Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and processes for removing heavies during the liquefaction of a natural gas. The processes include dissolving the heavies in the natural gas by adding external natural gas liquid (NGL), followed by a staged removal of the natural gas liquid (NGL) and dissolved heavies.

Abstract: An air separation module includes a canister, a separator, and a perforated plate. The canister has a plenum portion connecting an inlet portion to an outlet portion, extends circumferentially about a canister axis, and has a plenum diameter that is larger than a canister diameter defined by the inlet and outlet portion of the canister. The separator is arranged within the canister and axially spans the plenum portion to separate air received at the inlet end portion into nitrogen-enriched and oxygen-enriched air flows. The perforated plate is seated within the plenum portion, fluidly couples the separator to an oxygen-enriched air outlet port defined by the plenum portion, and has a snap-fit major dimension smaller than the plenum diameter to radially support a portion of the separator axially spanning the plenum portion of the canister. Nitrogen generation systems and methods of making air separation modules are also described.

Abstract: A nitrogen generation system includes a heat exchanger for receiving supply air and cooling air and providing temperature conditioned supply air, a flow control valve for controlling a flow of the cooling air through the heat exchanger, and an air separation module for receiving the temperature conditioned supply air and generating nitrogen-enriched air. The nitrogen generation system also includes a sensor for measuring a parameter of the nitrogen-enriched air selected from the group consisting of a temperature, a flow rate, an oxygen concentration, and combinations thereof, and a controller connected to the sensor and the flow control valve for controlling the flow of the cooling air through the heat exchanger based on the parameter of the nitrogen-enriched air measured by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryogenic distillation apparatus for a gas mixture, including a purification apparatus for purifying a gas mixture in a system with a plurality of adsorbant bottles, a column system, a capacity, means for feeding a cryogenic liquid to the capacity, means for feeding a vaporized liquid from the capacity to a column of the system, a vaporizer in the capacity for vaporizing the contained liquid; means for feeding a calorigenic gas to the vaporizer, and means for drawing a liquid from the capacity.

Abstract: Split-shell fractionation columns and associated processes for separating aromatic hydrocarbons are provided by using, a split-shell fractionation column includes a housing shell having a first height and a partition having a second height and disposed within the housing shell. The partition includes first and second vertically oriented baffles separated by a gap region, a seal plate connecting top ends of the baffles, a first input port formed to extend through the partition for the introduction of a gas into the gap region, and a first output port formed to extend outwardly from a bottom of the gap region and through the housing shell. The partition defines a first distillation zone and a second distillation zone within the housing shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air separation apparatus and method in which a pumped liquid oxygen stream is heated within a heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange with compressed air to produce an oxygen product. The liquid oxygen stream is pressurized in a range above about 55 bar(a) and no greater than about 150 bar(a) and is a supercritical fluid after having been heated within the heat exchanger. The air is compressed to an air pressure that is a function of the oxygen pressure that will result in a minimum power being expended in the compression of the air. The heat exchanger can be a brazed fin heat exchanger fabricated from aluminum in which the fins located in heat exchange passages have an undulating configuration to increase the flow path length and induce flow separation and thereby increase the heat transfer coefficient within the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing high purity oxygen in connection with low purity liquid oxygen produced by a plurality of cryogenic air separation plants. The low purity liquid oxygen from the air separation plants is introduced into a distillation column of an auxiliary cryogenic rectification plant that is reboiled by nitrogen also produced by the air separation plants. Nitrogen is separated from the low purity liquid oxygen to produce high purity liquid oxygen from residual liquid located in a bottom region of the distillation column that can be taken as a product. Optionally, an argon column can be connected to the distillation column to produce a liquid argon product stream.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for adjusting nitrogen and oxygen concentrations within regions of an aircraft. The method includes separating nitrogen from ambient air onboard an aircraft thereby establishing a high-concentration nitrogen supply and then dispensing high-concentration nitrogen from the supply to a fire-susceptible, non-habitable region of the aircraft where the high-concentration nitrogen is reservoired thereby decreasing the capability for the atmosphere therein to support combustion. Oxygen is also separated from the ambient air thereby establishing a high-concentration oxygen supply that is dispensed to an occupant cabin of the aircraft thereby increasing the level of oxygen concentration within the cabin to a level greater than the naturally occurring concentration of oxygen at the experienced internal cabin pressure.

