Method and installation for low temperature separation of air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air separation installations face inefficiencies in low-temperature separation of air, particularly in the separation of argon, which requires complex heating power and involves cumbersome piping arrangements due to the need for separate columns for argon discharge.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a two-part low-pressure column system with an argon discharge column arranged above the lower section, allowing for a common pressure level across both sections and reducing the need for extensive piping by integrating the argon discharge function within the low-pressure column system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate argon discharge column is used, then argon separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and piping arrangement become more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the argon discharge function with the low-pressure column by integrating an argon discharge section directly into the low-pressure column structure. This eliminates the need for a completely separate argon discharge column and reduces piping complexity, while still achieving effective argon separation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-pressure column is segmented into functional sections, including an argon discharge section with specific numbering of trays (e.g., trays 10-20 for argon discharge, trays 21-40 for oxygen enrichment). This segmentation allows the argon discharge function to be performed within the low-pressure column itself, reducing the need for external columns and complex piping arrangements.
2Manufacturing precision
If a traditional multi-column system is used, then separation efficiency is improved, but heating power requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation functions (nitrogen-oxygen separation, argon discharge, and oxygen enrichment) into an integrated distillation column system where the low-pressure column performs multiple roles. This reduces the total number of columns needed and minimizes heating power requirements by eliminating redundant heating zones that would be present in traditional multi-column systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-pressure column is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: nitrogen-oxygen separation in the upper section, argon discharge in the middle section (trays 10-20), and oxygen enrichment in the lower section (trays 21-40). This multi-functionality reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for separate dedicated columns for each function.
3Ease of operation
If the low-pressure column is divided into two sections at different positions, then ease of transportation and installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The low-pressure column is divided into two separate sections (first low-pressure column section and second low-pressure column section) that can be manufactured and transported independently. Each section contains specific functional trays (e.g., first section with trays 1-20, second section with trays 21-40), allowing for easier transportation and on-site assembly while maintaining the integrated functional design.
Solution Approach 2:
The argon discharge section is nested within the low-pressure column structure, with the understanding that the column can be assembled in sections. The first and second low-pressure column sections are designed to connect vertically, with the argon discharge functionality integrated into the overall column architecture, allowing modular assembly while maintaining functional integration.
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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of air separation by simplifying the arrangement and transportation of components, reducing heating power requirements, and enabling more efficient argon discharge without the need for additional columns, thus improving overall separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
distillation column systems which can be designed, for example, as two-column systems
Implementation Method 2
production of air products in the liquid or gaseous state by low temperature separation of air
Implementation Method 3
The distillation columns of the distillation column systems mentioned are operated at different pressure levels
Implementation Method 4
Before being fed into the low-pressure column, it can be partially or completely evaporated
Implementation Method 5
production of air products in the liquid or gaseous state
Data Source
AI summary
A method for low temperature separation of air using an air separating installation having a distillation column system which has a first, a second, a third and a fourth separating unit. Compressed and cooled air is fed into the first separating unit. An oxygen-enriched, nitrogen-depleted, argon-containing first sump liquid and a nitrogen-enriched, oxygen-depleted first head gas are formed by means of the first separating unit. An oxygen-rich second sump liquid and an argon-enriched second head gas are formed by means of the second separating unit. A liquid return to the second separating unit is provided by means of the third separating unit. A fourth sump liquid and a fourth head gas are formed by means of the fourth separating unit, and the fourth sump liquid is at least partially returned to the second separating unit.