Cryogenic CO/CH4 Separation Column Stacking to Reduce Apparatus Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic separation apparatuses for carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane mixtures are typically large and costly due to their height, which increases the complexity and expense of both the device and transportation, especially when producing methane under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a configuration that includes an auxiliary column positioned above the CO/CH4 column, allowing liquid methane to be pressurized using hydrostatic pressure, reducing the overall height and ground clutter while maintaining the necessary elevation for methane pumps, and incorporating a methane washing column with a pretreatment and post-processing column setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cryogenic separation apparatus is designed with traditional configuration, then the separation function is achieved, but the apparatus height increases and ground clutter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the CO/CH4 column vertically above the depletion column instead of placing it horizontally adjacent, transforming the spatial arrangement from horizontal to vertical dimension. This dimensional change consolidates the apparatus footprint while maintaining functional separation, directly reducing ground clutter and improving compactness without compromising separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary column is positioned within or adjacent to the CO/CH4 column structure, creating a nested configuration where smaller functional units are integrated into the larger column system. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and reduces overall apparatus volume while maintaining all necessary separation functions
2Length of moving object
If the CO/CH4 column tank is raised to provide hydrostatic pressure for the pump, then the pump can be disposed closer to the ground, but the apparatus height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the column system into functionally independent segments: the CO/CH4 column for separation, the auxiliary column for pressure regulation, and the pump system for liquid delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pump can be positioned low for compactness while the column tank is elevated for hydrostatic pressure, with connections managed through controlled valves and piping
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary column acts as an intermediary element between the elevated CO/CH4 column tank and the ground-level pump. It receives liquid from the elevated tank, regulates pressure through its own hydrostatic head, and delivers controlled flow to the pump inlet, thereby mediating the height difference and enabling both elevated storage and low-level pumping
3Volume of stationary object
If the apparatus is made more compact, then transportation cost decreases, but the complexity of arranging columns and pipes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated column assemblies where the CO/CH4 column and auxiliary column are vertically stacked and hydraulically connected. This merging of functions into compact vertical units reduces the overall footprint while the internal piping and valve arrangements are consolidated within the column structures, minimizing external pipe complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary column is positioned at an elevation that creates hydrostatic pressure equivalent to what would be required from a much taller single column. By creating this equipotential pressure condition at a lower height, the system achieves the necessary pumping pressure without increasing overall apparatus height, simplifying the vertical arrangement while maintaining compactness
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 configuration results in a more compact and cost-effective cryogenic separation apparatus that reduces the vertical size of the columns, enabling efficient methane production under pressure while ensuring sufficient hydrostatic pressure for the methane pumps, thus lowering operational and transportation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first cryogenic separation of a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane to produce a hydrogen-rich gas and a liquid mixture containing mainly CO, CH4
Implementation Method 2
produce a hydrogen-rich gas and a liquid mixture containing mainly CO, CH4
Implementation Method 3
The liquid methane drawn from the CO / CH 4 column tank can be pressurized in a pump
Implementation Method 4
The cycle gas is carbon monoxide which is warmed up in a heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for cryogenically separating a mixture (5) of methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen comprises a first separation unit comprising a first column (19), the first separation unit being supplied with the mixture (5), a first pipe for discharging a gas enriched with hydrogen (21) from the first unit, a second pipe for discharging a liquid (23) containing methane and carbon monoxide from the first unit, a second column (27) linked to the second pipe, a third pipe linked to the tank of the second column to withdraw a liquid enriched with methane (33) and a fourth pipe linked to the head of the second column to withdraw a gas enriched with carbon monoxide (43), the first pipe being arranged under the second column, the two columns having the same main axis, such that the liquid enriched with methane (33) is produced at a higher pressure than the pressure of the tank of the second column.