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: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing nitrogen by low-temperature fractionation of air in a rectification system which has a high-pressure column (4) and a low-pressure column (5). Feed air (1, 3) is introduced into the high-pressure column (4). An oxygen-containing liquid fraction (11) is removed from the high-pressure column (4) and fed into the low-pressure column (5). Gaseous nitrogen (18) is extracted from the low-pressure column (5) above a mass transfer section (25), which has at least one theoretical or practical plate, and is at least partially condensed in a top condenser (17) by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant (13). High-purity nitrogen is removed from the low-pressure column below the mass transfer section (25), and is obtained as a nitrogen product (26, 27, 30). The process and apparatus have a refrigeration-supply system, in which a refrigeration fluid (31) flows.

Abstract: A reflection column which contains liquid distributors having at least 500 drip points/m2, which are arranged at an angle of about 90° C. to cloth layers of packing elements located immediately therebelow; and a combination of insulation and protective heating. The column is advantageously used for the rectification of mixtures of high-boiling air- or temperature-sensitive substances requiring effective separation efficiency.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system wherein feed air is provided into the lower portion of a cryogenic rectification column, and liquid having a defined oxygen concentration is withdrawn from a defined intermediate level of the column above the feed air introduction level, vaporized and optionally diluted with nitrogen for recovery as ultra high purity clean dry air.

Abstract: A method for providing refrigeration to a cryogenic rectification plant which enables the facile provision of varying amounts of refrigeration to the plant wherein a working fluid is pressurized in a recycle compressor, a first portion is at least partially condensed in a heat exchanger and passed into the plant, a second portion is cooled and then turboexpanded to generate refrigeration, the refrigeration bearing second portion passes refrigeration in the heat exchanger to the first portion to effect the condensation, and the resulting second portion is not passed into the cryogenic rectification plant but rather is returned to the recycle compressor.

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: In a plant for separating air which does not comprise an argon column, an intermediate-pressure column (102) has a bottom reboiler (24) which is heated by a gas (233) coming from the low-pressure column (103). The intermediate-pressure column is fed from the high-pressure column (101). This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption while improving the efficiency of the process.

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: The process and device are used to obtain a compressed product by low temperature separation of air in a rectification system which has a pressure column and a low pressure column. A first flow of compressed and purified feedstock air is cooled in a main heat exchanger system and is fed into the pressure column. At least one fraction from the pressure column is expanded and fed into the low pressure column. An oxygen-rich fraction from the low pressure column is liquid-pressurized and delivered to a mixing column. A heat exchange medium is fed into the lower area of the mixing column and is brought into countercurrent contact with the oxygen-rich fraction. A gaseous top product is removed from the upper area of the mixing column. A product fraction is removed from the rectification system, liquid-pressurized, vaporized in indirect heat exchange with the gaseous top product of the mixing column and is withdrawn as the compressed product.

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: This plant comprises N (N>1) air distillation units (1) in parallel, each one of which comprises a main air compressor (3) driven by a steam turbine (4); an air distillation apparatus (8) producing liquid oxygen and/or liquid nitrogen; at least one pump (9) for pumping liquid oxygen and/or liquid nitrogen to a high production pressure; and a cycle compressor (10) adapted to compress part of a cycle fluid.

Abstract: A method and condenser apparatus for cleaning a gas of condensable vapor employing a cryogenic liquid which is caused to boil evenly along the condenser length and wherein the gas flow through the condenser is in the downward direction in evenly divided flows countercurrently to the flow of boiled cryogen.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system wherein some or all of the refrigeration necessary to drive the rectification is generated by periodically magnetizing and demagnetizing a bed of magnetizable material, passing refrigerator gas through the bed to produce cold refrigerator gas, and passing refrigeration from the cold refrigerator gas into the rectification system.

Abstract: A system for producing high and ultra high purity nitrogen comprising a first column for the production of nitrogen and a second column having a top condenser wherein boil off from the second column top condenser is turboexpanded to generate refrigeration for the system.

Abstract: A system for producing high purity nitrogen comprising a higher pressure first column having a top condenser and a lower pressure second column wherein boil off from the first column top condenser is turboexpanded to generate refrigeration for the system.

