Apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation

Abstract

An apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation, the apparatus comprising a first module (1) comprising a main air compressor, a second module (3), a third module (4) comprising a purification unit, a fourth module (5) comprising a heat exchanger, and a column system comprising at least one distillation column comprised in or not comprised in a fifth module, the second module comprising connections for connecting the compressor of the first module to the purification unit of the third module for sending compressed air from the compressor to the purification unit and further comprising connections for connecting the purification unit to the heat exchanger of the fourth module for sending purified air in the purification unit to the heat exchanger.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for separating air by low-temperature distillation.

[0002] The known practice is to arrange the different components of the equipment used to separate air by cryogenic distillation in modules to facilitate transportation and installation.

[0003] EP 629829 describes a modular device for separating air, the modular device having a frame that includes all components of the device except for the tower, compressor, and purification receiver. The frame is placed between two purification receivers.

[0004] EP 2657633 provides a module for a connector arranged between a purification unit and the hot end of a heat exchanger.

[0005] FR 3059087 discloses a device for separating air arranged in a horizontally arranged elongated housing, which are stacked one on top of the other. To allow fluid to be transferred from one housing stack to another, a housing covering the two stacks is provided.

[0006] This complex construction requires subdividing the components of the air separation device (such as the purification unit) into multiple modules.

[0007] FR 3017939 describes a separate device divided into modules, which are arranged in a frame that serves as a support for the modules.

[0008] Instead, the present invention aims to arrange each component of the air separation device as a whole in a single module, and to use modules to combine a collection of devices for transporting fluid between one component and another. This reduces the time spent connecting the components to each other in the field, as the collection of transport devices arrives at the field ready for connection.

[0009] Furthermore, since the fluid transport module is located below the module containing the purification unit, or vice versa, the footprint of the equipment can be reduced.

[0010] This construction requires an extremely expensive frame, and the presence of a vibrating machine poses a risk that would make the use of the frame dangerous. Therefore, the present invention does not envision the use of a frame.

[0011] An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for producing impure oxygen by cryogenic distillation.

[0012] JP-A-2020-69471 and AU 2011101525 disclose the arrangement of valve modules below a purification unit that includes two adsorption beds to reduce floor space.

[0013] This invention aims to make the transportation and setup of air separation equipment faster and easier. The envisioned equipment is also particularly compact and robust.

[0014] Positioning the fourth module, which contains the purification unit, in an elevated position frees up space and allows one or more compressors to be closer to the cold section of the unit. This reduces the overall length of the piping, thereby reducing pressure drop.

[0015] According to one object of the present invention, an apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation is provided, the apparatus comprising a first module including a main air compressor, an optional second module including a booster air compressor, a third module, a fourth module including a purification unit, a fifth module including a heat exchanger, and a tower system including at least one distillation tower optionally included in the fifth module, the heat exchanger of the fifth module being connected to one of the towers in the tower system via at least two connections, so as to deliver the air to be separated to the heat exchanger and to the tower / one tower in the tower system, and such that at least one fluid separated in the tower system can be heated in the heat exchanger.

[0016] The third module is arranged on the ground and serves as a support for the fourth module. The third module is characterized by having a central portion corresponding to a length between two-thirds and one-fifth of its length, to which the first and / or second and / or fifth modules are connected and preferably positioned facing.

[0017] According to other aspects of the invention:

[0018] The third module contains elements that function as heat exchangers, for example, for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module.

[0019] The third module contains components that function as electrical cabinets.

[0020] The third module contains components that function as measurement / monitoring and control cabinets.

[0021] The third module contains components that function as analytical devices.

[0022] The third module contains elements that function as a heat exchanger for heating residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module that are destined for the purification unit in the fourth module.

[0023] The third module contains elements that function as a heat exchanger for cooling the air downstream of the compression stage of the air compressor.

[0024] The third module includes an element that functions as an air-cooled heat exchanger, which is connected to a cooling water circuit and optionally to a cooling water pump.

[0025] The third module has a central portion that occupies between one-fifth and two-thirds of its length.

[0026] The third module (3) contains elements as heat exchangers, for example for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0027] The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as electrical cabinets, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0028] The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as a measurement / monitoring and control cabinet, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central part.