Abstract: In a process for supplying a pressurized gas, a pressurized gas at a high production pressure is produced as an end product by separating a gaseous mixture in a separator apparatus (3, 5), a liquid to be pressurized is stored in a store (9), storing liquid is tapped, and it is pressurized with a pump (11) and at least part of the pressurized liquid is sprayed in a sprayer (27) to produce the pressurized backup gas (29) having substantially the same pressure or a pressure higher than the pressurized gas to be produced, liquid is circulated in a substantially vertical duct (13), optionally within the cold box (33) of the separator apparatus, and at least part of the duct length is at a level above the sprayer and before and/or after starting up the pump (11), liquid is sent from the duct to the sprayer where the liquid is sprayed to provide pressurized backup gas having substantially the same purity or a purity higher than the pressurized gas to be produced (31).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an oxygen product by heating a pumped liquid oxygen stream within a heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange with compressed air. The liquid oxygen stream is pressurized to an oxygen pressure in a range above about 55 bar(a) and no greater than about 150 bar(a) and heated within the heat exchanger to form a supercritical fluid. The air is compressed to an air pressure upon entering the heat exchanger that is a function of the oxygen pressure that will result in a minimum power being expended in the compression of the air. The heat exchanger can be a brazed fin heat exchanger fabricated from aluminum in which the fins located in heat exchange passages have an undulating configuration to increase the flow path length and induce flow separation and thereby increase the heat transfer coefficient within the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing high purity oxygen in connection with low purity liquid oxygen produced by a plurality of cryogenic air separation plants. The low purity liquid oxygen from the air separation plants is introduced into a distillation column of an auxiliary cryogenic rectification plant that is reboiled by nitrogen also produced by such the air separation plants. Nitrogen is separated from the low purity liquid oxygen to produce high purity liquid oxygen from residual liquid located in a bottom region of the distillation column that can be taken as a product. Optionally, an argon column can be connected to the distillation column to produce a liquid argon product stream.

Abstract: A process for carrying out cryogenic air separation wherein liquid oxygen is pressurized and vaporized against condensing feed air to produce oxygen gas product wherein excess plant refrigeration is generated such that the aggregate warm end temperature difference of the process exceeds the minimum internal temperature difference of the primary heat exchanger by at least 2K.

Abstract: A process for producing variable gaseous nitrogen and variable gaseous oxygen by air distillation, during a period of high demand for gaseous nitrogen and for gaseous oxygen, liquid nitrogen is drawn off from a storage vessel, the liquid nitrogen is vaporized by heat exchange with a first flow of compressed, purified and cooled air, the vaporized nitrogen is sent to the customer and the first flow of liquefied air produced by the heat exchange is sent to a liquefied air storage vessel, liquid oxygen is drawn off from a storage vessel, the liquid oxygen is vaporized by heat exchange with a second flow of compressed, purified and cooled air, the vaporized oxygen is sent to the customer and the second flow of liquefied air is sent to the storage vessel.

Abstract: A process for carrying out cryogenic air separation wherein liquid oxygen is pressurized and vaporized against condensing feed air to produce oxygen gas product wherein excess plant refrigeration is generated such that the aggregate warm end temperature difference of the process exceeds the minimum internal temperature difference of the primary heat exchanger by at least 2 K.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation in a double or triple air separation column. The column in the system with the highest operating pressure is said to be operating at medium pressure. All the air to be distilled is pressurized to a high pressure, which is about 5 bar greater than the medium pressure. The air is purified at this high pressure, and a portion of the purified air is cooled in a heat exchange line, while another portion is expanded in a turbine. Part of the cooled air is drawn from the exchange line with a cold booster, which is mechanically coupled to at least one turbine. An energy dissipation device is also provided which is coupled to the turbine not coupled to the cold booster. The energy dissipation device is either another booster, an oil break system, or an electrical generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the provision of gas under pressure, by vaporisation of a cryogenic liquid from at least two cryogenic separation devices (A, B, C, D). Each device comprises a heat exchanger (1) and a system of columns (2, 3). In a first mode of operation, a cryogenic liquid is withdrawn from the columns in each cryogenic separation device, at least a part of which is pressurised (7, 8) to give a pressurised cryogenic liquid (9) and at least a part of the cryogenic liquid under pressure is vaporised in the heat exchanger (1) to give a part of gas under pressure (10). A cryogenic liquid is sent (6) from the cryogenic separation device to a common store (12) and at least one liquid (28A, 28B, 28C, 28D) coming from the store is vaporised in the exchange line (1) in at least one of the cryogenic separation devices.

