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EP3069091B1 - Process and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation - Google Patents

Process and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3069091B1
EP3069091B1 EP14806034.6A EP14806034A EP3069091B1 EP 3069091 B1 EP3069091 B1 EP 3069091B1 EP 14806034 A EP14806034 A EP 14806034A EP 3069091 B1 EP3069091 B1 EP 3069091B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
column
pressure
sent
purification unit
gas
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Application number
EP14806034.6A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3069091A2 (en
Inventor
BenoƮt DAVIDIAN
Richard Dubettier-Grenier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
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 EP3069091A2 publication Critical patent/EP3069091A2/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
    • F25J3/04406—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
    • F25J3/04006—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
    • F25J3/0403—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 nitrogen
    • 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
    • F25J3/04036—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 oxygen
    • 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
    • F25J3/04151—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
    • 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
    • F25J3/04151—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
    • F25J3/04181—Regenerating the adsorbents
    • 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
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04951—Arrangements of multiple air fractionation units or multiple equipments fulfilling the same process step, e.g. multiple trains in a network
    • F25J3/04957—Arrangements of multiple air fractionation units or multiple equipments fulfilling the same process step, e.g. multiple trains in a network and inter-connecting equipments upstream of the fractionation unit (s), i.e. at the "front-end"
    • 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
    • F25J3/04866—Construction and layout of air fractionation equipments, e.g. valves, machines
    • F25J3/04951—Arrangements of multiple air fractionation units or multiple equipments fulfilling the same process step, e.g. multiple trains in a network
    • F25J3/04963—Arrangements of multiple air fractionation units or multiple equipments fulfilling the same process step, e.g. multiple trains in a network and inter-connecting equipment within or downstream of the fractionation unit(s)
    • 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
    • F25J2200/00—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification
    • F25J2200/10—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification in a quadruple, or more, column or pressure system
    • 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
    • F25J2200/00—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification
    • F25J2200/20—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification in an elevated pressure multiple column system wherein the lowest pressure column is at a pressure well above the minimum pressure needed to overcome pressure drop to reject the products to atmosphere
    • 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
    • F25J2205/00—Processes or apparatus using other separation and/or other processing means
    • F25J2205/60—Processes or apparatus using other separation and/or other processing means using adsorption on solid adsorbents, e.g. by temperature-swing adsorption [TSA] at the hot or cold end
    • F25J2205/62—Purifying more than one feed stream in multiple adsorption vessels, e.g. for two feed streams at different pressures
    • 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
    • F25J2205/00—Processes or apparatus using other separation and/or other processing means
    • F25J2205/60—Processes or apparatus using other separation and/or other processing means using adsorption on solid adsorbents, e.g. by temperature-swing adsorption [TSA] at the hot or cold end
    • F25J2205/66—Regenerating the adsorption vessel, e.g. kind of reactivation gas
    • 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
    • F25J2235/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams
    • F25J2235/42—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams the fluid being nitrogen
    • 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
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/42—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams the recycled stream being nitrogen

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation.
  • multi-trains In the context of a production unit with several air separation units in parallel (called ā€œmulti-trains"), the invention proposes to combine the use of a pressure diagram for at least one train, and a low pressure diagram for at least one train.
  • Necessary nitrogen can be produced first by the pressurized assembly, then by the low pressure assembly if the need is greater than the maximum production of the pressurized assembly.
  • the portion of impure nitrogen from the pressurized assembly will either be purified in the low pressure package, or purified and produced in the assembly under pressure using a fluid from the low pressure assembly.
  • Regeneration of the assembly under pressure can be made from a waste gas of a low pressure assembly
  • This arrangement makes it possible to produce the desired amount of nitrogen at the desired purity (preferably pure) and to benefit for oxygen production from a part of the energy gain by using pressure diagrams for part of the trains.
  • EP-A-2489968 describes a process according to the preambles of claims 1 or 8. According to the invention, at least one set of columns whose column operating at the lowest pressure operates at a pressure greater than 2 bar abs, called ā€œtogether under pressure, will be used. ". This set will preferentially produce the nitrogen that is needed, in addition to a portion of the oxygen.
  • An assembly comprises at least one double column constituted by a medium pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of a reboiler-condenser.
  • An assembly may alternatively comprise at least one triple column constituted by three columns, a medium pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the intermediate pressure column vessel by means of a reboiler-condenser, the head of the intermediate pressure column being thermally connected with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of a reboiler-condenser.
  • An assembly may alternatively comprise at least one triple column constituted by three columns, a medium pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the intermediate pressure column vessel by means of a reboiler-condenser and with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of another reboiler-condenser.
  • the medium pressure column of the assembly under pressure preferably operates at a pressure greater than 7 bar abs.
  • the residual nitrogen of the pressure assembly (s) is purified using the low pressure assembly (s).
  • the apparatus comprises two sets of air separation columns 1, 2. Each set is disposed in a cold box 31, 31 'but the two sets could be in the same cold box.
  • there is at least one double separation column comprising a first column 3 operating at a first pressure called high pressure (HP) and a second column 5 operating at a second pressure lower than the high pressure thermally connected by means of at least one reboiler-condenser.
  • the first pressure (high pressure) is greater than 7 bar abs and / or the second pressure (low pressure) is greater than 2 bar abs.
  • the columns 3, 5 of the assembly 1 illustrated are thermally connected by a tank vaporizer of the second column 5 which condenses nitrogen from the top of the column 3.
  • Compressed air 9 in the compressor C is purified in the purification unit E and cooled in the exchange line 7.
  • the cooled air is sent at least to the first column 3 at least partly in gaseous form and separates in a known manner.
  • Oxygen gas 11 is withdrawn from the tank of the second column 5 and is heated in the exchange line 7.
  • Nitrogen gas 13 taken at the top of the second column 5 is heated in the exchange line 7
  • a nitrogen-enriched gas stream 17 is withdrawn at an intermediate level of the second column 5.
  • the diagram is simplified and does not show (all) the possible subcoolers, pumps, air boosters or turbines.
  • the assembly 2 there is at least one double separation column comprising a third column 3 'operating at a third pressure, called medium pressure (MP) lower than the high pressure and a fourth column 5' operating at a fourth pressure less than the third pressure ("medium pressure").
  • the third pressure is less than 6.5 bar abs.
  • the columns 3 ', 5' of the assembly 2 are thermally connected by a bottom evaporator of the column 5 'which condenses nitrogen coming from the top of the column 3'.
  • Air 9 'compressed in the compressor C is purified in the purification unit E' and cooled in the exchange line 7 '.
  • the cooled air is sent at least at least partly to gaseous column 3 'and separates therein in a known manner.
  • Oxygen gas 11 ' is withdrawn from the tank of the fourth column 5' and is heated in the exchange line 7 '.
  • Nitrogen gas 13 'taken at the top of the fourth column 5' is heated in the exchange line 7 '.
  • Residual nitrogen 19 is withdrawn at an intermediate level of the fourth column 5 '.
  • the waste gas nitrogen 17 of the assembly 1 from the second column 5 is sent to the upper part of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2 to be purified, benefiting from the excess of reflux in this part of the third column 3 '.
  • the purified nitrogen is withdrawn in gaseous form at the top of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2 (in addition to the nitrogen MP produced "Naturally" by this third column 3 '), then mixed with the top nitrogen of the second column 5 of the assembly 1 (to the exchange line 7) to not unbalance the cooling balance.
  • Part 29 of the waste 19 of the assembly 2 is used for the regeneration of the purification E of the assembly 1.
  • the remainder 19 'of the residual nitrogen 19 of the assembly 2 is used for the regeneration of the purification E 'of the assembly 2.
  • This variant requires having the second column 5 of the assembly 1 at a pressure substantially identical to that of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2.
  • the first column 3 of the assembly 1 operates at a first pressure greater than 7 bar abs and / or the second column 5 operates at a second pressure greater than 2 bar abs.
  • the third column 3 ' operates at a third pressure of less than 6.5 bar abs and / or the fourth column 5' operates at a fourth pressure of less than 2 bar abs.
  • Part of the reflux liquid 25 available at the top of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2 is sent, after optional expansion in a valve 35, at the head of the second column 5 of the assembly 1 to purify the waste gas.
  • the liquid 17 which has served to purify the residual nitrogen of the assembly 1 is returned to an intermediate level of the column 3 'of the assembly 2, possibly with the aid of a pump 33. liquids that can be easily pumped without too much energy penalty, this variant allows to decouple the pressure of the column 5 operating at lower pressure of the assembly 1 of the 3 'operating at the highest pressure of all 2.
  • the liquid 17 can be expanded and the liquid pumped.
  • the set 1 comprises a triple column and the set 2 a double column.
  • it would be the column of the set 1 operating at the lowest pressure which would be connected to the column of the assembly 2 operating at the highest pressure.
  • the set could include an argon column.
  • the set 2 could comprise an argon column connected to the 5 'column.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Emergency Medicine (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)

