METHOD OF RECOVERING A HYDROGEN ENRICHED PRODUCT AND CO2 IN A HYDROGEN PRODUCTION UNIT

A process and apparatus for producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering COfrom an effluent stream from a hydrogen production unit are described. The effluent from the hydrogen production unit, which comprises a mixture of gases comprising hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water, and at least one of methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and argon, is sent to a PSA system that produces at least two product streams for separation. The PSA system that produces at least two product streams separates the gas mixture into a high-pressure hydrogen stream enriched in hydrogen, optionally a second gas stream containing the majority of the impurities, and a low-pressure tail gas stream enriched in COand some impurities. The CO-rich tail gas stream is compressed and sent to a COrecovery unit, where a CO-enriched stream is recovered. The CO-depleted overhead gas stream is recycled to the PSA system that produces at least two product streams. 1. A method of producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering COfrom an effluent stream of a hydrogen production unit comprising:processing a feed stream comprising hydrocarbons or a carbonaceous feedstock in the hydrogen production unit to produce a synthesis gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water and at least one of methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and argon;separating the effluent stream comprising the synthesis gas in a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system that produces at least two product streams into at least a high-pressure hydrogen stream enriched in hydrogen, and a hydrogen-depleted low-pressure tail gas stream enriched in carbon dioxide;compressing the hydrogen depleted low-pressure tail gas stream in a compressor to form a compressed tail gas stream;{'sub': 2', '2, 'separating the compressed tail gas stream in a COrecovery system into a CO-enriched product stream and an overhead stream comprising a portion of the hydrogen, a portion of the carbon dioxide, and the at least one of the methane, the carbon ...

Liquefied natural gas processing

A process and apparatus for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first portion is supplied to a fractionation column at an upper mid-column feed point. The second portion is directed in heat exchange relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of the column, whereby this portion of the LNG feed stream is partially heated and the distillation stream is totally condensed. The condensed distillation stream is divided into a “lean” LNG product stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The partially heated portion of the LNG feed stream is heated further to partially or totally vaporize it and thereafter supplied to the column at a lower mid-column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to ...

Integrated hydrogen production and bio-renewable conversion process

A bio-renewable conversion process for making fuel from bio-renewable feedstocks is combined with a hydrogen production process that includes recovery of CO2. The integrated process uses a purge gas stream comprising hydrogen from the bio-renewable hydrocarbon production process in the hydrogen production process.

APPARATUSES AND PROCESSES FOR THE RECOVERY OF CARBON DIOXIDE STREAMS

Processes and apparatuses for recovering a high purity carbon dioxide stream. A first separation zone that may include a cryogenic fractionation column provides the high-purity CO2stream. A vapor stream from the cryogenic fractionation column is passed to a second separation zone to separate the CO2from the other components. The second separation zone may include a pressure swing adsorption unit or a solvent separation unit. The second separation zone provides a hydrogen enriched gas stream that may be used in a gas turbine. The second stream from the second separation zone includes carbon dioxide and, after a pressure increase in a compressor, may be recycled to the first separation zone.

METHOD OF PRODUCING A HYDROGEN-ENRICHED PRODUCT AND RECOVERING CO2 IN A HYDROGEN PROUCTION PROCESS UNIT

A process and apparatus for producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering COfrom an effluent stream from a hydrogen production process unit are described. The process utilizes a COrecovery system integrated with a PSA system that produces at least two product streams to recover additional hydrogen and COfrom the tail gas stream of a hydrogen PSA unit in the hydrogen production process. 1. A method of producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering COcomprising:processing a feed stream comprising hydrocarbons or a carbonaceous feedstock in a hydrogen production process unit to produce a synthesis gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water, and at least one of methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and argon;separating an effluent stream comprising the synthesis gas from the hydrogen production process unit in a hydrogen pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit into a first high-pressure hydrogen stream enriched in hydrogen and a hydrogen depleted tail gas stream comprising a portion of the hydrogen, the carbon dioxide, the water, and the at least one of the methane, the carbon monoxide, the nitrogen, and the argon;compressing the hydrogen depleted tail gas stream in a compressor to form a compressed tail gas stream;{'sub': 2', '2, 'separating the compressed tail gas stream in a COrecovery system into a CO-enriched product stream and an overhead stream comprising the portion of the hydrogen, a portion of the carbon dioxide, and the at least one of the methane, the carbon monoxide, the nitrogen, and the argon;'}{'sub': 2', '2, 'separating the overhead stream from the COrecovery system in a PSA system that produces at least two product streams into at least a second high-pressure hydrogen stream enriched in hydrogen, and a low-pressure COstream enriched in carbon dioxide;'}recovering the second high-pressure hydrogen stream; and{'sub': '2', 'optionally recycling the low-pressure COstream to the compressor.'}2. The method of wherein the PSA system that ...

