EP2457047B1 - Method and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2457047B1
EP2457047B1 EP10754355.5A EP10754355A EP2457047B1 EP 2457047 B1 EP2457047 B1 EP 2457047B1 EP 10754355 A EP10754355 A EP 10754355A EP 2457047 B1 EP2457047 B1 EP 2457047B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
supercharger
air
exchange line
hot
cold
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EP10754355.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2457047A2 (en
Inventor
Frédéric Judas
Hervé Le Bihan
Patrick Le Bot
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Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Publication of EP2457047A2 publication Critical patent/EP2457047A2/en
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Publication of EP2457047B1 publication Critical patent/EP2457047B1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04769—Operation, control and regulation of the process; Instrumentation within the process
    • F25J3/04781—Pressure changing devices, e.g. for compression, expansion, liquid pumping
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04012—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling
    • F25J3/04018—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling of main feed air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04012—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling
    • F25J3/04024—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of warm gaseous streams; details of intake or interstage cooling of purified feed air, so-called boosted air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04048—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of cold gaseous streams, e.g. intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste) streams
    • F25J3/04054—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit by compression of cold gaseous streams, e.g. intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste) streams of air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04006—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04078—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit providing pressurized products by liquid compression and vaporisation with cold recovery, i.e. so-called internal compression
    • F25J3/0409—Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit providing pressurized products by liquid compression and vaporisation with cold recovery, i.e. so-called internal compression of oxygen
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    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04151—Purification and (pre-)cooling of the feed air; recuperative heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04163—Hot end purification of the feed air
    • F25J3/04169—Hot end purification of the feed air by adsorption of the impurities
    • F25J3/04175—Hot end purification of the feed air by adsorption of the impurities at a pressure of substantially more than the highest pressure column
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04248—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion
    • F25J3/04284—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion using internal refrigeration by open-loop gas work expansion, e.g. of intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste-)streams
    • F25J3/0429—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion using internal refrigeration by open-loop gas work expansion, e.g. of intermediate or oxygen enriched (waste-)streams of feed air, e.g. used as waste or product air or expanded into an auxiliary column
    • F25J3/04296—Claude expansion, i.e. expanded into the main or high pressure column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04248—Generation of cold for compensating heat leaks or liquid production, e.g. by Joule-Thompson expansion
    • F25J3/04375—Details relating to the work expansion, e.g. process parameter etc.
    • F25J3/04393—Details relating to the work expansion, e.g. process parameter etc. using multiple or multistage gas work expansion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04406—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system
    • F25J3/04412—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using a dual pressure main column system in a classical double column flowsheet, i.e. with thermal coupling by a main reboiler-condenser in the bottom of low pressure respectively top of high pressure column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04436—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using at least a triple pressure main column system
    • F25J3/04448—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using at least a triple pressure main column system in a double column flowsheet with an intermediate pressure column
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04436—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using at least a triple pressure main column system
    • F25J3/04454—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air using at least a triple pressure main column system a main column system not otherwise provided, e.g. serially coupling of columns or more than three pressure levels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
    • F25J3/04769—Operation, control and regulation of the process; Instrumentation within the process
    • F25J3/04775—Air purification and pre-cooling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/04—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream for air
    • F25J3/04763—Start-up or control of the process; Details of the apparatus used
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    • F25J2230/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/08—Cold compressor, i.e. suction of the gas at cryogenic temperature and generally without afterstage-cooler
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J2240/10—Expansion of a process fluid in a work-extracting turbine (i.e. isentropic expansion), e.g. of the feed stream the fluid being air
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    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/40—Expansion without extracting work, i.e. isenthalpic throttling, e.g. JT valve, regulating valve or venturi, or isentropic nozzle, e.g. Laval
    • F25J2240/42—Expansion without extracting work, i.e. isenthalpic throttling, e.g. JT valve, regulating valve or venturi, or isentropic nozzle, e.g. Laval the fluid being air
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    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/40—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being air

