EP3105520B1 - Säule zur trennung von luft durch kryogene destillation, lufttrennungsvorrichtung mit solch einer säule und verfahren zur herstellung solch einer säule - Google Patents

Säule zur trennung von luft durch kryogene destillation, lufttrennungsvorrichtung mit solch einer säule und verfahren zur herstellung solch einer säule Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3105520B1
EP3105520B1 EP15706916.2A EP15706916A EP3105520B1 EP 3105520 B1 EP3105520 B1 EP 3105520B1 EP 15706916 A EP15706916 A EP 15706916A EP 3105520 B1 EP3105520 B1 EP 3105520B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
column
section
sections
distillation
opening
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EP15706916.2A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3105520A2 (de
Inventor
Patrice Cavagne
Olivier De Cayeux
Natacha Haik-Beraud
Nathalie Schmitt
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Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Publication of EP3105520A2 publication Critical patent/EP3105520A2/de
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04642—Recovering noble gases from air
    • F25J3/04648—Recovering noble gases from air argon
    • F25J3/04654—Producing crude argon in a crude argon column
    • F25J3/04666—Producing crude argon in a crude argon column as a parallel working rectification column of the low pressure column in a dual pressure main column system
    • F25J3/04672—Producing crude argon in a crude argon column as a parallel working rectification column of the low pressure column in a dual pressure main column system having a top condenser
    • F25J3/04678—Producing crude argon in a crude argon column as a parallel working rectification column of the low pressure column in a dual pressure main column system having a top condenser cooled by oxygen enriched liquid from high pressure column bottoms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04048—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of cold gaseous streams, e.g. intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste) streams
    • F25J3/04054—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of cold gaseous streams, e.g. intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste) streams of air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04012—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling
    • F25J3/0403—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling of nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04012—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling
    • F25J3/04036—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling of oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04012—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling
    • F25J3/04042—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling of argon or argon enriched stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04406—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system
    • F25J3/04412—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system in a classical double column flowsheet, i.e. with thermal coupling by a main reboiler-condenser in the bottom of low pressure respectively top of high pressure column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/0489—Modularity and arrangement of parts of the air fractionation unit, in particular of the cold box, e.g. pre-fabrication, assembling and erection, dimensions, horizontal layout "plot"
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04896—Details of columns, e.g. internals, inlet/outlet devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04896—Details of columns, e.g. internals, inlet/outlet devices
    • F25J3/04909—Structured packings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04896—Details of columns, e.g. internals, inlet/outlet devices
    • F25J3/04915—Combinations of different material exchange elements, e.g. within different columns
    • F25J3/04921—Combinations of different material exchange elements, e.g. within different columns within the same column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04969—Retrofitting or revamping of an existing air fractionation unit
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/10—Mathematical formulae, modeling, plot or curves; Design methods
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/42—Modularity, pre-fabrication of modules, assembling and erection, horizontal layout, i.e. plot plan, and vertical arrangement of parts of the cryogenic unit, e.g. of the cold box

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a column for separating air by cryogenic distillation, to an apparatus for separating air comprising such a column and to a process for manufacturing such a column.
  • An air distillation installation allowing the production of argon generally consists of a medium pressure column, typically operating at around 6 bar absolute, surmounted by a low pressure column typically operating slightly above atmospheric pressure and at which is coupled to a column for the production of impure argon.
  • a condenser-vaporizer puts the overhead vapor of the medium-pressure column, consisting of nearly pure nitrogen, in a heat exchange relationship with the bottom liquid of the low-pressure column, consisting of nearly pure oxygen.
  • the low pressure column comprises a distillation section, immediately above the latter, a first intermediate distillation section, and several sections above the first intermediate distillation section, generally between two and three.
  • Each of the distillation sections consists of blocks of structured packing of the "corrugated-crossed" type.
  • a corrugated-crossed packing block consists of a pack of corrugated lamellae each arranged in a generally vertical plane and joined to one another, each lamella having a generally rectangular shape.
  • the slats are wavy obliquely, and the direction of inclination of the waves is reversed from one slat to the next.
  • All lamellae have the same height, while their length, or horizontal dimension, increases from a minimum value, for an extreme lamella, to a maximum value for the middle lamella, and then decreases to the same minimum value for the another extreme lamella.