Abstract: A method for separating air by cryogenic distillation. A first compressor compresses air to a first pressure, and sends part of that air to a second compressor which compresses that part to a second pressure. Part of the air at the second pressure is cooled in a heat exchanger and sent to a third compressor where part of it is compressed to a third pressure. Part of the air at the third pressure is liquefied and sent a column system. Around half of the total liquefied air sent to the column system will have originally been compressed by the third compressor. Part of the air at the first pressure is cooled in a heat exchanger and part of the cooled air at the first pressure is then expanded to the pressure of the column system. The expanded air is sent to the column system.

Abstract: A back-up quantity of a “first” gas is supplied temporarily to maintain the level of production of the first gas from a cryogenic separation of a gaseous mixture comprising the first gas and at least one other gas in the event of reduction in the level of production of said first gas from the separation. In the event of reduction in the level of production of said first gas from the separation, liquefied first gas inventory is withdrawn from the or at least one of said cryogenic distillation systems and vaporised to produce said back-up quantity of first gas. The invention has particular application to the production of gaseous oxygen (“GOX”) from the separation of air.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the power efficient production of high-pressure gaseous oxygen product. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid oxygen stream is pumped to a low to medium pressure and warmed within a first heat exchanger such as a brazed aluminum plate fin heat exchanger. The liquid oxygen stream is then pumped to a further pressure and then vaporized in a second heat exchanger to produce a high-pressure gaseous oxygen stream. In an embodiment, a high-pressure air stream may be utilized in the second heat exchanger for vaporizing the oxygen stream and cooling the air stream. The air stream may be utilized as a feed for the cryogenic air unit. A portion of the air stream at a medium pressure may be utilized in the first heat exchanger. A portion of the air stream may also be expanded to recover energy.

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: An apparatus and process for producing gaseous oxygen under elevated pressure utilize a distillation column system which has a high-pressure column (106), a low-pressure column (107) located above the high-pressure column (106), and a side condenser (102), which has a liquefaction space and a vaporization space, used to vaporize a liquid oxygen fraction from the low-pressure column (107). The side condenser (102) is located below the high-pressure column (106).

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system for producing low purity oxygen from an auxiliary column to a double column system wherein the auxiliary column is reboiled by fluid taken from an intermediate level of the higher pressure column or by a portion of cooled feed air which is cold compressed to a higher pressure prior to the reboiling.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the power efficient production of high-pressure gaseous oxygen product. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid oxygen stream is pumped to a low to medium pressure and warmed within a first heat exchanger such as a brazed aluminum plate fin heat exchanger. The liquid oxygen stream is then pumped to a further pressure and then vaporized in a second heat exchanger to produce a high-pressure gaseous oxygen stream. In an embodiment, a high-pressure air stream may be utilized in the second heat exchanger for vaporizing the oxygen stream and cooling the air stream. The air stream may be utilized as a feed for the cryogenic air unit. A portion of the air stream at a medium pressure may be utilized in the first heat exchanger. A portion of the air stream may also be expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: A method to obtain a gaseous product by the low temperature fractionation of air includes supplying a first, purified and cooled stream of air to a high-pressure column. At least one liquid stream from the high-pressure column is passed into a low-pressure column. A product stream in the liquid state is drawn off from the low-pressure column and is brought to an elevated pressure. The product stream is then evaporated in an indirect heat exchange with a second purified stream of air. The second stream of air, which is condensed at least partly during the indirect heat exchange, is expanded at least partly in a work-producing manner. The second stream of air subsequently is passed into the low-pressure column. The pressure of the second stream of air at the outlet of the work-expansion is lower than the operating pressure in the sump of the high-pressure column. The work-expansion of the second stream of air is carried out in a single step.

