FR3128776A3 - Process and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation Download PDF

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Publication number
FR3128776A3
FR3128776A3 FR2111480A FR2111480A FR3128776A3 FR 3128776 A3 FR3128776 A3 FR 3128776A3 FR 2111480 A FR2111480 A FR 2111480A FR 2111480 A FR2111480 A FR 2111480A FR 3128776 A3 FR3128776 A3 FR 3128776A3
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France
Prior art keywords
pressure
column
nitrogen
heat exchanger
air
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
FR2111480A
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French (fr)
Inventor
Alain Briglia
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Priority to FR2111480A priority Critical patent/FR3128776A3/en
Publication of FR3128776A3 publication Critical patent/FR3128776A3/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0012—Primary atmospheric gases, e.g. air
    • F25J1/0015—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
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • 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
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
    • F25J1/0037—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work of a return 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
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/004—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by flash gas recovery
    • 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
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    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0042—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by liquid expansion with extraction of work
    • 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
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    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0221—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using the cold stored in an external cryogenic component in an open refrigeration loop
    • F25J1/0224—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using the cold stored in an external cryogenic component in an open refrigeration loop in combination with an internal quasi-closed refrigeration loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0234—Integration with a cryogenic air separation unit
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • 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
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0285—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings
    • F25J1/0288—Combination of different types of drivers mechanically coupled to the same refrigerant compressor, possibly split on multiple compressor casings using work extraction by mechanical coupling of compression and expansion of the refrigerant, so-called companders
    • 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
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0243—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used; Details of the refrigerant compression system used
    • F25J1/0279—Compression of refrigerant or internal recycle fluid, e.g. kind of compressor, accumulator, suction drum etc.
    • F25J1/0292—Refrigerant compression by cold or cryogenic suction of the refrigerant gas
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    • 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
    • F25J3/04018—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 main feed air
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    • F25J3/04024—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 purified feed air, so-called boosted air
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    • 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
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    • 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
    • F25J3/04048—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
    • F25J3/0406—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 nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • 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
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    • 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
    • F25J3/04078—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit providing pressurized products by liquid compression and vaporisation with cold recovery, i.e. so-called internal compression
    • F25J3/04084—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit providing pressurized products by liquid compression and vaporisation with cold recovery, i.e. so-called internal compression of nitrogen
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    • F25J3/0409—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit providing pressurized products by liquid compression and vaporisation with cold recovery, i.e. so-called internal compression of oxygen
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    • F25J3/04187—Cooling of the purified feed air by recuperative heat-exchange; Heat-exchange with product streams
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    • F25J3/04248—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion
    • F25J3/04254—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion using the cold stored in external cryogenic fluids
    • F25J3/0426—The cryogenic component does not participate in the fractionation
    • F25J3/04266—The cryogenic component does not participate in the fractionation and being liquefied hydrocarbons
    • 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
    • F25J3/04248—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion
    • F25J3/04333—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion using quasi-closed loop internal vapor compression refrigeration cycles, e.g. of intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste-)streams
    • F25J3/04351—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion using quasi-closed loop internal vapor compression refrigeration cycles, e.g. of intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste-)streams of nitrogen
    • F25J3/04357—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion using quasi-closed loop internal vapor compression refrigeration cycles, e.g. of intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste-)streams of nitrogen and comprising a gas work expansion loop
    • 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
    • F25J3/04248—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion
    • F25J3/04375—Details relating to the work expansion, e.g. process parameter etc.
    • F25J3/04387—Details relating to the work expansion, e.g. process parameter etc. using liquid or hydraulic turbine expansion
    • 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
    • F25J3/04248—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion
    • F25J3/04375—Details relating to the work expansion, e.g. process parameter etc.
    • F25J3/04393—Details relating to the work expansion, e.g. process parameter etc. using multiple or multistage gas work expansion
    • 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
    • F25J2210/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the feed stream
    • F25J2210/62—Liquefied natural gas [LNG]; Natural gas liquids [NGL]; Liquefied petroleum gas [LPG]
    • 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
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/02—Expansion of a process fluid in a work-extracting turbine (i.e. isentropic expansion), e.g. of the feed stream
    • F25J2240/12—Expansion of a process fluid in a work-extracting turbine (i.e. isentropic expansion), e.g. of the feed stream the fluid being 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
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/42—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being 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
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/04—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop
    • F25J2270/06—Internal refrigeration with work-producing gas expansion loop with multiple gas expansion loops
    • 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
    • F25J2290/12—Particular process parameters like pressure, temperature, ratios

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract

Titre : Procédé et appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique Dans un procédé de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique, un gaz enrichi en azote est soutiré d’une colonne (5,6) du système de colonnes, refroidi par une source externe de réfrigération pour le liquéfier et le liquide formé (20) est renvoyé au système de colonnes. Figure de l’abrégé : Figure 1Title: Cryogenic Distillation Air Separation Process and Apparatus In a cryogenic distillation air separation process, nitrogen-enriched gas is withdrawn from a column (5.6) of the column system, cooled by a source external refrigeration to liquefy it and the liquid formed (20) is returned to the column system. Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Procédé et appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogéniqueProcess and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation

La présente invention est relative à un procédé et appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique.The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation.

