Air separation
US5692396A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/913
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Compressed, purified, vaporous air and liquid air streams are introduced into a higher pressure rectification column. A stream of oxygen-enriched liquid flows from an outlet of the higher pressure rectification column via a reboiler and an expansion valve into a vessel. The oxygen-enriched liquid is partially vaporised in a boiler located in the vessel. The residual liquid flows from the vessel and a condenser to a lower pressure rectification column in which oxygen and nitrogen products are separated. A stream of vapour flows from the boiler through an outlet from the vessel to a pipeline which leads the air back for compression with incoming air. A greater yield of oxygen, and, if separated, argon is made possible by this recycle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.