Liquefied natural gas processing
US5114451A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1990 |
| Grant date | May 19, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2290/12
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream is disclosed. At least a portion of the LNG feed stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a compressed recycle portion of the fractionation tower overhead, with the warmed LNG stream thereafter supplied to the fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. The recycle stream is cooled by the LNG stream sufficiently to substantially condense it, and the substantially condensed recycle stream is then supplied to the column at a top column feed position to serve as reflux for the tower. The pressure of the recycle stream and the quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of said desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.