Pour produire de l’oxygène et/ou de l’azote sous pression, on utilise un procédé de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique avec pompage et vaporisation d’un liquide riche en oxygène ou azote par échange de chaleur avec de l’air sous pression.To produce oxygen and/or nitrogen under pressure, a cryogenic distillation air separation process is used with pumping and vaporization of a liquid rich in oxygen or nitrogen by heat exchange with air. under pressure.

L’air sous pression est généralement produit par un surpresseur qui surpresse de l’air à environ 5 bara jusqu’à des pressions pouvant excéder 100 bara dans quelques cas.The pressurized air is generally produced by a booster which boosts air at around 5 bara up to pressures that can exceed 100 bara in some cases.

Il existe un autre type de procédé où l’air est comprimé par le compresseur principal à une pression plus modéré entre 15 et 15 bara, cet air étant ensuite surpressé par un surpresseur chaud ou froid couplé à une turbine.There is another type of process where the air is compressed by the main compressor to a more moderate pressure between 15 and 15 bara, this air then being boosted by a hot or cold booster coupled to a turbine.

Il est connu de récupérer le froid d’un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié pour un procédé séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique. Ceci permet de produire de l’oxygène liquide et de l’azote liquide à peu de frais.It is known to recover the cold from a flow of liquefied natural gas for an air separation process by cryogenic distillation. This makes it possible to produce liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen inexpensively.

Pour certains procédés, il serait intéressant de convertir l’énergie du gaz naturel liquéfié en énergie de compression et en particulier de se passer de certains équipements par exemple, un surpresseur non entraîné ou entraîné par une turbine, une ou des turbines.For certain processes, it would be interesting to convert the energy of liquefied natural gas into compression energy and in particular to dispense with certain equipment, for example, a blower not driven or driven by a turbine, one or more turbines.

Pour l’exemple avec refroidissement avec gaz naturel liquéfié, il est calculé que pour une production de 40000 Nm3/h d’oxygène gazeux par vaporisation de liquide pompé à 32 bara et une production d’azote liquide et d’oxygène liquide de 680 Nm3/h chacun, la consommation d’énergie sera réduite de 30 % pour le procédé selon l’invention, comparé à un procédé classique avec surpresseur.For the example with cooling with liquefied natural gas, it is calculated that for a production of 40000 Nm 3 /h of gaseous oxygen by vaporization of liquid pumped at 32 bara and a production of liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen of 680 Nm 3 /h each, the energy consumption will be reduced by 30% for the process according to the invention, compared to a conventional process with a booster.

Le procédé permet également de simplifier le procédé et de réduire les coûts de machinerie, la seule machine étant utilisée pour la séparation d’air étant le compresseur principal.The method also makes it possible to simplify the process and reduce machinery costs, the only machine being used for air separation being the main compressor.

D’autres machines peuvent être nécessaires pour liquéfier l’azote.Other machines may be needed to liquefy the nitrogen.

L’épuration à basse pression telle que décrite dans FR3090831, FR3093008, FR3093009 et FR3093169 peut être utilisée à bon escient dans ce contexte.Low pressure purification as described in FR3090831, FR3093008, FR3093009 and FR3093169 can be used wisely in this context.

Selon un objet de l’invention, il est prévu un procédé de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique dans lequel:According to an object of the invention, there is provided a process for separating air by cryogenic distillation in which:

  1. De l’air est comprimé dans un premier compresseur jusqu’à une première pression et est épuré à la première pressionAir is compressed in a first compressor to a first pressure and purified at the first pressure
  2. L’air épuré est envoyé à un échangeur de chaleur où il se refroidit pour former de l’air refroidiClean air is sent to a heat exchanger where it cools to form chilled air
  3. L’air refroidi sort de l’échangeur, de préférence à une température intermédiaire de celui-ci, est comprimé dans un deuxième compresseur pour l’amener à une deuxième pression et est envoyé à la deuxième pression se refroidir dans l’échangeur de chaleurThe cooled air leaves the exchanger, preferably at an intermediate temperature thereof, is compressed in a second compressor to bring it to a second pressure and is sent to the second pressure to cool in the heat exchanger
  4. L’air à la deuxième pression refroidi dans l’échangeur de chaleur est envoyé sous forme gazeuse à une première colonne d’un système de colonnes de distillation opérant à une troisième pression et s’y sépare,The air at the second pressure cooled in the heat exchanger is sent in gaseous form to a first column of a system of distillation columns operating at a third pressure and separates there,
  5. Un liquide enrichi en oxygène et un liquide enrichi en azote sont envoyés de la première colonne à une deuxième colonne opérant à une quatrième pression inférieure à la troisième pression,A liquid enriched in oxygen and a liquid enriched in nitrogen are sent from the first column to a second column operating at a fourth pressure lower than the third pressure,
  6. Un liquide enrichi en oxygène ou en azote soutiré du système de colonnes est pressurisé et se vaporise dans l’échangeur de chaleur pour former un gaz sous pression,A liquid enriched in oxygen or nitrogen withdrawn from the column system is pressurized and vaporizes in the heat exchanger to form a pressurized gas,
  7. Un gaz enrichi en azote est soutiré d’une colonne du système de colonne, refroidi par une source externe de réfrigération pour le liquéfier et le liquide formé est renvoyé au système de colonnes.Nitrogen-enriched gas is withdrawn from a column of the column system, cooled by an external source of refrigeration to liquefy it, and the liquid formed is returned to the column system.

