Abstract: For obtaining gaseous nitrogen by low-temperature separation from air, a distillation column system has a single column (4). Compressed air (1) is cooled in a main heat exchanger (2) and fed (3) to single column (4). A nitrogen-rich fraction (5, 7, 8) is drawn off from the distillation column system and compressed at least in part in a circulation compressor (9, 1063). A first part (12, 13) of nitrogen-rich fraction (5, 7, 8) is fed downstream from circulation compressor (9) to the liquefaction chamber of a condenser-evaporator (14) and is condensed under a pressure higher than the operating pressure of single column (4), so to form nitrogen-rich liquid (15, 16). A liquid oxygen-enriched fraction (231) from the distillation column system is at least partially evaporated in the evaporation chamber of condenser-evaporator (14). A first oxygen-enriched gas (234, 533) formed in the evaporation chamber of condenser-evaporator (14), is introduced into single column (4).

Abstract: A plant for the separation of air comprises at least three columns, including an auxiliary column (25) and two other columns (9, 11, 40), of which at least one is fed with air and of which that operating at the lowest pressure operates between 2 and 10 bar. A flow comprising between 40 and 95 mol % of argon originating from the auxiliary column is optionally mixed with a gas enriched in nitrogen from the column operating at the lowest pressure. The auxiliary column operates at the same pressure as the column from which it is fed.

Abstract: A system for generating refrigeration wherein a multicomponent refrigerant is compressed in a compressor lubricated with polyalphaolefin-based oil, the oil is removed from the compressed refrigerant, and the compressed refrigerant is expanded to generate refrigeration at a cryogenic temperature for provision to a refrigeration receptor.

Abstract: Nitrogen gas at a single pressure is produced from a two-column cryogenic distillation of air. The bottoms liquid product from the high pressure column is divided into portions, at least one of which does not enter the low pressure column as a feed stream. By these means, a portion of an oxygen-rich stream is removed from the distillation, further enhancing nitrogen recovery and achieving low specific energy consumption for nitrogen product.

Abstract: Liquid oxygen, which is extracted from the bottom of a lower pressure rectifier and compressed by a liquid oxygen pump to a predetermined supply pressure, is evaporated in a main heat exchanger to prepare an oxygen gas product, while oxygen gas is circulated in the main heat exchanger at a linear velocity which is equal to or higher than the terminal velocity, calculated depending on the supply pressure, of an oxygen droplet having a diameter of 200 &mgr;m. This process effectively prevents precipitation of heavy impurities in the heat exchanger and produces higher pressure oxygen gas at reduced operational costs.

Abstract: Oxygen starting material, which already contains heavy isotopes of oxygen, is enriched in the heavy isotopes of oxygen by means of cryogenic distillation in an oxygen distillation column system 1A, then water containing a high concentration of the above-mentioned heavy isotopes of oxygen is formed by adding hydrogen to the enriched product and reacting them in a reactor system 3A. This formed water is distilled in the water distillation column system 4A and, thereby, heavy oxygen water enriched in the above-mentioned heavy isotopes of oxygen is produced.

Abstract: In a separation apparatus, a stream of liquid partially vaporizes in a heat exchanger before being sent to a phase separator. The liquid stream from the phase separator is divided into a first portion which is taken off and a second portion which is mixed with the liquid to be vaporized.

Abstract: A system particularly useful for the cryogenic rectification of air to produce product, particularly high purity argon, comprising a structured packing arrangement having a defined moderate area density, a defined sharp corrugation angle and at least one of a defined short brick height and a defined packing structure modification.

Abstract: A corrugated structured packing for forming into modules for use in a rectification column, having a crimp pattern which is asymmetrical about a line drawn perpendicular to the centerline of the structured packing sheet and whose axial distance along the centerline from trough to adjacent peak is not evenly divided on either side of the centerline, serving to reduce pressure losses that are not efficient in promoting mass transfer and thus reducing the requisite column height.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for the low-temperature fractionation of air in a rectification system that has at least one pressure column and one low-pressure column. Feed air is compressed to a first pressure p1 in a first compressor, purified in a purification stage, cooled and at least in part introduced into the pressure column. At least one liquid fraction from the pressure column is fed into the low-pressure column. A nitrogen-rich fraction from the low-pressure column is warmed and mixed with feed air. The warmed nitrogen-rich fraction is mixed with the feed air downstream of the feed air purification stage. The mixture of feed air and nitrogen-rich fraction is further compressed in a second compressor to a second pressure p2 which is higher than the first pressure p1.