[0029] The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as analytical devices, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0030] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for heating residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module toward the purification unit of the fourth module, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0031] The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0032] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as an air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit and optionally connected to a cooling water pump, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0033] The third module (3) has a central portion (W) that occupies between one-fifth and two-thirds of its length, wherein at least one of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion.

[0034] The third module (3) includes elements as heat exchangers, for example for cooling air from the first module to the fourth module, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0035] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as an electrical cabinet, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0036] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as a measurement / monitoring and control cabinet, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0037] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as analytical devices, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but located outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but located outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0038] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for heating residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module to the purification unit of the fourth module, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0039] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0040] The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as an air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit and optionally connected to a cooling water pump, wherein at least a first element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0041] The third module (3) has a central portion (W) that is between one-fifth and two-thirds of its length, wherein at least a first element of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a first end of the third module, and at least a second element of the elements is arranged in the third module but outside the central portion at a second end of the third module.

[0042] The fourth module has a central section that occupies between one-fifth and two-thirds of its length, with two adsorbent receivers arranged on either side of the central section.

[0043] The third and / or fourth modules have standardized container dimensions.

[0044] For the third and / or fourth modules, the ratio between the module's length and its width is greater than three.

[0045] For the third and / or fourth modules, the ratio between the module's length and its height is greater than three.

[0046] The term "arranged on the ground" refers to a module that can be arranged on a flat concrete slab placed on the ground and / or raised by anchoring to the ground and / or anchoring to a concrete block placed directly on the ground or placed on a metal or concrete pad placed on a concrete slab itself placed on the ground. The module under consideration can be a first module, a second module, or a fifth module. The module under consideration is a third module.

[0047] The first module and / or the second module are preferably located less than 2 m above the ground.

[0048] The base of the third module is preferably located less than 2 m above the ground.

[0049] The fifth module is inherently higher than the other modules, but its base can be located on the ground. Preferably, the base of the fifth module is located less than 2 m above the ground.

[0050] Based on other optional aspects that can be combined with each other:

[0051] The first module and / or the second module are arranged to face the third module, which is arranged on the ground.

[0052] The base of the fifth module is arranged to face the third module, which is placed on the ground.

[0053] The third and fourth modules form a block, the length of which is the length of the third and / or fourth modules.

[0054] The third and fourth modules are in the form of right-angled cuboids.

[0055] The third and fourth modules have the same length and preferably the same width.

[0056] The third and / or fourth modules are arranged such that their main axes extend horizontally.

[0057] The fifth module is arranged so that its main axis extends vertically.

[0058] The fifth module includes a single distillation column or distillation column system arranged above the heat exchanger.

[0059] The third module is connected to the heat exchanger of the fifth module to receive at least one fluid heated in the heat exchanger.

[0060] The fourth module has a central portion that corresponds to between two-thirds and one-fifth of its length.

[0061] The third module has a central portion corresponding to between two-thirds and one-fifth of its length, to which the first and / or second and / or fifth modules are connected and preferably positioned facing.

[0062] The third module is connected to the fourth module so as to transfer fluid through their respective central portions and / or through the top of the third module and the bottom of the fourth module and / or through the bottom of the third module and the top of the fourth module.

[0063] The fourth module contains at least two purification receivers for purifying the air, each located on either side of a straight line that divides the length of the fourth module into two parts.

[0064] The first module, the optional second module, and the fifth module are located on either side of the block formed by the third module and the fourth module.

[0065] The main axis of the first, second, or sixth module is perpendicular to the common main axis of the third and fourth modules.

[0066] At least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth modules includes an optional, at least partially closed frame.

[0067] The third and fourth modules each consist of at least a partially closed framework.

[0068] The fourth module includes an optional, at least partially enclosed frame that contains all the adsorbent receivers of the device.

[0069] The device includes at least two adsorbent receivers, one receiver being disposed at one end of the fourth module and the other receiver being disposed at the other end of the fourth module.

[0070] The two receivers arranged in the fourth module are located outside the central part of the fourth module.

[0071] At least most of the valves of the purification unit are located in the central part of the fourth module.

[0072] At least most of the valves of the purification unit are arranged between the two receivers of the fourth module.

[0073] The central part of the fourth module is located above the central part of the third module.

[0074] The third module serves as a support for the fourth module.

