Gas refrigeration method and apparatus
US4638639A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2290/34
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of liquefying a permanent gas stream, includes the steps of reducing the temperature of the permanent gas stream at elevated pressure to below its critical pressure and performing at least two working fluid cycles to provide at least part of the refrigeration necessary to reduce the temperature of the permanent gas to below its critical temperature. Each working fluid cycle comprises work-expanding the cooled working fluid in countercurrent heat exchange with the permanent gas stream and with the working fluid being cooled, refrigeration thereby being provided for the permanent gas stream. In at least one working fluid cycle, work-expanded working fluid is brought into countercurrent heat exchange relationship with the permanent gas stream at a temperature below the critical temperature of the permanent gas and in the or each such cycle on completion of the work expansion the working fluid is at a pressure of at least 10 atmospheres.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.