Argon system fraction gas adjusting pipeline

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of industrial gas separation equipment, and relates to an argon system fraction gas adjusting pipeline which comprises a crude argon tower, the top of the crude argon tower is connected with an upper tower through a circulating argon pipeline, a condenser is arranged in the top of the crude argon tower, and one side of the top of the crude argon tower is connected with a lower tower through a liquid air input pipeline. A liquid level adjusting valve is arranged on the liquid air input pipeline, a purified liquid output pipeline is led out of the bottom of the crude argon tower and connected with the main tower, one side of the main tower is connected to the crude argon tower through an argon-rich fraction gas input pipeline, a flow meter is arranged on the argon-rich fraction gas input pipeline, and a crude argon gas conveying pipeline is arranged on one side of the middle of the crude argon tower and connected to the pure argon tower. And a tower kettle liquid level meter is arranged at the tower kettle of the crude argon tower. The load of the argon system is adjusted in time, material balance and cooling capacity balance are guaranteed, the argon system can still operate stably when the load changes, the feed gas of the argon system is automatically adjusted according to the flow, and lagging and instability caused by manual liquid level adjustment are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of industrial gas separation equipment, specifically relating to an argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline. Background Technology

[0002] In the argon extraction system of an air separation unit, the crude argon column is the core equipment for achieving argon-oxygen separation. The crude argon condenser at the top provides a cooling source through liquid air evaporation, while the feed gas is introduced from the upper part of the main column into the middle of the crude argon column to participate in rectification. In the traditional argon system's distillate gas regulating pipeline, the control of the feed gas flow rate directly depends on the liquid level regulation of the crude argon condenser. By adjusting the opening of the liquid level regulating valve on the liquid air input pipeline, the cooling capacity supply to the condenser is changed, indirectly affecting the feed gas flow rate. This control method has significant drawbacks:

[0003] Currently, feed gas flow rates rely heavily on manual adjustments based on operator experience, which cannot adapt to real-time changes in air separation unit load. This delayed manual intervention leads to fluctuations in argon fraction purity, disrupting the stability of the distillation process and causing a decrease in argon extraction rate and cooling imbalance. While existing automation solutions can stabilize the crude argon condenser level using level control valves, a single level control loop cannot quickly respond to changes in the main column's operating conditions. When the air separation unit load changes abruptly, the feed gas flow rate becomes mismatched with the main column's distillation requirements, causing excessive nitrogen and oxygen content in the argon fraction, further disrupting the operating conditions of the refining argon column and even triggering a system protective shutdown.

[0004] There is an urgent need to develop an argon system distillate gas regulation scheme with multi-parameter coordinated control capabilities to achieve real-time dynamic matching between feed gas flow rate and main column load, in order to overcome the bottlenecks of slow response, low energy efficiency, and unstable extraction rate in existing technologies. Therefore, an argon system distillate gas regulation pipeline is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline with argon system distillate gas regulating function. This solves the problems of existing technologies where the feed gas flow rate relies on manual adjustment based on operator experience, which cannot adapt to changes in air separation unit load in real time. Manual delays in intervention lead to fluctuations in argon fraction purity, which disrupts the stability of distillation conditions. It also causes a decrease in argon extraction rate and cold load imbalance, and the existing single liquid level control loop cannot quickly respond to changes in the main tower operating conditions.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: This utility model provides an argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline, including a crude argon tower. The top of the crude argon tower is connected to an upper tower via a circulating argon gas pipeline. A condenser is installed inside the top of the crude argon tower. One side of the top of the crude argon tower is connected to a lower tower via a liquid air input pipeline. A liquid level regulating valve is installed on the liquid air input pipeline. A purified liquid output pipeline is led out from the bottom of the crude argon tower and connected to the main tower. One side of the main tower is connected to the crude argon tower via an argon-rich distillate gas input pipeline. A flow meter is installed on the argon-rich distillate gas input pipeline. A crude argon gas delivery pipeline is installed on one side of the middle of the crude argon tower and connected to a refined argon tower. A tower bottom level gauge is installed in the bottom of the crude argon tower.