Natural gas liquefaction

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.

LOW GWP HEAT TRANSFER COMPOSITIONS

Refrigerants comprising from about 40% to about 60% by weight carbon dioxide (CO2), from about 30% to about 45% by weight of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(E)), and from 2.0% to about 15% by weight of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HFCO-1233zd(E).

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed. The compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it, and is then expanded to the pressure of the fractionation tower and supplied to the tower at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

DEHYDROGENATION AND PYROLYSIS PRODUCT RECOVERY WITH A COMMON DEMETHANIZER

A process and apparatus integrate recovery of propylene from a pyrolysis reactor and a paraffin dehydrogenation reactor. A stripping column for fractionating a dehydrogenation stream is coupled with a demethanizer column for fractionating a pyrolyzed stream. The stripping overhead stream comprising C2− hydrocarbons are fractionated with the pyrolyzed stream in the demethanizer column. The coupling omits the need for a conventional deethanizer column and separate refrigeration system in the propane dehydrogenation unit.

DEHYDROGENATION AND PYROLYSIS PRODUCT RECOVERY WITH A COMMON C3 SPLITTER

A process and apparatus integrate recovery of propylene from a pyrolysis reactor and a paraffin dehydrogenation reactor. A common C3 splitter column fractionates propylene product from propane recycle to a paraffin dehydrogenation reactor. The C3 hydrocarbons may be provided from a pyrolysis reactor and from a dehydrogenation reactor.

INTEGRATED HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND BIO-RENEWABLE CONVERSION PROCESS

A bio-renewable conversion process for making fuel from bio-renewable feedstocks is combined with a hydrogen production process that includes recovery of CO. The integrated process uses a purge gas stream comprising hydrogen from the bio-renewable hydrocarbon production process in the hydrogen production process. 1. A method of producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering COfrom a hydrogen production process unit comprising:processing a feed stream comprising hydrocarbons or a carbonaceous feedstock in a hydrogen production process unit to produce a synthesis gas mixture comprising hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water, and at least one of methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and argon;separating an effluent stream from the hydrogen production process unit in a first pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system that produces at least two product streams into at least a first high-pressure hydrogen stream enriched in hydrogen and a hydrogen depleted tail gas stream;compressing the hydrogen depleted tail gas stream in a compressor to form a compressed tail gas stream;{'sub': 2', '2, 'separating the compressed tail gas stream in a COrecovery system producing a CO-enriched product stream and a second gas stream comprising hydrogen; and'}{'sub': '2', 'introducing at least a portion of a purge gas stream comprising hydrogen from a bio-renewable conversion process for making a hydrocarbon product from a bio-renewable feedstock into a process unit used in the method of producing hydrogen and recovering CO.'}2. The method of wherein the process unit comprises a steam reforming process unit with an optional gas heated reformer and wherein the purge gas stream comprising hydrogen from the bio-renewable conversion process is combusted in a furnace in the steam reforming process unit with the optional gas heated reformer.3. The method of wherein the first PSA system that produces at least two product streams comprises a first PSA unit that produces two product streams claim 1 , and ...

ETHANE SEPARATION WITH OVERHEAD CRYOGENIC HEAT EXCHANGER

An improved process and apparatus integrate a deethanizer column with a cryogenic heat exchanger by condensing the deethanizer column overhead with a refrigerant stream in a cryogenic heat exchanger. A refrigerant compressor may provide refrigerant to the deethanizer overhead cryogenic condenser and a main cryogenic heat exchanger. Expansion of the refrigerant may provide sufficient cooling duty in one or both cryogenic exchangers.

Natural gas liquefaction

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.

