Condenser-reboiler system and method with perforated vent tubes
US9488407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F2265/12
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and method for the concurrent condensation of a nitrogen-rich vapor and vaporization of an oxygen-rich liquid in a distillation column based air separation unit is provided. The disclosed system includes a condenser-reboiler heat exchanger located between a lower pressure column and a higher pressure column and configured to condense a nitrogen-rich vapor from the higher pressure column and partially vaporize an oxygen-rich liquid from the lower pressure column. Within the condenser-reboiler heat exchanger, the nitrogen-rich vapor flows in an upward direction such that any non-condensables present in the nitrogen-rich vapor will accumulate proximate the upper portion or top of the condenser-reboiler modules where they can be easily removed through venting by means of a venting apparatus having a plurality of perforated tubes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.