-component mixture containing three or more components is provided. The process and apparatus uses at least three distillation zones. For a time period during distillation operation, the component of intermediate volatility is collected along with the collection of either the volatile component and/or the heavy component.

Abstract: The present invention related to an apparatus, in particular an integrated gas dehydrator, comprising an integrated dehydrator processing unit and a refrigeration unit for efficient and cost-effective removal of moisture in a variety of gases, in particular the natural gas.

Abstract: A cooling system and method for use in industrial plants are disclosed. A hot fluid stream is first cooled in an air-cooled stage to an intermediate temperature, and then to a final temperature in a water-cooled stage. The two-stage cooling method, which has advantages over either air-cooling or water-cooling alone, is well-suited for applications or locations where water use is restricted due to economic or environmental concerns.

Abstract: A gas production plant has a first separator receiving a feed gas and produces a first offgas stream and a first product stream, and a second separator receives the first offgas stream and produces a second product stream and a second offgas stream. A liquefaction unit receives at least part of the first product stream and at least part of the second offgas stream, and produces a third product stream and a third offgas stream. A first portion of the third offgas stream is combined with the first offgas stream, and a second portion of the third offgas stream is used as a non-waste gas. In a method of removing a first and a second gaseous component from a feed gas, a PSA unit produces a first product stream and a first offgas stream. The first offgas stream is fed into a liquefaction unit that produces a second product stream and a second offgas stream, and at least part of the second offgas stream is recycled into the PSA unit.

Abstract: A trap for condensable liquids, such as tantalum pentoxide, has a primary trapping chamber surrounding a secondary trapping chamber and a sump connected by a small enough opening to the primary or secondary chamber such that trapped liquid in the sump is effectively isolated from a gas flow through the primary and secondary chambers. Partitions and openings in the primary and secondary chambers enhance condensation while allowing condensed liquid flow that does not clog the primary and secondary chambers against the gas flow.

Abstract: A system for producing carbon dioxide wherein carbon dioxide feed fluid is first processed in a cooling section of an integrated heat exchanger before purification in a column, and wherein column bottom fluid operates within one of an evaporating section and desuperheating section of the heat exchanger and refrigerant fluid operates within the other of the evaporating section and desuperheating section of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A purifier process, includes supplying a first stream of a feed gas containing hydrogen and nitrogen in a MOL ratio of about 2/1, and also containing methane, and argon, then cryogenically separating the feed gas into the following:

Abstract: A process for removing impurities such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, water (moisture), carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, methane and trace metals from crude hydrogen bromide and the apparatus for purifying such crude hydrogen bromide.

Abstract: Liquid CO2 is expanded in specially designed primary and secondary nozzles to produce frozen solid CO2. The impurities initially contained in the liquid CO2 are trapped inside of the frozen CO2, which is collected in a clean container. The container is emptied on top of a high purity surface. The impurities are concentrated on the surface, since these impurities are non-volatile and do not escape with the CO2 gas formed as the frozen CO2 is heated by the ambient temperature to its sublimation point. After all of the frozen CO2 has sublimed, the surface can be analysed by standard analysis methods to determine quantity and composition of the impurities. The determination and quantification of non-volatile impurities, such as organic oils and greases, in the CO2 supply that feeds, for example, cleaning systems utilizing CO2, is thus made possible.

Abstract: A system for producing carbon dioxide wherein carbon dioxide feed fluid is first processed in a cooling section of an integrated heat exchanger before purification in a column, and wherein column bottom fluid operates within one of an evaporating section and desuperheating section of the heat exchanger and refrigerant fluid operates within the other of the evaporating section and desuperheating section of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the separation and recovery of SF6 from a gas mixture consisting essentially of SF6, CF4, and N2. The method and apparatus involve membrane separation to separate N2 from SF6 and CF4, and liquefaction to separate SF6 from CF4.

Abstract: Column for the cryogenic separation of gaseous mixtures comprising:

Abstract: The olefin-hydrogen effluent vapor stream from a dehydrogenation process is separated by a cryogenic separation method utilizing a cryogenic separation system. The method does not require external refrigeration and reheats and portions an expander feed stream to extract energy and controls the warm end and cold end temperature differences in the primary heat exchanger to provide energy savings and economical operation and material use.

