Hydrocarbon gas processing
US4869740A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2270/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for the recovery of ethane and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to a pressure below that of the distillation column. After expansion, the cooled first stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from fractionation stages of the distillation column. The warmed first stream is then separated to provide a cold vapor and a liquid stream. The liquid is supplied to the column at a first mid-column feed position and the cold vapor is supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the column pressure and is then supplied to the column at a third mid-column feed position. The distillation stream is cooled by the first stream sufficiently to partially condense it . The partially condensed distillation stream is then separated to provide volatile residue gas and a reflux stream feed. The reflux stream feed is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. In instances where the second stream is expanded in …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.