EP0833119A2 - Process and plant for supplying an air separation unit - Google Patents

Process and plant for supplying an air separation unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0833119A2
EP0833119A2 EP97402213A EP97402213A EP0833119A2 EP 0833119 A2 EP0833119 A2 EP 0833119A2 EP 97402213 A EP97402213 A EP 97402213A EP 97402213 A EP97402213 A EP 97402213A EP 0833119 A2 EP0833119 A2 EP 0833119A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
exchange line
gas
separation
adiabatic compressor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP97402213A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0833119A3 (en
EP0833119B1 (en
Inventor
Didier Magnet
Emmanuel Garnier
Bernard Saulnier
Jean-Louis Girault
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.)
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 EP0833119A2 publication Critical patent/EP0833119A2/en
Publication of EP0833119A3 publication Critical patent/EP0833119A3/en
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Publication of EP0833119B1 publication Critical patent/EP0833119B1/en
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04521Coupling of the air fractionation unit to an air gas-consuming unit, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J3/04563Integration with a nitrogen consuming unit, e.g. for purging, inerting, cooling or heating
    • F25J3/04575Integration with a nitrogen consuming unit, e.g. for purging, inerting, cooling or heating for a gas expansion plant, e.g. dilution of the combustion gas in a gas turbine
    • F25J3/04581Hot gas expansion of indirect heated nitrogen
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04006Providing pressurised feed air or process streams within or from the air fractionation unit
    • F25J3/04012Providing 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
    • F25J3/04018Providing 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
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04151Purification and (pre-)cooling of the feed air; recuperative heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04157Afterstage cooling and so-called "pre-cooling" of the feed air upstream the air purification unit and main heat exchange line
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04151Purification and (pre-)cooling of the feed air; recuperative heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04163Hot end purification of the feed air
    • F25J3/04169Hot end purification of the feed air by adsorption of the impurities
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04151Purification and (pre-)cooling of the feed air; recuperative heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04163Hot end purification of the feed air
    • F25J3/04169Hot end purification of the feed air by adsorption of the impurities
    • F25J3/04181Regenerating the adsorbents
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04151Purification and (pre-)cooling of the feed air; recuperative heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04187Cooling of the purified feed air by recuperative heat-exchange; Heat-exchange with product streams
    • F25J3/04193Division of the main heat exchange line in consecutive sections having different functions
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02Processes 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
    • F25J3/04Processes 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
    • F25J3/04521Coupling of the air fractionation unit to an air gas-consuming unit, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J3/04612Heat exchange integration with process streams, e.g. from the air gas consuming unit
    • F25J3/04618Heat exchange integration with process streams, e.g. from the air gas consuming unit for cooling an air stream fed to the air fractionation unit
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2205/00Processes or apparatus using other separation and/or other processing means
    • F25J2205/60Processes 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
    • F25J2205/66Regenerating the adsorption vessel, e.g. kind of reactivation gas
    • F25J2205/70Heating the adsorption vessel
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2230/00Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure of gaseous process streams
    • F25J2230/06Adiabatic compressor, i.e. without interstage cooling
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/90External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration
    • F25J2270/906External refrigeration, e.g. conventional closed-loop mechanical refrigeration unit using Freon or NH3, unspecified external refrigeration by heat driven absorption chillers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25JLIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/12Particular process parameters like pressure, temperature, ratios
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S62/00Refrigeration
    • Y10S62/902Apparatus
    • Y10S62/908Filter or absorber
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S62/00Refrigeration
    • Y10S62/902Apparatus
    • Y10S62/909Regeneration