Description

La prƩsente invention est relative Ơ un procƩdƩ et Ơ un appareil de sƩparation d'air par distillation cryogƩnique.The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for air separation by cryogenic distillation.

Il est connu de sĆ©parer l'air dans une double colonne constituĆ©e par une colonne moyenne pression et une colonne basse pression, la tĆŖte de la colonne moyenne pression Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e avec la cuve de la colonne basse pression au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur. La colonne moyenne pression peut par exemple fonctionner Ć  une pression entre 5 et 6 bars abs et la colonne basse pression entre 1,2 et 1,5 bars abs. Si la colonne basse pression fonctionne Ć  une pression supĆ©rieure Ć  2 bars abs, on dit couramment que l'appareil fonctionne Ā« sous pression Ā» ou Ā« Ć  pression Ć©levĆ©e Ā». Les procĆ©dĆ©s de distillation dans lequel l'appareil fonctionne sous pression, que ce soit pour produire de l'oxygĆØne impur (typiquement 95% mol.) ou pur (typiquement au moins 99,5% mol.) permettent de gagner environ 20% d'Ć©nergie par rapport Ć  un schĆ©ma classique basse pression, sous rĆ©serve de valoriser tout l'azote produit :

  • L'utilisation de schĆ©mas sous pression impose donc deux contraintes :
    • Tout l'azote doit ĆŖtre utilisĆ©
    • Une partie de l'azote est forcĆ©ment impure
It is known to separate the air in a double column constituted by a medium pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of a reboiler-condenser . The medium pressure column can for example operate at a pressure between 5 and 6 bar abs and the low pressure column between 1.2 and 1.5 bar abs. If the low pressure column operates at a pressure above 2 bar abs, it is commonly said that the device operates "under pressure" or "high pressure". Distillation processes in which the apparatus operates under pressure, whether to produce impure oxygen (typically 95% mol.) Or pure (typically at least 99.5% mol.) Can save about 20% of the product. compared to a conventional low pressure scheme, provided that all the nitrogen produced is valorised:
  • The use of pressure diagrams therefore imposes two constraints:
    • All nitrogen must be used
    • Part of the nitrogen is necessarily impure

La production d'oxygĆØne gazeux (GOX) et l'azote gazeux (GAN) en utilisant deux unitĆ©s de sĆ©paration d'air (ASU) opĆ©rant Ć  la mĆŖme basse pression (BP), donc avec la colonne basse pression fonctionnant Ć  moins de 2 bars, se prĆ©sente comme suit : Production Train 1 : ASU BP Train 2 : ASU BP Total GOX 20 20 40 GAN 10 soutirĆ© de la colonne MP 10 soutirĆ© de la colonne MP 100 40 soutirĆ© de la colonne BP 40 soutirĆ© de la colonne BP Total GAN : 50 Total GAN : 50 Energie 100 100 200 The production of gaseous oxygen (GOX) and nitrogen gas (GAN) using two air separation units (ASU) operating at the same low pressure (LP), so with the low pressure column operating at less than 2 bars, looks like this: Production Train 1: ASU BP Train 2: ASU BP Total GOX 20 20 40 GAN 10 withdrawn from the MP column 10 withdrawn from the MP column 100 40 withdrawn from the BP column 40 withdrawn from the BP column Total GAN: 50 Total GAN: 50 Energy 100 100 200

Dans le cadre d'unitĆ© de production avec plusieurs unitĆ©s de sĆ©paration d'air en parallĆØle (dit Ā« multi-trains Ā»), l'invention propose de combiner l'utilisation d'un schĆ©ma sous pression pour au moins un train, et d'un schĆ©ma basse pression pour au moins un train.In the context of a production unit with several air separation units in parallel (called "multi-trains"), the invention proposes to combine the use of a pressure diagram for at least one train, and a low pressure diagram for at least one train.

