Method and apparatus to start-up controlled freezing zone process and purify the product stream
US5062270A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1990 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S62/929
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for start-up, transformation from start-up to normal operation and normal separation of carbon dioxide and other acid gases from methane using a distillation column with a controlled freezing zone. Normally, the feedstream is treated in at least one distillation zone, a controlled freezing zone, and another acid gas stripping apparatus. The freezing zone produces a carbon dioxide slush which is melted and fed into a distillation section and a methane-enriched stream which is fed to a separate stripping unit. Start-up is accomplished by refluxing the product stream from the separate stripping unit to the distillation column. Transformation is accomplished by separating the methane-enriched stream produced by the freezing zone into a liquid component for refluxing to the column and a vapor component to be fed to the separate stripping unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.