Process Research and Analysis on Potential Development of a Novel Air Separation Process Cooled by LNG Cold Energy

Abstract

In order to address the problems of the current air separation process such as the complex process, large equipment, cumbersome operation and high operating costs, a novel air separation process cooled by LNG cold energy was proposed in this paper, which is based on high-efficiency heat exchanger network and chemical packing separation technology. Utilization of high-efficiency heat exchanger network widened the operating temperature range of LNG cold energy from-140°C~ -70°C to-160°C~10°C and air separation pressure was also reduced from 0.5MPa to about 0.35MPa due to the chemical packing separation technology, thereby greatly improved the energy efficiency. An air separation process was designed with gasification scale of LNG at 3000m3/h, which could produce air separation product of 4.7t/h. Energy conservation reached 3228.9kWh, which meant the annual benefit was up to 23.248 million Yuan. With characteristics of miniature, skid-mounted and open-stop feature, the process can realize the full utilization of LNG cold energy in LNG satellite station in remote areas.