Refrigeration – Processes – Circulating external gas
Patent
1990-01-25
1991-04-30
Capossela, Ronald C.
Refrigeration
Processes
Circulating external gas
62 24, 62 36, 62 42, F25J 300
Patent
active
050115219
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is a process for prefractionating a pressurized, helium-containing feed gas mixture (typically containing helium, natural gas and nitrogen) to produce a helium-enriched stream which comprises the following steps: (a) the pressurized, helium-containing feed gas mixture is liquefied and subcooled by indirect heat exchange; (b) the liquefied, subcooled, pressurized, helium-containing feed gas mixture is expanded whereby it is partially vaporized, thus producing a partially vaporized frationation feed stream; (c) the partially vaporized frationation feed stream is stripped in a cryogenic distillation column thereby producing as an overhead, the helium-enriched stream, and a bottoms liquid, the helium-lean stream; and (d) the cryogenic distillation column is reboiled by vaporizing at least a portion of the helium-lean stream. The present invention is also applicable as an improvement to a process for the production of a crude helium product (i.e.,>30 vol % helium).
REFERENCES:
patent: 3260058 (1966-07-01), Ray et al.
patent: 4740223 (1988-04-01), Gates
patent: 4758258 (1988-07-01), Mitchell et al.
"A Step Ahead for Helium", Kellogram #3, 1963.
Air Products and Chemicals Inc.
Capossela Ronald C.
Jones II Willard
Marsh William F.
Simmons James C.
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