| abstract |
A cryogenic plant, such as an air distillation plant, comprises two or more apparatuses 1, 2, such as a medium/ low pressure double column and a reboiler/condenser, that are supported by individual bases 3, 4 or are secured to each other by a separating support (6, fig. 6) and are linked by further means, preferably pipes 5, wherein at least two of the supports 3, 4 or linkages 6 are made, over at least part of their length, of materials having different coefficients of expansion or thermal conductivity in order to minimise length variations when the temperature of the plant changes. The supports 3, 4 and linkages 6 may be made of stainless steel and aluminium or copper. A third apparatus (2', figure 3) may be built into a support structure. |