Patent ID: 6295839
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: F25J,Y10S

Abstract:
An integrated heat exchange core for separating gas components in conjunction with a double column separation apparatus having a higher pressure column and a lower pressure column, and a separating section having a separating column, said integrated core comprising:a first intake passage cooling a first incoming feed air stream;a second intake passage cooling a second incoming feed air stream, and feeding the second incoming feed air stream into the separation apparatus;said higher pressure column of the separation apparatus, which is integrated within said integrated core, separating streams from at least one of the separating column and lower pressure column into a first overhead stream enriched in a light component and a first bottom stream enriched in a heavy component;a first cooling passage cooling the first bottom stream, and feeding the cooled first bottom stream into the separation apparatus;a second cooling passage cooling a second bottom stream from the separation apparatus, and feeding the cooled second bottom stream back into the separation apparatus;a first warming passage warming the first overhead stream from said higher pressure column, 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 of said cooling passages and said intake passages.