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a installation for power supply for a air separation.
  • Air separation devices are typically supplied with air from at least one isothermal compressor fitted with inter-stage refrigerants in which the air is cooled by heat exchange with refrigeration air.
  • the air leaving the compressor is itself cooled in a final cooler or in an air / water tower, generally associated with a water / nitrogen tower and / or a group refrigerator.
  • This system generally called “Precooling” provides air at a relatively low temperature (around 15 ° C) before direct to desiccation also limiting the size of the latter, the amount of water in the air increasing exponentially with temperature.
  • Precooling provides air at a relatively low temperature (around 15 ° C) before direct to desiccation also limiting the size of the latter, the amount of water in the air increasing exponentially with temperature.
  • the compressors used are compressors isothermal.
  • a method is provided supply for an air separation device in which at least one of the air compressors is a adiabatic compressor.
  • a installation for supplying a air separation in which at least one of the compressors air is an adiabatic compressor.
  • a method for feeding a separation device air by cryogenic distillation in which at least one part of the air intended for device A is cooled in an exchange line by a flow of an air gas, in particular impure nitrogen coming from the apparatus of separation characterized in that the flow of a gas from the air is humidified before entering the exchange line.
  • a installation for supplying a air separation by cryogenic distillation comprising means for sending an air flow and an air gas to an exchange line, characterized in that it comprises means for humidifying the gas in the air upstream of the exchange line.
  • the cost of installation is reduced by eliminating water refrigerants on the circuit supply air to the gas separation unit the air as well as the entire water circuit of associated cooling, including but not limited to towers water refrigeration, water treatment, pumps system, the distribution network, the taps, the power supplies and associated instrumentation, and finally the air water precooling system supplying the air gas separation unit.
  • This invention also has the advantage of reducing operating costs by significantly reducing the water consumption, by eliminating the costs of maintenance of the water network associated with the removal of possible corrosion problems of the water circuit and the periodic replacement of certain components (refrigerants, etc.) and by removing the power consumption of water pumps and water cooling tower fans.
  • All air for air separation unit A is compressed by an adiabatic air compressor 1.
  • the air tablet is at 200 ° C and must be cooled either using a water cooler (direct contact or not) or by heat exchange with all or some of the products products leaving separation device A either by passage in an absorption refrigeration unit either by many of these systems.
  • impure nitrogen 3 from device A cools the air which passes into the exchanger 5.
  • the air is then purified in the purification unit 7, which is regenerated by part of the impure nitrogen heated in the exchanger 5.
  • the impure nitrogen can be saturated with water upstream of the exchanger 5 which causes a drop in the temperature thereof and thereby increases its capacity to cool the incoming air (see arrow H 2 O in dotted lines) .
  • Air from adiabatic compressor 1 can cool against other air gas flows apart impure nitrogen, in the exchange line.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
  • Drying Of Gases (AREA)

Abstract

Process and installation for feeding an air separator in which at least one of the air compressors is adiabatic. Process and installation for feeding an air separator by cryogenic distillation in which at least part of the air intended for the separator is cooled in an exchange line (5) by a flow of one of the gases from the air, in particular impure nitrogen and the gas flow is humidified before it enters the exchange line.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé et une installation pour l'alimentation pour un appareil de séparation d'air.The present invention relates to a method and a installation for power supply for a air separation.

Les appareils de séparation des gaz de l'air sont généralement alimentés en air à partir d'au moins un compresseur isotherme équipé de réfrigérants inter étages dans lesquels l'air est refroidi par échange de sa chaleur avec l'air de réfrigération.Air separation devices are typically supplied with air from at least one isothermal compressor fitted with inter-stage refrigerants in which the air is cooled by heat exchange with refrigeration air.

L'air sortant du compresseur est lui-même refroidi dans un réfrigérant final ou dans une tour air/eau, associée en général à une tour eau/azote et/ou un groupe frigorifique. Ce système généralement appelé « prérefroidissement » permet d'obtenir de l'air à une température relativement faible (environ 15 °C) avant de le diriger vers la dessiccation limitant aussi la taille de cette dernière, la quantité d'eau contenue dans l'air augmentant exponentiellement avec la température. De tels systèmes sont décrits dans « Current Alternatives by the Use of CFCs in Air Separation and Liquefaction Processes » de Walter F. Castle, Kryogenika 1996.The air leaving the compressor is itself cooled in a final cooler or in an air / water tower, generally associated with a water / nitrogen tower and / or a group refrigerator. This system generally called "Precooling" provides air at a relatively low temperature (around 15 ° C) before direct to desiccation also limiting the size of the latter, the amount of water in the air increasing exponentially with temperature. Such systems are described in "Current Alternatives by the Use of CFCs in Air Separation and Liquefaction Processes » by Walter F. Castle, Kryogenika 1996.