[0075] For the third and / or fourth modules, the ratio between the module's length and its width is greater than three.

[0076] For the third and / or fourth modules, the ratio between the module's length and its height is greater than three.

[0077] The fourth module includes a top, a bottom, and four side walls, with the connector to the third module passing through the top or bottom.

[0078] The third module includes a top, a bottom, and four side walls, with the connector to the first module passing through the side walls.

[0079] The third module includes a top, a bottom, and four side walls, with at least two connectors to the fifth module passing through the side walls.

[0080] At least two connectors from the third to the fifth module pass through the sidewall of the sidewall through which the connector facing the second module passes.

[0081] The first module and / or the second module and / or the fifth module are arranged on the ground.

[0082] The third module can be a parallelepiped pipe module for integration into a device for separating air by cryogenic distillation, for connecting an air compressor, a purification unit, and a heat exchanger. The third module includes: a first compressed air connector in a first wall on the main compressor side, the first compressed air connector being connectable to a fluid pipe leading to the main compressor; two auxiliary connectors in a second wall perpendicular to the first wall on the purification unit side, the two auxiliary connectors including a first auxiliary connector connectable to a fluid pipe leading to the purification unit and a second auxiliary connector connectable to a pipe for purifying fluid in the purification unit; and at least one additional connector in a third wall perpendicular to the second wall and facing the first wall on the heat exchanger side, the additional connector being connectable to the heat exchanger. The first connector is connected to the first auxiliary connector via a device arranged in the module, and the second auxiliary connector is connected to the additional connector via a device arranged in the module. The first wall, second wall, and third wall each have a side that is the length of the module. The third module is characterized by comprising:

[0083] i) Monitoring and / or controlling and / or measuring and / or analyzing components and / or

[0084] ii) Heat exchanger.

[0085] According to other optional aspects:

[0086] The third module includes at least two connectors on the heat exchanger side, including one connector capable of connecting to a pipe for purified fluid going to the heat exchanger and at least one connector capable of connecting to a pipe for fluid heated in the heat exchanger.

[0087] The heat exchanger includes n heat exchange units and the third module includes at least 2n couplings on the heat exchanger side.

[0088] The purification unit includes n adsorbent receivers and at least 2n auxiliary connectors that pass through the side wall of the purification unit. These auxiliary connectors include at least n first auxiliary connectors that can be connected to a pipe for the fluid to be purified in the purification unit and at least n second auxiliary connectors that can be connected to a pipe for the fluid to be purified in the purification unit.

[0089] The first wall faces the third wall, and the second wall is perpendicular to both the first and third walls.

[0090] The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall each have two edges formed by the length of the third module.

[0091] The device may include a single distillation column and a purification unit capable of purifying air at low pressure (near atmospheric pressure) or at least equal to 4 bar absolute pressure. The device may optionally include a nitrogen cycle or an air cycle to provide the energy required for distillation.

[0092] For ease of transportation, the outer shell used is preferably a container, and more preferably a standardized container.

[0093] The device includes multiple modules: the first module contains a main air compressor for compressing all the air used for distillation; the optional second module contains a booster air compressor; the third module contains a device that allows other modules to be connected to each other; the fourth module contains an air purification unit for purifying the air used for distillation into water and into carbon dioxide and secondary impurities in the air; and the fifth module contains a heat exchanger and an optional distillation column.

[0094] The optional sixth module includes a refrigeration unit for cooling compressed air upstream of the purification unit, either directly or via a chilled water circuit.

[0095] Preferably, the first module and / or the second module and / or the fifth module are arranged on the ground.

[0096] The third module can be a simple frame that is not covered with metal sheets.

[0097] This third module may contain:

[0098] Piping for discharging residual gas from the tower, and / or

[0099] Essentially all connecting pipes between the first module and / or the fourth module and / or the fifth module, and / or

[0100] All or part of the device monitors and / or controls and / or measures and / or analyzes the components, and / or

[0101] A heater for the regenerated gas in the purification unit of the fourth module, and / or

[0102] Heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor, and / or

[0103] An air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit.

[0104] This third module preferably does not include:

[0105] Any compressor, and / or

[0106] Any adsorbent receiver, and / or

[0107] Any distillation column, and / or

[0108] Any heat exchanger that operates at low temperatures and is connected to an air compressor or booster air compressor.

