Rectification system for the separation of fluids

A combined power loop and rectification type separation system for the separation of multicomponent mixtures by heat energy comprising:

• means comprising at least one vessel receiving an input mixture to be separated by liquid and vapor phase equilibrium phenomenon,
• said vessel including a lower portion forming a reboiler section containing a liquid and an upper portion forming a refluxing section containing a gas and a portion therebetween containing liquid-gas contacting means,
• means to remove output products from said reboiler section and said refluxing section of said vessel,
• working fluid means in heat transfer relationship with said vessel for supplying, adsorbing and transporting the required heat energy by a phase change of the working fluid to carry out the separation,
• means to introduce said working fluid in gaseous form into said reboiler section to effect condensation of said gas thereby producing heat to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid to the reboiler section,
• means to remove condensed working fluid from the reboiler section,
• means receiving at least a portion of the condensed working fluid from said reboiler section and to pressurize the same,
• means receiving and heating said pressurized condensed working fluid in liquid form to convert said working fluid from liquid form to gaseous form thereby to provide a power source for compressor means,
• compressor means receiving said power source working fluid and working fluid in gaseous form from the refluxing section of said vessel to provide a compressor output working fluid in gaseous form for flow into said reboiler section of said vessel for condensation thereof to liquid form,
• means receiving at least a portion of the condensed working fluid from said reboiler section to provide refluxing fluid to the refluxing section of one of said vessel and a refluxing section of said means receiving an input mixture to be separated, and
• heat rejection means to cool said refluxing fluid prior to entrance thereof into the refluxing section of one of said vessel and a refluxing section of said means receiving an input mixture to be separated.