  • Each of the sections is a continuous packing section, that is to say a section consisting of a direct stack of elementary blocks on top of each other, without any intermediate fluid redistribution device, each elementary block being rotated 90 °, around the axis of the column, with respect to the two adjacent layers.
  • the first intermediate distillation section has a smaller section than the other sections and is therefore in the middle of the low pressure column with an annular section space between the edge of the section and the main shell of the column.
  • the column is designed so that the more argon-rich vapor can be drawn off into this annular section space below a baffle which divides the space into a lower section and an upper section vertically. This vapor then feeds the argon column.
  • the bottom liquid of the argon column is also returned to the lower section from which the vapor richest in argon is withdrawn.
  • the vaporized rich liquid from the top condenser of the argon column is sent to the upper section of the space.
  • the first intermediate distillation section is separated from the adjacent sections by distributors.
  • This reduced diameter for this first intermediate distillation section is possible, without increasing the diameter of the column because this section is not sizing. Indeed, a fairly large quantity of gas passes through the argon column and therefore does not pass through this section.
  • this reduced-section section is not installed, according to the prior art.
  • One of the objects of the present invention is to design a low pressure column which is suitable for production with or without argon.
  • the idea is to use a column with a first intermediate distillation section with a reduced section, with or without production of argon, and optionally to modify the density of the packing in this section, with a lower density for the case without production of argon. argon and a higher density for the case with argon production.
  • the invention makes it possible to have a standardized model for the low pressure column, with or without production of argon. This also makes it possible to standardize the architecture of the cold box, including the fluid supply lines. The delivery time to the customer can therefore be reduced because it is possible to manufacture the column before deciding on the need for argon production or not.
  • EP-A-0 664 144 describes a low pressure column of an air separation apparatus for use with argon production in which all the openings present are intended to be used. It is therefore not a standardized column intended to be adapted for different subsequent uses.
  • an air separation device comprising a medium pressure column thermally connected to a low pressure column as described above not comprising means for sending a fluid from a level intermediary of the low pressure column to another column to be separated there.
  • rich liquid used here is a term of the art to designate a liquid enriched in oxygen with respect to air.
  • the air distillation installation whose low pressure column is shown in Figure 1 consists of a medium pressure column 1, typically operating at around 6 bar absolute, surmounted by the low pressure column 2 typically operating slightly above atmospheric pressure. Note the absence of any impure or pure argon production column.
  • a condenser-vaporizer 4 puts the overhead vapor of column 1, consisting of nearly pure nitrogen, in heat exchange relationship with the bottom liquid of column 2, consisting of nearly pure oxygen.
  • Column 1 receives pressurized and purified air to be separated and produces a liquid flow enriched in oxygen and a liquid flow enriched in nitrogen, which are both sent to the low pressure column 2.
  • FIG. 1 The illustration of the Figure 1 is very schematic and essentially aims to show the fluid inlets/outlets of the installation, as well as the distillation sections that they define.
  • Section 29 is shown in dotted lines because its presence is not essential.
  • the first intermediate section 25 is a cylindrical body composed of packings surrounded by an auxiliary shroud of smaller diameter than the shroud of the column. It is arranged inside the column shroud and surrounded by a space with an annular section delimited by the column shroud and the auxiliary shroud surrounding the packings.
  • An annular sealing member 71 tightly connects the shell of the column and the auxiliary shell.
  • Each of the distillation sections 24 to 29 consists of blocks of organized packing of the "corrugated-crossed" type.
  • a corrugated-crossed packing block consists of a pack of corrugated lamellae each arranged in a generally vertical plane and joined to one another, each lamella having a generally rectangular shape.
  • the slats are wavy obliquely, and the direction of inclination of the waves is reversed from one slat to the next. All slats have the same height, while their length, or horizontal dimension, increases from a minimum value, for an extreme lamella, to a maximum value for the middle lamella, then decreases to the same minimum value for the other extreme lamella.
  • Each of the sections 24 to 29 is a continuous packing section, that is to say a section consisting of a direct stack of elementary layers (in English "packs") on top of each other, without any device for redistributing intermediate fluid, each elementary layer being turned by 90°, around the axis of the column, with respect to the two adjacent layers.
  • This is made possible, despite the great height of certain sections, in particular sections 24 and 28, which can comprise respectively 38 and 50 theoretical plates, thanks to several characteristics which will appear below.