Abstract: An apparatus for fractionating a gas mixture at low temperature includes (1) a separation column; (2) a heat-exchanger block comprising a main heat-exchanger section and a condenser/evaporator section, wherein the condenser/evaporator section has evaporation passages and condensation passages; (3) a first feed gas line for supplying feed gas to the main heat-exchanger section; (4) a second feed gas line for introducing cooled feed gas into the separation column; (5) a first liquid line leading from a lower region of the separation column to an inlet of the evaporation passages; (6) a gas line that leads from an upper region of the separation column to the condensation passages; (6) a reflux line to introduce condensate which is formed in the condensation passages into the upper region of the separation column; (7) a phase-separation device connected to an outlet of the evaporation passages; and (8) a second liquid line leading from the phase-separation device to an inlet of the evaporation passages and also c

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for the low-temperature fractionation of air. Feed air (1) is introduced into a first rectification column (3). A transfer fraction (6, 7) of density &rgr; is withdrawn in the liquid state from a reservoir (24, 16) within the first rectification column (3), expanded (14, 14a, 18) and fed to a further process step (5, 23). The liquid level in the reservoir (24, 16) is in this case at a first level h1 and is at a first pressure p1. The expanded transfer fraction is fed to the further process step (5, 23) at a second, higher level h2 (h2 >h1) and at a second, lower pressure (p2 <p1). The difference between the two pressures &Dgr;p=p1−p2 is less than the hydrostatic pressure (Phydr=&rgr;·g·[h2−h1]) caused by a liquid column of the transfer fraction between the first level and the second level: &Dgr;p=p1−p2<&rgr;·g·[h2−h1] (g: acceleration due to gravity).

Abstract: Nitrogen gas at a single pressure is produced from a two-column cryogenic distillation of air. The bottoms liquid product from the high pressure column is divided into portions, at least one of which does not enter the low pressure column as a feed stream. By these means, a portion of an oxygen-rich stream is removed from the distillation, further enhancing nitrogen recovery and achieving low specific energy consumption for nitrogen product.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system comprising an integrated core and typically including a double column wherein incoming feed air is cooled in the core which also processes a stream from the double column. A separating section of the core processes a stream from the double column to form product.

Abstract: The process and the apparatus serve for producing pressurized oxygen and krypton/xenon by low-temperature fractionation of air. The rectifying system has a low-pressure column (3) for the nitrogen-oxygen separation and a krypton-xenon enrichment column (15). Compressed and prepurified feed air (4) is introduced into the rectifying system. A first oxygen fraction (11) is taken off from the low-pressure column (3), brought (12) to an elevated pressure in the liquid state, vaporized and removed as gaseous pressurized oxygen product (24). In addition, a second oxygen fraction (16) is taken off from the low-pressure column (3) and passed (18) into the lower or central region of the krypton-xenon enrichment column (15). The first oxygen fraction (11) is taken off at least one actual or theoretical plate above the bottom of the low-pressure column (3) and, after the pressure elevation (12) is introduced (14) in the liquid state into the upper region of the krypton-xenon enrichment column (15).

Abstract: An integrated cryogenic air separation gas turbine system wherein heat of compression within the feed air is provided to nitrogen produced in the cryogenic air separation plant and the heated nitrogen is provided to a gas turbine along with combustion reaction products to produce power.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system comprising an integrated core and typically including a double column wherein incoming feed air is cooled in the core which also processes a stream from the double column. A separating section of the core processes a stream from the double column to form product.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to separate air at low power cost to produce high-pressure nitrogen gas and oxygen gas by utilizing cold of liquefied natural gas. Feed air is pre-purified and then introduced into a cryogenic separation unit, so that oxygen gas and nitrogen gas are separated. The nitrogen gas separated in the cryogenic separation unit is introduced into a second heat exchanger, and cooled by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant. The nitrogen gas thus cooled is compressed in a low-temperature nitrogen compressor and supplied through a heater to an external plant for consumption. LNG is introduced into a first heat exchanger as a cold source. In the first heat exchanger, LNG cools and liquefies the refrigerant by indirect heat exchange. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant is vaporized by indirect heat exchange with the nitrogen gas in the second heat exchanger. The vaporized refrigerant is returned to the first heat exchanger.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation comprising an integrated core and typically including a double column wherein incoming feed air is cooled in the core which also processes a stream from the double column. A separating section of the core processes a stream from the double column to product.

