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Title: Air separation by the Moltox process

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5744106· OSTI ID:5744106

The report describes results of a development program on a new and energy saving process for air separation. The Moltox process involves reversibly reacting oxygen in air with a recirculating salt solution, such that oxygen is extracted without depressurizing the remaining nitrogen. Energy savings of approximately 50% are indicated for this process compared to conventional cryogenic air separation. The development program consisted of design, construction, and operation of a 6 liter/minute pilot plant; optimization of the process flowsheet through computer modelling; investigation of engineering aspects of the process including corrosion, safety, and NO/sub x/ generation; and an economic comparison to conventional cryogenic practice. All objectives were satisfactorily achieved except for continuous operation of the pilot plant, and the modifications necessary to achieve that have been identified. Economically the Moltox process shows a substantial advantage over large scale cryogenic plants which are powered by fuel vice electricity.

Research Organization:
Energy Concepts Co., Annapolis, MD (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC01-79CS40287
OSTI ID:
5744106
Report Number(s):
DOE/CS/40287-1; ON: DE82005479
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English