[0109] Please refer to the attached diagram. Figure 1 ]、[ Figure 2 ]and[ Figure 3 The invention will be described in more detail below, with the accompanying drawings illustrating a device according to the invention.

[0110] [ Figure 1 The illustration shows a side view of the device according to the present invention.

[0111] [ Figure 2 The illustration shows a top view of the same device.

[0112] [ Figure 3 The illustration shows cross-sections of two modules of the device along their main axes.

[0113] like[ Figure 1As can be seen in the image, the device comprises six modules, which, except for the fourth module 4, are preferably arranged on the ground S. The first module 1 contains a main air compressor for compressing all the air used for distillation. The second module 2 is optional and contains a booster air compressor. The fourth module 4 contains an air purification unit for purifying the air used for distillation into water and into carbon dioxide and secondary impurities in the air, specifically two adsorbent receivers separated at the ends of the module by pipes and regulating valves. The third module 3 contains at least a means for connecting the other modules to each other. The fifth module contains a heat exchanger and a distillation column, the heat exchanger at least at its cold end being designed to operate at temperatures below -50°C, or even at cryogenic temperatures. The sixth module 6 (optional) contains a refrigeration unit for cooling the compressed air upstream of the purification unit, either directly or via a chilled water circuit.

[0114] The third module 3 and the fourth module 4 are arranged vertically on top of each other, with the fourth module located above the third module, so that the third module supports the fourth module and is placed on the ground S.

[0115] The third and fourth modules preferably have the same length and width, such that the two modules 3 and 4 form a block with the same length and width as each module 3 and 4. Modules 3 and 4 are not necessarily the same in height.

[0116] Each of the third and fourth modules comprises an outer shell in the form of a right-angled rectangular prism or even a right-angled square prism. At least one of the third and fourth modules can be a standardized container. Alternatively, the frame of the third and / or fourth module can have the dimensions of a standardized container, and, for example, according to ISO 668, a standardized handling system can be provided at the corner (e.g., a standardized corner). Alternatively, the frame of the third and / or fourth module can have dimensions that allow the frame to be assembled into a standardized container.

[0117] Preferably, for the third module and / or the fourth module, the ratio between the length of the module and its width is greater than three and the ratio between the length of the module and its height is greater than three.

[0118] Modules 3 and 4 are arranged such that their lengths extend horizontally and they are in the form of right-angled cuboids.

[0119] The fourth module 4 includes one or more housings containing the purification unit and preferably does not include a compressor.

[0120] The fourth module 4 is connected to the first module 1 via the third module. The device for transporting air from the compressor of the first module to the purification unit passes through the third module 3 and then reaches the purification unit.

[0121] The fourth module 4 is also connected to the heat exchanger of the fifth module 5. The device for transporting the purified air in the purification unit of the fourth module passes through the third module 3 and then reaches the heat exchanger of the fifth module.

[0122] Module 5 comprises an outer shell in the form of a right-angled rectangular prism or even a right-angled square prism. The outer shell is preferably a standardized shipping container or the same size as a standardized shipping container, and includes standardized handling systems at the corners. Alternatively, Module 5 comprises a cylindrical outer shell.

[0123] The fifth module 5 is arranged to extend vertically along its length. This fifth module includes a distillation column, preferably positioned above a heat exchanger. The hot end of the heat exchanger is preferably located at a lower position. The distillation column produces at least one air-rich fluid, which is heated in the heat exchanger and then sent to the third module 3 for release into the atmosphere or from there to a customer.

[0124] The base of the fifth module faces the third module to facilitate this transmission.

[0125] The fifth module 5 may include an air expansion turbine for supplying the cold energy to the method, but other devices for cold preservation, such as a liquid nitrogen supply device, are also conceivable. The fifth module may also include at least one heat exchanger for subcooling the air heading to the column or the liquid from the distillation system. The fifth module will be insulated to allow its contained components to operate at temperatures below ambient temperature or even cryogenic temperatures, preferably by vacuum insulation.

[0126] The compressed air in the first module can optionally be sent to the refrigeration unit in the sixth module 6, with the air being transferred from the first module to the sixth module via the third module 3.

[0127] Therefore, it is recommended that the first module 1 be arranged to face the sixth module 6 in order to make the device more compact.