LNG production in cryogenic natural gas processing plants

A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with processing natural gas to recover natural gas liquids (NGL) is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is taken from one of the streams in the NGL recovery plant and cooled under pressure to condense it. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the NGL recovery plant to provide some of the cooling required to condense the natural gas stream. A portion of the condensed stream is expanded to an intermediate pressure and then used to provide some of the cooling required to condense the natural gas stream, and thereafter routed to the NGL recovery plant so that any heavier hydrocarbons it contains can be recovered in the NGL product. The remaining portion of the condensed stream is expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

DEHYDROGENATION AND PYROLYSIS PRODUCT RECOVERY WITH A COMMON REFRIGERANT

A process and apparatus cool a pyrolyzed stream and a dehydrogenated stream in respective cold boxes by use of a refrigerant compressed with a common compressor. The refrigerant is compressed and used to cool a pyrolysis cold box and a dehydrogenation cold box.

MIXED REFRIGERANT COMPOSITION

A composition for a mixed refrigerant can be used to efficiently separate hydrogen from light hydrocarbons. The mixed refrigerant can comprise about 0 to about 7 mol % inert gas, about 11 to about 35 mol % methane, about 25 to about 40 mol % C2 hydrocarbon, about 20 to about 50 mol % C3 hydrocarbon and about 0 to about 15 mol % C5 hydrocarbon.

Natural gas liquefaction

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 and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and then supplied to a distillation column at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is also expanded to intermediate pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and is cooled to condense at least a part of it, forming a reflux stream. At least a portion of the reflux stream is directed to the distillation column as its top feed. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would ...

Method of producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering CO2 in a hydrogen production process unit

A process and apparatus for producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering CO2from an effluent stream from a hydrogen production process unit are described. The process utilizes a CO2recovery system integrated with a PSA system that produces at least two product streams to recover additional hydrogen and CO2from the tail gas stream of a hydrogen PSA unit in the hydrogen production process.

ETHANE SEPARATION WITH CRYOGENIC HEAT EXCHANGER

A process and apparatus integrate a deethanizer column with a cryogenic heat exchanger by reboiling the deethanizer column with a refrigerant stream and/or cooling a deethanizer overhead line in the cryogenic heat exchanger. A single stage separator and a single deethanizer column may be used to obtain high purity hydrogen in the net gas stream and an ethane rich off-gas stream, whereas conventionally a dual stage separator and two deethanizer columns were necessary for equivalent purity, respectively.

INTEGRATION OF NAPHTHA TO ETHANE AND PROPANE FRACTIONATION SECTION WITH ETHANE STEAM CRACKER

A process of producing ethylene and propylene from naphtha, the process comprising: producing light paraffins—ethane, hydrogen/methane/residual ethane and propane rich streams—in a dividing wall fractionation column from a stream of hydrogen, methane, propane, and residual C4+ produced in the reactor section of a naphtha-to-ethane-and-propane processing unit by reacting naphtha with hydrogen, a naphtha reactor effluent stream produced by a naphtha reactor of the naphtha-to-ethane-and-propane processing unit is cooled to produce a feed stream. The feed stream is passed to a dividing wall fractionation column. An ethane stream from the dividing wall fractionation column is passed to an ethane steam cracker to produce a cracking heater effluent stream. The cracking heater effluent stream is passed to a coldbox of the ethane steam cracker after multiple steps such as quenching, compression, cooling, caustic scrubbing, drying. One or more fluids for cooling the naphtha (NEP) reactor effluent ...

Natural gas liquefaction

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.

Method of recovering a hydrogen enriched product and CO2 in a hydrogen production unit

A process and apparatus for producing a hydrogen-enriched product and recovering CO2from an effluent stream from a hydrogen production unit are described. The effluent from the hydrogen production unit, which comprises a mixture of gases comprising hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water, and at least one of methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, and argon, is sent to a PSA system that produces at least two product streams for separation. The PSA system that produces at least two product streams separates the gas mixture into a high-pressure hydrogen stream enriched in hydrogen, optionally a second gas stream containing the majority of the impurities, and a low-pressure tail gas stream enriched in CO2and some impurities. The CO2-rich tail gas stream is compressed and sent to a CO2recovery unit, where a CO2-enriched stream is recovered. The CO2-depleted overhead gas stream is recycled to the PSA system that produces at least two product streams.