L'azote nĆ©cessaire peut ĆŖtre produit d'abord par l'ensemble sous pression, puis par l'ensemble basse pression si le besoin est supĆ©rieur Ć  la production maximale de l'ensemble sous pression.Necessary nitrogen can be produced first by the pressurized assembly, then by the low pressure assembly if the need is greater than the maximum production of the pressurized assembly.

La partie d'azote impur issu de l'ensemble sous pression sera soit purifiƩe dans l'ensemble basse pression, soit purifiƩe et produite dans l'ensemble sous pression en utilisant un fluide issu de l'ensemble basse pression.The portion of impure nitrogen from the pressurized assembly will either be purified in the low pressure package, or purified and produced in the assembly under pressure using a fluid from the low pressure assembly.

La rĆ©gĆ©nĆ©ration de l'ensemble sous pression pourra ĆŖtre faite Ć  partir d'un gaz rĆ©siduaire d'un ensemble basse pressionRegeneration of the assembly under pressure can be made from a waste gas of a low pressure assembly

Cette disposition permet de produire la quantitĆ© d'azote voulue Ć  la puretĆ© voulue (prĆ©fĆ©rentiellement pure) et de bĆ©nĆ©ficier pour la production d'oxygĆØne d'une partie du gain Ć©nergĆ©tique en utilisant des schĆ©mas sous pression pour une partie des trains.This arrangement makes it possible to produce the desired amount of nitrogen at the desired purity (preferably pure) and to benefit for oxygen production from a part of the energy gain by using pressure diagrams for part of the trains.

EP-A-2489968 dĆ©crit un procĆ©dĆ© selon les prĆ©ambules des revendications 1 respectivement 8. Selon l'invention, on va utiliser au moins un ensemble de colonnes dont la colonne opĆ©rant Ć  la plus basse pression opĆØre Ć  une pression supĆ©rieure Ć  2 bars abs, dit Ā« ensemble sous pression Ā». Cet ensemble va produire prĆ©fĆ©rentiellement l'azote dont on a besoin, en plus d'une partie de l'oxygĆØne. EP-A-2489968 describes a process according to the preambles of claims 1 or 8. According to the invention, at least one set of columns whose column operating at the lowest pressure operates at a pressure greater than 2 bar abs, called "together under pressure, will be used. ". This set will preferentially produce the nitrogen that is needed, in addition to a portion of the oxygen.

Un ensemble comprend au moins une double colonne constituĆ©e par une colonne moyenne pression et une colonne basse pression, la tĆŖte de la colonne moyenne pression Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e avec la cuve de la colonne basse pression au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur.An assembly comprises at least one double column constituted by a medium pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of a reboiler-condenser.

Un ensemble peut alternativement comprendre au moins une triple colonne constituĆ©e par trois colonnes, une colonne moyenne pression, une colonne pression intermĆ©diaire et une colonne basse pression, la tĆŖte de la colonne moyenne pression Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e avec la cuve de la colonne pression intermĆ©diaire au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur, la tĆŖte de la colonne pression intermĆ©diaire Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e avec la cuve de la colonne basse pression au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur.An assembly may alternatively comprise at least one triple column constituted by three columns, a medium pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the intermediate pressure column vessel by means of a reboiler-condenser, the head of the intermediate pressure column being thermally connected with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of a reboiler-condenser.

Un ensemble peut alternativement comprendre au moins une triple colonne constituĆ©e par trois colonnes, une colonne moyenne pression, une colonne pression intermĆ©diaire et une colonne basse pression, la tĆŖte de la colonne moyenne pression Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e avec la cuve de la colonne pression intermĆ©diaire au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur et avec la cuve de la colonne basse pression au moyen d'un autre rebouilleur-condenseur.An assembly may alternatively comprise at least one triple column constituted by three columns, a medium pressure column, an intermediate pressure column and a low pressure column, the head of the medium pressure column being thermally connected with the intermediate pressure column vessel by means of a reboiler-condenser and with the vessel of the low pressure column by means of another reboiler-condenser.

Selon un objet de l'invention, il est prƩvu un procƩdƩ de sƩparation d'air par distillation cryogƩnique dans un appareil comprenant

