Progress of Cryogenics and Isotopes Separation , ISSN: 1582-2575
2014, Volume 17, Issue 2

Some Aspects Concerning Argon Production by Cryogenic Air Separation

Abstract

Argon is obtained in an air separation unit by cryogenic rectification, like a by-product. Crude argon is obtained in a side column, which is direct linked to the low pressure column. Despite the fact that argon concentration in air processing is only 0.93 %, it is shown that in a specific location through low pressure column, its concentration increase to about 16 %. It is very important the flow extracted from low pressure column end sent to the crude argon column be located there and, more important, the argon “belly” be maintened in the same position. Because this, the low pressure column is the key component in order to obtain high recovery and purity not only for the argon product but, at the same time, for high purity nitrogen and oxygen products.