Il est connu d'utiliser la chaleur du réfrigérant du compresseur pour réchauffer le gaz de régénération de JP-A-62-335 691, de JP-196772/94, de FR-2 686 405 et de JP-A-07144114.It is known to use the heat of the refrigerant of compressor to heat the regeneration gas from JP-A-62-335 691, JP-196772/94, FR-2 686 405 and JP-A-07144114.

Or les compresseurs utilisés sont des compresseurs isothermes.The compressors used are compressors isothermal.

Il est un objet de la présente invention de diminuer le montant de l'investissement d'une unité de séparation d'air.It is an object of the present invention to decrease the investment amount of a separation unit of air.

Selon l'objet de l'invention, il est prévu un procédé d'alimentation pour un appareil de séparation d'air dans lequel au moins un des compresseurs d'air est un compresseur adiabatique.According to the subject of the invention, a method is provided supply for an air separation device in which at least one of the air compressors is a adiabatic compressor.

Selon d'autres aspects de l'invention :

  • tout l'air comprimé par le compresseur adiabatique est envoyé à l'appareil de séparation d'air ;
  • l'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique est refroidi par au moins un gaz de l'air provenant de l'appareil de séparation d'air ;
  • un des gaz de l'air réchauffé par l'air comprimé dans le compresseur adiabatique est ensuite envoyé à une unité d'épuration de l'air où il sert à la régénération ;
  • le gaz de l'air envoyé à la régénération est un gaz humidifié ;
  • l'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique est refroidi par des gaz de l'air provenant de l'appareil de séparation dans une ligne d'échange avant d'être envoyé à une unité d'épuration où il est épuré en eau et/ou en CO2 ;
  • l'air épuré est renvoyé à la ligne d'échange ;
  • l'épuration en eau et l'épuration en CO2 ont lieu à deux températures différentes ;
  • au moins une partie de l'air destiné à l'appareil est refroidi dans une ligne d'échange par un débit d'un gaz de l'air, notamment de l'azote impur provenant de l'appareil de séparation caractérisé en ce que le débit d'un gaz de l'air est humidifié avant de rentrer dans la ligne .
According to other aspects of the invention:
  • all the air compressed by the adiabatic compressor is sent to the air separation unit;
  • the air coming from the adiabatic compressor is cooled by at least one gas from the air coming from the air separation device;
  • one of the gases in the air heated by the compressed air in the adiabatic compressor is then sent to an air purification unit where it is used for regeneration;
  • the air gas sent for regeneration is a humidified gas;
  • the air coming from the adiabatic compressor is cooled by gases from the air coming from the separation device in an exchange line before being sent to a purification unit where it is purified with water and / or CO 2 ;
  • the purified air is returned to the exchange line;
  • water purification and CO 2 purification take place at two different temperatures;
  • at least part of the air intended for the device is cooled in an exchange line by a flow of an air gas, in particular impure nitrogen coming from the separation device characterized in that the flow of air gas is humidified before entering the line.

Selon un autre objet de l'invention, il est prévu une installation pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air dans lequel au moins un des compresseurs d'air est un compresseur adiabatique.According to another object of the invention, there is provided a installation for supplying a air separation in which at least one of the compressors air is an adiabatic compressor.

Selon d'autres aspects de l'invention :

  • le compresseur adiabatique est dédié à l'appareil de séparation d'air;
  • l'appareil de séparation d'air est un appareil de distillation cryogénique ;
  • il y a une ligne d'échange et des moyens pour envoyer l'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique et au moins un des gaz de l'air provenant de l'appareil de séparation d'air à cette ligne d'échange ;
  • il y des moyens pour humidifier un des gaz de l'air en amont de la ligne d'échange.
According to other aspects of the invention:
  • the adiabatic compressor is dedicated to the air separation device;
  • the air separation device is a cryogenic distillation device;
  • there is an exchange line and means for sending the air coming from the adiabatic compressor and at least one of the air gases coming from the air separation device to this exchange line;
  • there are means for humidifying one of the air gases upstream of the exchange line.