Abstract: This liquid distributor includes: a primary distributor (13) including liquid-distribution openings and delimiting N1 first compartments (22), each provided with liquid feed elements means (10, 11); and a secondary distributor (14), arranged under the primary distributor (13) and including a dish with openworked perforated bottom which occupies substantially the entire cross-section of the distillation column (2), this dish being subdivided by partitions (25) into N2 second compartments (24), with N2>N1.

Abstract: Apparatuses which, in steady-state operation, are at temperatures very different from ambient temperature, are each supported by a base support device, or are secured by a separating support device, and are linked by a pipe device. In order to reduce the mechanical stresses on the pipe device, at least two components of the structure among the support devices and the pipe device are made of different materials having an expansion coefficient and/or a thermal conductivity coefficient which are different so that when the plant goes from inactivity at ambient temperature to steady-state operation the variations in length of the components made of different materials are concomitant. Such structures are usable in air distillation plants.

Abstract: In a production method for oxygen, liquid oxygen is taken out from a rectification column of an air separation unit, and is compressed by a pump so that the pressure thereof exceeds the critical pressure. Then, the oxygen is led into a heat exchanger and is heated therein so that the temperature of the oxygen exceeds the critical temperature.

Abstract: A plant for separation of a gas mixture comprises at least two columns which are of the same length. The tops of two of the columns are at the same height.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system wherein some or all of the refrigeration necessary to drive the rectification is generated by providing a pulse to a gas and then passing the compressed gas to a pulse tube wherein the gas expands in a wave generating refrigeration at one end of the pulse tube for transfer into the rectification system.

Abstract: A process uses a multizone distillation column for the separation of a multicomponent feed into one stream enriched in the most volatile component, one stream enriched in the least volatile component, and at least two other streams enriched in a component of intermediate volatility. The multizone distillation column has at least two vertical partitions, thereby creating a primary distillation zone and at least two secondary distillation zones. Each of the secondary distillation zones is fed with a mixture from another distillation zone, and a product stream enriched in a component of intermediate volatility is produced from each of the secondary distillation zones. At least one secondary distillation zone receives either at least a portion of the vapor boilup or a portion of the liquid reflux from a source external to the multizone distillation column or through heat exchange with a utility source that is external to the multizone distillation column.

Abstract: A process separates a multicomponent feed by distillation into at least one stream enriched in the most volatile component, one stream enriched in the least volatile component, and one stream enriched in a component of intermediate volatility. In one embodiment, the process produces an argon-enriched stream from a cryogenic air separation process. The distillation system includes at least one distillation column that produces a nitrogen-enriched stream from the top of the column, an oxygen product stream from the bottom of the column, and an argon-enriched stream from a partitioned section. The geometry of the partitioned section minimizes vapor and liquid distribution, and includes a vertical separating element and an end separating element to isolate the partitioned section from the intermediate distillation section.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system wherein an integrated core receives and cools an incoming feed air stream, a rectification section facilitates mass transfer of the feed air stream, a separation section in a heat exchange relationship with the rectification section processes fluid from the rectification section, and a section in a heat exchange relationship with an entrance passage discharges fluid from the integrated core.

Abstract: A plant for separation of a gas mixture comprises at least two columns which are of the same length. The tops of two of the columns are at the same height.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation process having improved flexibility and operating efficiency wherein refrigeration generation for the process is decoupled from the flow of process streams and is produced by one or more closed loop circuits.

Abstract: Liquid nitrogen producing apparatus and method. Solar energy is used to heat liquid mercury which expands and applies pressure to an incompressible fluid which in turn drives a piston in a compression stroke. Air is pressurized and in an appropriate use device liquid nitrogen is obtained. Some of the liquid nitrogen is directed back to the reservoir of liquid mercury. The very cold liquid nitrogen causes the liquid mercury to contract which in turn moves the piston in a suction stroke to draw in make-up air.

Abstract: A plant for separation of a gas mixture comprises at least two columns which are of the same length. The tops of two of the columns are at the same height.