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 process for producing a nitrogen-enriched vapor product from a supply of a nitrogen-rich liquid uses a purifying device and a distillation column having a distillation zone. The process includes the steps of: feeding at least a portion of the supply of the nitrogen-rich liquid to the distillation zone at a first location; feeding a stream of a gas containing nitrogen and at least one contaminant to the purifying device, wherein the gas is cooled by a cryogenic liquid whereby at least a portion of the at least one contaminant condenses, solidifies, or dissolves; eventually feeding at least a portion of the cool gas from the purifying device to the distillation zone at a second location below the first location; withdrawing a stream of the nitrogen-enriched vapor product from the distillation zone; and withdrawing a stream of an oxygen-enriched liquid from the distillation zone.

Abstract: A process of liquefying gas to produce a liquid cryogen comprising compressing a gas stream using a compressor, work expanding the compressed gas stream using at least one expansion turbine to produce an expanded gas stream together with power, mechanically transferring the power generated by the expansion turbine(s) to drive the compressor, using the expanded gas stream to provide refrigeration duty for liquefaction, and recycling the cooled expanded compressed gas stream to the compressor.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for separating a gas mixture in a separation plant. A feed gas (18) is introduced into a compressor system (6, 16) and then into the separation plant. In the event of loss or partial loss of the compressor system (6, 16) of the first feed gas compressor (6), a first auxiliary stream (91, 92) which has approximately the composition of the first product stream or approximately the composition of the feed gas is compressed (78, 89) to at least approximately the first pressure and is recirculated to the separation plant.

Abstract: An air separation plant producing pressurized gaseous oxygen comprises at least one column (17) having a bottom reboiler (19) and fed with a stream of air. The bottom reboiler is warmed by a nitrogen-enriched gas (25) compressed in a cold compressor (21) and pumped liquid oxygen (33) is withdrawn from the bottom of the column, pumped and vaporized. The refrigeration for the process is produced by air expansion in a turbine (15).

Abstract: A process for enhancing the recovery of less volatile components, from a multi component gas mixture, in a cryogenic distillation column, which involves withdrawing a stream from the cryogenic distillation column and processing it to yield a stream leaner in the component to be recovered, which will be cooled and fed to the cryogenic distillation column as a reflux. The processing step may include heating or cooling the side draw and then further contacting the side draw with another stream which is substantially condensed.

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 said section (6) by means of a distributor (9).

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: The process and the apparatus are used for the low-temperature fractionation of air in a three-column system which has a high-pressure column (5), a low-pressure column (7) and a medial column (6). Charge air (1, 2, 4) is introduced into the high-pressure column (5), where it is separated into a first oxygen-enriched liquid and a first nitrogen fraction (16). At least a part (19) of the first nitrogen fraction (16) is condensed in a first condenser/evaporator (8) to form a first liquid nitrogen fraction (20). A first oxygen-enriched fraction (22) from the high-pressure column (5) is introduced into the medial column (6), where it is separated into a second oxygen-enriched liquid and a second nitrogen fraction (24). At least a part of the second nitrogen fraction (24) is condensed in a second condenser/evaporator (25) to form a second liquid nitrogen fraction (26) and is added as reflux to one of the columns of the three-column system and/or is obtained as liquid product (64).

Abstract: The process and the apparatus are used for the low-temperature fractionation of air. Charge air (1) which has been compressed and has undergone prior purification is introduced into a rectifier system for nitrogen/oxygen separation. This system comprises a pressure column (2), a low-pressure column (3) and a condenser/evaporator system (101, 102, 103) for heating the low-pressure column (3). The condenser/evaporator system has a first section (101) which is designed as a falling-film evaporator. A first oxygen-rich liquid (6) from the low-pressure column (3) is introduced into the evaporation passages of the falling-film evaporator (101), where it is partially evaporated. In the process, an oxygen-rich vapor (11) and a second oxygen-rich liquid (12) are formed. At least part of the oxygen-rich vapor (11) is returned to the low-pressure column (3). The condenser/evaporator system additionally has a second section (102, 103), which is designed at least in part as a forced circulation evaporator (103).

Abstract: A separation device which does not produce ultra-pure products. At least one distillation column which has a diameter of at least 4 m and/or is configured for operation at a pressure above 4.5 bar, consists of non-oxidizing steel or steel containing 9 to 10% by weight nickel. The separation device can be an air separation device.

