Dual multi-component refrigeration cycles for liquefaction of natural gas
US6250105A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2290/62
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process is disclosed for liquefying natural gas to produce a pressurized liquid product having a temperature above -112.degree. C. using two mixed refrigerants in two closed cycles, a low-level refrigerant to cool and liquefy the natural gas and a high-level refrigerant to cool the low-level refrigerant. After being used to liquefy the natural gas, the low-level refrigerant is (a) warmed by heat exchange in countercurrent relationship with another stream of the low-level refrigerant and by heat exchange against a first stream of the high-level refrigerant, (b) compressed to an elevated pressure, and (c) aftercooled against an external cooling fluid. The low-level refrigerant is then cooled by heat exchange against a second stream of the high-level mixed refrigerant and by exchange against the low-level refrigerant. The high-level refrigerant is warmed by the heat exchange with the low-level refrigerant, compressed to an elevated pressure, and aftercooled against an external cooling fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.