Cryogenic separation technology separates the gas composition in the air into high -purity oxygen, nitrogen, and mirroring through low -temperature physical methods, and is widely used in industrial gas production. The overall process of this technology is mainly divided into three core parts: air compression, cooling and liquefaction, and separation and distillation. This article will introduce the specific processes of these three parts in detail, as well as problems and solutions that may encounter in actual applications.
Air compression
1. Work principle
Air compression is the first step of cryogenic separation. In this process, the air is inhaled and pressed through the compressor, and the pressure can usually reach 5-7 atmospheric pressure. After compression, the air temperature rises, and its temperature needs to be reduced through the cooling system for subsequent treatment.
2. Common problems and solutions
- Excessive problem: The compression process may lead to high air temperature and affect subsequent cooling efficiency. The solution is to install the cooler after the compressor to reduce the temperature of the compressed air.
- Vibration and noise: Vibration and noise may occur when the compressor is running, affecting the stability of the equipment. The installation status and lubricant of the compressor should be checked regularly to ensure that the equipment is in a good working state.
Cryogenic separation
Cooling and liquefaction
1. Work principle
When the air is compressed, it is necessary to cool through the heat exchanger. After cooling, the air was sent to the cold box, and at a very low temperature (about -180 ° C), liquefied was transformed into liquid oxygen, nitrogen, and sorbe ingredients in the gas.
2. Common problems and solutions
- Frost phenomenon: During the cooling and liquefaction process, the water in the air may be frosting and affects the cooling effect. To prevent frost, it is necessary to ensure effective drying before the air intake, and use the desiccant or frozen drying device to remove moisture.
- Cold box leakage: Poor cold boxes may lead to cold loss. Check the sealing status of the cold box regularly, replace the aging sealing materials in time to ensure that the cold box is operating efficiently.
Separation and distillation
1. Work principle
Separation and distillation is the last step of cryogenic separation. In this process, liquid air is separated through the distillation tower. Due to the different boiling points of different gases, components such as nitrogen, oxygen, and mirror are gradually separated, and eventually obtain high purity gases.
2. Common problems and solutions
- Low separation efficiency: If the operating conditions of the separation tower are not ideal, the separation efficiency may be reduced. The operating parameters of the distilled tower should be adjusted according to the gas composition and flow, such as temperature, pressure, and flow velocity of liquid in the tower.
- Equipment aging: Over time, the separation tower and related equipment may have aging, affecting production efficiency. Equipment maintenance and maintenance need to be regularly replaced or damaged in a timely manner to ensure that the equipment runs in the best state.
The cryogenic separation process includes three interconnected parts: air compression, cooling and liquefaction, separation, and refined distillation. This structure ensures the production of high -purity gases. However, in actual operation, equipment may face multiple problems. Through in -depth understanding of each process and maintenance, it can effectively improve the operation efficiency and stability of the system, and provide reliable guarantee for the production of industrial gases.
