Argon production

摘要

A process and system for producing an argon-enriched stream comprising a multiple column air separation system, a first crude argon column, and a second crude argon column is provided. The improved process involves removing a vapor stream from the upper portion of the first argon column; reducing the pressure of the vapor in a pressure reducing device; and then flowing the reduced pressure vapor to a second argon column which operates at a lower operating pressure relative to the first argon column.