[0128] Alternatively, chilled water can be sent from the refrigeration unit in the sixth module 6 to the third module 3 to cool air in the exchanger.

[0129] Then, the air, which is directly or indirectly cooled by the refrigeration unit, passes through the third module and is sent to the fourth module.

[0130] The device may optionally include a booster compressor in the second module 2.

[0131] The air compressed in the first module and purified in the fourth module can be sent to the booster compressor in the second module 2. The purified air is then transferred from the fourth module to the second module through the third module 3.

[0132] Then, the compressed air in the second module passes through the third module 3 and is sent to the fifth module 5 for cooling.

[0133] It should be easy to understand that there can be multiple second modules containing booster compressors, or a second module can contain multiple booster compressors.

[0134] Since all fluids passing through the third module are at least at ambient temperature, it is not necessary to insulate the module by filling it with loose insulating material. However, it is desirable to insulate certain components of the third module by covering them with insulating material. For example, the air cooled by the refrigeration unit of module 6 must circulate in pipes covered with insulating material to limit heat gain. Similarly, the heaters of the third module are insulated to protect personnel and limit heat loss.

[0135] Module 3 does not contain a distillation column and preferably does not contain any compressor. This third module may include:

[0136] For example, a heat exchanger for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module, and / or

[0137] Electrical cabinet, and / or

[0138] Measurement / monitoring and control cabinet, and / or

[0139] Analytical equipment, and / or

[0140] Heat exchangers used to heat residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module, destined for the purification unit in the fourth module, and / or

[0141] Heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor, and / or

[0142] An air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit.

[0143] The third module preferably does not contain any components that operate at low temperatures or even below 0°C.

[0144] The residual gas produced by distillation must be sent to a purification unit for regeneration. This stream will be heated, preferably in a heat exchanger in a third module, and then sent to a fourth module where it can be reheated by a dedicated heat exchanger.

[0145] The walls of the third module 3 and / or the fourth module 4 may be covered with metal sheets, or may otherwise be virtual walls.

[0146] The connectors between the third module 3 and the fourth module 4 pass through the top or top, or base or bottom, of the third module (in this case, the top or top, because the third module is below the fourth module). Therefore, these connectors are formed within a common block created by the two modules.

[0147] The connectors to the first module and the fifth module will be formed in the side wall of the third module.

[0148] The fourth module 4 is a frame, which may be enclosed by a metal sheet. This frame contains at least one or even at least two purification receivers (e.g., cylinders). One receiver is preferably located at one end of the fourth module, and the other receiver is located at the other end of the fourth module. Pipes connecting the receivers to each other, connecting the receivers to the air inlet and the purified air outlet, and connecting to the regeneration gas are located between the two receivers.

[0149] Module 4 does not contain a distillation column and preferably does not contain any compressor.

[0150] The third and fourth modules each include a top or top plate, a bottom or base, and four side walls. For the fourth module, the connector to the third module passes through the top or top plate of the third module and the base or bottom plate of the fourth module. If the frame is not clad in sheet metal, the walls, top plate, and base are indicated by the sides of the frame.

[0151] For the third module, which includes a top plate, a base, and four side walls, at least two connectors to the fifth module pass through the side walls.

[0152] At least two connectors from the third module to the fifth module 5 pass through the sidewall of the connector facing the second module 2.

[0153] The first module 1 is arranged next to the stacked third module 3 and fourth module 4. The second module 2 can also be arranged on the same side of the stacked modules 3 and 4 as the first module 1.

[0154] The fifth module 5 is preferably located on the opposite side of the stacked third module 3 and fourth module 4, which is different from the first module 1 and the optional second module 2.

[0155] The sixth module 6 (if present) is preferably arranged on the same side as the fifth module 5.

[0156] The apparatus may include at least one distillation column outside of module 5, and module 5 may not contain a distillation column.

[0157] The main axis of Module 1, Module 2, or Module 6 is perpendicular to the common main axis of Module 3 and Module 4.

[0158] At least one of the first module 1, the second module 2, the third module 3, the fourth module 4, and the fifth module 5 includes an optional, at least partially closed frame.

[0159] The third and fourth modules can be placed or fixed on the third module to form an element for transport, and the element has the dimensions of a standardized container or can be assembled inside a standardized container.