Abstract: Process for separating air by cryogenic distillation and apparatus including a high pressure column, an intermediate pressure column, a low pressure column having a bottom reboiler and an argon column having a top condenser, a conduit for sending air to the high pressure column, a conduit for sending at least part of a first oxygen enriched liquid from the high pressure column to the intermediate pressure column, a conduit for sending a second oxygen enriched fluid from the bottom of the intermediate pressure column to the low pressure column, a conduit for sending a second nitrogen enriched fluid from the top of the intermediate pressure column to the low pressure column or to a top condenser of the argon column, a conduit for sending a heating gas to the bottom reboiler of the low pressure column, a conduit for removing a third oxygen enriched fluid from the low pressure column, a conduit for sending a nitrogen enriched liquid from the high pressure column to the low pressure column, a conduit for sending a

Abstract: For recovering high-purity oxygen by low-temperature separation of air in a rectification system that has a high pressure (4) and a low-pressure column (5), feed air (1, 3) is introduced into the high pressure column (4) and an oxygen-containing liquid fraction (411) is removed from high pressure column (4) and fed into low-pressure column (5). Gaseous nitrogen (18) from the low-pressure column (5) is at least partially condensed in a top condenser (17) by indirect heat exchange with an evaporating liquid (457). Oxygen-containing liquid fraction (411) is removed from at least one theoretical or actual plate above the bottom of high pressure column (4). At least a portion of the bottom liquid (457) from the high pressure column (4) is directed into the evaporation chamber of the top condenser (17) of the low-pressure column (5). A high-purity oxygen product (459, 460, 461, 563, 564) is removed from the lower part of the low-pressure column (5).

Abstract: In this condenser in which the fluid as it condenses flows downward, in cross section, that part of the outlet box (18) which lies between its lowermost point (28) and the point (31) of a liquid-outlet pipe (30; 35) connected to this box, lies completely at a level that is lower than the level of the lowermost point (A) of the distributor corrugation (13). Application to the main vaporizer-condensers of double air-distillation columns.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system for producing very high purity oxygen employing a lower pressure column having a volume in its lower portion set off by a diaphragm, and an upgrader column communicating with the lower pressure column in a defined manner relative to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A multieffect distillation process separates multicomponent mixtures containing three or more components into at least four product streams each enriched in one of the components. Thermally linked high pressure and low pressure columns are used in the process. The feed is fed to one of the two distillation columns and a product stream is produced from each end of this distillation column. A mixture stream also is produced from an intermediate location of this column and sent to the other distillation column. A product stream is produced from each end of the other distillation column.

Abstract: The plant comprises, on site, a compressed-air provision and distribution system (L.sub.A) with at least one dedicated air compressor (CO2, CO3), an air-gas production and provision system (L.sub.G) comprising an air treatment unit (S), with a reservoir R of the said air gas and normally fed by a compressor (CO1). In temporary operating mode, with one air compressor (CO2) off-line, the compressed air from the compressor (CO1) of the air gas provision system (S) is at least in part diverted (C), typically with pressure reduction (D), to sustain the production of the compressed air system (L.sub.A), the air gas then being at least in part provided by the reservoir (R).

Abstract: In an air distillation apparatus having a main heat exchanger 7 for cooling down feed air, a rectification column 9S comprising a rectifying portion 13 for separating the thus-cooled feed air to an oxygen-enriched component and a nitrogen component and a condenser 35S for partially condensing the latter, and a liquid nitrogen storage tank 31S for supplying liquid nitrogen by way of a supply valve V3, anda transport route 18 for transporting an oxygen-enriched liquid flowing down from said rectifying portion 13 to the bottom into said condenser 35S, the said oxygen-enriched liquid is not reserved at the bottom of the column.

Abstract: The plant (1) comprises at least three assemblies (10, 11, 12) arranged one beside the other, namely a first assembly (10) comprising a medium-pressure column (2), a second assembly (11) comprising a low-pressure column (3), and a third assembly (12) comprising a heat-exchange line (5). The plant further comprises a liquid pump (6) for making a liquid flow between one of the columns (3) and the vaporizer-condenser (4). Application to the distilling of air using columns with structured interior packing.

Abstract: A packaged column arrangement for an air separation plant in which a cold box is filled with an insulating material and higher and lower pressure columns are mounted within the cold box. The lower pressure column has an intermediate reboiler connected to the higher pressure column for condensing nitrogen enriched tower overhead formed within the higher pressure column in order to produce reflux for the columns. The higher and lower pressure columns are positioned within the cold box so that the higher and lower pressure columns are in a sufficiently staggered relationship that the reflux stream to the higher pressure column flows under gravitational influence. Moreover, auxiliary equipment such as vaporizer and subcooling heat exchange units can be conveniently connected to the columns when themselves may be mounted within the cold box by a simple I-beam mounting.

