Method and apparatus for transfer of liquid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air separation plants face challenges in efficiently switching between modes of operation to manage argon production, as shutting down or continuing to run argon columns incurs significant operational expenditures and start-up delays, especially when argon recovery is not desired.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for the transfer of an argon-enriched liquid from a lower-pressure column to a higher-pressure column without a pump by mixing it with a lower-density nitrogen stream, enabling efficient operation and reduced start-up times by adjusting flow rates and using pressure differentials to facilitate fluid transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the argon column is shut down to save operational expenditures, then operational costs are reduced, but the start-up time increases and production is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention keeps the argon column running in a standby mode with reduced flow rates during periods of low argon demand, maintaining the column's operational readiness without full production. This preliminary action allows the column to resume full production immediately when needed, avoiding both the cost of continuous full operation and the delay of complete shutdown and restart.
2Reliability
If the argon column continues to run during reduced demand, then production readiness is maintained, but operational expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of running the argon column at full capacity or complete shutdown, the invention operates it at a reduced partial flow rate during low demand periods. This partial action maintains the column's operational state and readiness while significantly reducing energy consumption and operational costs compared to full operation.
3Ease of operation
If liquid is transferred from lower pressure column to higher pressure column using a pump, then transfer is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the pressure differential that naturally exists between the two distillation columns to drive liquid transfer. The higher pressure in the second column automatically pushes liquid back to the first column, and vice versa, eliminating the need for external pumps or compressors and reducing device complexity and energy consumption.
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 continuous operation of argon columns at cryogenic temperatures during reduced demand, minimizing operational expenditures and reducing start-up times by using natural pressure and density differences to transfer fluids without mechanical compression, thus maintaining production levels of nitrogen and oxygen.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid stream is removed from a first distillation column that operates at a lower pressure than a second distillation column... using natural pressure and density differences to transfer fluids without mechanical compression
Implementation Method 2
the inlet point is higher than the first location... transferring a liquid from a removal point of a first distillation column to an inlet point of a second distillation column... without the use of a pump or compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transferring a first liquid removed from an outlet of a first distillation column to an inlet of a second distillation column is provided. The second distillation column operates at a higher pressure than the first distillation column, and the inlet of the second distillation column is at higher elevation as compared to the outlet of the first distillation column. The method advantageously transfers the first liquid from the outlet to the inlet by mixing with a sufficient amount of a lower density second liquid that results in a mixed liquid having a reduced density as compared to the first liquid.