Linde Aktiengesellschaft

Ralph Sp&ouml;ri

Stefan Lochner

Michael Lauter

The invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing nitrogen by low-temperature fractionation of air in a rectification system which has a high-pressure column ( ) and a low-pressure column ( ). Feed air ( ) is introduced into the high-pressure column ( ). An oxygen-containing liquid fraction ( ) is removed from the high-pressure column ( ) and fed into the low-pressure column ( ). Gaseous nitrogen ( ) is extracted from the low-pressure column ( ) above a mass transfer section ( ), which has at least one theoretical or practical plate, and is at least partially condensed in a top condenser ( ) by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant ( ). High-purity nitrogen is removed from the low-pressure column below the mass transfer section ( ), and is obtained as a nitrogen product ( ). The process and apparatus have a refrigeration-supply system, in which a refrigeration fluid ( ) flows. At least part of the refrigeration fluid from the refrigeration-supply system is introduced into the low-pressure column ( ) above the mass transfer section ( ).

Growing community of inventors

Geretsreid, Germany

Ralph Spöri

Growing community of inventors

Geretsreid, Germany

Ralph Sp&ouml;ri

Ralph Spöri