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation.
  • the invention is particularly applicable to air separation methods using a hot air booster, a cold air booster and two air turbines.
  • a cold air booster is a booster powered by air at a temperature colder than the temperature of the hot end of the main exchange line of the apparatus, typically powered by air unless -20 ° C.
  • the purified air from the main compressor is divided into two. A portion is sent to a hot booster, cooled in the exchange line to an intermediate temperature and then relaxed in two Claude turbines connected in parallel. Part of the air from the hot booster may possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbines.
  • the remainder of the air from the main compressor cools in the exchange line without being overpressurized upstream of it and is supercharged in a cold booster at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line, returned to the line d exchange at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line, liquefied and sent to at least one column of the double column.
  • At least one waste gas is heated in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid from the double column, in particular oxygen, is also vaporized.
  • the optimum configuration in this case is to supply the cold booster to a pressure close to the outlet pressure of the main compressor.
  • the rest of the air (70% of the flow rate) feeds the Claude turbines after passing through the hot booster.
  • the output pressure of the main compressor is very insufficient to allow the vaporization of oxygen.
  • the present invention seeks to find a solution to this problem.
  • a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and an installation according to the preamble of claim 5 are known to FR-A-2895068 and WO-2004/099690 .
  • the air 11 from the main compressor (not shown) and a purification unit (not shown) is divided into two parts only.
  • a part 13 is sent to a hot booster C1, cooled in the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature and then sent through the open valve 4 and the lines 23, 27 to be expanded in two turbines T1, T2 connected in parallel by the lines 31, 35.
  • the expanded air 35 from the turbines T1, T2 is sent to the medium pressure column of the double column.
  • Part of the air from the hot booster C1 may possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbines.
  • the remainder of the air from the main compressor cools in a first series of passages of the exchange line 91 through the open valve 9 and is supercharged in a cold booster C2 at an intermediate temperature of the line. exchange, returned to the exchange line at an intermediate temperature thereof in a second series of passages, liquefied and sent to at least one column of the double column, for example the medium pressure column.
  • a first series of passages of the exchange line 91 through the open valve 9 and is supercharged in a cold booster C2 at an intermediate temperature of the line. exchange, returned to the exchange line at an intermediate temperature thereof in a second series of passages, liquefied and sent to at least one column of the double column, for example the medium pressure column.
  • At least one waste gas WN arrives from the low pressure column through line 39 and heats up in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid 41 from the double column, in particular pressurized oxygen, is also vaporized.
  • valves 1, 2, 5 and 6 are closed, so that the lines 21, 25, 29, 39 do not receive air.
  • Pipes 19 and 17 are not necessarily present and their operation will not be described. It is assumed that the valves 3 and 7 are closed for the explanation of the method according to the invention.
  • air 11 from the main compressor (not shown) is split in two. Part 13 is sent to the hot booster C1.
  • the air supercharged in the hot booster C1 is sent in part to the pipe 21 and partly to the pipe 23, 27.
  • the air passing through the pipe 23, 27 and the valve 4 is cooled in the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature to be expanded in a single Claude T1 turbine.
  • the turbine T2 does not work since it is usually coupled to the cold booster C2.
  • the expanded air is sent to the medium pressure column of the double column.
  • the air sent via the pipe 21 and the valve 2 cools in the heat exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature thereof in the passages in which the air intended for the cold compressor C2 normally cools.
  • the air is sent to the valve 5 via line 39 at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line through the passages normally traversed by the air coming from the cold compressor C2.
  • the air from the valve 5 liquefies before being sent to at least one column of the double column.
  • Part of the air coming from the pipe 27 can also possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbines.
  • the remainder of the air from the main compressor is sent through the valve 1 and the lines 25, 27 cool with the air from the valve 4 in the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature.
  • At least one waste gas WN arrives via line 39 and heats up in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid 41 from the double column, in particular oxygen, is also vaporized.
  • valves 2 and 4 in case of failure of the hot booster, the valves 2 and 4 are closed, the valves 1, 6 and 9 open and the air 11 from the main compressor (not shown) is sent in full by the conduct 15 and divided into two. A portion passes through the valve 1 and the pipe 23, 27 to be sent to the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature to be partially expanded in a single turbine T2.
  • the turbine T1 does not work since it is usually coupled to the hot booster C1.
  • the remainder of the intermediate temperature air is expanded in the valve 6 and mixed with the waste gas 39, to heat up in the exchange line.
  • the air sent by the valve 9 cools in the exchange line 91 and is supercharged in the cold booster C2, returned to the exchange line 91 and liquefied.
  • Part of the air coming from the pipe 25 can also possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbine T2.
  • At least one waste gas WN arrives via line 39 and heats up in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid 41 from the double column, in particular oxygen, is also vaporized.
  • valves 2 and 4 are closed, so that the pipes 13, 21, 31, 39 do not receive air.

