GB2274407A - Separating gases - Google Patents

Separating gases Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2274407A
GB2274407A GB9301240A GB9301240A GB2274407A GB 2274407 A GB2274407 A GB 2274407A GB 9301240 A GB9301240 A GB 9301240A GB 9301240 A GB9301240 A GB 9301240A GB 2274407 A GB2274407 A GB 2274407A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
product gas
feed
gas mixture
reservoir
nitrogen
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB9301240A
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GB9301240D0 (en
GB2274407B (en
Inventor
Michael Dennis
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.)
BOC Group Ltd
Original Assignee
BOC Group Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by BOC Group Ltd filed Critical BOC Group Ltd
Priority to GB9301240A priority Critical patent/GB2274407B/en
Publication of GB9301240D0 publication Critical patent/GB9301240D0/en
Priority to CA002111140A priority patent/CA2111140A1/en
Priority to ZA939332A priority patent/ZA939332B/en
Priority to AU52744/93A priority patent/AU657645B2/en
Publication of GB2274407A publication Critical patent/GB2274407A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2274407B publication Critical patent/GB2274407B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F17C9/02—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure with change of state, e.g. vaporisation
    • F17C9/04—Recovery of thermal energy
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/0462—Temperature swing adsorption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D53/00—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols
    • B01D53/02—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
    • B01D53/04—Separation of gases or vapours; Recovering vapours of volatile solvents from gases; Chemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases, aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
    • B01D53/047—Pressure swing adsorption
    • 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
    • F25J3/04018—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
    • 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
    • F25J3/04151—Purification and (pre-)cooling of the feed air; recuperative heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04157—Afterstage cooling and so-called "pre-cooling" of the feed air upstream the air purification unit and main heat exchange line
    • 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
    • F25J3/04769—Operation, control and regulation of the process; Instrumentation within the process
    • F25J3/04812—Different modes, i.e. "runs" of operation
    • F25J3/04836—Variable air feed, i.e. "load" or product demand during specified periods, e.g. during periods with high respectively low power costs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2256/00—Main component in the product gas stream after treatment
    • B01D2256/10—Nitrogen
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
    • B01D2259/40001—Methods relating to additional, e.g. intermediate, treatment of process gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2259/00—Type of treatment
    • B01D2259/40—Further details for adsorption processes and devices
    • B01D2259/416—Further details for adsorption processes and devices involving cryogenic temperature treatment
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/031—Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0157—Compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0302—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F17C2227/0393—Localisation of heat exchange separate using a vaporiser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/01—Purifying the fluid
    • F17C2265/015—Purifying the fluid by separating
    • 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
    • F25J2210/42—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
    • F25J2230/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/02—Compressor intake arrangement, e.g. filtering or cooling
    • 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
    • F25J2270/90—External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration
    • F25J2270/904—External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration by liquid or gaseous cryogen in an open 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
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/62—Details of storing a fluid in a tank

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
  • Separation Of Gases By Adsorption (AREA)

Abstract

In a process for separating a gas from a feed gas mixture where the mixture is initially compressed and in which a reservoir of liquid product gas is available during peak demand, product gas in liquid phase is vapourised by heat exchange with the feed gas mixture prior to compression of the mixture. In one embodiment the outlet of compressor 4 communicates with PSA unit 6 and nitrogen rich product gas flows to an end user or a reservoir. Liquid nitrogen passes from reservoir 10 to a heat exchanger 14 through which feed air also passes. In another embodiment, the feed air is pro-cooled in a pro-cooler (22, Fig. 2). The separation unit may also be a TSA of cryogenic unit. <IMAGE>

