Method and unit for low-temperature air separation

US11846468B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Linde GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Christian Kunz · Hersbruck, DE
• Stefan Lochner · Grafing, DE
• Wolfgang Haag · Winnenden, DE
• Lars Kirchner · Dresden, DE
• Tobias Lautenschlager · Gröbenzell, DE
• Dimitri GOLUBEV · Geretsried, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 22, 2019
• Grant date: Dec 19, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 14, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25J2270/02
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for a low-temperature air separation in which an air separation unit is used comprising a first rectification column and a second rectification column. The first rectification column is operated at a first pressure level, and the second rectification column is operated at a second pressure level below the first pressure level. Fluid which is oxygen-enriched compared to atmospheric air is drawn from the first rectification column in the form of one or more first material flows. At least one fraction of the fluid which has been drawn from the first rectification column in the form of the one or more first material flows is heated in a heat exchanger; a fraction of the fluid which has been heated in the heat exchanger is compressed using a compressor and is returned to the first rectification column.