Hydrocarbon gas processing
US4157904A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1977 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2240/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for separating hydrocarbon gases is described for the recovery of gases such as ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from natural gas streams or similar refinery or process streams. In the process described, the gas to be separated is cooled at a high pressure to produce partial condensation. The liquid from the partial condensation is further cooled and then expanded to a lower pressure. At the lower pressure, the liquid is then separated into fractions in a distillation column. The basic separation process is improved by combining the condensed high-pressure liquid with a stream having a lower bubble point, with cooling of one or both streams prior to expansion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.