Method for separating fluid mixture

Abstract

A method for low temperature separation of fluids wherein the separation process is sustained by refrigeration generated by a recirculating multicomponent refrigerant fluid.

Description

technical field [0001] The process of the present invention generally involves providing refrigeration for the cryogenic separation of mixtures and is particularly advantageous for cryogenic separations. Background technique [0002] In cryogenic separation, a gas mixture is refrigerated to maintain cryogenic conditions to facilitate separation of the mixture into its components for recovery. Examples of these cryogenic separations include: cryogenic air separation, natural gas upgrading, hydrogen recovery from raw syngas, and carbon dioxide production. One way to effect the necessary refrigeration to achieve separation is through turboexpansion of the fluid, whereby the refrigeration generated by the turboexpansion action achieves separation via direct or indirect heat exchange. Such systems, while effective, are energy intensive, have reduced product recovery, and are therefore expensive to operate. [0003] Refrigeration can also be produced by using a refrigeration cir...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although such a refrigeration circuit is effective at a given temperature and at relatively high low temperatures, it is not very effective at cooling over a relatively wide temperature range where low temperatures are required

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