Processes for separating CO from CO.sub.2 in flue gas streams from partial oxidation regenerator in FCC processes, as well as reducing the sulfur content of the flue gas stream are described. The processes involve separating the cooled reactor effluent stream into a CO.sub.2 product stream, the CO.sub.2 recycle stream, and a CO product stream. The processes may incorporate either dry sorbent injection (DSI) units or wet gas scrubbing units to remove sulfur compounds. The separation processes can utilize cryogenic fractionation, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) processes including vacuum PSA, and temperature swing adsorption (TSA) processes. The flue gas stream can be used to preheat the CO.sub.2 recycle stream.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods useful for providing one or more chemical compounds in a substantially pure form. In particular, the systems and methods can be configured for separation of carbon dioxide from a process stream, such as a process stream in a hydrogen production system. As such, the present disclosure can provide systems and method for production of hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide.

The present disclosure provides a distillation tower for separating a feed stream. The distillation tower includes a controlled freeze zone section having a controlled freeze zone upper section and a controlled freeze zone lower section below the controlled freeze zone upper section. The controlled freeze zone section includes: (a) a spray assembly in the controlled freeze zone upper section; (b) a melt tray assembly in the controlled freeze zone lower section; (c) a feed stream distribution mechanism between the spray assembly and the melt tray assembly. The feed stream distribution mechanism is constructed and arranged to uniformly distribute the feed stream in the controlled freeze zone section.

An apparatus for separation of a flow containing at least 95 mol % of carbon dioxide and also at least one impurity lighter than carbon dioxide by distillation comprises a heat exchanger (20), a distillation column (30), expansion means (V3), means for sending the flow to be cooled in the heat exchanger, means for sending the cooled flow to be separated in the distillation column, means for withdrawing at the bottom of the column a liquid flow containing at least 99 mol % of carbon dioxide, means for sending at least a portion (12) of the liquid flow to be cooled in the heat exchanger to form a subcooled liquid (3), means for sending at least a portion of the subcooled liquid to the expansion means to produce a two-phase flow, a phase separator (40) for separating the two-phase flow to form a gas and a liquid, means for sending at least a portion (14) of the liquid from the phase separator to be vaporized in the heat exchanger and means for taking a portion (4) of the liquid from the phase separator.

A process for removing a foulant from a gas stream is disclosed. The gas stream, containing a foulant, is cooled across a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, producing a solid foulant entrained in cryogenic liquid as a foulant slurry, and a foulant-depleted gas stream. The foulant-depleted gas stream is passed through a cryogenic turbine and a first separation vessel, producing a light gas stream and further solid foulant. The solid foulants are recovered by a combination of pressurization, melting, and distillation to produce a liquid foulant product. Heat is recovered from the various streams in the various heat exchangers and the melter.

A process for removing a foulant from a gas stream is disclosed. The gas stream is cooled in a series of heat exchangers, causing a portion of the foulant to desublimate and become entrained in a cryogenic liquid. This foulant slurry stream is pressurized, cooled, and separated into a pressurized foulant solid stream and the cryogenic liquid stream. The pressurized foulant solid stream is melted to produce a liquid foulant stream. Heat exchange processes, both internal and external, are provided that close the heat balance of the process. In this manner, the foulant is removed from the gas stream.

An apparatus is disclosed for maintaining constant fluid pressure and equalized fluid flow among a plurality of downcomer lines through which liquid from a tower is directed. A substantially annular fluid distribution belt is disposed at the circumference of the tower. The fluid distribution belt collects liquid from the tower. At least two outlets direct liquid from the fluid distribution belt out of the tower and into a corresponding number of downcomer lines disposed external to the tower.

Embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for separating a mixed ethane and CO.sub.2. A method described includes generating a liquid stream including ethane and CO.sub.2. The liquid stream is flashed to form an ethane vapor stream and solid CO.sub.2. The solid CO.sub.2 is accumulated in an accumulation vessel and the gas is removed from the top of the accumulation vessel.

Systems and methods are provided for recovering helium from a feed comprising helium, carbon dioxide, and at least one of nitrogen and methane. The feed is separated in a first separator to form helium-enriched stream and a CO.sub.2-enriched stream. The helium-enriched stream is separated in a pressure swing adsorption unit to form a helium-rich product stream and a helium-lean stream. At least a portion of the helium-lean stream is recycled to the first separator with the feed. In some embodiments, a membrane separation unit is used to enhance helium recovery.

A method for separating carbon dioxide from flue gas to generate a high purity CO2 stream.