Enhanced low temperature separation process
US10352616B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2270/90
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Enhanced low temperature separation (LTS) processes are provided for separating light hydrocarbon components from heavy hydrocarbon components. The enhanced LTS process utilizes an absorber and a de-ethanizer tower to achieve sufficiently pure natural gas liquid (NGL) products and residue gas products. A portion of the de-ethanizer tower overhead is condensed and recycled as reflux for the absorber. The enhanced LTS process requires less refrigeration of the feed gas stream yet still achieves increased recovery of the valuable heavier hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon gas streams. The enhanced LTS process also reduces compression requirements compared to conventional LTS processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.