Method and Apparatus for the Manufacture of High Purity Carbon Monoxide

Abstract

Method and apparatus of making 99.99% pure gaseous carbon monoxide comprising the steps of degassing liquid formic acid producing degassed liquid formic acid; reacting the degassed liquid formic acid or a degassed gaseous formic acid with a liquid mineral acid at an elevated temperature producing a gas phase comprising carbon monoxide gas and water vapor and a liquid phase; condensing the gas phase producing liquid water and gaseous carbon monoxide; scrubbing the carbon monoxide gas producing a gaseous 99.99% pure carbon monoxide having a purity of at least 99.99%, and, compressing the gaseous 99.99% pure carbon monoxide producing the 99.99% pure gaseous carbon monoxide, wherein the method is performed at least in the substantial absence of metallic nickel, metallic iron, nickel-containing alloys, and, iron-containing alloys from contacting any of the liquids or gases, wherein the Fe(CO)5 content is less than 1 ppb, wherein the Ni(CO)4 content is less than 10 ppb, wherein the water moisture content is less than 5 ppm, and, wherein the CO2 content is less than 2 ppm. Gaseous carbon monoxide purities of 99.998% and 99.999% are achieved by removing residual air from the gaseous carbon monoxide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.