  1. i) un premier ensemble de colonnes de distillation comprenant au moins une premiĆØre colonne fonctionnant Ć  une premiĆØre pression dite haute pression et une deuxiĆØme colonne fonctionnant Ć  une deuxiĆØme pression plus basse que la premiĆØre pression, la tĆŖte de la premiĆØre colonne Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e Ć  la cuve de la deuxiĆØme colonne au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur, une premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration et une premiĆØre ligne d'Ć©change de chaleur, et
  2. ii) un deuxiĆØme ensemble de colonnes de distillation comprenant au moins une troisiĆØme colonne fonctionnant Ć  une troisiĆØme pression plus basse que la premiĆØre pression et une quatriĆØme colonne fonctionnant Ć  une quatriĆØme pression plus basse que la premiĆØre, la deuxiĆØme et la troisiĆØme pressions, la tĆŖte de troisiĆØme colonne Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e Ć  la cuve de la quatriĆØme colonne au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur, une deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration et une deuxiĆØme ligne d'Ć©change de chaleur, dans lequel on envoie de l'air comprimĆ© Ć  la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration, on envoie de l'air Ć©purĆ© de la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration Ć  la premiĆØre ligne d'Ć©change, on envoie de l'air refroidi de la premiĆØre ligne d'Ć©change Ć  la premiĆØre colonne, on envoie de l'air comprimĆ© Ć  la deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration, on envoie de l'air Ć©purĆ© de la deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration Ć  la deuxiĆØme ligne d'Ć©change et on envoie de l'air refroidi de la deuxiĆØme ligne d'Ć©change Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne opĆ©rant Ć  la troisiĆØme pression
caractĆ©risĆ© en ce que l'on envoie un fluide de tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć  la deuxiĆØme colonne ou on mĆ©lange le gaz de tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne avec un gaz de tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne et on envoie un fluide intermĆ©diaire de la deuxiĆØme colonne Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne.According to one object of the invention, there is provided a method for separating air by cryogenic distillation in an apparatus comprising
  1. i) a first set of distillation columns comprising at least a first column operating at a first so-called high pressure pressure and a second column operating at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the head of the first column being thermally connected to the first pressure column; tank of the second column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a first purification unit and a first heat exchange line, and
  2. ii) a second set of distillation columns comprising at least a third column operating at a third pressure lower than the first pressure and a fourth column operating at a fourth pressure lower than the first, second and third pressures, the head third column being thermally connected to the tank of the fourth column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a second purification unit and a second heat exchange line, into which compressed air is supplied to the first purification unit, purified air is sent from the first purification unit to the first exchange line, cooled air is sent from the first exchange line to the first column, it sends air compressed air to the second purification unit, purified air is sent from the second purification unit to the second exchange line and cooled air is sent from the second line exchange in the third column operating at the third pressure
characterized in that a head fluid is fed from the third column to the second column or the top gas of the third column is mixed with a head gas of the second column and an intermediate fluid is sent from the second column. in the third column.

Selon d'autres caractƩristiques facultatives :

  • la troisiĆØme pression est supĆ©rieure Ć , infĆ©rieure Ć  ou Ć©gale Ć  la deuxiĆØme pression.
  • la troisiĆØme pression est Ć©gale Ć  la deuxiĆØme pression et l'on envoie le fluide de tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć  la deuxiĆØme colonne sans le dĆ©tendre et/ou on envoie le fluide intermĆ©diaire de la deuxiĆØme colonne Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne sans le pressuriser.
  • la troisiĆØme pression est supĆ©rieure Ć  la deuxiĆØme pression et l'on envoie le fluide de tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć  la deuxiĆØme colonne aprĆØs l'avoir dĆ©tendu et/ou on envoie le fluide intermĆ©diaire de la deuxiĆØme colonne Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne aprĆØs l'avoir pressurisĆ©.
  • on envoie un gaz, Ć©ventuellement intermĆ©diaire, de la quatriĆØme colonne vers la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration et vers la deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration pour servir de gaz de rĆ©gĆ©nĆ©ration.
  • on n'envoie aucun gaz de la deuxiĆØme colonne vers la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration comme gaz de rĆ©gĆ©nĆ©ration.
  • on soutire un fluide enrichi en oxygĆØne en cuve de la deuxiĆØme colonne et on soutire un fluide enrichi en oxygĆØne en cuve de la quatriĆØme colonne.
  • on soutire un gaz enrichi en azote en tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne et on soutire un gaz enrichi en azote en tĆŖte de la quatriĆØme colonne.
  • on ne soutire pas de gaz enrichi en azote en tĆŖte de la premiĆØre colonne.
According to other optional features:
  • the third pressure is greater than, less than or equal to the second pressure.
  • the third pressure is equal to the second pressure and the head fluid of the third column is sent to the second column without relaxing it and / or the intermediate fluid is sent from the second column to the third column without pressurizing it.
  • the third pressure is greater than the second pressure and the head fluid of the third column is sent to the second column after expansion and / or the intermediate fluid of the second column is sent to the third column after the have pressurized.
  • a gas, possibly intermediate, is sent from the fourth column to the first purification unit and to the second purification unit to serve as a regeneration gas.
  • no gas is sent from the second column to the first purification unit as a regeneration gas.
  • an oxygen-enriched fluid is withdrawn from the second column and an oxygen-enriched fluid is withdrawn from the fourth column.
  • a nitrogen-enriched gas is withdrawn at the top of the second column and a nitrogen-enriched gas is withdrawn at the top of the fourth column.
  • no nitrogen-enriched gas is withdrawn at the top of the first column.

Selon un autre objet de l'invention, il est prĆ©vu un appareil de sĆ©paration d'air comprenant une premiĆØre unitĆ© de sĆ©paration d'air comprenant

  1. i) un premier ensemble de colonnes de distillation comprenant au moins une premiĆØre colonne capable de fonctionner Ć  une premiĆØre pression dite haute pression et une deuxiĆØme colonne capable de fonctionner Ć  une deuxiĆØme pression plus basse que la premiĆØre pression, la tĆŖte de la premiĆØre colonne Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e Ć  la cuve de la deuxiĆØme colonne au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur, une premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration et une premiĆØre ligne d'Ć©change de chaleur, des moyens pour envoyer de l'air comprimĆ© Ć  la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration, des moyens pour envoyer de l'air Ć©purĆ© de la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration Ć  la premiĆØre ligne d'Ć©change et des moyens pour envoyer de l'air refroidi de la premiĆØre ligne d'Ć©change Ć  la premiĆØre colonne, et
  2. ii) un deuxiĆØme ensemble de colonnes de distillation, comprenant au moins une troisiĆØme colonne capable de fonctionner Ć  une troisiĆØme pression plus basse que la premiĆØre pression et une quatriĆØme colonne capable de fonctionner Ć  une quatriĆØme pression plus basse que la premiĆØre, la deuxiĆØme et la troisiĆØme pressions, la tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć©tant thermiquement reliĆ©e Ć  la cuve de la quatriĆØme colonne au moyen d'un rebouilleur-condenseur, une deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration et une deuxiĆØme ligne d'Ć©change de chaleur, des moyens pour envoyer de l'air comprimĆ© Ć  la troisiĆØme pression Ć  la deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration, des moyens pour envoyer de l'air Ć©purĆ© de la deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration Ć  la deuxiĆØme ligne d'Ć©change et des moyens pour envoyer de l'air refroidi de la deuxiĆØme ligne d'Ć©change Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne,
caractĆ©risĆ© en ce qu'il comprend des moyens pour envoyer un fluide de tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć  la deuxiĆØme colonne ou au gaz de tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne et des moyens pour envoyer un fluide intermĆ©diaire de la deuxiĆØme colonne Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne.According to another object of the invention, there is provided an air separation apparatus comprising a first air separation unit comprising
  1. i) a first set of distillation columns comprising at least a first column capable of operating at a first so-called high pressure and a second column capable of operating at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the head of the first column being thermally connected to the tank of the second column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a first purification unit and a first heat exchange line, means for sending compressed air to the first purification unit , means to send clean air from the first unit on the first exchange line and means for sending cooled air from the first exchange line to the first column, and
  2. ii) a second set of distillation columns, comprising at least a third column capable of operating at a third pressure lower than the first pressure and a fourth column capable of operating at a fourth pressure lower than the first, second and third pressures, the head of the third column being thermally connected to the tank of the fourth column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a second purification unit and a second heat exchange line, means for sending the third column, compressed air at the third pressure to the second purification unit, means for sending purified air from the second purification unit to the second exchange line and means for sending cooled air to the second purification unit second line of exchange in the third column,
characterized by comprising means for supplying a head fluid from the third column to the second column or the overhead gas of the second column and means for supplying an intermediate fluid from the second column to the third column.

