Air separation
US4790866A · kind A · utility
24Cited by
4References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1987 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/924
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the separation of air is described. Air is separated in a double distillation column comprising higher and lower pressure columns, an argon-enriched fluid stream is withdrawn from the lower column and separated in a further distillation column provided with liquid argon reflux from a condenser to yield an argon product. Liquid nitrogen is withdrawn from the high pressure column and reboiled in the condenser to form a gaseous stream. At least part of the gaseous stream is warmed and withdrawn. The withdrawn stream may be taken as product or expanded in a turbine to provide refrigeration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.