575.    CLARK, A. M.  Large-Scale Production of Oxygen and Atmospheric Gases.  Bib. Sci. Ind. Repts., vol. 3, No. 3, 1946, p. 158; BIOS Final Rept. 591, 1946, 29 pp.; PB 41,229.

      This report reviews the production of O₂ and other gases by the Linde-Fränkl process.  Altogether, 73 Linde-Fränkl units have been erected by the Linde Co. since 1930, with an average capacity of 2,378 m.³ per hr. of O₂ of 98% purity.  The O₂ has been used mainly in the complete gasification of coal.  Arrangement of plant and method of operation are described in some detail, with reference to the installation at Leuna.  Analysis is made of available information relating to energy requirements of the process.  Attempt also was made to determine the costs of O₂ production by the Linde-Fränkl process.

      It is claimed that O₂ can be separated from air at a purity of 98% with an energy consumption of 0.455 kw.-hr. per m.³ of O₂.  The cost of production may vary between 1.6 and 3.0 pf. per m.³ of O₂, of which 40-50% may be accounted for by the cost of power.  The capital cost of large installations appears to have been around RM 500,000 per 1,000 m.³ per hr. of O₂ capacity.  Gives flow diagrams.

                  CLARKE, E. L.  See abs. 2103.t