Abstract: Hydrogen fluoride is effectively removed from a mixture of hydrogen fluoride, dichloromethane, chlorofluoromethane and/or difluoromethane by distilling the mixture so that two-component azeotropic mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and dichloromethane, hydrogen fluoride and chlorofluoromethane and hydrogen fluoride and difluoromethane are removed, or by liquid-separating the mixture into an upper liquid phase rich in hydrogen fluoride and a lower liquid phase not rich in hydrogen fluoride before each liquid phase is distilled as described above.

Abstract: Liquid CO2 is expanded in specially designed primary and secondary nozzles to produce frozen solid CO2. The impurities initially contained in the liquid CO2 are trapped inside of the frozen CO2, which is collected in a clean container. The container is emptied on top of a high purity surface. The impurities are concentrated on the surface, since these impurities are non-volatile and do not escape with the CO2 gas formed as the frozen CO2 is heated by the ambient temperature to its sublimation point. After all of the frozen CO2 has sublimed, the surface can be analysed by standard analysis methods to determine quantity and composition of the impurities. The determination and quantification of non-volatile impurities, such as organic oils and greases, in the CO2 supply that feeds, for example, cleaning systems utilizing CO2, is thus made possible.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method, and a system therefor, for recovering PFC using condensation by passing a PFC-containing feed stream into a condenser, preferably reflux condenser, to effect liquefaction into a PFC-containing condensate and a carrier gas stream, and passing the PFC-containing product into a mass transfer unit to fractionate the PFC-containing condensate into a high volatility PFC stream and a PFC product.

Abstract: A system for producing carbon dioxide wherein carbon dioxide feed fluid is first processed in a cooling section of an integrated heat exchanger before purification in a column, and wherein column bottom fluid operates within one of an evaporating section and desuperheating section of the heat exchanger and refrigerant fluid operates within the other of the evaporating section and desuperheating section of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic waste material characterized by high ash content is disclosed.

Abstract: Stable isotope atoms present in the form of stable isotope compounds, for example, 13C present in the form of 13CO, are separated by distillation using a distillation column packed orderly with a formed packing, and preferably by distillation using a distillation column packed with a “promoting-fluid-dispersion type” structured packing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for condensing water and a plurality of hydrocarbons entrained in a pressurized gas stream leaving a separator at a well location. The pressurized gas stream leaves the separator during a first time period and enters the vortex tube. Through the cooling action of the vortex tube, a first plurality of hydrocarbons and water are condensed and sent to a first reservoir. The temperature in the vortex tube is not low enough to condense a second plurality of hydrocarbons, which remain in the gaseous state and are sent to a second reservoir for sale. Through the warming action of the vortex tube, methane, ethane, propane and some butane may immediately be passed to a gas sales line. The pressurized gas stream is terminated during the well recharge phase. This termination period occurs for a second time period. The ratio of the second time period to the first time period is chosen to be greater than zero.

Abstract: A system and a process for combusting hydrocarbons to recover energy and the carbon dioxide resulting from the combustion is provided. The process utilizes a two-stage combustion process, each stage utilizing water injection and a recirculation stream to increase the efficiency of combustion to generate larger proportions of carbon dioxide. An energy recovery boiler is used to recover heat energy from the combustion product. Combustion product is then cleaned and the carbon dioxide is separated and condensed into a useable liquid carbon dioxide product.

Abstract: A control vent system is disclosed for reducing volatile impurities in a gaseous product of ultra-high purity delivered from a storage vessel containing an inventory of a non-cryogenic liquid product, as well as a method and a system for delivering the product from the storage vessel. The control vent system includes a vent line attached to the storage vessel and a condenser in the vent line. Coolant (e.g., a refrigerant) is transferred between the condenser and a source of coolant, such as a refrigeration unit. The method of reducing volatile impurities includes three steps. The first step is to vent part of the gaseous vapor from the gaseous vapor space to a condenser. The second step is to cool the vented gaseous vapor in the condenser to a temperature below the boiling point of the liquid product and above the boiling points of the volatile impurities. As a result, a first portion of the vented gaseous vapor is condensed and a second portion of the vented gaseous vapor is not condensed.

