Air separation
US4747860A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 1987 |
| Grant date | May 31, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/924
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
In a process for the separation of argon from air by distillation in a plurality of distillation columns, liquid oxygen and gaseous nitrogen, withdrawn from a distillation column, are introduced into opposing ends of a mixing zone and there are created opposing flows of liquid and vapor that become progressively richer in nitrogen and oxygen, in the direction of flow. A mixed stream containing both oxygen and nitrogen is withdrawn as waste or product from an intermediate point in the mixing zone. The mixing zone also provides for condensation and reintroduction of oxygen-rich vapor and return of liquid nitrogen to the distillation column. The distillation column further provides an intermediate condenser which provides intermediate reboil for the distillation column.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.