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: Processes and apparatuses are disclosed for the production of a synthetic air product with a variable oxygen content and a varying level of impurities.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for the low-temperature fractionation of air. Compressed and prepurified feed air (3, 5) is introduced into a rectification system for nitrogen-oxygen separation which has a pressure column (6). At least a part of the compressed and prepurified feed air is fed (5) to the pressure column (6). An oxygen-enriched fraction (13) is taken off from the pressure column (6) and passed (14) to a further working step (7) within the rectification system. The oxygen-enriched fraction (13) is taken off at least one theoretical or actual plate (15) above the point at which the compressed and prepurified feed air (5) is fed to the pressure column. From the bottom of the pressure column (6) a purge fraction (16) is removed in the. liquid state, fed in the liquid state to a purification stage (17), in which N2O is removed, and is taken off from the purification stage (17) as purified purge fraction (18).

Abstract: The process and the apparatus are used to generate high-purity nitrogen by low-temperature fractionation of air in a rectification system for nitrogen/oxygen separation which has at least a first rectifier column (4). Cycle nitrogen (24) in gas form is removed from the upper region of the first rectifier column (4) and is compressed in a cycle compressor (30). A first part (35) of the compressed cycle nitrogen is liquefied. A nitrogen fraction (52) from the rectification system for nitrogen/oxygen separation is introduced (52) into a high-purity nitrogen column (39) which has a top condenser (54). High-purity nitrogen (56) is removed from the upper region of the high-purity nitrogen column (39). The refrigeration demand of the top condenser (54) of the high-purity nitrogen column (39) is at least partially covered by liquefied cycle nitrogen (38).

Abstract: A floating structure having an oscillation angle i not more than about 10°, bears an air distilling column with corrugated criss-cross packing. The undulating configuration of the corrugated strips of at least one pack is selected such that d/i<0.6, where d is the axis deviation of the cone spreading the liquid, when each pair of adjacent strips of the pack is inclined at an angle i in its general plane.

Abstract: Oxygen and nitrogen are produced by low-temperature separation of air in a rectification system that has a pressure column (4) and a low-pressure column (5). Charging air (1, 3) is introduced into pressure column (4). An oxygen-containing liquid fraction (8, 10) is removed from pressure column (4) and fed into low-pressure column (5). Gaseous nitrogen (17) from low-pressure column (5) is at least partially condensed in a top condenser (7) by indirect heat exchange with an evaporating cooling fluid (15). A nitrogen product stream (19) is removed from low-pressure column (5) and/or pressure column (4). An oxygen product stream (61, 62, 63) is pulled off from low-pressure column (5). The cooling fluid for top condenser (7) of low-pressure column (5) is formed by an intermediate liquid (15) that is drawn off from an intermediate point on low-pressure column (5).

Abstract: A system, especially useful under cryogenic conditions, for downflowing cocurrent condensation of vapor against downflowing partially vaporizing liquid, wherein the condensing vapor flows within tubes having fluted internal surfaces and the boiling liquid flows along the outer surfaces of the tubes having re-entrant cavities.

Abstract: A combined main air/O2 enriched product compressor for use with an air separation unit that produces O2 enriched product is provided that includes a prime mover that drives a bull gear. The bull gear drives at least two pinion gears, and the pinion gears drive several compression stages where at least one compression stage compresses feed air for the air separation unit and at least one compressor stage compresses O2 enriched product from the air separation unit. The combined main air/O2 enriched product compressor satisfies all air separation unit feed air requirements and at least some compression for the oxygen product from the air separation unit. A method is also provided.

Abstract: This reboiler-condenser (1) comprises two exchanger parts (2A, 2B) one placed above the other. The lower part (2A), immersed in the liquid, has supplied vaporization passages (8A). The vapour which leaves therefrom is sent to the inlet of the vaporization passages (8B) of the upper part and liquid is delivered into the stream of vapour which penetrates each of these passages. Application to the vaporization of liquid oxygen by the condensation of nitrogen.

Abstract: In a combined plant consisting of a fluid production apparatus (P) having a main air compressor (44) and a fluid-consuming unit (2), a gas derived from the unit is expanded in a turbine (10, 20, 30, 40, 150) or another device capable of generating mechanical energy which drives a compressor (14, 24, 34, 44, 154° [sic]. Another turbine or device may expand another gas or the same gas derived from the unit so as to drive another compressor.

Abstract: In a plant for separating air which does not comprise an argon column, an intermediate-pressure column (102) has a bottom reboiler (24) which is heated by a gas (233) coming from the low-pressure column (103). The intermediate-pressure column is fed from the high-pressure column (101). This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption while improving the efficiency of the process.

