Method and apparatus for argon recovery in a cryogenic air separation unit integrated with a pressure swing adsorption system

摘要

A method and apparatus for the recovery of argon, wherein a non-pure argon stream is separated from air in a cryogenic air separation unit having an argon removal column and a reflux type argon condenser disposed within the low pressure column. A non-pure argon stream is subsequently recovered from the argon removal column and purified in an integrated adsorbent-based argon purification and purification subsystem to produce product grade argon. The waste stream from the adsorbent-based argon purification and purification subsystem is recycled back to the argon removal column to improve argon recovery.