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Description

La présente invention est relative à un procédé et à un appareil de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique.The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation.

L'invention s'applique en particulier aux procédés de séparation d'air utilisant un surpresseur d'air chaud, un surpresseur d'air froid et deux turbines d'air.The invention is particularly applicable to air separation methods using a hot air booster, a cold air booster and two air turbines.

Un surpresseur d'air froid est un surpresseur alimenté par de l'air à une température plus froide que la température du bout chaud de la ligne d'échange principale de l'appareil, typiquement alimenté par de l'air à moins que -20°C.A cold air booster is a booster powered by air at a temperature colder than the temperature of the hot end of the main exchange line of the apparatus, typically powered by air unless -20 ° C.

Dans ce procédé utilisant une double colonne classique avec une colonne moyenne pression et une colonne basse pression thermiquement reliées entre elles, l'air épuré provenant du compresseur principal est divisé en deux. Une partie est envoyée à un surpresseur chaud, refroidie dans la ligne d'échange jusqu'à une température intermédiaire puis détendue dans deux turbines Claude connectées en parallèle. Une partie de l'air provenant du surpresseur chaud peut éventuellement être liquéfiée dans la ligne d'échange au lieu d'être envoyée aux turbines.In this method using a conventional double column with a medium pressure column and a low pressure column thermally connected together, the purified air from the main compressor is divided into two. A portion is sent to a hot booster, cooled in the exchange line to an intermediate temperature and then relaxed in two Claude turbines connected in parallel. Part of the air from the hot booster may possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbines.

Le reste de l'air provenant du compresseur principal se refroidit dans la ligne d'échange sans être surpressé en amont de celui-ci et est surpressé dans un surpresseur froid à une température intermédiaire de la ligne d'échange, renvoyé dans la ligne d'échange à une température intermédiaire de la ligne d'échange, liquéfié et envoyé à au moins une colonne de la double colonne.The remainder of the air from the main compressor cools in the exchange line without being overpressurized upstream of it and is supercharged in a cold booster at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line, returned to the line d exchange at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line, liquefied and sent to at least one column of the double column.

Au moins un gaz résiduaire se réchauffe dans la ligne d'échange où se vaporise aussi un liquide pressurisé provenant de la double colonne, en particulier de l'oxygène.At least one waste gas is heated in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid from the double column, in particular oxygen, is also vaporized.

La configuration optimale dans ce cas est d'alimenter le surpresseur froid à une pression proche de la pression de sortie du compresseur principal. Le reste de l'air (70% du débit environ) alimente les turbines Claude après passage dans le surpresseur chaud. En cas de panne du surpresseur froid, la pression de sortie du compresseur principal est très insuffisante pour permettre la vaporisation de l'oxygène.The optimum configuration in this case is to supply the cold booster to a pressure close to the outlet pressure of the main compressor. The rest of the air (70% of the flow rate) feeds the Claude turbines after passing through the hot booster. In case of failure of the cold booster, the output pressure of the main compressor is very insufficient to allow the vaporization of oxygen.

La présente invention cherche à trouver une solution à ce problème.The present invention seeks to find a solution to this problem.

Un procédé selon le préambule de la revendication 1 et une installation selon le préambule de la revendication 5 sont connus de FR-A-2895068 et WO-A-2004/099690 .A method according to the preamble of claim 1 and an installation according to the preamble of claim 5 are known to FR-A-2895068 and WO-2004/099690 .

