Column for separating air by cryogenic distillation, air separation device comprising such a column and method for producing such a column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air separation units often require modifications to accommodate changes in customer needs, such as adding argon production, which increases investment costs and lacks standardization, making it difficult to manufacture columns suitable for both argon production and non-production scenarios efficiently.
Innovation Solution
Designing a low-pressure column with a first intermediate distillation section that can be adapted by varying the packing density and geometry, allowing for standardized production with or without argon, and incorporating openings for fluid connections that can be modified based on production needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the column is designed with a first intermediate distillation section for argon production, then argon production capability is improved, but device complexity and investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column is divided into distinct sections: a first intermediate distillation section with reduced diameter for argon production, and other sections with normal diameter. This segmentation allows the argon production functionality to be isolated in a specific zone, enabling the rest of the column to maintain its standard simple structure while still providing argon production capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The first intermediate distillation section with reduced diameter is nested within the overall column structure. This inner section with smaller diameter is positioned between the feed inlet and the top of the column, creating a nested configuration that allows argon production functionality to be integrated without increasing the overall column diameter or fundamental structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the column design is customized for specific customer needs, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing time and delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The column is manufactured in advance with the first intermediate distillation section already integrated into the design. By pre-configuring the column with this adaptable section before knowing the specific customer requirements, the manufacturer can produce standardized columns that can later be configured for different applications (with or without argon production) without requiring custom manufacturing or design modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The column design incorporates a first intermediate distillation section that can serve multiple functions: it can be used for argon production when needed, or left inactive for standard air separation applications. This universal design allows a single column model to satisfy both argon production customers and standard air separation customers, eliminating the need for separate customized designs.
3Device complexity
If the first intermediate distillation section has reduced diameter, then device complexity is reduced, but gas flow capacity may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reduced diameter of the first intermediate distillation section is applied locally only where needed for argon production, rather than throughout the entire column. The feed inlet is positioned to introduce gas into this reduced-diameter section, and the section is designed with appropriate packing and flow distribution to handle the specific gas flow requirements for argon separation, while the rest of the column maintains sufficient diameter for overall gas flow capacity.
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 the creation of a standardized air separation column that can be manufactured before determining argon production requirements, reducing delivery time and investment costs while maintaining flexibility in column architecture and fluid supply lines.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser-vaporizer puts the overhead vapor of the medium-pressure column, consisting of nearly pure nitrogen, in a heat exchange relationship with the bottom liquid of the low-pressure column, consisting of nearly pure oxygen.
Implementation Method 2
Column for separating air by cryogenic distillation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a column (2) for separating air by means of cryogenic distillation, said column comprising a shell and at least four distillation segments (24, 25, 26, 27, 28), including at least a first intermediate distillation segment (25) of the low-pressure column, which is surrounded by an auxiliary shell around which a space is defined that is divided into a lower section and an upper section along the radius of the column, the intermediate segment(s) being located in an intermediate part of the low-pressure column, the capacity of the first intermediate segment being greater than that of at least one adjacent segment (24, 26), and an opening being disposed in the shell between two adjacent segments, which opening can be sealed if the column is to form part of an argon production device.