Device for the cryogenic separation of air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air separation devices lack an optimal spatial arrangement of plant parts, particularly the mixing column, which affects the efficiency of liquid transport and the need for pumps, especially under low pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
The mixing column is laterally fastened to a double column via connecting elements, allowing for flexible geometric positioning and potentially eliminating the need for pumps by optimizing liquid transport, with the option to support the mixing column exclusively on the double column and arranging the main heat exchanger in a separate cold box to manage transport dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mixing column is arranged on the floor or on a frame standing on the floor, then the structural support is simple and stable, but the geodetic height of the mixing column cannot be freely selected, which limits the optimization of liquid transport and may require additional pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing column is merged with the double column structure through lateral fastening via connecting elements. The mixing column is supported on the double column, combining the support function into the existing column structure rather than requiring a separate floor-mounted frame, thereby enabling flexible height selection while maintaining structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing column is fastened laterally to the double column instead of being positioned vertically above or below it. This lateral arrangement in a different spatial dimension allows free selection of geodetic height while utilizing the vertical structure of the double column for support, optimizing liquid transport without increasing overall structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mixing column is laterally fastened to the double column via connecting elements, then the geodetic height can be freely selected to optimize liquid transport, but the connecting structure must be strong enough to absorb transport forces and may require additional reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements are designed and positioned in advance during the factory prefabrication of the common cold box. The lateral fastening structure is pre-engineered to absorb horizontal transport forces, allowing the mixing column to be securely attached to the double column at the optimal geodetic height before transportation and installation at the construction site
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting elements serve as intermediaries between the mixing column and the double column. These elements (profiles, tubes, or combinations) transfer and distribute the forces from horizontal transport, allowing the mixing column to be laterally fastened to the double column while maintaining structural integrity and enabling flexible height selection
3Volume of stationary object
If the main heat exchanger is arranged in a separate cold box, then the transport dimensions of the common cold box are optimized, but the total number of cold boxes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold box system is segmented into a common cold box containing the distillation columns and a separate cold box containing the main heat exchanger. This segmentation allows the common cold box to be optimized for transport dimensions by excluding the heat exchanger, while the heat exchanger is housed in its own compact insulated enclosure, reducing the overall transport volume of each unit
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
This arrangement enhances the flexibility in positioning the mixing column, reduces the requirement for pumps, and optimizes the footprint and transport of the cold box, while maintaining efficient operation and minimizing steam flash during pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing column is laterally fastened to a double column via connecting elements
Implementation Method 2
This allows the transport of liquids in the system to be optimized. In many cases it is possible to install pumps with a smaller capacity or even to do without one or more pumps
Implementation Method 3
A cold box is used for the thermal insulation of plant parts
Implementation Method 4
They are preferably made of the same material as the column walls of the mixing column and double column or of a similar material and are connected to these column walls by welding, for example
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device serves for the cryogenic separation of air. It comprises a main heat exchanger (6) and a distillation column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation (5) with a double column (5), which contains a high-pressure column and a low-pressure column. The device also includes a mixing column (1) and means for introducing charge air via the main heat exchanger (6) into the high-pressure column and into the mixing column. A liquid oxygen line serves for introducing liquid oxygen from the low-pressure column into the upper region of the mixing column (1), an oxygen product line serves for extracting oxygen gas from the upper region of the mixing column (1) through the main heat exchanger (6). The mixing column (1) and the double column (5) are arranged in a common cold box (3). The mixing column (1) is attached to the double column (5) by way of connecting elements (10, 11).