Air separation apparatus
US10113792B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2240/42
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for separating air in which production of the liquid products can be selectively varied between high and low production rates by varying the pressure ratio across a turboexpander used in imparting refrigeration with the use of a branched flow path. The branched flow path has a system of valves to selectively and gradually introduce a compressed refrigerant air stream into either a booster compressor branch having a booster compressor to increase the pressure ratio during high modes of liquid production or a bypass branch that bypasses the booster compressor to decrease the pressure ratio during low modes of liquid production. A recycle branch is connected to the booster compressor branch to allow compressed air to be independently recycled from the outlet to the inlet of the booster compressor during turndown from the high to the low liquid mode of liquid production to prevent surge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.