Selon un objet de l'invention, il est prévu un procédé de séparation d'air selon la revendication 1.According to one object of the invention, there is provided an air separation method according to claim 1.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques optionnelles :

  • si le surpresseur froid ne fonctionne pas une deuxième partie de l'air épuré se refroidit à la haute pression à une température intermédiaire de la ligne d'échange, est détendue dans une vanne puis est envoyée à l'atmosphère sans avoir été surpressée par le surpresseur chaud, de préférence après réchauffage dans la ligne d'échange ;
  • si, éventuellement uniquement si, le surpresseur froid ne fonctionne pas, de l'air provenant du surpresseur chaud se refroidit dans la ligne d'échange et est détendu dans la turbine couplée au surpresseur chaud, avant d'être envoyé au moins en partie à la colonne opérant à la moyenne pression ;
  • si, éventuellement uniquement si, le surpresseur froid ne fonctionne pas, de l'air ayant court-circuité le surpresseur chaud se refroidit dans la ligne d'échange et est détendu dans la turbine couplée au surpresseur chaud, avant d'être envoyé au moins en partie à la colonne opérant à la moyenne pression ;
According to other optional features:
  • if the cold booster does not operate a second part of the purified air cools to high pressure at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line, is expanded in a valve and then sent to the atmosphere without being overpressed by the hot booster, preferably after reheating in the exchange line;
  • if, possibly only if, the cold booster does not work, air from the hot booster cools in the exchange line and is expanded in the turbine coupled to the hot booster, before being sent at least partly to the column operating at medium pressure;
  • if, possibly only if, the cold booster does not work, air having short-circuited the hot booster cools in the exchange line and is expanded in the turbine coupled to the hot booster, before being sent at least partly to the column operating at medium pressure;

Selon un autre objet de l'invention, il est prévu une installation selon la revendication 5.According to another object of the invention, there is provided an installation according to claim 5.

Eventuellement l'installation peut comprendre :

  • des moyens pour court-circuiter les première et deuxième turbines, ces moyens étant reliés au refoulement du surpresseur chaud et au bout froid de la ligne d'échange (91) et/ou au système de colonnes ;
  • les moyens pour court-circuiter les première et deuxième turbines sont reliés à l'entrée du surpresseur froid ;
  • une vanne, des moyens pour envoyer de l'air épuré à la haute pression et non surpressé à la ligne d'échange pour s'y refroidir et ensuite à la vanne et des moyens pour envoyer l'air détendu dans la vanne à la distillation et/ou à l'atmosphère ;
  • la vanne est reliée à l'entrée et au refoulement d'au moins une des turbines ;
  • des moyens pour empêcher l'arrivée l'air à l'entrée d'une des turbines ;
  • une vanne reliant la première série de passages à la deuxième série de passages.
Eventually the installation may include:
  • means for short-circuiting the first and second turbines, these means being connected to the discharge of the hot booster and the cold end of the exchange line (91) and / or the column system;
  • the means for short-circuiting the first and second turbines are connected to the inlet of the cold booster;
  • a valve, means for sending purified air at high pressure and not supercharged at the exchange line for cooling therein and then at the valve and means for feeding the expanded air into the valve for distillation and / or the atmosphere;
  • the valve is connected to the inlet and outlet of at least one of the turbines;
  • means for preventing the arrival of air at the inlet of one of the turbines;
  • a valve connecting the first series of passages to the second series of passages.

L'invention sera décrite en plus de détail en se référant à la Figure qui montre une partie de l'appareil de séparation d'air selon l'invention.The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the Figure which shows a part of the air separation apparatus according to the invention.

Dans ce procédé utilisant une double colonne (non illustrée), en opération normale, l'air 11 provenant du compresseur principal (non illustré) et d'une unité d'épuration (non illustrée) est divisé en deux parties uniquement. Une partie 13 est envoyée à un surpresseur chaud C1, refroidie dans la ligne d'échange 91 jusqu'à une température intermédiaire puis envoyée par la vanne ouverte 4 et les conduites 23, 27 pour être détendue dans deux turbines T1, T2 connectées en parallèle par les conduites 31, 35. L'air détendu 35 provenant des turbines T1, T2 est envoyé à la colonne moyenne pression de la double colonne.In this method using a double column (not shown), in normal operation, the air 11 from the main compressor (not shown) and a purification unit (not shown) is divided into two parts only. A part 13 is sent to a hot booster C1, cooled in the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature and then sent through the open valve 4 and the lines 23, 27 to be expanded in two turbines T1, T2 connected in parallel by the lines 31, 35. The expanded air 35 from the turbines T1, T2 is sent to the medium pressure column of the double column.

