Refrigeration – Cryogenic treatment of gas or gas mixture – Separation of gas mixture
Reexamination Certificate
2006-03-30
2009-06-16
Doerrler, William C (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Cryogenic treatment of gas or gas mixture
Separation of gas mixture
C062S648000, C062S903000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07546748
ABSTRACT:
This disclosure discusses the problems associated with the design, layout, and construction of units and equipment in air separation units. The invention of this disclosure provides a process and apparatus using multiple discrete subcoolers. The nitrogen stream exiting the cryogenic distillation columns cools streams in the subcoolers. By having at least two subcoolers, the size of the nitrogen vent (nitrogen waste or product stream) can be reduced. This saves fabrication costs and improves reliability by reducing thermal stresses in the piping and equipment. Subcoolers cool rich liquid, lean liquid, liquid oxygen, and/or liquid air streams coming from the main heat exchanger or a system of separation columns. The disclosure also discusses integration of the subcoolers with the main heat exchangers.
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patent: 5921108 (1999-07-01), Bonaquist
Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc.
Doerrler William C
Elwood Haynes
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