Description

THE SEPARATION OF GAS MIXTURES The present invention relates to processes in which a product gas forming a constituent of a feed gas mixture is separated for use in an end user's process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process in which a product gas is separated from a feed gas mixture but where, to meet peak demand, a vessel containing the product gas in liquid phase is available to augment the product gas being produced by the separation process.
In, for example, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) plant for the production of nitrogen from air a bed of adsorbent contained within a pressure vessel is put through a cycle which includes an adsorption step during which feed air is initially compressed before being pumped through the bed under pressure where most of the oxygen and a proportion of the nitrogen and substantially all of the carbon dioxide and water vapour in the feed air are adsorbed and a nitrogen rich product gas is supplied from the outlet of the bed. Frequently, the nitrogen rich product gas is passed first to a nitrogen receiver vessel from which it is subsequently drawn by the end user of the product gas. It is common in such processes to have a supply of liquid nitrogen available to augment the product gas leaving the nitrogen receiver vessel during periods of peak demand by the ultimate user of the nitrogen.
It is an aim of the present invention to provide in a process where a feed gas mixture containing a product gas is first compressed prior to delivery to a separation unit, steps whereby the output of the compressor and hence the separation plant is enhanced during periods of high demand.
According to the present invention, in a process where a feed gas mixture containing a product gas is first compressed prior to delivery to a unit for the separation of the product gas from the feed gas mixture and in which a reservoir of the product gas in liquid phase is available for augmenting the supply of product gas from the separation unit during peak demand; the step of vaporising the product gas in liquid phase by heat exchange with the feed gas mixture prior to the compression of the feed gas mixture.
Preferably, the feed gas mixture is in direct heat exchange with the product gas in liquid phase.
Alternatively, a fluid may be used in a closed system which is arranged to be in heat exchange relation first with the feed gas mixture and subsequently with the product gas in liquid phase.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, reference being made to the Figures of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a plant for the production of a product gas from a feed gas mixture containing said product gas; and Figure 2 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 but illustrating a modification thereof.
As shown in Figure 1 a plant for the separation of nitrogen from air comprises a feed air pipeline 2 which communicates with the inlet of a compressor 4. The feed air line forms one pass of a heat exchanger 14.
The outlet of compressor 4 communicates in turn with an air separation unit in the form of a PSA unit 6. From the unit 6 a nitrogen rich product gas flows either directly to an end user's process or to a reservoir (not shown). Forming part of the plant is a pressure vessel 10 containing liquid nitrogen at substantially the same purity level as the product gas which emanates from the air separation unit 6. A pipeline 12 extends from the vessel 10 through the heat exchanger 14 and hence joins the pipeline 8.
It will be apparent, that in use the feed air prior to reaching the compressor 4 via the pipeline 2 will be in heat exchange relationship with the fluid in the reservoir 10. This will have the effect of enhancing the output from the compressor 4 by making more dense the feed air whilst at the same time vaporising the liquid in the reservoir 10 during peak demand.
By doing this the amount of relatively expensive liquid nitrogen that is used to support the peak demand will be reduced.
Turning now to Figure 2, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals, the plant for the separation of nitrogen from air includes an air feed pipeline 2 which communicates with the inlet of an air compressor 4. The outlet from the air compressor 4 communicates with a pipeline 5 which extends through an after cooler 20 and hence to a PSA nitrogen separator 6. A nitrogen rich product gas passes through a pipeline 8 directly to an end user's process or into a nitrogen receiver reservoir (not shown). Located in the pipeline 2 is a pre-cooler 22; and a pipeline 24 extends between the pre-cooler 22 and the after cooler 20.
Extending from the after cooler 20 is a pipeline 26 which passes initially through a heat exchanger 28 and hence to the pre-cooler 22. A pipeline 12 extends from a presure vessel 10 containing liquid nitrogen through the heat exchanger 28 and joints the pipeline 8.
In use air flows through the feed air pipeline 2 through the pre-cooler 22 and hence to the compressor 4. Compressed air from the compressor 4 flows through the after cooler 20 via pipeline 5 and hence to.the PSA separation unit 6. Product gas rich in nitrogen leaves the unit 6 via the pipeline 8 either to go directly to a user's process or to enter a nitrogen reservoir (not shown). A fluid, for example, water, flows through a closed circuit system which includes pipeline 26, pre-cooler 22, pipeline 24 and after cooler 20 as well as the heat exchanger 28. During peak production time the liquid phase product gas in the vessel 10 will pass via pipeline 12 through the heat exchanger 28 and will join the pipeline 8. This flow of gas will chill the water in the closed circuit system and the chilled water will pr#e-cool the feed air in the pre-cooler 22. The chilled water although warmer in the pipeline 24 will also chill the compressed air in the after cooler 20. The heat picked up by the water in the line 26 will assist in the vaporisation of the liquid phase product gas in the vessel 10 during its passage through the heat exchanger 8.
Although reference has been made to PSA air separation units, it is apparent that any other form of feed gas separation unit could be employed.
For example, a temperature swing adsorption (TSA) unit or a cryogenic gas separation unit.

