Hydrocarbon gas processing
US11643604B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2290/40
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream containing significant quantities of components more volatile than methane (hydrogen, nitrogen, etc.). The gas stream is partially condensed, then the remaining vapor is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to a fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The condensed liquid is cooled and divided into two portions. The first portion is expanded to tower pressure, heated by cooling the liquid, and supplied to the tower at a lower column feed position. The second portion is further cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at a top feed position. The tower overhead vapor is heated by cooling the second portion. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.