Selon d'autres aspects facultatifs :

  • les moyens pour envoyer un fluide de tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć  la deuxiĆØme colonne ou au gaz de tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne ne comprennent pas des moyens de dĆ©tente et/ou les moyens pour envoyer un fluide intermĆ©diaire de la deuxiĆØme colonne Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne ne comprennent pas de moyens de pressurisation.
  • l'appareil comprend une vanne ou une turbine pour dĆ©tendre le fluide envoyĆ© de la troisiĆØme colonne Ć  la deuxiĆØme colonne et/ou une pompe pour pressuriser le fluide envoyĆ© de la deuxiĆØme colonne Ć  la troisiĆØme colonne, le fluide Ć©tant un liquide.
  • l'appareil comprend des moyens pour envoyer un gaz Ć©ventuellement intermĆ©diaire de la quatriĆØme colonne vers la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration et vers la deuxiĆØme unitĆ© d'Ć©puration pour servir de gaz de rĆ©gĆ©nĆ©ration.
  • l'appareil ne comprend aucun moyen d'envoi de gaz de la deuxiĆØme colonne vers la premiĆØre unitĆ© d'Ć©puration comme gaz de rĆ©gĆ©nĆ©ration.
  • l'appareil comprend des moyens pour soutirer un fluide enrichi en oxygĆØne en cuve de la deuxiĆØme colonne et comprenant des moyens pour soutirer un fluide enrichi en oxygĆØne en cuve de la quatriĆØme colonne.
  • l'appareil comprend une conduite pour soutirer un gaz enrichi en azote en tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne et une conduite pour soutirer un gaz enrichi en azote en tĆŖte de la quatriĆØme colonne.
  • l'appareil ne comprend pas de conduite pour soutirer un gaz enrichi en azote en tĆŖte de la premiĆØre colonne.
According to other optional aspects:
  • the means for sending a head fluid from the third column to the second column or the overhead gas of the second column does not include detent means and / or means for sending an intermediate fluid from the second column to the third column do not include means of pressurization.
  • the apparatus comprises a valve or a turbine for expanding the fluid supplied from the third column to the second column and / or a pump for pressurizing the fluid supplied from the second column to the third column, the fluid being a liquid.
  • the apparatus comprises means for supplying an optionally intermediate gas from the fourth column to the first purification unit and to the second purification unit to serve as a regeneration gas.
  • the apparatus does not include any means for sending gas from the second column to the first purification unit as a regeneration gas.
  • the apparatus comprises means for withdrawing a tank-enriched oxygen-enriched fluid from the second column and comprising means for withdrawing an oxygen-enriched fluid in the tank from the fourth column.
  • the apparatus comprises a pipe for withdrawing a nitrogen-enriched gas at the top of the second column and a pipe for withdrawing a nitrogen-enriched gas at the top of the fourth column.
  • the apparatus does not include a pipe for withdrawing a gas enriched in nitrogen at the head of the first column.

La colonne moyenne pression de l'ensemble sous pression fonctionne de prƩfƩrence Ơ une pression supƩrieure Ơ 7 bars abs.The medium pressure column of the assembly under pressure preferably operates at a pressure greater than 7 bar abs.

L'azote rƩsiduaire du ou des ensembles sous pression est purifiƩ Ơ l'aide du ou des ensembles basse pression.The residual nitrogen of the pressure assembly (s) is purified using the low pressure assembly (s).

Exemple :Example:

ProductionProduction Train 1 : ASU Sous pressionTrain 1: ASU Under Pressure Train 2 : ASU BPTrain 2: ASU BP TotalTotal GOXGOX 2020 2020 4040 GANGAN 0 soutirĆ© de la colonne Ā« MP Ā» 60 soutirĆ© de la colonne Ā« BP Ā»0 withdrawn from the column "MP" 60 withdrawn from the column "BP" 10 soutirĆ© de la colonne MP10 withdrawn from the MP column 100100 20 impur soutirĆ© de la colonne Ā« BP Ā» purifiĆ© grĆ¢ce au train 220 impure withdrawn from the column "BP" purified thanks to the train 2 10 soutirĆ© de la colonne BP10 withdrawn from the BP column Total GAN : 80Total GAN: 80 Total GAN : 20Total GAN: 20 EnergieEnergy 8080 100100 180180

Dans ce cas, cela permet de rƩduire de 10% l'Ʃnergie moyenne de production.In this case, it reduces the average energy production by 10%.

