Integrated controlled freeze zone (CFZ) tower and dividing wall (DWC) for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery
US8312738B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 20, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02C20/40
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the operation of a distillation tower containing a controlled freezing zone and at least one distillation section. The process and tower design are utilized for the additional recovery of hydrocarbons from an acid gas. In this process, a separation process is utilized in which a multi-component feedstream is introduced into an apparatus that operates under solids forming conditions for at least one of the feedstream components. The freezable component, although typically CO2, H2S, or another acid gas, can be any component that has the potential for forming solids in the separation system. A dividing wall is added to at least a portion of the lower distillation section of the apparatus to effect the separation of at least some fraction of the hydrocarbons in that portion of the tower.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.