Claims (6)

1. In a process where a feed gas mixture containing a product gas is first compressed prior to delivery to a unit for the separation of the product gas from the feed gas mixture and in a which a reservoir of the product gas in liquid phase is available for augmenting the supply of product gas from the separation unit during peak demand; the step of vaporising the product gas in liquid phase by heat exchange with the feed gas mixture prior to the compression of the feed gas mixture.
2. In a process as claimed in Claim 1, in which the feed gas mixture is in direct heat exchange with the product gas in liquid phase.
3. A process as claimed in Claim 1, in which a fluid in a closed system is arranged to be in heat exchange relationship first with the feed gas mixture and subsequently with the product gas in liquid phase.
4. A process as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the feed gas mixture is air and the product gas is nitrogen.
5. A process as claimed in Claims 3 or 4, in which the fluid in the closed system is water.
6. A process as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings.
GB9301240A 1993-01-22 1993-01-22 The separation of gas mixtures Expired - Fee Related GB2274407B (en)

Priority Applications (4)

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GB9301240A GB2274407B (en) 1993-01-22 1993-01-22 The separation of gas mixtures
CA002111140A CA2111140A1 (en) 1993-01-22 1993-12-10 The separation of gas mixtures
ZA939332A ZA939332B (en) 1993-01-22 1993-12-13 The separation of gas mixtures
AU52744/93A AU657645B2 (en) 1993-01-22 1993-12-24 The separation of gas mixtures

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GB9301240A GB2274407B (en) 1993-01-22 1993-01-22 The separation of gas mixtures

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GB2274407A true GB2274407A (en) 1994-07-27
GB2274407B GB2274407B (en) 1996-06-12

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0718576A1 (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-06-26 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process for separating a gaseous mixture by cryogenic distillation
FR2862746A1 (en) * 2003-11-25 2005-05-27 Air Liquide Assembly for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation, with a system of columns, takes in frozen compressed air at a vaporizer/condenser column with the liquid output used at least partially to chill the air for compression
US20200009493A1 (en) * 2018-07-06 2020-01-09 Richard M. Kelly Nitrogen service supply system

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4671813A (en) * 1984-03-29 1987-06-09 Daidousanso Co. Ltd. Highly pure nitrogen gas producing apparatus
US5082482A (en) * 1989-10-09 1992-01-21 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process and apparatus for the production of gaseous oxygen with a variable flow by air distillation

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4671813A (en) * 1984-03-29 1987-06-09 Daidousanso Co. Ltd. Highly pure nitrogen gas producing apparatus
US5082482A (en) * 1989-10-09 1992-01-21 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process and apparatus for the production of gaseous oxygen with a variable flow by air distillation

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0718576A1 (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-06-26 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process for separating a gaseous mixture by cryogenic distillation
FR2728663A1 (en) * 1994-12-23 1996-06-28 Air Liquide PROCESS FOR SEPARATING A GASEOUS MIXTURE BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION
US5651271A (en) * 1994-12-23 1997-07-29 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process for the separation of a gas mixture by cryogenic distillation
FR2862746A1 (en) * 2003-11-25 2005-05-27 Air Liquide Assembly for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation, with a system of columns, takes in frozen compressed air at a vaporizer/condenser column with the liquid output used at least partially to chill the air for compression
US20200009493A1 (en) * 2018-07-06 2020-01-09 Richard M. Kelly Nitrogen service supply system
CN112334213A (en) * 2018-07-06 2021-02-05 普莱克斯技术有限公司 Mobile nitrogen maintenance supply system
US11014039B2 (en) 2018-07-06 2021-05-25 Praxair Technology, Inc. Nitrogen service supply system
CN112334213B (en) * 2018-07-06 2022-11-29 普莱克斯技术有限公司 Mobile nitrogen maintenance supply system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU657645B2 (en) 1995-03-16
CA2111140A1 (en) 1994-07-23
ZA939332B (en) 1995-01-24
GB9301240D0 (en) 1993-03-17
GB2274407B (en) 1996-06-12
AU5274493A (en) 1994-08-25

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