Progress of Cryogenics and Isotopes Separation

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The National Conference with international participation on New Cryogenic and Isotope Technologies for Energy and Environment - EnergEn 2018 is organized by the National Research-Development Institute for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies - ICSI Rm. Valcea with the scientific participation of the University of Pitesti and the University of Craiova and will be held at Baile Govora, in 2018.
SOME ASPECTS CONCERNING ARGON PRODUCTION BY CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION Print

SOME ASPECTS CONCERNING ARGON PRODUCTION BY CRYOGENIC AIR SEPARATION

 

 

Viorel Popa1*, Alexandru Serban2, Camelia Popa1

 

1“Dunărea de Jos” University of Galaţi, Romania

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Argon is obtained in an air separation unit by cryogenic rectification, like a by-product. Crude argon is obtained in a side column, which is direct linked to the low pressure column. Despite the fact that argon concentration in air processing is only 0.93 %, it is shown that in a specific location through low pressure column, its concentration increase to about 16 %. It is very important the flow extracted from low pressure column end sent to the crude argon column be located there and, more important, the argon “belly” be maintened in the same position. Because this, the low pressure column is the key component in order to obtain high recovery and purity not only for the argon product but, at the same time, for high purity nitrogen and oxygen products.

 

Keywords: air separation, cryogenic rectification, air components, concentration distribution


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