Selon d’autres aspects facultatifs :According to other optional aspects:

  • aucun fluide envoyé au système de colonnes n’est détendu dans une turbine et aucun fluide provenant du système de colonnes et réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur n’est détendu dans une turbine.no fluid sent to the column system is expanded in a turbine and no fluid coming from the column system and heated in the heat exchanger is expanded in a turbine.
  • la première pression est entre 1,7 et 3 bars abs.the first pressure is between 1.7 and 3 bar abs.
  • le premier et le deuxième compresseur sont entraînés par le même moteur.the first and the second compressor are driven by the same motor.
  • la source externe de réfrigération est un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié qui se réchauffe, voire se vaporise.the external source of refrigeration is a flow of liquefied natural gas which heats up, or even vaporizes.
  • la quatrième pression est entre 4 et 6 bars abs.the fourth pressure is between 4 and 6 bars abs.
  • le gaz enrichi en azote est réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur avant d’être liquéfié par la source externe de réfrigération,the nitrogen-enriched gas is heated in the heat exchanger before being liquefied by the external refrigeration source,
  • le gaz enrichi en azote est réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur à une température intermédiaire de l’échangeur de chaleur puis extrait de l’échangeur de chaleur et est envoyé échanger de la chaleur avec la source externe de réfrigération, sans avoir été réchauffé au delà de la température à laquelle il est extrait de l’échangeur de chaleur.the nitrogen-enriched gas is reheated in the heat exchanger to an intermediate temperature of the heat exchanger and then extracted from the heat exchanger and sent to exchange heat with the external refrigeration source, without having been reheated to the above the temperature at which it is extracted from the heat exchanger.
  • le gaz enrichi en azote est réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur à entre 100°C et -150°C, voire entre -120°C et -109°C puis extrait de l’échangeur de chaleur et est envoyé échanger de la chaleur avec la source externe de réfrigération, sans avoir été réchauffé au-delà de la température à laquelle il est extrait de l’échangeur de chaleur.the nitrogen-enriched gas is heated in the heat exchanger to between 100°C and -150°C, or even between -120°C and -109°C and then extracted from the heat exchanger and sent to exchange heat with the external source of refrigeration, without having been reheated beyond the temperature at which it is extracted from the heat exchanger.
  • le débit molaire du gaz enrichi en azote et le débit molaire du liquide renvoyé au système de colonne sont les mêmes.the molar flow rate of the nitrogen-enriched gas and the molar flow rate of the liquid returned to the column system are the same.
  • au moins 90% de la réfrigération nécessaire pour le procédé provient de la source externe de réfrigérationat least 90% of the refrigeration required for the process comes from the external source of refrigeration
  • l’azote à liquéfier est à entre 4 et 6 barathe nitrogen to be liquefied is between 4 and 6 bara
  • l’azote à liquéfier est envoyé à une température intermédiaire d’un échangeur de chaleur d’un système de liquéfaction, pour échanger de la chaleur avec un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié parcourant l’échangeur de chaleur de l’extrémité froide à l’extrémité chaudethe nitrogen to be liquefied is sent at an intermediate temperature to a heat exchanger of a liquefaction system, to exchange heat with a flow of liquefied natural gas traversing the heat exchanger from the cold end to the hot end
  • l’azote à liquéfier est comprimé dans un cycle de liquéfaction dont les compresseurs ont tous une température d’entrée en dessous de 0°Cthe nitrogen to be liquefied is compressed in a liquefaction cycle whose compressors all have an inlet temperature below 0°C
  • l’azote à liquéfier se réchauffe dans l’échangeur de chaleur du système de liquéfaction avant d’être envoyé à un premier compresseur de cycle ayant une température d’entrée inférieure à -80°Cthe nitrogen to be liquefied is heated in the heat exchanger of the liquefaction system before being sent to a first cycle compressor with an inlet temperature below -80°C
  • l’azote comprimé dans le premier compresseur est refroidi dans l’échangeur du système de liquéfaction avant d’être divisé en deux, une partie étant détendu dans une turbine et l’autre partie étant comprimé dans un deuxième compresseur de cycle à une température d’entrée inférieure à -70°C, de préférence entre -80°C et -120°Cthe nitrogen compressed in the first compressor is cooled in the exchanger of the liquefaction system before being split in two, one part being expanded in a turbine and the other part being compressed in a second cycle compressor at a temperature of entry below -70°C, preferably between -80°C and -120°C
  • de l’azote comprimé dans le deuxième compresseur est comprimé dans un troisième compresseur de cycle ayant une température d’entrée entre -130° et -140°Cnitrogen compressed in the second compressor is compressed in a third cycle compressor having an inlet temperature between -130° and -140°C
  • le gaz naturel liquéfié vaporisé dans l’échangeur de chaleur a une pression d’au moins 30 bara.the liquefied natural gas vaporized in the heat exchanger has a pressure of at least 30 bara.