Selon un autre objet de l'invention, il est prévu un procédé pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique dans lequel au moins une partie de l'air destiné à l'appareil A est refroidi dans une ligne d'échange par un débit d'un gaz de l'air, notamment de l'azote impur provenant de l'appareil de séparation caractérisé en ce que le débit d'un gaz de l'air est humidifié avant de rentrer dans la ligne d'échange.According to another object of the invention, there is provided a method for feeding a separation device air by cryogenic distillation in which at least one part of the air intended for device A is cooled in an exchange line by a flow of an air gas, in particular impure nitrogen coming from the apparatus of separation characterized in that the flow of a gas from the air is humidified before entering the exchange line.

Selon un autre objet de l'invention, il est prévu une installation pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique comprenant des moyens pour envoyer un débit d'air et un gaz de l'air à une ligne d'échange, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens pour humidifier le gaz de l'air en amont de la ligne d'échange.According to another object of the invention, there is provided a installation for supplying a air separation by cryogenic distillation comprising means for sending an air flow and an air gas to an exchange line, characterized in that it comprises means for humidifying the gas in the air upstream of the exchange line.

Comme les compresseurs adiabatiques n'ont pas de réfrigérant, le coût de l'installation est réduit en supprimant les réfrigérants à eau sur le circuit d'alimentation en air de l'unité de séparation de gaz de l'air ainsi que l'ensemble du circuit d'eau de refroidissement associé, incluant entre autres, les tours de réfrigération d'eau, le traitement de l'eau, les pompes à eau, le réseau de distribution, la robinetterie, les alimentations électriques et l'instrumentation associée, et enfin le système de prérefroidissement à l'eau de l'air alimentant l'unité de séparation de gaz de l'air.As adiabatic compressors have no refrigerant, the cost of installation is reduced by eliminating water refrigerants on the circuit supply air to the gas separation unit the air as well as the entire water circuit of associated cooling, including but not limited to towers water refrigeration, water treatment, pumps system, the distribution network, the taps, the power supplies and associated instrumentation, and finally the air water precooling system supplying the air gas separation unit.

Cette invention a également l'avantage de diminuer les coûts d'exploitation par une réduction importante de la consommation d'eau, par une suppression des coûts de maintenance du réseau d'eau associée à une suppression des problèmes éventuels de corrosion du circuit d'eau et le remplacement périodique de certains composants (réfrigérants, etc) et par la suppression de la consommation électrique des pompes à eau et des ventilateurs des tours de réfrigération d'eau. This invention also has the advantage of reducing operating costs by significantly reducing the water consumption, by eliminating the costs of maintenance of the water network associated with the removal of possible corrosion problems of the water circuit and the periodic replacement of certain components (refrigerants, etc.) and by removing the power consumption of water pumps and water cooling tower fans.

En cas de système d'épuration de l'air en eau et CO2 de type dessiccation décarbonation à lit(s) d'adsorbant(s) ou de tout autre système ne permettant pas l'épuration dans la ligne d'échange, l'air sera soutiré de la ligne d'échange avec les produits sortants pour épuré en eau et en CO2 puis réintégré dans la ligne d'échange. La température de soutirage de l'air sera choisie de façon à optimiser la taille du système d'épuration en eau et CO2. D'autre part, les épurations en eau et CO2 pourront être effectuées à deux températures de soutirage différentes, qui seront choisies de façon à optimiser économiquement l'ensemble du système ligne d'échange et épuration.In the case of a system for purifying air of water and CO 2 of the decarbonation desiccation type with a bed (s) of adsorbent (s) or any other system which does not allow purification in the exchange line, l air will be drawn from the exchange line with the outgoing products to purify water and CO 2 and then reintegrated into the exchange line. The air withdrawal temperature will be chosen so as to optimize the size of the water and CO 2 purification system. On the other hand, the water and CO 2 purification can be carried out at two different withdrawal temperatures, which will be chosen so as to economically optimize the entire exchange and purification line system.

