Method and system for cooling a hydrocarbon stream
US11624555B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2020 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2270/906
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and method for increasing the efficiency of natural gas liquefaction processes by using a hybrid cooling system and method. More specifically, a system and method for converting a transcritical precooling refrigeration process to a subcritical process. In one embodiment, the refrigerant is cooled to sub-critical temperature using an economizer. In another embodiment, the refrigerant is cooled to a sub-critical temperature using an auxiliary heat exchanger. Optionally, the economizer or auxiliary heat exchanger can be bypassed when ambient temperatures are sufficiently low to cool the refrigerant to a sub-critical temperature. In another embodiment, the refrigerant is isentropically expanded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.