Selon un autre aspect de l’invention, il est prévu un appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique comprenant un premier compresseur, un deuxième compresseur, un échangeur de chaleur, un système de colonnes comprenant une première colonne de distillation et une deuxième colonne de distillation, une unité d’épuration, des moyens pour amener de l’air comprimé dans un premier compresseur jusqu’à une première pression à l’unité d’épuration pour y être épuré à la première pression, des moyens pour envoyer l’air épuré de l’unité d’épuration à l’échangeur de chaleur où il se refroidit pour former de l’air refroidi, des moyens pour sortir l’air refroidi de l’échangeur, de préférence à une température intermédiaire de celui-ci, et pour l’envoyer au deuxième compresseur pour l’amener à une deuxième pression, des moyens pour amener l’air à la deuxième pression se refroidir dans l’échangeur de chaleur, des moyens pour amener l’air à la deuxième pression refroidi dans l’échangeur de chaleur sous forme gazeuse à la première colonne opérant à une troisième pression pour s’y séparer, des moyens pour envoyer un liquide enrichi en oxygène et un liquide enrichi en azote de la première colonne à la deuxième colonne opérant à une quatrième pression inférieure à la troisième pression, des moyens pour soutirer du système de colonnes un liquide enrichi en oxygène ou en azote, une pompe pour pressuriser le liquide, des moyens pour envoyer le liquide de la pompe à l’échangeur de chaleur pour former un gaz sous pression, des moyens pour soutirer un gaz enrichi en azote d’une colonne du système de colonnes, pour le liquéfier au moyen d’une source externe de réfrigération et pour renvoyer le liquide formé au système de colonnes.According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cryogenic distillation air separation apparatus comprising a first compressor, a second compressor, a heat exchanger, a column system comprising a first distillation column and a second column distillation unit, a purification unit, means for supplying compressed air in a first compressor up to a first pressure to the purification unit to be purified there at the first pressure, means for sending the purified air from the purification unit to the heat exchanger where it cools to form cooled air, means for exiting the cooled air from the exchanger, preferably at an intermediate temperature thereof , and to send it to the second compressor to bring it to a second pressure, means for bringing the air to the second pressure to be cooled in the heat exchanger, means for bringing the air to the cooled second pressure in the heat exchanger in gaseous form to the first column operating at a third pressure to separate therein, means for sending a liquid enriched in oxygen and a liquid enriched in nitrogen from the first column to the second column operating at a fourth pressure lower than the third pressure, means for withdrawing from the column system a liquid enriched in oxygen or nitrogen, a pump for pressurizing the liquid, means for sending the liquid from the pump to the heat exchanger to form a gas under pressure, means for withdrawing a nitrogen-enriched gas from a column of the column system, for liquefying it by means of an external source of refrigeration and for returning the liquid formed to the column system.

Les moyens pour liquéfier le gaz enrichi en azote peuvent comprendre un cycle de réfrigération permettant l’échange de chaleur entre le gaz et un liquide à vaporiser, pouvant être du gaz naturel liquéfié.The means for liquefying the nitrogen-enriched gas may comprise a refrigeration cycle allowing the exchange of heat between the gas and a liquid to be vaporized, which may be liquefied natural gas.

Selon un autre objet de l’invention, il est prévu un procédé de liquéfaction d’azote dans lequel :According to another object of the invention, there is provided a nitrogen liquefaction process in which:

  • de l’azote à liquéfier est envoyé à une température intermédiaire d’un échangeur de chaleur d’un système de liquéfaction, pour échanger de la chaleur avec un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié parcourant l’échangeur de chaleur de l’extrémité froide à l’extrémité chaudenitrogen to be liquefied is sent at an intermediate temperature to a heat exchanger of a liquefaction system, to exchange heat with a flow of liquefied natural gas passing through the heat exchanger from the cold end to the hot end
  • l’azote à liquéfier est comprimé dans un cycle de liquéfaction dont les compresseurs ont tous une température d’entrée en dessous de 0°Cthe nitrogen to be liquefied is compressed in a liquefaction cycle whose compressors all have an inlet temperature below 0°C
  • l’azote à liquéfier se réchauffe dans l’échangeur de chaleur du système de liquéfaction avant d’être envoyé à un premier compresseur de cycle ayant une température d’entrée inférieure à -80°Cthe nitrogen to be liquefied is heated in the heat exchanger of the liquefaction system before being sent to a first cycle compressor with an inlet temperature below -80°C
  • l’azote comprimé dans le premier compresseur est refroidi dans l’échangeur du système de liquéfaction avant d’être divisé en deux, une partie étant détendu dans une turbine et l’autre partie étant comprimé dans un deuxième compresseur de cycle à une température d’entrée inférieure à -70°C, de préférence entre -80°C et -120°Cthe nitrogen compressed in the first compressor is cooled in the exchanger of the liquefaction system before being split in two, one part being expanded in a turbine and the other part being compressed in a second cycle compressor at a temperature of entry below -70°C, preferably between -80°C and -120°C
  • de l’azote comprimé dans le deuxième compresseur est comprimé dans un troisième compresseur de cycle ayant une température d’entrée entre -130° et -140°C etnitrogen compressed in the second compressor is compressed in a third cycle compressor having an inlet temperature between -130° and -140°C and
  • le gaz naturel liquéfié vaporisé dans l’échangeur de chaleur a une pression d’au moins 30 bara.the liquefied natural gas vaporized in the heat exchanger has a pressure of at least 30 bara.

L’invention sera décrite de manière plus détaillée en se référant aux figures.The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the figures.

représente un procédé selon l’invention. represents a process according to the invention.

représente un liquéfacteur à incorporer dans le procédé de la . represents a liquefier to be incorporated into the process of .

