Air Separation Mixing Column Layout to Reduce Pump Demand

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air separation methods lack an optimal spatial arrangement of system parts, particularly the mixed column, which affects the efficiency of liquid transport and the need for pumps in low-pressure conditions.

Innovation Solution

The mixed column is laterally fastened to the double column using connecting elements, allowing for flexible geometric positioning and potentially eliminating the need for pumps by optimizing liquid transport, with the option to arrange the subcooling countercurrent device within or separate from the shared coldbox.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mixed column is arranged on the base or on a frame standing on the base, then the spatial arrangement is fixed and simple, but the flexibility in positioning is limited and pump requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in positioning the mixed columnVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting elements and support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixed column is fastened laterally to the double column at a specific height rather than being positioned on the base plane. This vertical positioning in another dimension enables flexible liquid transport optimization while maintaining structural simplicity through the lateral connection to the existing double column support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the mixed column is positioned at optimized height for liquid transport, then pump requirements are reduced, but the structural support complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumption of pumpsVSAvoidcomplexity of lateral fastening structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral fastening structure connects the mixed column to the double column in such a way that the double column's existing support structure serves dual purposes: both process function and structural support. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional support structures while enabling optimized liquid transport that minimizes pump energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the mixed column is laterally fastened to the double column, then liquid transport is optimized and pumps can be reduced, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of liquid transportVSAvoidease of manufacturing and assembling connecting elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral fastening system is divided into separate connecting elements that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for manufacturing using standard fabrication processes, while the modular nature simplifies assembly and enables flexible positioning to optimize liquid transport efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 mixed column, reduces the requirement for pumps, and minimizes vapor formation during pressure changes, improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the air separation process.

Implementation Method 1

A coldbox is used for thermal insulation of system parts... The insulating action can be produced by corresponding configuration of the outer walls and/or by the filling of the intermediate space between system parts and outer walls with an insulating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Device for the cryogenic separation of air... Air separation methods with mixed columns... for low-temperature separation of air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic separation: Cryogenics

Implementation Method 3

separation columns and/or heat exchangers... distilling-column system for nitrogen-oxygen separation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 4

heat exchangers... Main heat exchanger can be housed in a separate additional coldbox

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS9170048B2Device for the cryogenic separation of air

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 LINDE AG

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).