Process for distillation of multicomponent fluid suitable for production of an argon-enriched stream from a cryogenic air separation process

摘要

A multicomponent feed (101) is separated by distillation into at least one stream (151) enriched in the most volatile component, one stream (153) enriched in the least volatile component, and one stream (145) enriched in a component of intermediate volatility using a distillation system comprising a distillation column (121) having a partitioned section (125) adjacent an intermediate distillation section (127) and closed at one end (131). The geometry of the partitioned section (125) minimizes vapour and liquid maldistribution by having an equivalent diameter (De) at least 60% of the ideal diameter (Di) of the partitioned section. The process has particular application to the production of an argon-enriched stream by cryogenic air separation.