Abstract:
Enhancements to a dual column, nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit are provided. Such enhancements include an improved air separation cycle that uses multiple condenser-reboilers and recycles a portion of the vapor from one or more of the condenser-reboilers to the incoming feed stream and or the compressed purified air streams to yield improvements in such dual column, nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation units. The multiple condenser-reboilers preferably include an integrated condenser-reboiler arrangement comprising a heat exchanger having a set of nitrogen condensing passages, a first set and second set of boiling passages, and a phase separator.
Abstract:
A mixture containing oxygen is introduced into a distillation column (1); an intermediate stream, substantially free from impurities heavier than oxygen, is withdrawn (at 17) at a level of the column located above the point (4) of introduction of the air, the point (22) of withdrawal being separated from this point (4) of introduction by a distillation section (6), particularly with packing; the stream withdrawn (at 17) is sent to an oxygen purification column (2), and a reflux liquid is distributed over said section (6) by means of a distributor (9). A predetermined non-uniformity of the distribution of the reflux liquid over the upper surface (8) of said section (6) is effected in at least one localized region (23) of this surface.
Abstract:
The distributor includes a pattern of irrigation points with advantageously substantially constant surface pitch over most of the irrigation area, the pattern being, typically, regular in a main region of the distributor and irregular, with associated surface regions which are also irregular in a junction region, the irrigation points delivering predetermined flow rates defined by calibrated orifices which have cross-sections chosen from a predetermined group of n cross-sections, n not being greater than four and advantageously not greater than two. This distributor is particularly applicable to packed air distillation columns.
Abstract:
A layer of mixed-resistance structured packing includes: a first structured packing having a first packing resistance; and a second structured packing generally horizontally adjacent the first structured packing, the second structured packing having a second packing resistance different than the first packing resistance. The layer of mixed-resistance structured packing is used in exchange columns for exchanging heat and/or mass between a first phase and a second phase in processes such as cryogenic air separation. Use of the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing reduces HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) in the exchange columns and processes. A method also is provided for assembling the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing in an exchange column.
Abstract:
A corrugated structured packing for forming into modules for use in a rectification column, having a crimp pattern which is asymmetrical about a line drawn perpendicular to the centerline of the structured packing sheet and whose axial distance along the centerline from trough to adjacent peak is not evenly divided on either side of the centerline, serving to reduce pressure losses that are not efficient in promoting mass transfer and thus reducing the requisite column height.
Abstract:
The invention concerns a fluid-distributor for a substance-exchange column, the fluid-distributor comprising at least one main duct and a plurality of distributor ducts. The distributor ducts are connected for flow purposes to the main duct and are provided with fluid-discharge openings. In order to attain particularly high-quality distribution, the effective length (L) of the fluid-discharge openings is smaller than their diameter (D).
Abstract:
An apparatus and process for cryogenic separation of air are described which utilize a pipe distributor or a channel distributor for liquid distribution. The air separation apparatus contains a rectifying column having at least one section equipped with packing materials, wherein a liquid distributor is positioned thereabove. The main channel and/or the distributing channels of the liquid distributor are closed over at least a portion of their top. Also described is a liquid distributor for use in a mass transfer column.
Abstract:
Enhancements to a dual column, nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation unit are provided. Such enhancements include an improved air separation cycle that uses multiple condenser-reboilers and recycles a portion of the vapor from one or more of the condenser-reboilers to the incoming feed stream and or the compressed purified air streams to yield improvements in such dual column, nitrogen producing cryogenic air separation units. The multiple condenser-reboilers preferably include an integrated condenser-reboiler arrangement comprising a heat exchanger having a set of nitrogen condensing passages, a first set and second set of boiling passages, and a phase separator.
Abstract:
A mixture containing oxygen is introduced into a distillation column (1); an intermediate stream, substantially free from impurities heavier than oxygen, is withdrawn (at 17) at a level of the column located above the point (4) of introduction of the air, the point (22) of withdrawal being separated from this point (4) of introduction by a distillation section (6), particularly with packing; the stream withdrawn (at 17) is sent to an oxygen purification column (2), and a reflux liquid is distributed over the section (6) by a distributor (9). A predetermined non-uniformity of the distribution of the reflux liquid over the upper surface (8) of the section (6) is effected in at least one localized region (23) of this surface.