Patent ID: 11098950

Abstract:
The invention proposes a process and an air separation plant comprising a rectification column system comprising a high-pressure column, a low-pressure column, a main heat exchanger, and a main air compressor. The total air supplied to the rectification column system is compressed in the main air compressor to a first pressure level. The high-pressure column is operated at a second pressure level, at least 3 bar below the first pressure level. A gaseous, nitrogen-rich fluid is removed from the high-pressure column and warmed up in the gaseous state without prior liquefaction. A first partial quantity of the gaseous, nitrogen-rich fluid is warmed to a first temperature level of −150 to −100° C., supplied at this first temperature level to a booster and compressed further to a third pressure level. The first partial quantity is then warmed to a second temperature level and discharged from the air separation plant.