Une partie de l'air provenant du surpresseur chaud C1 peut éventuellement être liquéfiée dans la ligne d'échange au lieu d'être envoyée aux turbines.Part of the air from the hot booster C1 may possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbines.

Le reste 15 de l'air provenant du compresseur principal se refroidit dans une première série de passages de la ligne d'échange 91 en passant par la vanne ouverte 9 et est surpressé dans un surpresseur froid C2 à une température intermédiaire de la ligne d'échange, renvoyé dans la ligne d'échange à une température intermédiaire de celle-ci dans une deuxième série de passages, liquéfié et envoyé à au moins une colonne de la double colonne, par exemple la colonne moyenne pression. Même si la figure n'illustre qu'un seul passage, il sera compris qu'il y aura une pluralité de passages en parallèle pour permettre le transport du débit.The remainder of the air from the main compressor cools in a first series of passages of the exchange line 91 through the open valve 9 and is supercharged in a cold booster C2 at an intermediate temperature of the line. exchange, returned to the exchange line at an intermediate temperature thereof in a second series of passages, liquefied and sent to at least one column of the double column, for example the medium pressure column. Although the figure illustrates only one passage, it will be understood that there will be a plurality of parallel passages to allow the transport of the flow.

Au moins un gaz résiduaire WN arrive de la colonne basse pression par la conduite 39 et se réchauffe dans la ligne d'échange où se vaporise aussi un liquide pressurisé 41 provenant de la double colonne, en particulier de l'oxygène pressurisé.At least one waste gas WN arrives from the low pressure column through line 39 and heats up in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid 41 from the double column, in particular pressurized oxygen, is also vaporized.

Dans ce cas d'opération normale, les vannes 1, 2, 5 et 6 sont fermées, de sorte que les conduites 21, 25, 29, 39 ne reçoivent pas d'air.In this case of normal operation, the valves 1, 2, 5 and 6 are closed, so that the lines 21, 25, 29, 39 do not receive air.

Les conduites 19 et 17 ne sont pas obligatoirement présentes et leur fonctionnement ne sera pas décrit. On assume que les vannes 3 et 7 sont fermées pour l'explication du procédé selon l'invention.Pipes 19 and 17 are not necessarily present and their operation will not be described. It is assumed that the valves 3 and 7 are closed for the explanation of the method according to the invention.

Si le surpresseur froid C2 ne fonctionne pas, l'air 11 provenant du compresseur principal (non illustré) est divisé en deux. Une partie 13 est envoyée au surpresseur chaud C1. Comme les vannes 1, 2 et 4 sont ouvertes et la vanne 9 fermée, l'air surpressé dans le surpresseur chaud C1 est envoyé en partie à la conduite 21 et en partie à la conduite 23, 27. L'air passant par la conduite 23, 27 et la vanne 4 est refroidi dans la ligne d'échange 91 jusqu'à une température intermédiaire pour être détendu dans une seule turbine Claude T1. La turbine T2 ne fonctionne pas puisqu'elle est ordinairement couplée au surpresseur froid C2. L'air détendu 35 est envoyé à la colonne moyenne pression de la double colonne.If the cold booster C2 does not work, air 11 from the main compressor (not shown) is split in two. Part 13 is sent to the hot booster C1. As the valves 1, 2 and 4 are open and the valve 9 closed, the air supercharged in the hot booster C1 is sent in part to the pipe 21 and partly to the pipe 23, 27. The air passing through the pipe 23, 27 and the valve 4 is cooled in the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature to be expanded in a single Claude T1 turbine. The turbine T2 does not work since it is usually coupled to the cold booster C2. The expanded air is sent to the medium pressure column of the double column.