L’appareil utilisé illustré dans la comprend un échangeur de chaleur de type à plaques et à ailettes en aluminium brasé et un système de colonnes comprenant une première colonne 5 et une deuxième colonne 6 opérant à une pression plus basse que la première colonne.The apparatus used illustrated in the comprises a brazed aluminum plate and fin type heat exchanger and a column system comprising a first column 5 and a second column 6 operating at a lower pressure than the first column.

Les colonnes sont thermiquement reliées entre elles par un rebouilleur de cuve de la deuxième colonne (non-illustré) qui est chauffé par le gaz de tête de la première colonne 5.The columns are thermally interconnected by a bottom reboiler of the second column (not shown) which is heated by the overhead gas of the first column 5.

Un débit d’air est comprimé dans un premier compresseur 1 jusqu’à une première pression pour former de l’air comprimé à entre 1, 4 et 3 bars abs, de préférence moins de 2 bars abs.A flow of air is compressed in a first compressor 1 up to a first pressure to form compressed air at between 1, 4 and 3 bars abs, preferably less than 2 bars abs.

L’air est épuré à la première pression dans l’unité d’adsorption 2 pour enlever l’eau et le dioxyde de carbone qu’il contient pour former de l’air épuré à la première pression 11.The air is purified at the first pressure in the adsorption unit 2 to remove the water and carbon dioxide it contains to form purified air at the first pressure 11.

Tout le débit 11 est envoyé à la première pression dans l’échangeur de chaleur 3 pour se refroidir jusqu’à une température intermédiaire de l’échangeur de chaleur 3, voire au bout froid. L’air refroidi 12 est comprimé dans un deuxième compresseur, constitué dans le cas de l’exemple par deux compresseurs 4, 4a. L’air est comprimé dans le deuxième compresseur 4, 4a jusqu’à une deuxième pression légèrement au-dessus de la pression de la première colonne, la différence étant celle des pertes de charge.All the flow 11 is sent to the first pressure in the heat exchanger 3 to cool down to an intermediate temperature of the heat exchanger 3, or even to the cold end. The cooled air 12 is compressed in a second compressor, constituted in the case of the example by two compressors 4, 4a. The air is compressed in the second compressor 4, 4a to a second pressure slightly above the pressure of the first column, the difference being that of the pressure drops.

L’air à la deuxième pression 13 est renvoyé à une température intermédiaire de l’échangeur 3 et se refroidit dans cet échangeur jusqu’au bout froid. Ensuite il est envoyé sous forme gazeuse à la première colonne 5 opérant à une troisième pression légèrement en dessous de la deuxième pression, cette troisième pression étant entre 5 et 6 bars abs.The air at the second pressure 13 is returned to an intermediate temperature from the exchanger 3 and is cooled in this exchanger to the cold end. Then it is sent in gaseous form to the first column 5 operating at a third pressure slightly below the second pressure, this third pressure being between 5 and 6 bars abs.

L’air 13 constitue le seul fluide d’alimentation de la première colonne 5 et aucun débit d’air n’est envoyé à la deuxième colonne 6. Un liquide enrichi en oxygène et un liquide enrichi en azote sont envoyés de la première colonne à la deuxième colonne opérant à une quatrième pression inférieure à la troisième pression. Ces liquides ne sont pas illustrés pour simplifier le dessin.The air 13 constitutes the only supply fluid of the first column 5 and no air flow is sent to the second column 6. A liquid enriched in oxygen and a liquid enriched in nitrogen are sent from the first column to the second column operating at a fourth pressure lower than the third pressure. These liquids are not illustrated to simplify the drawing.

Un liquide enrichi en oxygène ou en azote (ici en oxygène) est pressurisé par une pompe 7 et se vaporise dans l’échangeur de chaleur pour former un gaz sous pression 19.A liquid enriched in oxygen or nitrogen (here in oxygen) is pressurized by a pump 7 and vaporizes in the heat exchanger to form a pressurized gas 19.

Un gaz enrichi en azote 15 est soutiré d’une colonne du système de colonne et optionnellement se réchauffe légèrement dans l’échangeur 3 jusqu’à une température intermédiaire de l’échangeur, par exemple entre -100°C et -150°C, voire entre -120°C et -109°C.A gas enriched in nitrogen 15 is withdrawn from a column of the column system and optionally heats up slightly in the exchanger 3 up to an intermediate temperature of the exchanger, for example between -100° C. and -150° C., or even between -120°C and -109°C.

Ce gaz 15 est ensuite liquéfié par exemple dans un liquéfacteur tel que celui de . Le froid pour liquéfier l’azote est fourni au moins en partie par une source externe, tel qu’un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié qui se vaporise. D’autres sources peuvent être envisagées.This gas 15 is then liquefied, for example in a liquefier such as that of . The cold to liquefy the nitrogen is provided at least in part by an external source, such as a flow of liquefied natural gas which vaporizes. Other sources can be considered.

Au moins 90% de la réfrigération nécessaire pour le procédé provient de préférence de la source externe de réfrigérationAt least 90% of the refrigeration needed for the process preferably comes from the external source of refrigeration

De préférence le débit molaire du gaz 15 est égal au débit molaire du liquide 20.Preferably the molar flow of gas 15 is equal to the molar flow of liquid 20.