  • distillation sections 24 and 25 on the one hand, 25 and 26 on the other hand, 26 and 27, 27 and 28, finally 28 and 29, are separated from each other by a distributor.
  • the low pressure column is not intended to be connected to an argon production column, it nevertheless contains the reduced section section 25 which is generally used for low pressure columns supplying an argon production column.
  • the packings used for the five sections 24 to 28 are identical, the packings used for the first intermediate section 25 are less dense than those of the sections 24, 26, 27 , 28 and possibly 29.
  • the presence of the section 29 is not essential.
  • the packing for section 25 can have an average density of 350 m 2 /m 3 whereas the average density of the packings for the sections 24 and 26 will be 500 m 2 /m 3 .
  • the goal is to choose, for the case without argon, a section which has a higher clogging limit than for the case with argon.
  • This limit difference can be obtained by various means, for example by choosing sections made of packings of different geometries, with or without a modified bottom edge to reduce the resistance to the passage of gas etc.
  • a rich liquid inlet (liquid enriched in oxygen) is provided. Upstream of the column, the liquid is expanded to partially vaporize and it is a liquid flow 6 and a gaseous flow 6A which are sent to the space between the two sections.
  • a liquefied air inlet is provided. Upstream of the column, the liquid is expanded to partially vaporize and it is a liquid flow 8 and a gaseous flow 8A which are sent to the space between the two sections.
  • a liquid nitrogen inlet 17 is provided as well as a liquid nitrogen inlet 18 at the head of the minaret section. If there is no minaret, liquid nitrogen is sent to the head of the column.
  • the Figure 1 therefore illustrates the standardized column 2 connected to function as the low pressure column of a double column without production of argon.
  • the packings of section 25 will have the same density as those of sections 24, 26, 27, 28 and possibly 29 (for example 500 m 2 /m 3 ). On the other hand, it will be necessary to provide openings in the column as illustrated for the Figure 2 .
  • the interior of the column will therefore be identical to that of the Figure 1 apart from the capacity of section 25.
  • a pipe 20 is connected to the lower section below the barrier 71 to supply an argon-enriched gas to the argon separation column.
  • the bottom liquid of this column arrives in the lower section via line 21.
  • the rich liquid vaporized in the top condenser of the argon column arrives via line 13 in the upper section.
  • the rich liquid 6 and the vaporized rich liquid 6A arrive between the second and third intermediate sections 26, 27 and the liquefied air 8 and the vaporized liquefied air 8A arrive between the third intermediate section 27 and the section upper 28.
  • the nitrogen inlets are identical to those of the Figure 1 .
  • openings are drilled between the first and second intermediate sections 25, 26, the second and third intermediate sections 26, 27 and between the third intermediate section 27 and the upper section 28.
  • the column is therefore manufactured with openings allowing the subsequent connection of fluid pipes intended for or coming from the argon column and also those allowing the connection to the medium column pressure in the case of argon production or not.
  • a blind flange, or another system will then be put in place to block off the unused inputs and outputs in the case of production without argon and to block off other unused inputs and outputs in the case of production with argon.
  • the opening between the first and second intermediate sections 25, 26 will be blocked, the opening between the second and third intermediate sections 26, 27 will allow the arrival of rich liquid and between the third intermediate section 27 and the upper section 28 of liquefied air.
  • the opening between the first and second intermediate sections 25, 26 will allow the arrival of rich liquid
  • the opening between the second and third intermediate sections 26, 27 will allow the arrival of liquefied air
  • the opening between the third intermediate section 27 and the upper section 28 of air will be blocked.
  • column 2 designed for argon production and column 2 designed not to produce argon.