L'air envoyé par la conduite 21 et la vanne 2 se refroidit dans la ligne d'échange 91 jusqu'à une température intermédiaire de celle-ci dans les passages où se refroidit normalement l'air destiné au compresseur froid C2. L'air est envoyé à la vanne 5 par la conduite 39 à une température intermédiaire de la ligne d'échange à travers les passages normalement parcourus par l'air provenant du compresseur froid C2. L'air provenant de la vanne 5 se liquéfie avant d'être envoyé à au moins une colonne de la double colonne.The air sent via the pipe 21 and the valve 2 cools in the heat exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature thereof in the passages in which the air intended for the cold compressor C2 normally cools. The air is sent to the valve 5 via line 39 at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line through the passages normally traversed by the air coming from the cold compressor C2. The air from the valve 5 liquefies before being sent to at least one column of the double column.

Une partie de l'air provenant de la conduite 27 peut éventuellement également être liquéfiée dans la ligne d'échange au lieu d'être envoyée aux turbines.Part of the air coming from the pipe 27 can also possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbines.

Le reste 15 de l'air provenant du compresseur principal est envoyé par la vanne 1 et la conduites 25, 27 se refroidir avec l'air provenant de la vanne 4 dans la ligne d'échange 91 jusqu'à une température intermédiaire.The remainder of the air from the main compressor is sent through the valve 1 and the lines 25, 27 cool with the air from the valve 4 in the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature.

Une partie de l'air provenant de la conduite 25 est détendue dans la turbine restante T1 et le reste est détendu dans une vanne 6 qui court-circuite la turbine T1 et se mélange avec le gaz résiduaire 39, pour se réchauffer dans la ligne d'échange.Part of the air coming from the pipe 25 is expanded in the remaining turbine T1 and the remainder is expanded in a valve 6 which bypasses the turbine T1 and mixes with the waste gas 39, to warm itself in the line 'exchange.

Au moins un gaz résiduaire WN arrive par la conduite 39 et se réchauffe dans la ligne d'échange où se vaporise aussi un liquide pressurisé 41 provenant de la double colonne, en particulier de l'oxygène.At least one waste gas WN arrives via line 39 and heats up in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid 41 from the double column, in particular oxygen, is also vaporized.

Selon un mode d'opération optionnel, en cas de panne du surpresseur chaud, les vannes 2 et 4 sont fermées, les vannes 1, 6 et 9 ouvertes et l'air 11 provenant du compresseur principal (non illustré) est envoyé en totalité par la conduite 15 et divisé en deux. Une partie passe par la vanne 1 et la conduite 23, 27 pour être envoyée à la ligne d'échange 91 jusqu'à une température intermédiaire pour être détendue en partie dans une seule turbine T2. La turbine T1 ne fonctionne pas puisqu'elle est ordinairement couplée au surpresseur chaud C1. Le reste de l'air à température intermédiaire est détendu dans la vanne 6 et mélangé avec le gaz résiduaire 39, pour se réchauffer dans la ligne d'échange.According to an optional mode of operation, in case of failure of the hot booster, the valves 2 and 4 are closed, the valves 1, 6 and 9 open and the air 11 from the main compressor (not shown) is sent in full by the conduct 15 and divided into two. A portion passes through the valve 1 and the pipe 23, 27 to be sent to the exchange line 91 to an intermediate temperature to be partially expanded in a single turbine T2. The turbine T1 does not work since it is usually coupled to the hot booster C1. The remainder of the intermediate temperature air is expanded in the valve 6 and mixed with the waste gas 39, to heat up in the exchange line.

L'air envoyé par la vanne 9 se refroidit dans la ligne d'échange 91 et est surpressé dans le surpresseur froid C2, renvoyé à la ligne d'échange 91 et liquéfié.The air sent by the valve 9 cools in the exchange line 91 and is supercharged in the cold booster C2, returned to the exchange line 91 and liquefied.

Une partie de l'air provenant de la conduite 25 peut éventuellement également être liquéfiée dans la ligne d'échange au lieu d'être envoyé à la turbine T2.Part of the air coming from the pipe 25 can also possibly be liquefied in the exchange line instead of being sent to the turbine T2.