Abstract: A process for separating pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, which comprises extraction distilling a mixed fluid comprising pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane in the presence of at least one extracting agent selected from the group consisting of esters and ketones each having a standard boiling point of from -10.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. Also disclosed is a process for separating pentafluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and chloropentafluoroethane, which comprises extraction distilling a mixed fluid comprising pentafluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and chloropentafluoroethane in the presence of at least one extracting agent selected from the group consisting of esters and ketones each having a standard boiling point of from -10.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing substantially pure carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide feed containing from about 80% to about 95% volume of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for purifying liquefied corrosive gases of metallic impurities is described. The principle for this purification method relies on vapor-phase transfilling the vapor phase from a source container into a receiving container. This method has been observed to decrease metal concentrations by a factor of at least 1000 and decreases the metallic impurity levels in the resulting condensate. The vapor transfer is accomplished by controlled differential pressure rather than mechanical pumping, thereby generating no particle or metal impurities.

Abstract: The method of the invention recovers CO.sub.2 from an inlet cold feed stream containing a low concentration thereof, and includes the following steps. An inlet feed stream is passed through a heat exchanger, against a compressed flow of the inlet feed stream, to cool the compressed flow. The compressed flow is further cooled and compressed to a high pressure, fed to a distillation column and there converted into a vent gas including CO.sub.2 and a high purity bottom liquid CO.sub.2. A first portion of the bottom liquid CO.sub.2 is expanded to achieve a first cooled liquid CO.sub.2 refrigerant flow, which is then vaporized against the vent gas to recover condensed CO.sub.2 therefrom. The condensed CO.sub.2 is then reintroduced into the distillation column. A second portion of the bottom liquid CO.sub.2 is expanded to achieve a second cooled liquid CO.sub.2 refrigerant flow, which is then used to subcool the CO.sub.2 product output.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas from an generator (1) is occluded in a hydrogen recovery container (20), thereafter, in the initial stage during which hydrogen gas is released from the hydrogen recovery container (20), initially purged hydrogen gas containing much amount of impure gas is introduced from the hydrogen recovery container (20) to a gas tank (2) and saved therein, then, hydrogen gas having high purity released from a hydrogen absorbing alloy in the hydrogen recovery container (20) is refluxed to the generator (1), and this process comprising absorbing and releasing of hydrogen gas in the hydrogen recovery container (20) and saving in the gas tank (2) is repeated once or several times, successively, the hydrogen gas containing much amount of impure gas saved in the gas tank (2) is introduced in the hydrogen recovery container (20) and occluded therein, thereafter, in the initial stage during which hydrogen gas is released from the hydrogen recovery container (20), the hydrogen gas containing much amount of impure gas

Abstract: Equipment and process for fluid purification and recovery for separating at least two matters contained in a gas or fluid including cooling a fluid to a low temperature range by use of a cooling system so that the matters in the fluid exhibit at least two phases, and filtering at least one of the matters using a filter device. The fluid may be distilled using a heating system prior to its entrance into the cooling system so as to help separate and purify the matters.

Abstract: An elevated pressure nitrogen stream from an air separation plant is used to provide cooling for one or more sulphur condensers in an oxygen-enhanced Claus process for recovering sulphur.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of fugitive volatile organic vapors which comprises the steps of: (a) compressing said vapors to a pressure of at least 200 kpa; (b) feeding the hot compressed vapors to the desorption step of a Heat-Mass-Exchange (HME) system; (c) cooling the effluent resulted from the desorption step to the ambient temperature and separating out the condensed liquid obtained and (d) feeding the residual cold vapor phase, after the separation of the condensed liquid, to the adsorption step of said HME system, thus recovering the fugitive organic vapors. According to a preferred embodiment, the compressed vapors resulted from step (b) are at a temperature in the range of between 80.degree. to 150.degree. C., which may be reached by an external heating and the effluent resulted from the desorption step (c) is cooled at a temperature of about 5.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the condensation of one or more gasses out of a gas stream. The degree of the condensation of volatile compound out of the gas stream A is controlled by regulating the liquid level of the cooling agent in a heat exchanger (8). Preferably a gas stream A from which the volatile compound has been removed is led to a further heat exchanger (1) and is utilized to pre-cool the gas stream A that is still to be treated. In order to be able to control the degree of condensation of volatile compound out of the gas stream A as accurately as possible, the apparatus is provided with an elongated, vertical heat exchanger (8).