  • the type or the dimensions of the distributors may vary from one column to another.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Säule zur Luftzerlegung (2) durch kryogene Destillation, welche einen Ring und wenigstens fünf Destillationsabschnitte (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) aufweist, wobei jeder Abschnitt aus einem Stapel von Blöcken einer strukturierten Packung in gewellt-gekreuzter Anordnung besteht, wobei jeder Block ein Paket aus rechteckigen gewellten Lamellen umfasst, wobei die wenigstens fünf Destillationsabschnitte wenigstens einen ersten Destillations-Zwischenabschnitt (25) der Säule, der von einem Hilfsring umgeben ist, um den herum in der Richtung des Radius der Säule ein Raum begrenzt ist, der in eine untere Sektion und eine obere Sektion aufgeteilt ist, und einen zweiten Destillations-Zwischenabschnitt (26), der so angeordnet ist, dass beim Einsatz der Säule der zweite Zwischenabschnitt sich oberhalb des ersten Zwischenabschnitts befindet, umfassen, wobei die Zwischenabschnitte in einem mittleren Teil der Säule angeordnet sind, wobei der Ring eine erste Öffnung in den Raum zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Zwischenabschnitt und eine zweite Öffnung oberhalb des zweiten Zwischenabschnitts umfasst, wobei die erste und die zweite Öffnung dafür ausgelegt sind, mit einer Flüssigkeitszuführleitung verbunden zu werden, und wobei beim Einsatz der Säule die zweite Öffnung offen ist, wobei die Packung derart gewählt ist, dass beim Einsatz der Säule die Kapazität des ersten Zwischenabschnitts größer als diejenige(n) wenigstens eines benachbarten Abschnitts oder sogar als diejenige(n) der anderen Abschnitte der Säule ist, und wobei die wenigstens fünf Destillationsabschnitte einen dritten Destillations-Zwischenabschnitt (27) umfassen, der so angeordnet ist, dass beim Einsatz der Säule der dritte Zwischenabschnitt sich oberhalb des zweiten Zwischenabschnitts befindet, wobei die zweite Öffnung sich in den Raum zwischen dem zweiten und dem dritten Zwischenabschnitt öffnet und eine dritte Öffnung sich in den Raum oberhalb des dritten Abschnitts öffnet und dafür ausgelegt ist, mit einer Flüssigkeitszuführleitung verbunden zu werden, und wobei beim Einsatz der Säule die dritte Öffnung versperrt ist.
  2. Säule nach Anspruch 1, welche Öffnungen in dem Ring umfasst, die dafür vorgesehen sind, die obere Sektion und die untere Sektion mit der Außenseite der Säule zu verbinden, und die versperrt worden sind.
  3. Säule nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Packung im ersten Zwischenabschnitt (25) eine Dichte aufweist, die um mindestens 50 m2/m3 kleiner als diejenige wenigstens eines der benachbarten Abschnitte (24, 26) ist.
  4. Vorrichtung zur Luftzerlegung, welche ein Mitteldrucksäule (1) umfasst, die mit einer Niederdrucksäule (2) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3 thermisch verbunden ist, die keine Mittel umfasst, um ein Fluid von einem Zwischenniveau der Niederdrucksäule zu einer anderen Säule zu leiten, um dort zerlegt zu werden.
  5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei die erste Öffnung beim Einsatz der Niederdrucksäule (2) offen ist.
  6. Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Säule (2) einer Vorrichtung zur Luftzerlegung, wobei
    a) eine Niederdrucksäule hergestellt wird, die einen Hauptring aufweist,
    b) in diese wenigstens fünf Destillationsabschnitte (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) eingebaut werden, wobei jeder Abschnitt aus einem Stapel von Blöcken einer strukturierten Packung in gewellt-gekreuzter Anordnung besteht, wobei jeder Block ein Paket aus rechteckigen gewellten Lamellen umfasst, wobei die wenigstens fünf Destillationsabschnitte wenigstens einen ersten Destillations-Zwischenabschnitt (25) der Niederdrucksäule umfassen, der von einem Hilfsring umgeben ist, um den herum in der Richtung des Radius der Säule ein Raum begrenzt ist, der in eine untere Sektion und eine obere Sektion aufgeteilt ist, und einen zweiten und einen dritten Destillations-Zwischenabschnitt (26, 27), die so angeordnet sind, dass beim Einsatz der Säule der zweite Zwischenabschnitt (26) sich oberhalb des ersten Zwischenabschnitts befindet und der dritte Zwischenabschnitt (27) sich oberhalb des zweiten Zwischenabschnitts befindet, wobei die Zwischenabschnitte in einem mittleren Teil der Niederdrucksäule angeordnet sind,
    c) in dem Hauptring eine erste Öffnung in den Raum zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Zwischenabschnitt, eine zweite Öffnung in den Raum zwischen dem zweiten und dem dritten Abschnitt und eine dritte Öffnung in den Raum oberhalb des dritten Abschnitts gebohrt wird, derart, dass die erste, zweite und dritte Öffnung dafür ausgelegt sind, mit einer Flüssigkeitszuführleitung verbunden zu werden, und
    i) falls die Säule nicht dazu bestimmt ist, mit einer Säule zur Produktion von Argon verbunden zu werden, eine Packung für den ersten Zwischenabschnitt eingebaut wird, wobei die Packung derart gewählt wird, dass beim Einsatz der Säule die Kapazität des ersten Zwischenabschnitts größer als diejenige(n) wenigstens eines benachbarten Abschnitts (24, 26) oder sogar als diejenige(n) der anderen Abschnitte der Säule ist, und die dritte Öffnung versperrt wird und die erste und die zweite Öffnung offen gelassen werden, und
    ii) falls die Säule dazu bestimmt ist, mit einer Säule zur Produktion von Argon verbunden zu werden, eine Packung für den ersten Zwischenabschnitt eingebaut wird, wobei die Packung derart gewählt wird, dass beim Einsatz der Säule die Kapazität des ersten Zwischenabschnitts dieselbe wie diejenige der anderen Abschnitte (24, 26, 27, 28, 29) der Säule ist, die erste Öffnung versperrt wird und die zweite und die dritte Öffnung offen gelassen werden.
