Nitrogen generator with waste distillation and recycle of waste distillation overhead
US4848996A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2245/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is an improvement to a standard nitrogen generator. The improvement is two-fold; first, the addition of one or more distillation stages above the reboiler, which stages effectively transform the reboiler/condenser into a partial low pressure column and allow further separation (rectification) of the nitrogen generator bottoms liquid into two streams. Second, the recycle of the overhead stream (at a composition close to that of air) from the top of the low pressure column to the main air compressor. Additionally, at least a portion of the oxygen-enriched stream that exits the low pressure column below the bottom tray is expanded to provide refrigeration for the cycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.