PROCESS FOR ISENTROPIC EXPANSION OF GASES

摘要

PROCESS FOR ISENTROPIC EXPANSION OF GASES This invention relates to an improved isentropic process for liquefying a gas, preferably a cryogenic fluid, which com . prises forming a critical fluid, isentropically expanding the critical fluid in a Pelton Wheel to a pressure below the critical pressure forming a liquefied gas and removing work. The efficiency of the Pelton Wheel in removing work is enchanced by withdrawing the liquefied gas from the Pelton Wheel at its saturation temperature or at a temperature below its saturation temperature, and establishing and maintaining a vapor environment about the Pelton Wheel by injecting a second gas into the Pelton Wheel at the saturation temperature, or at a temperatute slightly above the saturation temperature of the liquefied gas; and raising the enthalpy of the liquid gas to an enthalpy above the enthalpy of saturated liquid. The invention can be used for liquefying various gases, and particularly for partially liquefying an air feedstream for subsequent separation into its components.