Argon Distillation Column Buffer Tanks for Fast Load Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air separation units face challenges in maintaining consistent L/V ratios during argon column change-overs, limiting the rate of change-over and affecting argon production yields.
Innovation Solution
Implementing intermediate storage vessels to manage liquid excess during load reductions and utilize stored liquid during load increases, allowing for faster modification of argon production rates up to 5%/min by adjusting liquid flow between storage tanks and the argon separation column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the load of the argon separation column is rapidly changed (increased or decreased), then the productivity and responsiveness of argon production is improved, but the L/V ratios become unvarying and yields deviate from nominal values
Solution Approach 1:
The invention stores liquid in advance in intermediate vessels during periods of stable operation or load reduction. When load increase is required, this pre-stored liquid is immediately available to maintain proper L/V ratios, allowing rapid productivity increase without compromising yield consistency. The storage action is performed preliminarily so that the system is prepared for future rapid changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate vessels act as a buffer or intermediary between the air separation units and the argon separation column. They decouple the two systems, allowing the argon column to maintain stable operating conditions (constant L/V ratios) while the upstream units can change load rapidly. This intermediary storage capability mediates between conflicting requirements of rapid response and operational stability.
2Speed
If the change-over rate of the argon column is increased beyond 0.5%/min, then the responsiveness to production changes is improved, but the L/V ratios cannot be maintained unvarying during change-overs
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid is stored in advance in intermediate vessels during stable operation or load reduction phases. When rapid load increase is needed, this pre-positioned liquid immediately restores proper L/V ratios, enabling change-over rates up to 5%/min while maintaining ratio stability. The preliminary storage action prepares the system for high-speed transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate vessels serve as a buffering intermediary that absorbs liquid during stable periods and releases it during rapid change-overs. This mediation allows the argon column to experience minimal disturbance during load changes, maintaining L/V ratio consistency even at high change-over rates that would otherwise cause significant ratio variations.
3Reliability
If intermediate vessels are installed to store excess liquid during load reduction, then the ability to maintain L/V ratios during load increase is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage function is segmented into separate intermediate vessels positioned at specific intermediate levels within the argon separation column. This segmentation allows targeted storage at critical locations where liquid buffering is most effective for maintaining L/V ratios, rather than requiring a single large external storage system. The segmented approach reduces overall system complexity while achieving the reliability goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate vessels are nested within the existing argon separation column structure at intermediate levels, utilizing the column's internal space. This nesting approach avoids adding external complexity to the system while still providing the necessary liquid storage capability. The vessels are integrated into the existing thermal and structural environment of the column.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid adjustment of argon production rates matching those of oxygen and nitrogen, maintaining yields and allowing for efficient operation by maintaining consistent reflux and liquid levels within the argon separation column.
Implementation Method 1
process for the production of argon by cryogenic distillation of air in a system of columns
Implementation Method 2
liquid is withdrawn from the column at a first intermediate level of the column and stored in a first storage tank
Implementation Method 3
liquid is sent from the first storage tank to the column at a second intermediate level of the column separated from the first intermediate level by at least one layer of elements making possible the exchange of mass and of heat
Data Source
AI summary
Plant for the production of argon by cryogenic distillation, comprising an argon separation column, means for sending a gas containing argon and oxygen to the argon separation column, means for extracting a fluid enriched in argon at the top of the argon separation column, means for extracting a liquid enriched in oxygen at the bottom of the argon separation column and at least two storage tanks, positioned one above the other, each storage tank being connected to two different intermediate levels of the argon separation column by two pipes, the two storage tanks being contiguous.