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 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: A cryogenic air separation process for the production of oxygen and nitrogen products uses a distillation system having at least a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column. A nitrogen-enriched liquid stream is recovered from the higher pressure column and is eventually at least partially vaporized by indirect heat exchange at a pressure intermediate that of the higher pressure column and the lower pressure column. A vapor stream is withdrawn from an intermediate location of the stripping section of the lower pressure column and is at least partially condensed by indirect heat exchange with the nitrogen-enriched liquid stream. At least some of the nitrogen product is recovered from the vapor that results from the at least partial vaporization of the nitrogen-enriched liquid. The process is appropriate for the production of nitrogen in quantities up to 40 mole % of the incoming air flow.

Abstract: A first air stream is expanded in a first turbine (D1) before being mixed with a second air stream (104) in order to form a third stream (105). At least part of the third stream is sent to a second turbine (D2) and then to the double column. The stream expanded in the first turbine is smaller than the stream expanded in the second turbine.

Abstract: A cryogenic rectification system comprising three columns wherein high purity oxygen is produced in the third column which is fed from at least one of the first and second columns, which do not share a common condenser/reboiler, and reboiled using feed air or first column top vapor.

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: High pressure gaseous oxygen is obtained safely and without compression by heating pumped liquid oxygen in a printed circuit type heat exchanger having layers of transversely extending laterally spaced channels with each layer being in thermal contact with at least one other layer. Oxygen is vaporized in channels of oxygen-layers against heat exchange fluid passing through channels of heat exchange layers. The walls of the oxygen layer channels are formed of ferrous alloy and have a cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow, having a thickness at its narrowest of at least about 10%, and on average at least about 15%, of the combined hydraulic mean diameters of the adjacent channels, and the ratio of cross-sectional area, in said plane, of the walls to the cross-sectional area of the channels is no less than about 0.7.

Abstract: A method of producing a gaseous product, for instance gaseous oxygen in accordance with a cyclical demand pattern having high and low periods of demand. During periods of high demand, liquid is vaporized against condensing air which is in turn stored. During low demand periods, product is accumulated and previously stored liquid air is introduced into the column. During both high and low periods of demand liquid product is drawn to reduce the percentage variance in the required flow rate to the booster compressor used in producing the air to be liquefied. Preferably, during periods of high demand, a turbine used in generating refrigeration can be turned down to increase the amount of air available for condensation and with a reduction in production of liquid product.

Abstract: Air is separated in a triple column comprising a high pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column, the intermediate pressure column being fed by oxygen enriched liquid from the high pressure column. The low pressure column feeds an argon column with argon enriched liquid and operates at a higher pressure than the argon column. Heat is supplied to the bottom of the argon column by sending gas to a bottom reboiler. This gas is preferably rich in nitrogen and may come from the top of the low pressure column.

Abstract: A film-type vaporizer in a vaporization enclosure, for example the upper column of a double air-distillation column, is associated with a measurement and analysis box where a polished surface and a spillway 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. If deposition occurs, the impurities involved are quantified and analyzed and appropriate action taken on the settings of the machine.

Abstract: An method for the recovery of oxygen at hyperbaric pressure by low-temperature air fractionation includes compressing feed air to a first pressure, which is about the same as the operating pressure of the pressure column. At least a first partial flow of the feed air is cooled in a main heat exchanger and passed into the pressure column. An oxygen flow is tapped from the low-pressure column; brought to a delivery pressure that is higher than the operating pressure of the low-pressure column; heated in the main heat exchanger; and discharged as product. The pressure of a process stream from the main heat exchanger is relieved in a work-expanding manner, and the process stream is supplied to the low-pressure column. At least a portion of the mechanical energy generated by the work-expanding is used to drive a cold compressor.

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: 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: High pressure gaseous oxygen is obtained safely and without compression by heating pumped liquid oxygen in a printed circuit type heat exchanger having layers of transversely extending laterally spaced channels with each layer being in thermal contact with at least one other layer. Oxygen is vaporized in channels of oxygen-layers against heat exchange fluid passing through channels of heat exchange layers. The walls of the oxygen layer channels are formed of ferrous alloy and have a cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow, having a thickness at its narrowest of at least about 10%, and on average at least about 15%, of the combined hydraulic mean diameters of the adjacent channels, and the ratio of cross-sectional area, in said plane, of the walls to the cross-sectional area of the channels is no less than about 0.7.