[0007] Preferably, the level regulating valve is an automatic regulating valve, and the level regulating valve is interlocked with the flow meter and the bottom level gauge.

[0008] Preferably, a centrifugal pump is installed on the purified liquid output pipeline.

[0009] Preferably, the condenser is a falling film condenser or a shell-and-tube condenser.

[0010] Preferably, the system includes a controller that is electrically connected to the flow meter, the bottom level gauge, and the level regulating valve.

[0011] Preferably, a crude argon flow meter is installed on the crude argon gas delivery pipeline.

[0012] Preferably, the liquid air input pipeline is provided with a throttle valve downstream of the liquid level regulating valve.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. This utility model enables timely adjustment of the argon system load, ensuring material balance and cooling balance. The argon system can still maintain stable operation when the load changes, and the argon system raw gas is automatically adjusted according to the flow rate, avoiding the lag and instability caused by manual liquid level adjustment.

[0015] 2. This utility model has an argon system distillate gas regulation scheme with multi-parameter collaborative control capability, which realizes real-time dynamic matching of raw material gas flow rate and main tower load, so as to break through the bottlenecks of slow response, low energy efficiency and unstable extraction rate in the existing technology.

[0016] 3. This utility model has an argon system distillate gas regulation function, which solves the problems of existing technology where the feed gas flow rate relies on manual adjustment based on operator experience, cannot adapt to changes in air separation unit load in real time, and manual intervention leads to fluctuations in argon fraction purity, which disrupts the stability of distillation conditions. It also causes a decrease in argon extraction rate and cold load imbalance, as well as the inability of the existing single liquid level control loop to quickly respond to changes in the main tower conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to one embodiment;

[0019] In the diagram above, 1. Crude argon tower, 2. Circulating argon pipeline, 3. Upper tower, 4. Condenser, 5. Liquid air input pipeline, 6. Lower tower, 7. Liquid level regulating valve, 8. Purified liquid output pipeline, 9. Main tower, 10. Centrifugal pump, 11. Argon-rich distillate gas input pipeline, 12. Flow meter, 13. Crude argon gas delivery pipeline, 14. Refined argon tower, 15. Tower bottom liquid level gauge, 16. Controller, 17. Throttling valve, 18. Crude argon gas flow meter. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0021] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0022] Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, an argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline includes a crude argon column 1, which is a distillation device for argon-oxygen separation. Gas-liquid mass transfer separation occurs within the column, serving as the primary distillation unit for argon extraction and directly affecting the purity and extraction rate of the argon product. The top of the crude argon column 1 is connected to an upper column 3 via a circulating argon gas pipeline 2. The circulating argon gas pipeline 2 returns the uncondensed argon gas from the top of the crude argon column 1 to the upper column 3, maintaining pressure balance at the top of the crude argon column 1, forming a cold energy circulation, avoiding the accumulation of inert gases, and ensuring the heat exchange efficiency of the condenser 4. A condenser 4 is installed inside the top of the crude argon column 1. The condenser 4 utilizes the evaporation cooling capacity of the liquid air input from the lower column 6 to condense the rising gas from the crude argon column 1, forming a reflux liquid.

[0023] The top of the crude argon column 1 is connected to the lower column 6 via a liquid air input pipe 5. A level regulating valve 7 is installed on the liquid air input pipe 5, which supplies liquid air into the crude argon column 1. The flow rate is dynamically controlled by the level regulating valve 7. A purified liquid output pipe 8 leads out from the bottom of the crude argon column 1 and connects to the main column 9. The purified liquid output pipe 8 returns the oxygen-enriched liquid purified at the bottom of the crude argon column 1 to the main column 9 for main distillation. One side of the main column 9 is connected to the crude argon column 1 via an argon-rich distillate gas input pipe 11. The argon-rich distillate gas input pipe 11 supplies the argon-rich distillate gas from the main column 9 to the middle of the crude argon column 1. A flow meter 12 is installed on the argon-rich distillate gas input pipe 11, which monitors the feed gas flow rate in real time, achieving accurate measurement of the feed gas flow and supporting closed-loop control.

