Patent ID: 6295836
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: F25J,Y10S

Abstract:
A cryogenic air separation system in flow communication with a double column separation apparatus having a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column, said air separation system comprising:an integrated core comprising:(i) a first intake passage cooling a first incoming feed air stream, and directing the cooled first incoming feed air stream into the separation apparatus, said first intake passage being in a heat exchange relationship with at least one other passage of said integrated core,(ii) a first cooling passage cooling a first bottom stream from the separation apparatus, and directing the cooled first bottom stream back into a separation section, said first cooling passage being in a heat exchange relationship with at least one other passage of said integrated core,(iii) a first warming passage warming a first overhead stream from the separation apparatus, and discharging the warmed first overhead stream from said integrated core, said first warming passage being in a heat exchange relationship with at least one other passage of said integrated core, and(iv) a vaporization passage vaporizing a liquid phase stream and discharging the vaporized liquid phase stream from said integrated core, said vaporization passage being in a heat exchange relationship with at least one other passage of said integrated core; anda separating section separating a second bottom stream from the separation apparatus to form an oxygen enriched stream and a nitrogen enriched stream, wherein the nitrogen enriched stream is directed back into the separation apparatus and the oxygen enriched stream is separated into a vapor phase stream and the liquid phase stream, the vapor phase stream being directed back into said separating section.