Un exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention va maintenant être décrit en regard du dessin annexé sur lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement une installation pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air conforme à l'invention.
An example of implementation of the invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawing in which:
  • Figure 1 schematically shows an installation for the supply of an air separation device according to the invention.

Tout l'air destiné à l'appareil de séparation d'air A est comprimé par un compresseur d'air adiabatique 1. L'air comprimé est à 200 °C et doit être refroidi soit à l'aide d'un réfrigérant à eau (à contact direct ou non) soit par échange de chaleur avec tous les produits ou une partie des produits sortant de l'appareil de séparation A soit par passage dans un groupe frigorifique à absorption soit par plusieurs de ces systèmes. Dans l'exemple, de l'azote impur 3 provenant de l'appareil A refroidit l'air qui passe dans l'échangeur 5.All air for air separation unit A is compressed by an adiabatic air compressor 1. The air tablet is at 200 ° C and must be cooled either using a water cooler (direct contact or not) or by heat exchange with all or some of the products products leaving separation device A either by passage in an absorption refrigeration unit either by many of these systems. In the example, impure nitrogen 3 from device A cools the air which passes into the exchanger 5.

L'air est ensuite épuré dans l'unité d'épuration 7, qui est régénérée par une partie de l'azote impur réchauffé dans l'échangeur 5.The air is then purified in the purification unit 7, which is regenerated by part of the impure nitrogen heated in the exchanger 5.

L'azote impur peut être saturé en eau en amont de l'échangeur 5 ce qui entraíne une baisse de la température de celui-ci et augmente de la sorte sa capacité à refroidir l'air entrant (voir flèche H2O en pointillés). The impure nitrogen can be saturated with water upstream of the exchanger 5 which causes a drop in the temperature thereof and thereby increases its capacity to cool the incoming air (see arrow H 2 O in dotted lines) .

L'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique 1 peut se refroidir contre d'autres débits de gaz de l'air à part l'azote impur, dans la ligne d'échange.Air from adiabatic compressor 1 can cool against other air gas flows apart impure nitrogen, in the exchange line.

Claims (15)