Liquefied Natural Gas Processing

A process and apparatus for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first portion is supplied to a fractionation column at an upper mid-column feed point. The second portion is directed in heat exchange relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of the column, whereby this portion of the LNG feed stream is partially vaporized and the distillation stream is totally condensed. The condensed distillation stream is divided into a “lean” LNG product stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The partially vaporized portion of the LNG feed stream is separated into vapor and liquid streams which are thereafter supplied to the column at lower mid-column feed positions. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to ...

DEHYDROGENATION AND PYROLYSIS PRODUCT RECOVERY WITH HEAT INTEGRATION

A process and apparatus integrate recovery of propylene from a pyrolysis reactor and a paraffin dehydrogenation reactor. The improved process for recovering light olefins utilizes heats of compression to heat reboil streams.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS AND HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING

A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed. 1. A process for the separation of liquefied natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components and a gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and a relatively less volatile liquid fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon components wherein(a) said liquefied natural gas is divided into at least a first liquid stream and a second liquid stream;(b) said first liquid stream is expanded to lower pressure and is thereafter supplied to a distillation column at an upper mid-column feed position;(c) said second liquid stream is heated sufficiently to vaporize it, thereby forming a vapor stream;(d) said vapor stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a lower mid-column feed position;(e) said gas stream is divided into at least a first gaseous stream and a second gaseous stream;(f) said first gaseous stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is ...

Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process for recovering heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, expanded, and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded, cooled, and supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the mid-column feed positions and cooled by the LNG stream sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, with at least a portion of the condensed stream directed to the column at an upper mid-column feed position. A portion of the column overhead stream is cooled by the LNG feed stream to condense it and form both a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream that is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. 1. A process for the separation of liquefied natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components and a gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and a relatively less volatile liquid fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon components wherein(a) said liquefied natural gas is heated sufficiently to vaporize it, thereby forming a vapor stream;(b) said vapor stream is expanded to lower pressure and is thereafter supplied to a distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;(c) said gas stream is expanded to said lower pressure, is cooled, and is thereafter supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;(d) a distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded vapor stream and said expanded cooled gas stream, whereupon said distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to at least partially condense it and form thereby a first condensed stream, with said cooling supplying at least a portion of said ...

Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed. 1. A process for the separation of liquefied natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components and a gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and a relatively less volatile liquid fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon components wherein(a) said liquefied natural gas is divided into at least a first liquid stream and a second liquid stream;(b) said first liquid stream is expanded to lower pressure and is thereafter supplied to a distillation column at an upper mid-column feed position;(c) said second liquid stream is heated sufficiently to vaporize it, thereby forming a vapor stream;(d) said vapor stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a lower mid-column feed position;(e) said gas stream is divided into at least a first gaseous stream and a second gaseous stream;(f) said first gaseous stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile traction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process '(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, and thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;', '(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure;'}(c) said cooled second stream is expanded to said lower pressure, and thereafter supplied to said distillation column at a mid-column ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure;(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, and thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;(c) said cooled second stream is expanded to said lower pressure, and thereafter supplied to said distillation column at a mid-column feed ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure;(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, and thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;(c) said cooled second stream is expanded to said lower pressure, and thereafter supplied to said distillation column at a mid-column feed ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure;(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, and thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;(c) said cooled second stream is expanded to said lower pressure, and thereafter supplied to said distillation column at a mid-column feed position; and(d) at least said ...

