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Performance assessment of cryogenic rectifiers for argon separation and purification.

Author(s) : DEAN M. H., KRISHNAMURTHY K. R.

Summary

A challenging step in the production of argon from air via distillation is the separation of argon from oxygen. In a cryogenic air separation plant, the separation of these close boiling components typically occurs in a side rectifier column that contains between 45 and 200 theoretical stages, depending on the purity specification for the argon product. The paper critically examines the impact of the number of theoretical stages, reflux ratio, and fluctuations in the feed stream composition or flow on the purity of argon product. A plot of product purity versus the ratio of the product to feed flow rate has been identified as a useful tool to highlight the sensitivity of side rectifier performance to operating variables, particularly as minimum reflux is approached. Implications to the design of a side rectifier column are discussed.

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Details

  • Original title: Performance assessment of cryogenic rectifiers for argon separation and purification.
  • Record ID : 2004-2080
  • Languages: English
  • Source: 21st IIR International Congress of Refrigeration: Serving the Needs of Mankind.
  • Publication date: 2003/08/17

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