[0160] Each of these modules can be mounted on a slide rail for easy transport. Therefore, the height of the module should not exceed 3 m, or even 2 m.

[0161] The third module 3 is a piping module for a device that separates air by low-temperature distillation, allowing connection to air compressors 1 and 2, purification unit 4, and heat exchanger 5.

[0162] The compressor 1, the purification unit 4, and the heat exchanger 5 are connected to each other, and the heat exchanger is connected to a tower system for separating air.

[0163] The third module includes: a first compressed air connection in a first wall on the main compressor side, the first compressed air connection being capable of connecting to a fluid pipe leading to the main compressor; two auxiliary connections in a second wall on the purification unit side, the two auxiliary connections including a first auxiliary connection capable of connecting to a fluid pipe leading to the purification unit and a second auxiliary connection capable of connecting to a pipe for purifying fluid in the purification unit; and at least one additional connection in a third wall on the heat exchanger side, the at least one additional connection being capable of connecting to the heat exchanger 5. The first connection is connected to the first auxiliary connection via a device arranged in the module, and the second auxiliary connection is connected to the additional connection via a device arranged in the module. The compressor, heat exchanger, and purification unit are thus grouped around module 3. One of these three components can be arranged on the third module 3, and the other two can be placed on the ground like the third module.

[0164] The third module 3 includes at least two connectors on the heat exchanger side, the at least two connectors including one connector capable of connecting to a pipe for purifying fluid going to the heat exchanger and at least one connector capable of connecting to a pipe for heating fluid in the heat exchanger.

[0165] Preferably, the first wall faces the third wall, and the second wall is perpendicular to both the first and third walls. The second wall may form the top plate of module 3 or an end of module 3.

[0166] If the exchanger includes n exchange bodies, then the module includes at least 2n couplings on the heat exchanger side.

[0167] If the purification unit includes n adsorbent receivers and at least 2n auxiliary connectors in a second wall on the side of the purification unit, these auxiliary connectors include at least n first auxiliary connectors that can be connected to a fluid pipe leading to the purification unit and at least n second auxiliary connectors that can be connected to a pipe for purifying fluid in the purification unit.

[0168] The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall each have two edges formed by the length of module 3.

[0169] In this example, the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth modules are arranged on the ground. As mentioned above, for stability and ease of civil engineering, at least one of these modules can be arranged on an intermediate device placed on the ground.

[0170] The first module and the optional second module cannot be positioned above the highest module in the third and fourth modules, because one objective of the invention is to reduce the length of the connectors and / or reduce the overall footprint of the device.

[0171] The present invention aims to reduce the distance between the first module and the block formed by the third and fourth modules and / or the distance between the fifth module and the block formed by the third and fourth modules.

[0172] In this example, the fourth module is placed on the ground and acts as a support for the third module, but in a variant, the third module is placed on the ground and acts as a support for the fourth module.

[0173] Since each of the first and fifth modules must be connected to the third module, the decision of whether to position the fourth module on the ground or on top of the third module, which is itself on the ground, depends on the size of the first (or fifth) module. For example, if the first module is relatively low, it will connect to the fourth module placed on the ground, and if the first module is relatively high, it will connect to the fourth module placed on top of the third module, which is itself on the ground.

[0174] [ Figure 3The diagram illustrates the arrangement of components in the third and fourth modules. The fourth module 4, placed on top of the third module, includes two adsorbent receivers C, positioned on either side of the central portion T occupied by the pipes and regulating valves of the purification unit. At least some, preferably at least most, of the valves of the purification unit are arranged within the central portion of the fourth module. At least most of the valves of the purification unit are arranged between the two receivers of the fourth module. The central portion T of the fourth module 4 is located above the central portion W of the third module to facilitate connection between the compressor and the heat exchanger of the cold box and to reduce pressure drop.

[0175] This conduit and these valves are connected to receiver C, and pass through the base of the fourth module and the top plate of the third module, reaching the first and fifth modules. The connecting conduit is located in the central portion W of the third module 3. At least one element X is located at one end of the third module, and this at least one element can be...

[0176] For example, a heat exchanger for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module, and / or

[0177] Electrical cabinet, and / or

[0178] Measurement / monitoring and control cabinet, and / or

[0179] Analytical equipment, and / or

[0180] Heat exchangers used to heat residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module, destined for the purification unit in the fourth module, and / or

[0181] Heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor, and / or

[0182] An air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit.