Le liquide 20 formé en liquéfiant le gaz 15 est renvoyé en tête de la première colonne 20 ou ailleurs dans le système de colonne.The liquid 20 formed by liquefying the gas 15 is returned to the top of the first column 20 or elsewhere in the column system.

Aucun fluide envoyé au système de colonnes n’est détendu dans une turbine. Aucun fluide provenant du système de colonnes et réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur n’est détendu dans une turbine.No fluid sent to the column system is expanded in a turbine. No fluid from the column system and heated in the heat exchanger is expanded in a turbine.

Le premier et deuxième compresseurs 1, 4, 4A peuvent être entraînés par un moteur commun et faire partie de la même machine. Sinon les premier et deuxième compresseurs peuvent être indépendants.The first and second compressors 1, 4, 4A can be driven by a common motor and be part of the same machine. Otherwise the first and second compressors can be independent.

Le procédé peut permettre la production d’azote liquide et/ou d’oxygène liquide comme produits finaux.The process can allow the production of liquid nitrogen and/or liquid oxygen as end products.

Lexique de 1 Premier compresseur 10 Air humide à la première pression 2 Adsorbeurs 11 Air sec sans CO2 à la première pression 3 Echangeur de chaleur 12 Air refroidi à à la première pression 4 Deuxième compresseur (section 1) 13 Air comprimé à la deuxième pression 4a Deuxième compresseur (section 2 14 Air comprimé froid destine à la première colonne 5 Première colonne 15 Azote gazeux de la tête de la première colonne 6 Deuxième colonne 16 Azote froid à la troisième pression envoyé au liquéfacteur 7 Pompe d’oxygène liquide 17 Azote résiduaire froid 18 Azote résiduaire réchauffé 19 Oxygène gazeux 20 Azote liquide du liquéfacteur Glossary of 1 First compressor 10 Humid air on first press 2 Adsorbers 11 CO2-free dry air on first press 3 Heat exchanger 12 Air cooled at first pressure 4 Second compressor (section 1) 13 Compressed air at second pressure 4a Second compressor (section 2 14 Cold compressed air for the first column 5 First column 15 Nitrogen gas from the top of the first column 6 Second column 16 Third press cold nitrogen sent to the liquefier 7 liquid oxygen pump 17 Cold waste nitrogen 18 Heated waste nitrogen 19 Oxygen gas 20 Liquid nitrogen from the liquefier

montre un liquéfacteur d’azote gazeux utilisant les frigories d’un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié. L’azote gazeux à liquéfier arrive dans le liquéfacteur à une température bien en dessous de 0°C, de préférence en dessous de -100°C. L’azote peut être à une température au-dessus de -150°C. shows a gaseous nitrogen liquefier using the cold temperatures of a flow of liquefied natural gas. The nitrogen gas to be liquefied arrives in the liquefier at a temperature well below 0°C, preferably below -100°C. Nitrogen can be at a temperature above -150°C.

L’azote 120 provenant d’une colonne du système de colonnes de l’appareil de séparation, sans avoir été chauffé complètement dans l’échangeur de chaleur principal 3 de la . L’azote provient de préférence à une pression entre 4 et 6 bara de la colonne 5. L’azote 120 est envoyé à un point intermédiaire d’un échangeur de chaleur 101 ayant une extrémité froide et une extrémité froide, étant de préférence un échangeur en aluminium brasé à plaques et à ailettes.Nitrogen 120 coming from a column of the column system of the separation apparatus, without having been completely heated in the main heat exchanger 3 of the . The nitrogen preferably comes at a pressure between 4 and 6 bara from column 5. The nitrogen 120 is sent to an intermediate point of a heat exchanger 101 having a cold end and a cold end, preferably being an exchanger in brazed aluminum with plates and fins.

L’azote 120 rejoint dans l’échangeur 101 de l’azote 134 d’un séparateur de phases 107 et de l’aozt 126 d’une turbine 113. Les trois débits sont réchauffés à une température entre -90°C et -130°C séparément ou après avoir été mélangés et sont ensuite sortis (débit 121) de l’échangeur pour être comprimé dans un compresseur froid 102 pour former un débit d’azoe 122 à entre 19 et 25 bara, l’étage final du compresseur 102 étant à une température en dessous de 0°C.Nitrogen 120 joins in exchanger 101 nitrogen 134 from a phase separator 107 and aozt 126 from a turbine 113. The three flows are heated to a temperature between -90°C and -130 °C separately or after being mixed and then exited (flow 121) from the exchanger to be compressed in a cold compressor 102 to form an azo flow 122 at between 19 and 25 bara, the final stage of the compressor 102 being at a temperature below 0°C.