EP15706916.2A 2014-02-14 2015-02-13 Säule zur trennung von luft durch kryogene destillation, lufttrennungsvorrichtung mit solch einer säule und verfahren zur herstellung solch einer säule Active EP3105520B1 (de)

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FR1451166A FR3017698B1 (fr) 2014-02-14 2014-02-14 Colonne de separation d'air par distillation cryogenique, appareil de separation d'air comportant une telle colonne et procede de fabrication d'une telle colonne
PCT/FR2015/050355 WO2015121593A2 (fr) 2014-02-14 2015-02-13 Colonne de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique, appareil de séparation d'air comportant une telle colonne et procédé de fabrication d'une telle colonne

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US20220134304A1 (en) * 2019-02-25 2022-05-05 L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et I'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Method for manufacturing an apparatus for exchanging heat and material
FR3123421B1 (fr) * 2021-05-27 2023-07-14 Air Liquide Système de purification d’argon par distillation cryogénique

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4784677A (en) * 1987-07-16 1988-11-15 The Boc Group, Inc. Process and apparatus for controlling argon column feedstreams
EP0491591B1 (de) * 1990-12-17 1996-05-22 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Luftdistillationskolonne mit einer Well-cross Packung
DE4224068A1 (de) * 1992-03-20 1993-09-23 Linde Ag Verfahren zur tieftemperaturzerlegung von luft und luftzerlegungsanlage
US5339648A (en) * 1993-08-05 1994-08-23 Praxair Technology, Inc. Distillation system with partitioned column
CN1091646C (zh) 1994-10-04 2002-10-02 普莱克斯技术有限公司 用于精炼系统的高容量结构填料
US5946942A (en) * 1998-08-05 1999-09-07 Praxair Technology, Inc. Annular column for cryogenic rectification
US6202441B1 (en) * 1999-05-25 2001-03-20 Air Liquide Process And Construction, Inc. Cryogenic distillation system for air separation
US6240744B1 (en) * 1999-12-13 2001-06-05 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Process for distillation of multicomponent fluid and production of an argon-enriched stream from a cryogenic air separation process
FR2814229B1 (fr) * 2000-09-19 2002-10-25 Air Liquide Procede et installation de separation d'air par distillation cryogenique
US6321567B1 (en) * 2000-10-06 2001-11-27 Praxair Technology, Inc. Structured packing system for reduced distillation column height
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CN201221888Y (zh) * 2008-05-06 2009-04-15 核工业西南物理研究院 带氩可变工况上塔

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EP3105520A2 (de) 2016-12-21
CN105992923A (zh) 2016-10-05
CN105992923B (zh) 2019-07-02
FR3017698A1 (fr) 2015-08-21
CN106211791B (zh) 2019-12-31
US20170023296A1 (en) 2017-01-26
WO2015121593A3 (fr) 2015-12-17
WO2015121594A3 (fr) 2015-12-17
FR3017698B1 (fr) 2019-03-29
WO2015121594A4 (fr) 2016-02-04
CN106211791A (zh) 2016-12-07
WO2015121594A2 (fr) 2015-08-20
WO2015121593A2 (fr) 2015-08-20
US10473392B2 (en) 2019-11-12

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