Patent ID: 8307671
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: F25J

Abstract:
1. A gas cryogenic separation process, comprising the steps, 1) supplying a first stream of feed gas consisting of hydrogen and nitrogen in a mol ratio of about 2, and also methane and argon, 2) cryogenically separating the feed gas into the following 3) and employing two columns for splitting the waste gas stream into: 4) there being coldbox means having at least one common cold interior and wherein said first, second, third, fourth and fifth streams, and said waste gas stream after cooling thereof are passed through said at least one common cold interior or interiors of said coldbox means, said interior or interiors effectively maintaining throughout the entirety of the gas cryogenic separation process at the same temperature said first, second, third, fourth and fifth streams being passed through the coldbox means interior or interiors after said cryogenically separating, 5) and including a first separator column receiving feed gas and operating to separate synthesis gas passed through a first top mounted refluxed condenser, the separated synthesis gas then flowing to and through the coldbox means for delivery as product, 6) there being a waste gas delivery from the bottom of the first separator column, for delivery and flow to a second separator column via 7) and wherein the second separator column is operated to separate methane rich gas leaving the column to flow through the coldbox means for delivery as product methane rich gas, 8) wherein the second separator column is operated to separate substantially all incoming hydrogen delivered substantially free of methane via a second condenser stage at the top of the second column for delivery to a third separator column, said second and third columns being provided columns, 9) wherein the third separator column is operated to deliver synthesis gas via a third condenser stage provided at the column top, the delivered synthesis gas then flowing via the coldbox means as product synthesis gas, and nitrogen rich product gas is delivered from the third column bottom, and via flow through the coldbox means, as product, 10) the herein cryogenic separation process being carried out to effect ammonia production increase in said synthesis process for the same natural gas for feed plus fuel.