Abstract: A cryogenic distillation apparatus comprising a system of columns (9, 11) also includes at least one external source of a gas other than a column of the system and means for sending this pressurized gas to the first pump (17) in order to serve as barrier gas for a pump (17, 23, 25, 27) and/or at least one external source (20) of liquid other than a column of the system and means for vaporizing at least one portion of this liquid and for sending the vapour thus formed to the first pump in order to serve as barrier gas and/or means (3) for withdrawing a liquid from a column of the system and for vaporizing at least one portion thereof downstream of the first or of the second pump in order to deliver a barrier gas (21) for the first pump.

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 process wherein one or more pressurized product streams enriched in oxygen, nitrogen and argon are produced by cryogenic distillation. One or more of the product streams are pressurized above the operating pressure of the distillation column by introducing a pressurizing fluid into a vessel containing a lower pressure product liquid. In the design of the system the pressurizing fluid can be air or streams enriched in oxygen, nitrogen or argon. Product stream pressurization is accomplished without the use of mechanical pumping devices.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system for producing oxygen employing a double column and a side column wherein side column liquid is vaporized against nitrogen heat pump fluid taken from the higher pressure column of the double column and then used to reflux the higher pressure and/or lower pressure columns of the double column.

Abstract: Air is separated in a triple column system comprising a high pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column. An argon enriched liquid from the low pressure column feeds an argon column. Oxygen enriched fluids containing at least 95% oxygen are removed from the argon column and optionally from the low pressure column.

Abstract: A method for air distillation with production of argon using an air distilling installation (1) comprising an air distilling apparatus (2) in particular with double column, and at least one column for producing impure argon. The installation has dimensions for supplying argon with a nominal yield &rgr;n of argon extraction at the impure argon producing column output. For reduced argon production requirements corresponding to a required yield &rgr; of argon extraction at the impure argon producing column output, with &rgr;≦&rgr;o≦&rgr;n where &rgr;o is a predetermined optimal yield, the argon extraction yield in the impure argon producing column is maintained at the value &rgr;o.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of intermediate pressure oxygen. Intermediate pressure is defined as a pressure range between about 15 psia and about 27 psia, and preferably between about 17 psia and about 23 psia. The process uses a double column cryogenic air separation system for the production of oxygen from air which includes a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column, wherein a nitrogen-enriched fraction from the higher pressure column is condensed by indirect heat exchange in a reboiler-condenser that provides at least a fraction of the boilup at the bottom of the lower pressure column. Oxygen is withdrawn from the lower pressure column as a liquid and vaporized. One portion of air is feed air to the higher pressure column and a another portion of air is at least partially condensed by indirect heat exchange with the vaporizing oxygen. The latter portion of air is at least partially condensed at a pressure less than the pressure of the feed air to the higher pressure column.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation, the overhead gas of a mixing column is sent to the passages for warming a bottom reboiler of the low-pressure column of a double column fed with air to be distilled.

Abstract: A process for the production of oxygen and nitrogen is applicable when the oxygen product is withdrawn from a distillation column system as a liquid, pumped to an elevated pressure and warmed at least in part by cooling a suitably pressurized stream. At least a portion of the compressed, purified, and cooled air is introduced to a first of at least three distillation columns. The first distillation column contains at least a condenser at its top, produces at least an oxygen-lean stream from or near its top and a first oxygen-enriched liquid from its bottom. A second distillation column, which contains a reboiler in its bottom, has no condenser, receives at least a portion of nitrogen-enriched liquid as a feed to its top, and produces a first nitrogen-rich vapor stream from its top and a second oxygen-enriched liquid from its bottom.

Abstract: A method for operating a cryogenic rectification column for the separation of the components of air by cryogenic rectification, whereby the column may be operated above its design capacity without encountering flooding, by passing vapor upward through the column at a flowrate which generates a pressure drop within the column of at least 0.7 inches of water per foot of packing height through a height of defined structured packing sheets having a structure in their bottom portion which differs from the structure in their middle portion and is the same as the structure in their top portion.

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: A system for producing pressurized oxygen gas from low pressure oxygen gas without the need for engaging an oxygen compressor wherein low pressure oxygen gas is condensed by indirect heat exchange with a multicomponent refrigerant fluid, passed through a liquid pump, and then vaporized against that same multicomponent refrigerant fluid.