[0183] At least one element Y is at the other end of the third module.

[0184] For example, a heat exchanger for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module, and / or

[0185] Electrical cabinet, and / or

[0186] Measurement / monitoring and control cabinet, and / or

[0187] Analytical equipment, and / or

[0188] Heat exchangers used to heat residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module, destined for the purification unit in the fourth module, and / or

[0189] Heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor, and / or

[0190] An air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit, and / or

[0191] The cooling water pump in the cooling water circuit.

[0192] Although a specific component can be copied, the component X at one end will be different from the component Y at the other end.

[0193] For example, an air-cooled heat exchanger connected to the cooling water circuit can be arranged at one end (possibly having at least one water pump), and components other than the air-cooled heat exchanger connected to the cooling water circuit can be arranged at the other end, such as a heat exchanger for heating residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module to the purification unit of the fourth module.

[0194] Therefore, the proposed module allows for the arrangement of numerous components connected to the purification unit while reducing the floor space required. This facilitates user access, as easily accessible components are located on the ground.

[0195] For the third module 3 and / or the fourth module 4, the ratio between the length of the module and its width is greater than three, and / or the ratio between the length of the module and its height is greater than three.

Claims

1. An apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation, the apparatus comprising a first module (1) including a main air compressor, a third module (3), a fourth module (4) including a purification unit, a fifth module (5) including a heat exchanger, and a tower system including at least one distillation tower contained in or outside the fifth module, the heat exchanger of the fifth module being connected to one of the towers in the tower system via at least two connections to deliver air to be separated to the heat exchanger and to one of the towers / towers in the tower system, and to allow at least one fluid separated in the tower system to be heated in the heat exchanger. The third module is placed on the ground and acts as a support for the fourth module. The third module (3) has a central portion (W) corresponding to a length between two-thirds and one-fifth of its length. The first and fifth modules (1, 5) are connected to this central portion (W). Two adsorbent receivers (C) are arranged on both sides of the central portion (T), at least most of the valves of the purification unit are arranged in the central portion (T) of the fourth module, at least most of the valves of the purification unit are arranged between the two adsorbent receivers of the fourth module, and the central portion (T) of the fourth module is located above the central portion (W) of the third module.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second module (2) including a booster air compressor.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first or the second and the fifth module (1, 2, 5) are connected to the central portion (W) and positioned facing the central portion (W), and The device includes at least two adsorbent receivers (C).

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) that function as heat exchangers.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module.

6. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) that function as heat exchangers.

7. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for cooling air from the first module destined for the fourth module.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) contains components (X, Y) that function as an electrical cabinet.

9. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) contains components (X, Y) that function as an electrical cabinet.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) that serve as a measurement / monitoring and control cabinet.

11. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) that serve as a measurement / monitoring and control cabinet.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) that serve as analytical devices.

13. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) that serve as analytical devices.

14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for heating residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module toward the purification unit of the fourth module.

15. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) includes elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for heating residual gases from the tower and / or from the fifth module toward the purification unit of the fourth module.

16. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor.

17. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as heat exchangers for cooling air downstream of the compression stage of an air compressor.

18. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as an air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit.

19. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The third module (3) contains elements (X, Y) as an air-cooled heat exchanger connected to a cooling water circuit.

20. The device as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 19, wherein, At least one of the elements (X, Y) is arranged in the third module but outside the central part (W).

21. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, At least a first element (X) of the elements (X, Y) is arranged in the third module (3) but located outside the central portion (W) at the first end of the third module, and at least a second element (Y) of the elements (X, Y) is arranged in the third module but located outside the central portion (W) at the second end of the third module.

22. The device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, 21, wherein, The third and / or fourth module (3, 4) has the dimensions of a standardized container.

23. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, The third and / or fourth module (3, 4) has the dimensions of a standardized container.

24. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, 21, and 23, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its width is greater than three.

25. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its width is greater than three.

26. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its width is greater than three.

27. The device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, 21, 23, 25, and 26, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its height is greater than three.

28. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its height is greater than three.

29. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its height is greater than three.

30. The device as claimed in claim 24, wherein, For the third and / or the fourth module (3, 4), the ratio between the length of the module and its height is greater than three.

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