[0024] A crude argon gas delivery pipe 13 is installed on one side of the middle section of the crude argon column 1, connecting to the refined argon column 14. The crude argon gas delivery pipe 13 delivers the purified crude argon gas from the middle section of the crude argon column 1 to the refined argon column 14 for further purification. A column bottom level gauge 15 is installed in the bottom of the crude argon column 1. This gauge, along with the flow meter 12 and the level regulating valve 7, forms a three-variable interlock control system. This prevents the column from flooding due to excessively high liquid levels or interrupting reflux due to excessively low liquid levels, ensuring the continuity of distillation.

[0025] The specific design of the aforementioned key components will be discussed in detail below:

[0026] A centrifugal pump 10 is installed on the purified liquid output pipeline 8. The centrifugal pump 10 provides stable hydraulic pressure, overcomes pipeline resistance, ensures continuous liquid reflux, maintains material balance, and prevents flooding of the crude argon tower 1.

[0027] The condenser 4 is either a falling film condenser or a shell-and-tube condenser. The condenser 4 utilizes the evaporation cooling capacity of liquid air to condense the gaseous argon at the top of the crude argon tower 1, forming a reflux liquid. In a falling film condenser 4, the liquid flows down the tube wall in a film-like manner, resulting in high heat transfer efficiency and suitability for high-load conditions; a shell-and-tube condenser 4 has strong resistance to impurities and low maintenance costs.

[0028] The level regulating valve 7 is an automatic regulating valve, interlocked with the flow meter 12 and the bottom level gauge 15. A controller 16 is included, electrically connected to the flow meter 12, the bottom level gauge 15, and the level regulating valve 7. The controller 16 receives signals from the flow meter 12 and the level gauge, dynamically calculates the signals, and outputs commands to the level regulating valve 7 to achieve a dynamic balance between the raw material gas flow rate, cooling supply, and bottom level.

[0029] A crude argon flow meter 18 is installed on the crude argon gas delivery pipeline 13. The crude argon flow meter 18 monitors the crude argon production, provides feedback on the distillation efficiency, offers data support, and ensures stable feed to the argon purification tower 14.

[0030] The liquid air input pipe 5 is equipped with a throttle valve 17 downstream of the liquid level regulating valve 7. The throttle valve 17 reduces the pressure of the liquid air, ensuring that it is in a saturated state when it enters the condenser 4, avoiding two-phase flow caused by liquid air flash evaporation, and improving the heat exchange stability of the condenser 4.

[0031] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. In addition, the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline, comprising a crude argon column, characterized in that, The top of the crude argon tower is connected to the upper tower via a circulating argon gas pipeline. A condenser is installed inside the top of the crude argon tower. One side of the top of the crude argon tower is connected to the lower tower via a liquid air input pipeline, which is equipped with a liquid level regulating valve. A purified liquid output pipeline is led out from the bottom of the crude argon tower and connected to the main tower. One side of the main tower is connected to the crude argon tower via an argon-rich distillate gas input pipeline, which is equipped with a flow meter. A crude argon gas delivery pipeline is installed on one side of the middle of the crude argon tower and connected to the refined argon tower. A distillation level gauge is installed in the bottom of the crude argon tower.

2. The argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level regulating valve is an automatic regulating valve, and the liquid level regulating valve is interlocked with the flow meter and the tower bottom liquid level gauge.

3. The argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, A centrifugal pump is installed on the purified liquid output pipeline.

4. The argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, The condenser is a falling film condenser or a shell-and-tube condenser.

5. The argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a controller, which is electrically connected to a flow meter, a bottom level gauge, and a level regulating valve.

6. The argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, A crude argon flow meter is installed on the crude argon gas delivery pipeline.

7. The argon system distillate gas regulating pipeline according to claim 1, characterized in that, A throttle valve is installed downstream of the liquid air input pipeline.

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