Air separation
US5819556A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/924
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Air is separated in an arrangement of rectification columns comprising a double rectification column (which has a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column), an intermediate pressure rectification column, and a side rectification column communicating with the lower pressure column. The side rectification column is provided with a condenser, and the intermediate pressure rectification column with a reboiler and a further condenser. A stream of oxygen-enriched liquid is withdrawn from the bottom of the higher pressure column through an outlet and is separated in the intermediate pressure rectification column. The reboiler is heated by a stream typically withdrawn from the side rectification column through an outlet. A stream of liquid is withdrawn from the bottom of the intermediate pressure rectification column, is employed to cool the further condenser of the intermediate pressure rectification column, and is partially vaporised therein. A stream of residual liquid flows from such further condenser and is used to cool the condenser of the side rectification column.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.