Abstract: The distillation unit includes at least one cryogenic distilling column and at least one heat exchanger, arranged in a chamber with a double casing in which the intermediate partition contains a solid insulator. The unit can be on board offshore floating terminals and drilling platforms.

Abstract: A corrugated structured packing for forming into modules for use in a rectification column, having both high and low corrugations which reduce the contact points when formed into modules, serving to improve mass transfer effectiveness and thus reduce the requisite column height.

Abstract: This bath reboiler-condenser (4), of the brazed plate type, includes vaporization passages (11) subdivided into a plurality of stacked vaporization regions (13A to 13C) each of which is immersed in a partial height bath (28A to 28C), and means for feeding the top vaporization region (13C) with liquid. The vaporization regions (13A to 13C) are spaced vertically and each region is entirely open at its top and bottom ends. Application to the main reboiler-condensers of double air distillation columns.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system wherein pressure energy is supplied by a bridge machine having one or more booster compressors and a multicomponent refrigerant fluid compressor of a multicomponent refrigerant fluid circuit, all of the compressors of the bridge machine driven by power supplied through a single gear case.

Abstract: A cryogenic nitrogen production plant wherein all the heat transfer steps, and preferably all the heat transfer and separation steps, are carried out in a brazement which receives feed air and from which is recovered product nitrogen.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for evaporating liquid oxygen. In the normal operation liquid oxygen is introduced into a main evaporator (3) and there partially evaporated, a first flushing stream (5) is removed in the liquid state from the main evaporator (3), the first flushing stream (5) is partially evaporated in an auxiliary evaporator (6) and a second flushing stream (7) is taken off in the liquid state from the auxiliary evaporator (6). The normal operation is interrupted by a heating operation in which no liquid (5) is passed from the main evaporator (3) into the auxiliary evaporator (6) and the auxiliary evaporator (6) is brought to a temperature which is markedly higher than its temperature in the normal operation.

Abstract: The packing (1) with cross channel structure for a material exchange column (2) should have a high specific separation performance. The packing is specifiable by a specific surface area, a, and an inclination angle of the passages, &phgr;.

Abstract: A fully thermally coupled distillation structure designed to overcome hydraulic limitations in the past has been revealed for separating a multi-component feed stream into three product streams. The fractionation apparatus is equipped with at least one condenser and one reboiler to provide fractionation efficiency surpassing the PETLYUK system. Further, the fractionation apparatus includes innovative designs to enable hydraulically balanced and energy efficient operation at various feed rates, compositions and product specifications.

Abstract: A film-type vaporizer (2) in a vaporization enclosure (1), for example the upper column of a double air-distillation column, is associated with a measurement and analysis box (3) where a polished surface (4) and a spillway (6) reconstruct the flow of liquid in the vaporizer in order to check for the absence of the deposition of impurities in the liquid that is to be evaporated or, if such a deposition occurs, to quantify and analyse the impurities involved and take appropriate action on the settings of the machine.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus comprises a reboiler/condenser (30), cleanable in operation, being duplicated by another reboiler/condenser (40).

Abstract: A combined system comprising an integrated gasifier combined cycle power generation system, an air separation unit (5) which provides oxygen to partial oxidation gasification unit gasifier (33) and an inventory section (21) which stores liquid oxygen or liquid air until it is needed.

Abstract: In an air separation apparatus comprising at least two columns (104, 105) and optionally a mixing column (107), a liquid containing between 22 and 70 mol % oxygen is vaporized in a reboiler/condenser (109) against a stream of air (86) which condenses therein at least partially. The stream of at least partially condensed air is sent to at least one column (104, 105, 107) of the column system.

Abstract: with a Variable Proportion of Liquid Product In a single column distillation system for obtaining gaseous and liquid nitrogen with a variable proportions of liquid product by low-temperature separation from air, a first portion (12, 13) of nitrogen-rich fraction (5, 7, 8) is fed downstream of circulation compressor (9) to the liquefaction chamber of a condenser-evaporator (14) associated with the single column and condensed under a pressure higher than the operating pressure of the single column (4). A liquid oxygen-enriched fraction (228, 231) from the distillation column system is at least partially evaporated in the evaporation chamber of condenser-evaporator (14). A portion (18) of nitrogen-rich liquid (15, 16) from condenser-evaporator (14) is drawn off at least at times as liquid product.