Carbon monoxide cryogenic partial condensation

In the cryogenic partial condensation process, the feed gas is cooled to 85 K, which condenses the bulk of the carbon monoxide and methane. Uncondensed hydrogen-rich gas is cooled further to 70 K to liquefy additional carbon monoxide. These liquid fractions are degassed and then warmed to obtain high-purity carbon monoxide gas. A cryogenic distillation process can produce ul-trapure carbon monoxide. 

Feed gas for carbon monoxide recovery is pretreated to remove carbon dioxide and water. The gas must be dried to remove all traces of moisture. Both carbon dioxide and water will freeze and heat transfer will be impaired at cryogenic temperatures. The feed gas is also compressed to the pressure required for the partial condensation of carbon monoxide at the temperatures that can be reached with the refrigeration system available. Typically, this is between 350 and 500 psig. The operating temperatures are approximately — 160 F to — 200°F. 

---