Patent ID: 6601407
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: F25J

Abstract:
A method for producing at least one product by the cryogenic rectification of feed air comprising:(A) partially condensing a flow of feed air to produce a first two-phase flow of feed air having a liquid phase portion which is not more than 99 percent of said first two-phase flow of feed air; (B) passing said first two-phase flow of feed air to a turboexpander, and turboexpanding the said first two-phase flow of feed air in the turboexpander to produce a second two-phase flow of feed air having a liquid phase portion which is less than the liquid phase portion of the first two-phase flow of feed air; (C) passing the second two-phase flow of feed air to a cryogenic air separation plant comprising at least one column; and (D) separating the feed air by cryogenic rectification in the cryogenic air separation plant to produce at least one product.