Air separation process

摘要

A process is set forth for the separation of air by cryogenic distillation in a single column to produce a nitrogen product and an oxygen-enriched product. In the process, at least a portion of the nitrogen product is compressed and recycled to provide reboil at the bottom of the distillation column and to provide some additional reflux to the upper portion of the column. In addition, part of the compressed nitrogen recycle stream is expanded to provide work.