Abstract: A cryogenic aerosol separator/classifier for separating and selectively removing particles from a stream of aerosol. The aerosol stream is produced by a cryogenic aerosol generator comprising a reservoir containing a cryogenic gas-liquid mixture at a first pressure, a delivery line coupled to the reservoir, and a nozzle. The nozzle has at least one exit opening which allows the cryogenic gas-liquid mixture to expand from the first pressure to a lower pressure and, thus, to produce cryogenic aerosol. A separator is coupled to the nozzle, such that the light particles having high mobility are removed from the stream, thereby producing a stream of cryogenic flow with particles having a controlled size to clean a contaminated surface. The apparatus is enhanced by utilizing a magnetic field and/or specially designed flow fields to fully take advantage of the enhanced mobilities of light particles.

Abstract: A process is set forth for the cryogenic distillation of an air feed to produce nitrogen, particularly high pressure nitrogen of various purity, varying from low purity (up to 98% nitrogen) to ultra-high purity (less than 1 part per billion of oxygen). The nitrogen may be produced at two different pressures and two different purities. The process uses an auxiliary low pressure separation zone in addition to the conventional high pressure column and low pressure column. The auxiliary low pressure separation zone, which is operated at the same pressure as the low pressure column and which is heat integrated with the top of the high pressure column by means of its bottom reboiler/condenser, pretreats the crude liquid oxygen from the bottom of the high pressure column.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing high purity hydrogen bromide, wherein a starting hydrogen bromide which contains impurities having low boiling points is supplied to an intermediate space. While the gas phase of the starting hydrogen bromide is allowed to ascend through an upper rectifying section, it is brought into contact with a first reflux solution flowing in the reverse direction. The uncondensed gas stored in an upper space is cooled and partly condensed. The condensed liquid is allowed to flow down through an upper rectifying section as the first reflux solution. The liquid-phase of the starting hydrogen bromide is mixed with the first reflux solution in the intermediate space and serves as a second reflux solution. The liquid stored in a lower space is heated and partly evaporated. The liquid stored in the lower space is supplied outside as high purity hydrogen bromide. The uncondensed gas stored in the upper space is discharged outside.

Abstract: A process for recovering a given component from a first gas stream in which the given component is intermittently present by PSA or TSA using an adsorbent which more strongly adsorbs the given component by introducing into the first gas stream, prior to PSA or TSA treatment, a second gas stream that is enriched in the given component. The second gas stream may be introduced into the first gas stream only during periods when the concentration of given component in the first gas stream is below its maximum concentration or it may be continuously introduced into the first gas stream at a level which is greater than the maximum concentration of given component originally present in the first gas stream.

Abstract: A vapor recovery system is provided which includes a vapor recovery cycle and a regeneration cycle. The vapor recovery is condensation of the vapors in an air-vapor mixture utilizing a chiller cooled by a refrigerant gas to condense and remove vapor and to vent the air. The refrigerant cooling is provided by a compression-condensation-expansion refrigeration cycle. During the vapor recovery cycle ice tends to build up in the chiller due to the small amounts of water contained in the air-vapor mixture. In the regeneration cycle the hot refrigerant gas from the compressor by-passes the condenser and expansion valve to heat the "chiller", which heats the air-vapor mixture and melts any accumulated ice. During the regeneration cycle there is no venting and the entire air-vapor mixture is recycled to the chiller until the regeneration is completed. In addition to heating and meting ice in the system, the heated air-vapor mixture may be used to dry and regenerate desiccant material in the system.