Process for liquefaction of helium by expansion
Patent
·
OSTI ID:5720867
A process is described for the liquefaction of gases of low boiling point, such as helium, in which the gas to be liquefied is compressed to supercritical pressure and then cooled below its inversion temperature. This is accomplished, at least in part, by passage in heat exchange relation with previously compressed, cooled, and expanded gas. After further cooling the gas is expanded in a first throttling step, without liquefaction, to an intermediate pressure above the liquefaction pressure of the gas. The gas is then divided into 2 streams. One stream is returned through one or more of the heat exchangers through which the compressed gas flows prior to throttling, and is raised in temperature in the process. This one stream is then passed through an expansion turbine where its pressure is lowered to the vicinity of the liquefaction pressure of the gas. It is then heated substantially to room temperature by heat exchange with compressed gas which has not been throttled, being then recycled to the compressor. The other stream of gas, after further cooling, is further expanded in a second throttling step. (9 claims)
- Assignee:
- Sulzer Brothers Ltd.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3389565
- OSTI ID:
- 5720867
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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