Process and apparatus for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation
US7546748B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/903
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This disclosure discusses the problems associated with the design, layout, and construction of units and equipment in air separation units. The invention of this disclosure provides a process and apparatus using multiple discrete subcoolers. The nitrogen stream exiting the cryogenic distillation columns cools streams in the subcoolers. By having at least two subcoolers, the size of the nitrogen vent (nitrogen waste or product stream) can be reduced. This saves fabrication costs and improves reliability by reducing thermal stresses in the piping and equipment. Subcoolers cool rich liquid, lean liquid, liquid oxygen, and/or liquid air streams coming from the main heat exchanger or a system of separation columns. The disclosure also discusses integration of the subcoolers with the main heat exchangers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.