Patent ID: 8671715
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: B01D,F25J

Abstract:
1. A method for recovering He-3 from helium, the method comprising: (a) introducing a feed stream comprising helium into a main section of a distillation column at a first location; (b) withdrawing an overhead stream comprising He-3-enriched helium from a top section of the distillation column, the main section of the distillation column being located below the top section, the main section having a first diameter that is greater than a second diameter of the top section; (c) withdrawing a bottom stream comprising He-3 depleted helium from a bottom portion of the main section of the column; and (d) condensing at least a first portion of a vapor stream in the distillation column by heat exchange with a first stream as the first stream passes through an intermediate condenser located at a third location within the main section of the distillation column, wherein the third location is above the first location.