| abstract |
A multicomponent feed (101) is separated by distillation into at least one streamn(151) enriched in the most volatile component, one stream (153) enriched in the leastnvolatile component, and one stream (145) enriched in a component of intermediatenvolatility using a distillation system comprising a distillation column (121) having anpartitioned section (125) adjacent an intermediate distillation section (127) and closed atnone end (131). The geometry of the partitioned section (125) minimizes vapour andnliquid maldistribution by having an equivalent diameter (De) at least 60% of the idealndiameter (Di) of the partitioned section. The process has particular application to thenproduction of an argon-enriched stream by cryogenic air separation. |