Single column nitrogen rejection unit with side draw heat pump reflux system and method
US11686528B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 19, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2280/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system for removing nitrogen from a natural gas fluid feed stream includes a main heat exchanger that receives the natural gas fluid feed stream. A distillation column receives a cooled fluid stream from the main heat exchanger and features a return vapor outlet and a side vapor outlet port. The return vapor outlet provides nitrogen vapor to the main heat exchanger which is warmed therein. The side vapor outlet port provides vapor to the main heat exchanger and a reflux compressor receives and compresses the resulting fluid from the main heat exchanger. A reflux aftercooler receives and cools fluid from the reflux compressor, directs cooled fluid to the main heat exchanger and the resulting fluid is directed to a reflux separation device. The reflux separation device has a vapor outlet and a liquid outlet. The vapor outlet of the reflux separation device directs fluid to the main heat exchanger so that fluid is directed to the first reflux inlet port of the distillation column. The liquid outlet of the reflux separation device directs fluid to a second reflux inlet port of the distillation column.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.