Procédé d'alimentation pour un appareil de séparation d'air dans lequel au moins un des compresseurs d'air est un compresseur adiabatique (1).Feeding method for an apparatus for air separation in which at least one of the compressors air is an adiabatic compressor (1). Procédé selon la revendication 1 dans lequel tout l'air comprimé par le compresseur adiabatique (1) est envoyé à l'appareil de séparation d'air (A).The method of claim 1 wherein all the air compressed by the adiabatic compressor (1) is sent to the air separation unit (A). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2 dans lequel l'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique (1) est refroidi par au moins un gaz de l'air provenant de l'appareil de séparation d'air (A).Method according to one of claims 1 or 2 in which air from the adiabatic compressor (1) is cooled by at least one air gas from the air separation unit (A). Procédé selon la revendication 3 dans lequel un des gaz de l'air réchauffé par l'air comprimé dans le compresseur adiabatique (1) est ensuite envoyé à une unité d'épuration de l'air (7) où il sert à la régénération.The method of claim 3 wherein a air gases heated by compressed air in the adiabatic compressor (1) is then sent to a unit air purification (7) where it is used for regeneration. Procédé selon la revendication 4 dans lequel le gaz de l'air envoyé à la régénération est un gaz humidifié.The method of claim 4 wherein the gas in the air sent for regeneration is a humidified gas. Procédé selon l'une des revendications précédentes dans lequel l'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique (1) est refroidi par des gaz de l'air provenant de l'appareil de séparation (A) dans une ligne d'échange (5) avant d'être envoyé à une unité d'épuration (7) où il est épuré en eau et/ou en CO2.Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the air coming from the adiabatic compressor (1) is cooled by gases from the air coming from the separation device (A) in an exchange line (5) before d '' be sent to a purification unit (7) where it is purified with water and / or CO 2 . Procédé selon la revendication 6 dans lequel l'air épuré est renvoyé à la ligne d'échange (5)The method of claim 6 wherein the air purified is returned to the exchange line (5) Procédé selon la revendication 6 ou 7 dans lequel l'épuration en eau et l'épuration en CO2 ont lieu à deux températures différentes.Process according to claim 6 or 7, in which the water purification and the CO 2 purification take place at two different temperatures. Installation pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air dans lequel au moins un des compresseurs d'air est un compresseur adiabatique (1)Installation for supplying a air separation in which at least one of the compressors air is an adiabatic compressor (1) Installation selon la revendication 1 dans laquelle le compresseur adiabatique (1) est dédié à l'appareil de séparation d'air (A) Installation according to claim 1 in which the adiabatic compressor (1) is dedicated to the air separation unit (A) Installation selon le revendication 9 ou 10 dans laquelle l'appareil de séparation d'air est un appareil de distillation cryogénique.Installation according to claim 9 or 10 in which the air separation device is a cryogenic distillation. Installation selon l'une des revendications 9 à 11 comprenant une ligne d'échange (5) et des moyens pour envoyer l'air provenant du compresseur adiabatique (1) et au moins un des gaz de l'air provenant de l'appareil de séparation d'air (A) à cette ligne d'échange.Installation according to one of claims 9 to 11 comprising an exchange line (5) and means for send the air coming from the adiabatic compressor (1) and at least one of the air gases from the air separation (A) at this exchange line. Installation selon l'une des revendications 9 à 12 comprenant des moyens pour humidifier un des gaz de l'air en amont de la ligne d'échange.Installation according to one of claims 9 to 12 comprising means for humidifying one of the the air upstream of the exchange line. Procédé pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique dans lequel au moins une partie de l'air destiné à l'appareil (A) est refroidi dans une ligne d'échange (5) par un débit d'un gaz de l'air, notamment de l'azote impur provenant de l'appareil de séparation caractérisé en ce que le débit d'un gaz de l'air est humidifié avant de rentrer dans la ligne d'échangeMethod for feeding a air separation by cryogenic distillation in which at least part of the air intended for the appliance (A) is cooled in an exchange line (5) by a gas flow air, especially impure nitrogen from the separation apparatus characterized in that the flow of air gas is humidified before entering the exchange line Installation pour l'alimentation d'un appareil de séparation d'air par distillation cryogénique comprenant des moyens pour envoyer un débit d'air et un gaz de l'air à une ligne d'échange (5) caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend des moyens pour humidifier le gaz de l'air en amont de la ligne d'échange.Installation for supplying a air separation by cryogenic distillation comprising means for sending an air flow and an air gas to an exchange line (5) characterized in that it comprises means for humidifying the gas in the air upstream of the exchange line.
EP97402213A 1996-09-25 1997-09-24 Process and plant for supplying an air separation unit Expired - Lifetime EP0833119B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR9611681 1996-09-25
FR9611681A FR2753636B1 (en) 1996-09-25 1996-09-25 METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR SUPPLYING AN AIR SEPARATION APPARATUS

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PL322294A1 (en) 1998-03-30
US6067817A (en) 2000-05-30
CA2216552A1 (en) 1998-03-25
DE69709280T2 (en) 2002-08-08
ZA978555B (en) 1998-03-26
US5794457A (en) 1998-08-18
CN1184242A (en) 1998-06-10
FR2753636A1 (en) 1998-03-27
EP0833119A3 (en) 1998-05-20
KR19980024943A (en) 1998-07-06
KR100487220B1 (en) 2005-07-28
FR2753636B1 (en) 2001-11-09
JPH10185424A (en) 1998-07-14
CA2216552C (en) 2005-12-20
DE69709280D1 (en) 2002-01-31
CN1119608C (en) 2003-08-27
EP0833119B1 (en) 2001-12-19

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