Le débit comprimé 122 se refroidit dans l’échangeur 101 jusqu’à une température entre -80°C et -120°C et sort de l’échangeur pour être divisés en deux débits 123, 124. Le débit 123 est détendu dans la turbine 113 à entre 4 et 6 bara pour former un débit 126 qui rejoint l’azote 120, comme déjà mentionné. Le débit 124 est comprimé dans le compresseur 114 pour former un débit comprimé 125, 127 qui est comrpimé dans l’échangeur 101 jusqu’à une température d’entre -130 à -140°C. Le débit 127 est comprimé dans un deuxième compresseur froid 106 pour former un débit 128 à entre 35 et 50 bara. Ce débit 128 est divisé en deux, une partie 129 étant réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur 101 puis envoyé à une turbine 105 couplée au compresseur 106. Le débit détendu 130 dans la turbine105 est mélangé avec l’autre débit 131, divisé de 128, après détente dans une vanne 108 du débit 131. Le mélange formeé 133 est envoyé au séparateur de phases 107, dont le liquide 135 constitue le produit liquide à renvoyé à l’appareil de séparation d’air. Le gaz, comme mentionné, est mélangé avec l’azote à liquéfier 120 à entre 4 et 6 bara.The compressed flow 122 cools in the exchanger 101 to a temperature between -80°C and -120°C and leaves the exchanger to be divided into two flows 123, 124. The flow 123 is expanded in the turbine 113 to between 4 and 6 bara to form a flow 126 which joins the nitrogen 120, as already mentioned. Flow 124 is compressed in compressor 114 to form a compressed flow 125, 127 which is compressed in exchanger 101 to a temperature of between -130 and -140°C. Flow 127 is compressed in a second cold compressor 106 to form flow 128 at between 35 and 50 bara. This flow 128 is divided into two, a part 129 being heated in the heat exchanger 101 then sent to a turbine 105 coupled to the compressor 106. The expanded flow 130 in the turbine105 is mixed with the other flow 131, divided by 128 , after expansion in a valve 108 of the flow rate 131. The mixture formed 133 is sent to the phase separator 107, the liquid 135 of which constitutes the liquid product to be returned to the air separation device. The gas, as mentioned, is mixed with nitrogen to liquefy 120 at between 4 and 6 bara.

La vanne Joule Thomson 108 peut être remplacée par une turbine liquide.The Joule Thomson 108 valve can be replaced by a liquid turbine.

Le gaz naturel liquéfié 110 entre dans l’échangeur à l’extrémité froide et en sort gazeux à l’extrémité chaude, ayant cédé ses frigories à l’azote à liquéfier.The liquefied natural gas 110 enters the exchanger at the cold end and exits as a gas at the hot end, having yielded its negative calories to the nitrogen to be liquefied.

La pression de vaporisation peut varier de 30 à plus que 100 bara.The vaporization pressure can vary from 30 to more than 100 bara.

Claims (10)

