Hydrocarbon gas processing
US5983664A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1998 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2240/02
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. In recent years, the preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes supplying at least a portion of the gas stream to a work expansion device, then directing the work expanded stream to a distillation column at a mid-column feed point below an upper rectification section. The top column feed above the upper rectification section is typically a condensed and subcooled gaseous stream, frequently comprised of a gas stream that would otherwise feed the work expansion device. In the process disclosed, the work expanded stream is further cooled prior to feeding the distillation column at the mid-column feed point, so that a lesser volume of top column feed is required to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.