Secret Sharing Schemes

PCT No. PCT/CH81/00041 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 11, 1981 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 11, 1981 PCT Filed Apr. 13, 1981 PCT Pub. No. WO81/02985 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 29, 1981.The invention relates to a process for the separation of material mixtures by means of mass transfer of different phases, which at least partly circulate in countercurrent in a closed circuit in which part of the mass transfer devices are operated at a higher temperature or pressure and another part thereof are operated at a lower temperature or pressure. The separating effects are achieved in that at least one third of one of the components of the mixtures also changes phase state with respect to the particular temperature or pressure change. The process is particularly suitable for the separation of methane and argon from the synthesis circuit of an ammonia plant. The otherwise conventional hydrogen and ammonia are largely avoided. The process requires neither compressors nor high pressure pumps nor low-temperature devices.