Process and apparatus for separation of hydrocarbons from liquefied natural gas
US7310972B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 17, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25J2235/60
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and process for separating a feed liquefied natural gas containing at least methane and a hydrocarbon less volatile the methane, into a product natural gas enriched with methane and lean in hydrocarbon less volatile than methane and a heavier fraction lean in methane and enriched with hydrocarbon less volatile than methane. The process includes heating the feed liquefied natural gas in a heat exchanger, passing the heated fluid into a distillation column, withdrawing the heavier fraction from a bottom of the column, and withdrawing a residue gas from a top of the column. The process also includes liquefying at least part of the residue gas in the heat exchanger, refluxing a part of the liquid portion of the fluid obtained in the liquefying step into the column, and withdrawing, as the product narutal gas, the remainder of the liquid portion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.