Selon la Figure 1, l'appareil comprend deux ensembles de colonnes de sĆ©paration d'air 1, 2. Chaque ensemble est disposĆ© dans une boĆ®te froide 31, 31' mais les deux ensembles pourraient se trouver dans la mĆŖme boite froide. Dans l'ensemble 1, il y a au moins une double colonne de sĆ©paration comprenant une premiĆØre colonne 3 opĆ©rant Ć  une premiĆØre pression appelĆ©e haute pression (HP) et une deuxiĆØme colonne 5 opĆ©rant Ć  une deuxiĆØme pression moins Ć©levĆ©e que la haute pression reliĆ©es thermiquement au moyen d'au moins un rebouilleur-condenseur. La premiĆØre pression (haute pression) est supĆ©rieure Ć  7 bars abs et/ou la deuxiĆØme pression (basse pression) est supĆ©rieure Ć  2 bars abs.According to Figure 1 , the apparatus comprises two sets of air separation columns 1, 2. Each set is disposed in a cold box 31, 31 'but the two sets could be in the same cold box. In the assembly 1, there is at least one double separation column comprising a first column 3 operating at a first pressure called high pressure (HP) and a second column 5 operating at a second pressure lower than the high pressure thermally connected by means of at least one reboiler-condenser. The first pressure (high pressure) is greater than 7 bar abs and / or the second pressure (low pressure) is greater than 2 bar abs.

Les colonnes 3, 5 de l'ensemble 1 illustrĆ© sont thermiquement reliĆ©es par un vaporiseur de cuve de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 qui condense de l'azote provenant de la tĆŖte de la colonne 3. De l'air 9 comprimĆ© dans le compresseur C est Ć©purĆ© dans l'unitĆ© d'Ć©puration E et refroidi dans la ligne d'Ć©change 7. L'air refroidi est envoyĆ© au moins Ć  la premiĆØre colonne 3 au moins en partie sous forme gazeuse et s'y sĆ©pare de maniĆØre connue. De l'oxygĆØne gazeux 11 est soutirĆ© de la cuve de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 et se rĆ©chauffe dans la ligne d'Ć©change 7. De l'azote gazeux 13 pris en tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 se rĆ©chauffe dans la ligne d'Ć©change 7. Un dĆ©bit gazeux enrichi en azote 17 est soutirĆ© Ć  un niveau intermĆ©diaire de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5.The columns 3, 5 of the assembly 1 illustrated are thermally connected by a tank vaporizer of the second column 5 which condenses nitrogen from the top of the column 3. Compressed air 9 in the compressor C is purified in the purification unit E and cooled in the exchange line 7. The cooled air is sent at least to the first column 3 at least partly in gaseous form and separates in a known manner. Oxygen gas 11 is withdrawn from the tank of the second column 5 and is heated in the exchange line 7. Nitrogen gas 13 taken at the top of the second column 5 is heated in the exchange line 7 A nitrogen-enriched gas stream 17 is withdrawn at an intermediate level of the second column 5.

Le schƩma est simplifiƩ et ne montre pas (tous) les Ʃventuels sous-refroidisseurs, pompes, surpresseurs d'air ou turbines.The diagram is simplified and does not show (all) the possible subcoolers, pumps, air boosters or turbines.

Dans l'ensemble 2, il y a au moins une double colonne de sĆ©paration comprenant une troisiĆØme colonne 3' opĆ©rant Ć  une troisiĆØme pression, appelĆ©e moyenne pression (MP) infĆ©rieure Ć  la haute pression et une quatriĆØme colonne 5' opĆ©rant Ć  une quatriĆØme pression moins Ć©levĆ©e que la troisiĆØme pression (Ā« moyenne pression Ā»). La troisiĆØme pression est infĆ©rieure Ć  6,5 bars abs.In the assembly 2, there is at least one double separation column comprising a third column 3 'operating at a third pressure, called medium pressure (MP) lower than the high pressure and a fourth column 5' operating at a fourth pressure less than the third pressure ("medium pressure"). The third pressure is less than 6.5 bar abs.

Les colonnes 3', 5' de l'ensemble 2 sont thermiquement reliĆ©es par un vaporiseur de cuve de la colonne 5' qui condense de l'azote provenant de la tĆŖte de la colonne 3'. De l'air 9' comprimĆ© dans le compresseur C est Ć©purĆ© dans l'unitĆ© d'Ć©puration E' et refroidi dans la ligne d'Ć©change 7'. L'air refroidi est envoyĆ© au moins Ć  la colonne 3' au moins en partie sous forme gazeuse et s'y sĆ©pare de maniĆØre connue. De l'oxygĆØne gazeux 11' est soutirĆ© de la cuve de la quatriĆØme colonne 5' et se rĆ©chauffe dans la ligne d'Ć©change 7'. De l'azote gazeux 13' pris en tĆŖte de la colonne quatriĆØme 5' se rĆ©chauffe dans la ligne d'Ć©change 7'. De l'azote rĆ©siduaire 19 est soutirĆ© Ć  un niveau intermĆ©diaire de la quatriĆØme colonne 5'.The columns 3 ', 5' of the assembly 2 are thermally connected by a bottom evaporator of the column 5 'which condenses nitrogen coming from the top of the column 3'. Air 9 'compressed in the compressor C is purified in the purification unit E' and cooled in the exchange line 7 '. The cooled air is sent at least at least partly to gaseous column 3 'and separates therein in a known manner. Oxygen gas 11 'is withdrawn from the tank of the fourth column 5' and is heated in the exchange line 7 '. Nitrogen gas 13 'taken at the top of the fourth column 5' is heated in the exchange line 7 '. Residual nitrogen 19 is withdrawn at an intermediate level of the fourth column 5 '.