Abstract: A conventional air separator unit separates nitrogen, oxygen or argon merchant gas to be liquefied. Input pressurized natural gas is processed through a pressure letdown liquefaction system including gas separators for removing moisture and for drying the gas. The dried gas is then separated into large and small gas stream portions wherein CO.sub.2 in the smaller portion is removed. The two portions are passed through a first heat exchanger from which the larger portion is expanded which cools it and then passed through two heat exchangers including the first exchanger, used to regenerate the CO.sub.2 separator and drier and then returned to the input stream.

Abstract: In this plant (1), a common thermal insulation wall (14) surrounds first and second distillation units (2, 3, 4, 5). A first product stream is removed from the first unit and a second stream is removed from the second unit, the first and second streams are mixed without having previously been compressed or expanded with the production of external work.

Abstract: A distillation method and column in which a gaseous mixture is introduced into a bottom region of a packed column having a plurality packed beds using structured packing. The gaseous mixture comprises higher and lower volatility components. The packed column is operated so that the higher and lower volatility components have a relative volatility within the column in a range of between 1.05 and 1.8. In order to alleviate the effect of liquid maldistribution in the lowermost bed of such a column, the lowermost bed is sized to be between about 50% and about 80% of the height of the next overlying bed, with 80% being preferred and the total height of the packing within the column is at least about six meters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the combined operation of a furnace and an air distillation apparatus. The air distillation apparatus comprises at least one medium pressure column and a mixing column supplying oxygen to the furnace. The furnace and the distillation apparatus are supplied by a same blower, the mixing column receiving air compressed by a compressor coupled to a cryogenic turbine expanding with work a fluid from the distillation apparatus. The compressor/turbine assembly is coupled to and receives auxiliary power from an auxiliary power source.

Abstract: Horizontal structured packing utilizing horizontal panels or horizontal corrugated foils arranged in a crisscrossing pattern are disclosed together with methods for manufacturing and assembling the horizontal structured packing in an exchange column. In one embodiment, the structured packing comprises at least one first layer in a generally horizontal first plane and at least one second layer in a generally horizontal second plane below the first layer, each layer having at least one generally horizontal panel in the shape of a polygon having a center. Each panel is substantially uniform in size and of a shape that nests with horizontally adjacent panels, and there are a plurality of vanes disposed inside each panel. At least one of the vanes is at an angle to the horizontal and has a passage between the vane and an adjacent vane. The center of at least one panel in the second layer is horizontally offset from the center of a vertically adjacent panel in the first layer.

Abstract: The air separation plant is provided with a housing for containing cryogenic equipments, at least one free-standing column to be disposed in the housing, at least one column to be disposed in the housing on a frame constituting the housing, and a powdery thermal insulator packed in the housing, having a packing density to be obtained by packing under atmospheric pressure; the free-standing column being set to have a first natural frequency of not more than 0.7 times or not less than 1.0 times as large as that of the housing. Further, the packing density of the powdery thermal insulator is 55 to 80 kg/m.sup.3.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system and a packing module and column suitable for cryogenic rectification having packing sheets with top and bottom modifications in alternating sequence and preferably having top and bottom edges terminating in planes wherein capacity and mass transfer efficiency is enhanced and mechanical strength is not compromised.

Abstract: Air is separated in a double rectification column including a lower pressure rectification column. A first oxygen product containing less than 3.5% by volume of argon impurity is withdrawn through an outlet of the column which has a packed section below the level of the outlet. The argon impurity is striped from liquid descending through the packed section and a second relatively pure oxygen product containing less than 100 volumes per million is withdrawn from below the section through an outlet thereof. Impurities less volatile than oxygen are preferably separated from the second oxygen product in a side rectification column.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system wherein feed air is initially processed to produce a vapor and a liquid, the vapor is then processed in the rectifying section of a reflux condenser to produce moderate purity nitrogen, and the liquid is processed in the stripping section of the reflux condenser to produce moderate purity oxygen.

Abstract: A product cryogenic liquid mixture comprising oxygen and nitrogen having a chosen mole fraction of oxygen is produced by expanding, typically through a valve, a pressurized stream of a precursor fluid mixture, which may be liquid air, having a mole fraction of oxygen greater than said chosen mole fraction, and thereby forming a vapor phase depleted of oxygen and a liquid phase enriched in oxygen. The vapor phase is disengaged from the liquid phase in a phase separator. A stream of the vapor phase is condensed in a condenser. The condensate is collected in a storage vessel as the product cryogenic liquid mixture.