Procédé de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique dans lequel :
  1. De l’air est comprimé dans un premier compresseur (1) jusqu’à une première pression et est épuré à la première pression,
  2. L’air épuré est envoyé à un échangeur de chaleur (3) où il se refroidit pour former de l’air refroidi (12),
  3. L’air refroidi sort de l’échangeur, de préférence à une température intermédiaire de celui-ci, est comprimé dans un deuxième compresseur (4, 4a) pour l’amener à une deuxième pression et est envoyé à la deuxième pression se refroidir dans l’échangeur de chaleur,
  4. L’air à la deuxième pression refroidi dans l’échangeur de chaleur est envoyé sous forme gazeuse à une première colonne (5) d’un système de colonnes de distillation opérant à une troisième pression et s’y sépare,
  5. Un liquide enrichi en oxygène et un liquide enrichi en azote sont envoyés de la première colonne à une deuxième colonne (6) opérant à une quatrième pression inférieure à la troisième pression,
  6. Un liquide enrichi en oxygène ou en azote soutiré du système de colonnes est pressurisé et se vaporise dans l’échangeur de chaleur pour former un gaz sous pression,
  7. Un gaz enrichi en azote (16, 120) est soutiré d’une colonne (5,6) du système de colonne, refroidi par une source externe de réfrigération pour le liquéfier et le liquide formé (20, 135) est renvoyé au système de colonnes.
Air separation process by cryogenic distillation in which:
  1. Air is compressed in a first compressor (1) to a first pressure and purified at the first pressure,
  2. The purified air is sent to a heat exchanger (3) where it cools to form cooled air (12),
  3. The cooled air leaves the exchanger, preferably at an intermediate temperature thereof, is compressed in a second compressor (4, 4a) to bring it to a second pressure and is sent to the second pressure to cool in the heat exchanger,
  4. The air at the second pressure cooled in the heat exchanger is sent in gaseous form to a first column (5) of a system of distillation columns operating at a third pressure and separates there,
  5. A liquid enriched in oxygen and a liquid enriched in nitrogen are sent from the first column to a second column (6) operating at a fourth pressure lower than the third pressure,
  6. A liquid enriched in oxygen or nitrogen withdrawn from the column system is pressurized and vaporizes in the heat exchanger to form a pressurized gas,
  7. Nitrogen-enriched gas (16, 120) is withdrawn from a column (5,6) of the column system, cooled by an external source of refrigeration to liquefy it, and the formed liquid (20, 135) is returned to the columns.
Procédé selon la revendication 1 dans lequel aucun fluide envoyé au système de colonnes n’est détendu dans une turbine et aucun fluide provenant du système de colonnes et réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur n’est détendu dans une turbine.A method according to claim 1 wherein no fluid sent to the column system is expanded in a turbine and no fluid from the column system and heated in the heat exchanger is expanded in a turbine. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2 où la première pression est entre 1,7 et 3 bars abs.Process according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the first pressure is between 1.7 and 3 bar abs. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes dans lequel le premier et le deuxième compresseur (4, 4a) sont entraînés par le même moteur.Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first and the second compressor (4, 4a) are driven by the same motor. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes dans lequel la source externe de réfrigération est un débit de gaz naturel liquéfié (110) qui se réchauffe, voire se vaporise.Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the external source of refrigeration is a flow of liquefied natural gas (110) which heats up, or even vaporizes. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes dans lequel la quatrième pression est entre 4 et 6 bars abs.Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fourth pressure is between 4 and 6 bar abs. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes dans lequel le gaz enrichi en azote (16) est réchauffé dans l’échangeur de chaleur (3) avant d’être liquéfié par la source externe de réfrigération, de préférence étant réchauffé à entre -100°C et -150°C, voire entre -120°C et -109°C.Process according to one of the preceding claims, in which the nitrogen-enriched gas (16) is reheated in the heat exchanger (3) before being liquefied by the external source of refrigeration, preferably being reheated to between -100° C and -150°C, or even between -120°C and -109°C. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes dans lequel le débit molaire du gaz enrichi en azote et le débit molaire du liquide renvoyé au système de colonne sont les mêmes.Process according to one of the preceding claims, in which the molar flow rate of the nitrogen-enriched gas and the molar flow rate of the liquid returned to the column system are the same. Appareil de séparation d’air par distillation cryogénique comprenant un premier compresseur (1), un deuxième compresseur (4, 4a), un échangeur de chaleur (3), un système de colonnes comprenant une première colonne de distillation (5) et une deuxième colonne de distillation (6), une unité d’épuration (2), des moyens pour amener de l’air comprimé dans un premier compresseur jusqu’à une première pression à l’unité d’épuration pour y être épuré à la première pression, des moyens pour envoyer l’air épuré de l’unité d’épuration à l’échangeur de chaleur où il se refroidit pour former de l’air refroidi (12), des moyens pour sortir l’air refroidi de l’échangeur, de préférence à une température intermédiaire de celui-ci, et pour l’envoyer au deuxième compresseur pour l’amener à une deuxième pression, des moyens pour amener l’air à la deuxième pression se refroidir dans l’échangeur de chaleur, des moyens pour amener l’air à la deuxième pression refroidi dans l’échangeur de chaleur sous forme gazeuse à la première colonne opérant à une troisième pression pour s’y séparer, des moyens pour envoyer un liquide enrichi en oxygène et un liquide enrichi en azote de la première colonne à la deuxième colonne opérant à une quatrième pression inférieure à la troisième pression, des moyens pour soutirer du système de colonnes un liquide enrichi en oxygène ou en azote, une pompe (7) pour pressuriser le liquide, des moyens pour envoyer le liquide de la pompe à l’échangeur de chaleur pour former un gaz sous pression, des moyens pour soutirer un gaz enrichi en azote (16) d’une colonne du système de colonnes, pour le liquéfier au moyen d’une source externe de réfrigération (110) et pour renvoyer le liquide formé (20) au système de colonnes (5,6).Cryogenic distillation air separation apparatus comprising a first compressor (1), a second compressor (4, 4a), a heat exchanger (3), a column system comprising a first distillation column (5) and a second distillation column (6), a purification unit (2), means for supplying compressed air in a first compressor up to a first pressure to the purification unit to be purified there at the first pressure , means for sending the purified air from the purification unit to the heat exchanger where it cools to form cooled air (12), means for removing the cooled air from the exchanger, preferably at an intermediate temperature thereof, and to send it to the second compressor to bring it to a second pressure, means for causing the air at the second pressure to cool in the heat exchanger, means to bring the air at the second pressure cooled in the heat exchanger in gaseous form to the first column operating at a third pressure to separate therein, means for sending an oxygen-enriched liquid and a nitrogen-enriched liquid from the first column to the second column operating at a fourth pressure lower than the third pressure, means for withdrawing from the column system a liquid enriched in oxygen or nitrogen, a pump (7) for pressurizing the liquid, means for sending the liquid from the pump to the heat exchanger to form a pressurized gas, means for withdrawing nitrogen-enriched gas (16) from a column of the column system, to liquefy it by means of an external source of refrigeration (110) and to return the formed liquid (20) to the column system (5,6). Appareil selon la revendication 9 dans lequel les moyens pour liquéfier le gaz enrichi en azote comprenant un cycle de réfrigération permettant l’échange de chaleur entre le gaz et un liquide à vaporiser, pouvant être du gaz naturel liquéfié (110).Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the means for liquefying the nitrogen-enriched gas comprising a refrigeration cycle allowing the exchange of heat between the gas and a liquid to be vaporized, which may be liquefied natural gas (110).
FR2111480A 2021-10-28 2021-10-28 Process and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation Pending FR3128776A3 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3090831A1 (en) 2018-12-21 2020-06-26 L´Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L’Etude Et L’Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Apparatus and method for air separation by cryogenic distillation
FR3093169A1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-08-28 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Installation and process for separating gases from air using a parallelepiped shaped adsorber
FR3093008A1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-08-28 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Low pressure air gas separation plant and process
FR3093009A1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-08-28 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Method and installation for the purification of a high flow rate gas stream

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3090831A1 (en) 2018-12-21 2020-06-26 L´Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L’Etude Et L’Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Apparatus and method for air separation by cryogenic distillation
FR3093169A1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-08-28 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Installation and process for separating gases from air using a parallelepiped shaped adsorber
FR3093008A1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-08-28 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Low pressure air gas separation plant and process
FR3093009A1 (en) 2019-02-21 2020-08-28 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Method and installation for the purification of a high flow rate gas stream

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