L'azote rĆ©siduaire gazeux 17 de l'ensemble 1 issu de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 est envoyĆ© dans la partie supĆ©rieure de la troisiĆØme colonne 3' du l'ensemble 2 pour ĆŖtre purifiĆ©, en bĆ©nĆ©ficiant de l'excĆØs de reflux dans cette partie de la troisiĆØme colonne 3'. L'azote purifiĆ© 15 est soutirĆ© sous forme gazeuse en tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne 3' de l'ensemble 2 (en plus de l'azote MP produit Ā« naturellement Ā» par cette troisiĆØme colonne 3'), puis mĆ©langĆ© avec l'azote de tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 de l'ensemble 1 (vers la ligne d'Ć©change 7) pour ne pas dĆ©sĆ©quilibrer le bilan frigorifique.The waste gas nitrogen 17 of the assembly 1 from the second column 5 is sent to the upper part of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2 to be purified, benefiting from the excess of reflux in this part of the third column 3 '. The purified nitrogen is withdrawn in gaseous form at the top of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2 (in addition to the nitrogen MP produced "Naturally" by this third column 3 '), then mixed with the top nitrogen of the second column 5 of the assembly 1 (to the exchange line 7) to not unbalance the cooling balance.

Une partie 29 du rƩsiduaire 19 de l'ensemble 2 est utilisƩe pour la rƩgƩnƩration de l'Ʃpuration E de l'ensemble 1. Le reste 19' de l'azote rƩsiduaire 19 de l'ensemble 2 est utilisƩ pour la rƩgƩnƩration de l'Ʃpuration E' de l'ensemble 2.Part 29 of the waste 19 of the assembly 2 is used for the regeneration of the purification E of the assembly 1. The remainder 19 'of the residual nitrogen 19 of the assembly 2 is used for the regeneration of the purification E 'of the assembly 2.

Cette variante nĆ©cessite d'avoir la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 de l'ensemble 1 Ć  une pression sensiblement identique Ć  celle de la troisiĆØme colonne 3' de l'ensemble 2.This variant requires having the second column 5 of the assembly 1 at a pressure substantially identical to that of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2.

Dans la variante de la Figure 2, la premiĆØre colonne 3 de l'ensemble 1 fonctionne Ć  une premiĆØre pression supĆ©rieure Ć  7 bars abs et/ou la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 fonctionne Ć  une deuxiĆØme pression supĆ©rieure Ć  2 bars abs.In the variant of the Figure 2 the first column 3 of the assembly 1 operates at a first pressure greater than 7 bar abs and / or the second column 5 operates at a second pressure greater than 2 bar abs.

Pour l'ensemble 2 la troisiĆØme colonne 3' fonctionne Ć  une troisiĆØme pression infĆ©rieure Ć  6.5 bars abs et/ou la quatriĆØme colonne 5' fonctionne Ć  une quatriĆØme pression infĆ©rieure Ć  2 bars abs.For the assembly 2, the third column 3 'operates at a third pressure of less than 6.5 bar abs and / or the fourth column 5' operates at a fourth pressure of less than 2 bar abs.

Une partie du liquide de reflux 25 disponible en tĆŖte de la troisiĆØme colonne 3' de l'ensemble 2 est envoyĆ©e, aprĆØs dĆ©tente Ć©ventuelle dans une vanne 35, en tĆŖte de la deuxiĆØme colonne 5 de l'ensemble 1 pour purifier le gaz rĆ©siduaire. On renvoie le liquide 17 qui a servi Ć  purifier l'azote rĆ©siduaire de l'ensemble 1 vers un niveau intermĆ©diaire de la colonne 3' de l'ensemble 2, Ć©ventuellement Ć  l'aide d'une pompe 33. Comme on met en oeuvre des liquides que l'on peut facilement pomper sans trop de pĆ©nalitĆ© Ć©nergĆ©tique, cette variante permet de dĆ©coupler la pression de la colonne 5 opĆ©rant Ć  plus basse pression de l'ensemble 1 de celle 3' opĆ©rant Ć  la plus haute pression de l'ensemble 2.Part of the reflux liquid 25 available at the top of the third column 3 'of the assembly 2 is sent, after optional expansion in a valve 35, at the head of the second column 5 of the assembly 1 to purify the waste gas. The liquid 17 which has served to purify the residual nitrogen of the assembly 1 is returned to an intermediate level of the column 3 'of the assembly 2, possibly with the aid of a pump 33. liquids that can be easily pumped without too much energy penalty, this variant allows to decouple the pressure of the column 5 operating at lower pressure of the assembly 1 of the 3 'operating at the highest pressure of all 2.

A part ces diffƩrences, les ensembles de la Figure 2 fonctionnent comme celles de la Figure 1.Apart from these differences, the sets of the Figure 2 operate like those in the Figure 1 .

Pour le cas, moins probable oĆ¹ la troisiĆØme pression de la troisiĆØme colonne est infĆ©rieure Ć  la deuxiĆØme pression de la deuxiĆØme colonne, le liquide 17 peut ĆŖtre dĆ©tendu et le liquide 25 pressurisĆ© par pompe.For the less likely case where the third pressure of the third column is lower than the second pressure of the second column, the liquid 17 can be expanded and the liquid pumped.

Les deux figures montrent deux ensembles de sƩparation, chacun comprenant une double colonne. Il sera facilement compris qu'un ensemble pourrait comprendre une triple colonne Ơ la place de la double colonne.The two figures show two separation sets, each comprising a double column. It will be easily understood that a set could include a triple column instead of the double column.

En particulier on pourrait envisager le cas oĆ¹ l'ensemble 1 comprend une triple colonne et l'ensemble 2 une double colonne. Dans ce cas, ce serait la colonne de l'ensemble 1 opĆ©rant Ć  la pression la plus basse qui serait reliĆ©e Ć  la colonne de l'ensemble 2 opĆ©rant Ć  la pression la plus Ć©levĆ©e.In particular one could consider the case where the set 1 comprises a triple column and the set 2 a double column. In this case, it would be the column of the set 1 operating at the lowest pressure which would be connected to the column of the assembly 2 operating at the highest pressure.

De plus l'ensemble pourrait comprendre une colonne argon. Par exemple l'ensemble 2 pourrait comprendre une colonne argon reliƩe Ơ la colonne 5'.In addition the set could include an argon column. For example, the set 2 could comprise an argon column connected to the 5 'column.

