Argon condensation system and method
US10190819B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2250/20
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An argon reflux condensation system and method in which a plurality of once-through heat exchangers are connected to an argon column of an air separation plant to condense argon-rich vapor streams for production of reflux to the argon column. Condensation of the argon-rich vapor streams is brought about through indirect heat exchange with crude liquid oxygen streams that partially vaporize and are introduced into a lower pressure column of the plant for further refinement. The flow rate of the crude liquid oxygen streams are sensed and controlled at locations in the plant where the crude liquid oxygen is in a liquid state and in proportion to the size of the once-through heat exchangers. Feed stream flow rate to the argon column is controlled in response to air flow rate to the plant and product flow rate is controlled in response to the feed stream flow rate to the argon column.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.