System for purifying argon by cryogenic distilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air separation devices by cryogenic distillation face challenges in reducing minimum load without significant efficiency loss, particularly in argon purification which requires precise liquid distribution across multiple sections, and existing distributors fail to maintain optimal distribution at reduced loads due to manufacturing imperfections and varying hole heights.
Innovation Solution
Implementing high-quality distributors at the top of the column for optimal liquid distribution and using more rudimentary mixing distributors in lower sections to compensate for distribution defects, allowing for a reduction in overall column costs while maintaining efficiency, and utilizing a system with multiple compressors to manage varying pressures and flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-performance distributors are installed throughout the entire column to maintain optimal liquid distribution at reduced loads, then liquid distribution quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating distributor performance based on column position. High-performance distributors with precise hole patterns are installed only in the upper sections (first through fourth sections) where optimal liquid distribution is critical for argon purification. Lower sections use simpler mixing distributors that provide adequate distribution without the complexity and cost of high-performance designs throughout the entire column.
Solution Approach 2:
The column is segmented into different zones with different distributor types. The upper section (first through fourth sections) uses high-performance distributors, while the lower section (fifth section and below) uses mixing distributors. This segmentation allows each zone to have the appropriate level of distribution quality needed for its specific function in the distillation process.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the column is operated at reduced load (below 60-70% of nominal load), then energy consumption is reduced, but liquid distribution quality deteriorates due to manufacturing imperfections and varying hole heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of manufacturing imperfections and varying hole heights into a benefit by using mixing distributors in the lower sections. These distributors intentionally create mixing that compensates for distribution defects, transforming what would be harmful variations into a useful mixing action that maintains overall purification efficiency even at reduced loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter range by enabling stable operation at reduced loads (below the conventional 60-70% minimum). The distributor configuration allows the system to maintain adequate liquid distribution quality across a broader load range, permitting operation at lower energy consumption levels without sacrificing purification performance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If more mixing distributors are installed in the lower sections to compensate for distribution defects, then liquid mixing improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by installing mixing distributors only in the lower sections (fifth section and below) where compensation for distribution defects is needed, rather than throughout the entire column. This partial deployment provides sufficient mixing to maintain composition uniformity in the regions where it matters most, without the excessive complexity and cost of universal mixing distributor installation.
4Volume of moving object
If the height of distributors is increased to contain liquid height at full load, then liquid containment capacity improves, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using taller distributors only in the upper sections where liquid containment capacity is critical, and simpler, shorter distributors in the lower sections where less containment is needed. This localized approach to distributor height reduces overall material usage and complexity while maintaining adequate liquid containment where required.
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 approach effectively compensates for distribution defects by mixing liquids with different reflux ratios, reducing the total cost of the column and maintaining high efficiency even at reduced loads, enabling the system to operate effectively with reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the effect of significant distribution defects can be almost completely compensated by mixing, even partially, the liquids coming from two zones of the column with different reflux ratios, and therefore different compositions
Implementation Method 2
System for purifying argon by cryogenic distillation
Data Source
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AI summary
Argon purification system by cryogenic distillation comprising a single column (K) surmounted by a top condenser (C), a fluid inlet (1) in the lower part of the column, a fluid outlet (3) in the upper part of the column and N distillation sections where N≥4, of which at least the two highest sections of the column (T1, T2) are equipped respectively with a first liquid distributor (D1), and a second liquid distributor (D2), the second distributor being capable of ensuring a mixing function between liquids falling on the distributor, each of the first and second distributors being disposed above the respective section and of which at least two lowest sections of the column (TN-1, TN), are equipped respectively with an (N-1)th and an Nth liquid distributor (DN-1, DN), capable of ensuring a mixing function between liquids falling on the distributor,positioned above the respective section, the first, second, (N-1)th and Nth distributors are each sized to contain a maximum height of liquid, that of the first and second distributors being greater than that of the (N-1)th and Nth distributors,