Claims (13)

  1. A method for separating air by cryogenic distillation in an apparatus comprising:
    i) a first set (1) of distillation columns comprising at least a first column (3) operating at a first pressure, called high pressure, and a second column (5) operating at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the head of the first column being thermally connected to the bottom of the second column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a first purification unit (E) and a first heat exchange line (7), and
    ii) a second set (2) of distillation columns comprising at least a third column (3') operating at a third pressure lower than the first pressure and a fourth column (5') operating at a fourth pressure lower than the first, second and third pressures, the third column head being thermally connected to the bottom of the fourth column by a reboiler-condenser, a second purification unit (E') and a second exchange line heat (7'), in which compressed air is sent to the first purification unit, the cleaned air is sent from the first purification unit to the first exchange line, cooled air is sent from the first heat exchange line to the first column, compressed air is sent to the second purification unit, cleaned air is sent from the second purification unit to the second line exchange, and cooled air is sent from the second exchange line to the third column operating at the third pressure characterized in that:
    - a head fluid (15) is sent from the third column to the second column or the head gas from the third column is mixed with a head gas from the second column and
    - an intermediate fluid (17) is sent from the second column to the third column.
  2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the third pressure is greater than, less than or equal to the second pressure.
  3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the third pressure is equal to the second pressure and the head fluid (17) from the third column (3') is sent to the second column (5) or to the head gas from the second column without expanding same and/or the intermediate fluid (17) is sent from the second column to the third column without pressurizing same.
  4. A method according to claim 2 wherein the third pressure is greater than the second pressure and the head fluid (17) it sent from the third column (3') to the second column (5) or to the head gas of the second column after having expanded and/or the intermediate fluid (17) is sent from the second column to the third column after being pressurized.
  5. A method according to one of the preceding claims wherein a gas (19, 19', 29), optionally an intermediate gas, from the fourth column (5') is sent to the first purification unit (E) and to the second purification unit (E') to serve as regeneration gas.
  6. A method according to claim 5 wherein no gas is sent from the second column (5) to the first purification unit (E) as a regeneration gas.
  7. A method according to one of the preceding claims wherein an oxygen-enriched fluid (13) is withdrawn from the bottom of the second column (5) and an oxygen-enriched fluid (13') is withdrawn from the bottom of the fourth column (5').
  8. An air separation apparatus comprising a first air separation unit comprising
    i) a first set (1) of distillation columns comprising at least a first column (3) capable of operating at a first pressure, called high pressure, and a second pressure column (5) capable of operating at a second pressure lower than the first pressure, the head of the first column being thermally connected to the bottom of the second column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a first purification unit (E) and a first heat exchange line (7), means for sending compressed air (9) to the first purification unit, means for sending the purified air from the first purification unit to the first exchange line and means for sending the cooled air from the first heat exchange line to the first column, and
    ii) a second set (2) of distillation columns comprising at least a third column (3') capable of operating at a third pressure lower than the first pressure and a fourth column (5') capable of operating at a fourth pressure lower than the first, second and third pressures, the head of the third column being thermally connected to the bottom of the fourth column by means of a reboiler-condenser, a second purification unit (E') and a second heat exchange line (7'), means for sending compressed air at the third pressure to the second purification unit, means for sending the purified air (9') from the second cleaning unit to the second exchange line and means for sending cooled air from the second exchange line to the third column,
    characterized in that it comprises means for sending a head fluid (15) from the third column to the second column or a line of a head gas from the second column and means for sending an intermediate fluid (17) from the second column to the third column.
  9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the means for sending a head fluid (15) from the third column (3') to the second column or to the head gas of the second column do not comprise expansion means and/or the means for sending an intermediate fluid from the second column to the third column does not comprise pressurizing means.
  10. An apparatus according to claim 8 comprising a valve or a turbine for expanding the fluid sent from the third column to the second column.
  11. An apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 10 comprising a pump for pressurizing the fluid sent from the second column to the third column, the fluid being a liquid.
  12. An apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 11, comprising means for sending a gas, optionally an intermediate gas, from the fourth column to the first purification unit and to the second purification unit to serve as a regeneration gas.
  13. An apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 12 that does not comprise means for sending gas from the second column to the first purification unit as a regeneration gas.
EP14806034.6A 2013-11-14 2014-11-07 Process and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation Active EP3069091B1 (en)

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FR1361128A FR3013105B1 (en) 2013-11-14 2013-11-14 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR SEPARATION BY CRYOGENIC DISTILLATION
PCT/FR2014/052852 WO2015071578A2 (en) 2013-11-14 2014-11-07 Process and apparatus for separating air by cryogenic distillation

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US20170216766A1 (en) * 2016-02-01 2017-08-03 Fluor Technologies Corporation Modular systems and methods for developing gas fields
CN108120226A (en) * 2017-12-28 2018-06-05 ä¹”ę²»ę“›å¾·ę–¹ę³•ē ”ē©¶å’Œå¼€å‘ę¶²åŒ–ē©ŗę°”ęœ‰é™å…¬åø The method and apparatus of High Purity Nitrogen and oxygen is produced from air by cryogenic rectification
CN108036584A (en) * 2017-12-28 2018-05-15 ä¹”ę²»ę“›å¾·ę–¹ę³•ē ”ē©¶å’Œå¼€å‘ę¶²åŒ–ē©ŗę°”ęœ‰é™å…¬åø The method and apparatus of High Purity Nitrogen, oxygen and liquid oxygen is produced from air by cryogenic rectification
CN109676367A (en) * 2018-12-28 2019-04-26 ä¹”ę²»ę“›å¾·ę–¹ę³•ē ”ē©¶å’Œå¼€å‘ę¶²åŒ–ē©ŗę°”ęœ‰é™å…¬åø A kind of method of heat exchanger assemblies and the assembly heat exchanger assemblies
US20230168030A1 (en) * 2020-04-09 2023-06-01 Linde Gmbh Process for cryogenic fractionation of air, air fractionation plant and integrated system composed of at least two air fractionation plants
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US8528363B2 (en) * 2009-12-17 2013-09-10 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Process and apparatus for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation
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WO2015071578A3 (en) 2015-12-03
CN105765329A (en) 2016-07-13
FR3013105B1 (en) 2016-01-01
FR3013105A1 (en) 2015-05-15

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