Natural gas liquefaction
US6742358B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2290/62
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a distillation column. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The residual gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure to condense it, and then expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.