Au moins un gaz résiduaire WN arrive par la conduite 39 et se réchauffe dans la ligne d'échange où se vaporise aussi un liquide pressurisé 41 provenant de la double colonne, en particulier de l'oxygène.At least one waste gas WN arrives via line 39 and heats up in the exchange line where a pressurized liquid 41 from the double column, in particular oxygen, is also vaporized.

Dans ce cas de panne du surpresseur chaud, les vannes 2 et 4 sont fermées, de sorte que la conduites 13, 21, 31, 39 ne reçoivent pas d'air.In this case of failure of the hot booster, the valves 2 and 4 are closed, so that the pipes 13, 21, 31, 39 do not receive air.

Il est possible de prévoir uniquement des moyens pour fonctionner quand le surpresseur chaud est en panne ou uniquement des moyens pour fonctionner quand le surpresseur froid est en panne.It is possible to provide only means to operate when the hot booster is down or only means to operate when the cold booster is down.

Claims (11)

  1. Air-separation method by cryogenic distillation in an installation comprising a double or triple air-separation column, wherein the column operating at the highest pressure operates at a so-called medium pressure, and an exchange line (91) where all the air intended for distillation is cooled, in which, in normal operation:
    a) all the air is raised to a high pressure greater than the medium pressure by at least 5 bar and purified at this high pressure,
    b) the purified air is divided into two fractions (13, 15),
    c) a first fraction (13) at high pressure is sent to a hot supercharger (C1), the supercharged first fraction cools in the exchange line to an intermediate temperature,
    d) the cooled first fraction is divided into two portions (31, 33), each portion expands in a respective turbine (T1, T2),
    e) the inlet pressure of the first and second turbines is, or the pressures of the two turbines are, greater than the medium pressure by at least 5 bar,
    f) the discharge pressure of at least one of the two turbines is substantially equal to the medium pressure,
    g) at least part of the air expanded in at least one of the turbines is sent to the medium-pressure column of the double or triple column,
    h) a second fraction (15) of the purified air at high pressure is cooled in a first series of passages of the exchange line and next supercharged with an inlet temperature equal to an intermediate temperature of the exchange line in a cold supercharger (C2) mechanically connected to the second turbine, the hot supercharger being mechanically connected to the first turbine,
    i) the cold supercharger discharges the second fraction of air at a temperature higher than the inlet temperature, and the second fraction of air thus supercharged is reintroduced into a second series of passages of the exchange line, optionally at an intermediate point thereof, wherein at least some of the second fraction condenses or pseudocondenses,
    j) at least one pressurised liquid coming from one of the columns of the double or triple column is vaporised or pseudovaporised in the exchange line at a vaporisation temperature and characterised in that if, optionally only if, the cold supercharger is not functioning, the pressurised liquid coming from one of the columns of the double or triple column is vaporised or pseudovaporised in the exchange line and a first part (13) of the purified air at high pressure is sent to the hot supercharger, cools in the first series of passages of the exchange line (91), emerges from the exchange line without passing through the cold supercharger and enters the exchange line in the second series of passages, the air that has passed through these two series of passages liquefies and is sent to at least one column of the double or triple column.
  2. Method according to claim 1, wherein, if the cold supercharger is not functioning, a second part of the purified air cools at the high pressure at an intermediate temperature of the exchange line, is expanded in a valve and is then sent to atmosphere without having been supercharged by the hot supercharger, preferably after heating in the exchange line.
  3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, wherein, if, optionally only if, the cold supercharger (C2) is not functioning, air coming from the hot supercharger cools in the exchange line (91) and is expanded in the turbine (T1) coupled to the hot supercharger (C1), before being sent at least partly to the column operating at medium pressure.
  4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein if, optionally only if, the cold supercharger (C2) is not functioning, air that has short-circuited the hot supercharger cools in the exchange line (91) and is expanded in the turbine (T1) coupled to the hot supercharger (C1), before being sent at least partly to the column operating at medium pressure.
  5. Installation for air separation by cryogenic distillation comprising:
    a) a double or triple air-separation column, the column of which operating at the highest pressure operates at a so-called medium pressure,
    b) an exchange line (91),
    c) a hot supercharger (C1) and a cold supercharger (C2),
    d) a first turbine (T1) and a second turbine (T2), each coupled to one of the superchargers,
    e) means for raising all the air to a high pressure higher than the medium pressure and means for purifying it at this high pressure,
    f) means for dividing the purified air into two fractions and for sending a first fraction thereof to the hot supercharger and a second fraction to the cold supercharger after cooling in a first series of passages of the exchange line,
    g) means for reintroducing the second fraction of air coming from the cold supercharger into a second series of passages of the exchange line in order to be cooled therein,
    h) means for sending at least one pressurised liquid coming from one of the columns into the exchange line,
    i) means for sending cooled air coming from the hot supercharger in the exchange line to the first and second turbines,
    characterised in that it comprises:
    j) short-circuiting means (3a, 5) for short-circuiting the cold supercharger (C2), these means being connected to the exchange line (91) and to the discharge of the cold supercharger, so that the air passes from the first series of passages to the second series without passing through the cold supercharger,
    k) means for connecting the discharge of the hot supercharger to the first series of passages of the exchange line, and means for allowing the use of these short-circuiting means and of these means for connecting the discharge of the hot supercharger to the first series of passages of the exchange line if the cold supercharger is not functioning.
  6. Installation according to claim 5, comprising a valve (6), means for sending purified air at the high pressure and not supercharged to the exchange line in order to be cooled therein and then to the valve and means for sending the air expanded in the valve to the distillation and/or to atmosphere.
  7. Installation according to claim 5 or claim 6, comprising means (6, 8, 29, 35, 37) for short-circuiting the first and second turbines (T1, T2), these means being connected to the discharge of the hot supercharger (C1) and to the cold end of the exchange line (91) and/or to the system of columns.
  8. Installation according to claim 7, wherein the means (6, 8, 29, 35, 37) for short-circuiting the first and second turbines are connected to the inlet of the cold supercharger (C1).
  9. Installation according to claim 6, wherein the valve (6) is connected to the inlet and to the discharge of at least one of the turbines.
  10. Installation according to any of claims 5 to 9, comprising means for preventing the arrival of air at the inlet of one of the turbines.
  11. Installation according to any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the short-circuiting means comprise a valve (5) connecting the first series of passages to the second series of passages.
EP10754355.5A 2009-07-20 2010-07-16 Method and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation Active EP2457047B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR0955007A FR2948184B1 (en) 2009-07-20 2009-07-20 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR SEPARATION BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION
PCT/FR2010/051492 WO2011010049A2 (en) 2009-07-20 2010-07-16 Method and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation

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EP2457047B1 true EP2457047B1 (en) 2018-12-26

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EP (1) EP2457047B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2012533725A (en)
CN (1) CN102741635B (en)
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WO (1) WO2011010049A2 (en)

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EP2597409B1 (en) * 2011-11-24 2015-01-14 L'AIR LIQUIDE, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Process and apparatus for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation
FR2985305B1 (en) * 2012-01-03 2017-12-22 L'air Liquide Sa Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PRESSURIZED AIR GAS USING A CRYOGENIC SURPRESSOR
FR3069916B1 (en) * 2017-08-03 2021-12-31 Air Liquide METHOD FOR DEFROSTING AN AIR SEPARATION APPARATUS BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION AND APPARATUS SUITABLE FOR BEING DEFROST BY THIS METHOD
EP3438585A3 (en) * 2017-08-03 2019-04-17 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Method for defrosting a device for air separation by cryogenic distillation and device adapted to be defrosted using this method
EP3899388A4 (en) * 2018-12-19 2022-07-13 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Method for starting up a cryogenic air separation unit and associated air separation unit

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WO2011010049A2 (en) 2011-01-27
JP2012533725A (en) 2012-12-27
EP2457047A2 (en) 2012-05-30
FR2948184A1 (en) 2011-01-21
CN102741635B (en) 2014-12-10
FR2948184B1 (en) 2016-04-15
US9091478B2 (en) 2015-07-28
WO2011010049A3 (en) 2012-11-15
CN102741635A (en) 2012-10-17
US20120118006A1 (en) 2012-05-17

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