Hydrocarbon Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to fractionate lighter components from mixed hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbon stream is supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a volatile stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means as its top feed. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and heated in a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to strip out its volatile components, forming a relatively less volatile stream and a vaporized stream. The vaporized stream is supplied to the mass transfer means as its bottom feed. 1. A process for the separation of a mixed hydrocarbon stream containing at least a lighter hydrocarbon component and a heavier hydrocarbon component into a volatile fraction containing a major portion of said lighter hydrocarbon component and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon component wherein(1) said mixed hydrocarbon stream is supplied as a feed between a first heat and mass transfer means and a second heat and mass transfer means housed in a processing assembly, said first heat and mass transfer means being located above said second heat and mass transfer means;(2) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said second heat and mass transfer means and combined with any vapor portion of said feed to form a combined vapor stream;(3) said combined vapor stream is cooled in said first heat and mass transfer means to simultaneously condense the less volatile components from said combined vapor stream, thereby forming a first distillation liquid stream and a second ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove Cand heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed, stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second beat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components. 1. A process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C , components and heavier hydrocarbon components wherein(1) said gas stream is expanded to lower pressure;(2) said expanded gas stream is supplied as a feed between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means housed in a processing assembly, said absorbing means being located above said mass transfer means.(3) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means housed in said processing assembly to simultaneously condense the less volatile components from said first distillation vapor stream, thereby forming a condensed stream and a second distillation vapor stream, whereupon said second distillation vapor stream is discharged from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction;(4) said condensed stream is supplied as a top feed to said absorbing ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point. 15.-. (canceled)6. In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in said apparatus there being(a) one or more heat exchange means and at least one dividing means to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure;(b) a first expansion means connected to receive said substantially condensed first stream under pressure and expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said first stream is further cooled;(c) a distillation column connected to said first expansion means to receive said expanded further cooled first stream at a top feed position, with said distillation column producing at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid ...

HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed. The compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it, and is then expanded to the pressure of the fractionation tower and supplied to the tower at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. 124-. (canceled)25. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled; and(c) said further cooled expanded stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated in said column at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure;(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, and thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;(c) said cooled second stream is expanded to said lower pressure, and thereafter supplied to said distillation column at a mid-column feed position; and(d) at least said ...

Hydrocarbon Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to fractionate lighter components from mixed hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbon stream is supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a volatile stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means as its top feed. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and heated in a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to strip out its volatile components, forming a relatively less volatile stream and a vaporized stream. The vaporized stream is supplied to the mass transfer means as its bottom feed. 1. A process for the separation of a mixed hydrocarbon stream containing at least a lighter hydrocarbon component and a heavier hydrocarbon component into a volatile fraction containing a major portion of said lighter hydrocarbon component and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon component wherein(1) said mixed hydrocarbon stream is supplied as a feed between a first heat and mass transfer means and a second heat and mass transfer means housed in a, processing assembly, said first heat and mass transfer means being located above said second heat and mass transfer means;(2) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said second heat and mass transfer means and combined with any vapor portion of said feed to form a combined vapor stream;(3) said combined vapor stream is cooled in said first heat and mass transfer means to simultaneously condense the less volatile components from said combined vapor stream, thereby forming a first distillation liquid stream and a second ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove Cand heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components. 1. A process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components wherein(1) said gas stream is expanded to lower pressure;(2) said expanded gas stream is supplied as a feed between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means housed in a processing assembly, said absorbing means being located above said mass transfer means;(3) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means housed in said processing assembly to simultaneously condense the less volatile components from said first distillation vapor stream, thereby forming a condensed stream and a second distillation vapor stream, whereupon said second distillation vapor stream is discharged from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction;(4) said condensed stream is supplied as a top feed to said absorbing means ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. The outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure and cooled, then a portion is substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, thereby forming a substantially condensed first stream, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure, thereby forming a cooled second stream;(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, thereby forming an expanded further cooled first stream which is thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C(or C) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is treated in one or more heat exchange steps and at least one division step to produce at least a first stream that has been cooled under pressure to condense substantially all of it, thereby forming a substantially condensed first stream, and at least a second stream that has been cooled under pressure, thereby forming a cooled second stream;(b) said substantially condensed first stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled, thereby forming an expanded further cooled first stream which is thereafter supplied at a top feed position on a distillation column that produces at least an overhead vapor stream and a bottom ...

HYDROCARBON PROCESSING

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to fractionate lighter components from mixed hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbon stream is supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a volatile stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means as its top feed. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and heated in a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to strip out its volatile components, forming a relatively less volatile stream and a vaporized stream. The vaporized stream is supplied to the mass transfer means as its bottom feed. 1. A process for the separation of a mixed hydrocarbon stream containing at least a lighter hydrocarbon component and a heavier hydrocarbon component into a volatile fraction containing a major portion of said lighter hydrocarbon component and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon component wherein(1) said mixed hydrocarbon stream is supplied as a feed between a first heat and mass transfer means and a second heat and mass transfer means housed in a processing assembly, said first heat and mass transfer means being located above said second heat and mass transfer means;(2) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said second heat and mass transfer means and combined with any vapor portion of said feed to form a combined vapor stream;(3) said combined vapor stream is cooled in said first heat and mass transfer means to simultaneously condense the less volatile components from said combined vapor stream, thereby forming a first distillation liquid stream and a second ...

HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove Cand heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components. 1. A process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components wherein(1) said gas stream is expanded to lower pressure;(2) said expanded gas stream is supplied as a feed between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means housed in a processing assembly, said absorbing means being located above said mass transfer means;(3) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means housed in said processing assembly to simultaneously condense the less volatile components from said first distillation vapor stream, thereby forming a condensed stream and a second distillation vapor stream, whereupon said second distillation vapor stream is discharged from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction;(4) said condensed stream is supplied as a top feed to said absorbing means ...

HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING FEATURING A COMPRESSED REFLUX STREAM FORMED BY COMBINING A PORTION OF COLUMN RESIDUE GAS WITH A DISTILLATION VAPOR STREAM WITHDRAWN FROM THE SIDE OF THE COLUMN

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and divided into first and second portions. The first and second portions are expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at upper mid-column feed positions, with the expanded second portion being heated before it enters the tower. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream and the expanded second portion to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered. 1. In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane , Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said Ccomponents , Ccomponents , and heavier hydrocarbon components or said Ccomponents and heavier hydrocarbon components , in which process(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is ...

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the absorbing means. A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and combined with the vapor fraction to form a combined vapor stream.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A PROCESS AND AN APPARATUS ARE DISCLOSED FOR THE RECOVERY OF PROPANE, PROPYLENE, AND HEAVIER HYDROCARBON COMPONENTS FROM A HYDROCARBON GAS STREAM IN A COMPACT PROCESSING ASSEMBLY. THE GAS STREAM IS COOLED, EXPANDED TO LOWER PRESSURE, AND SUPPLIED AS THE BOTTOM FEED TO AN ABSORBING MEANS INSIDE THE PROCESSING ASSEMBLY. A FIRST DISTILLATION LIQUID STREAM IS COLLECTED FROM THE LOWER REGION OF THE ABSORBING MEANS AND SUPPLIED AS THE TOP FEED TO A MASS TRANSFER MEANS INSIDE THE PROCESSING ASSEMBLY. A FIRST DISTILLATION VAPOR STREAM IS COLLECTED FROM THE UPPER REGION OF THE MASS TRANSFER MEANS AND COOLED SUFFICIENTLY TO AT LEAST PARTIALLY CONDENSE IT, FORMING A RESIDUAL VAPOR STREAM AND A CONDENSED STREAM. THE CONDENSED STREAM IS SUPPLIED AS THE TOP FEED TO THE ABSORBING MEANS. A SECOND DISTILLATION VAPOR STREAM IS COLLECTED FROM THE UPPER REGION OF THE ABSORBING MEANS AND DIRECTED INTO ONE OR MORE HEAT EXCHANGE MEANS INSIDE THE PROCESSING ASSEMBLY TO HEAT IT WHILE COOLING THE FIRST DISTILLATION VAPOR STREAM. THE HEATED SECOND DISTILLATION VAPOR STREAM IS COMBINED WITH ANY OF THE RESIDUAL VAPOR STREAM AND THE COMBINED STREAM IS DIRECTED INTO THE ONE OR MORE HEAT EXCHANGE MEANS INSIDE THE PROCESSING ASSEMBLY TO HEAT IT WHILE COOLING THE GAS STREAM. A SECOND DISTILLATION LIQUID STEAM IS COLLECTED FROM THE LOWER REGION OF THE MASS TRANSFER MEANS AND DIRECTED INTO A HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER MEANS INSIDE THE PROCESSING ASSEMBLY TO HEAT IT AND STRIP OUT ITS VOLATILE COMPONENTS. THE QUANTITIES AND TEMPERATURES OF THE FEEDS TO THE ABSORBING MEANS ARE EFFECTIVE TO MAINTAIN THE TEMPERATURE OF THE UPPER REGION OF THE ABSORBING MEANS AT A TEMPERATURE WHEREBY THE MAJOR PORTIONS OF THE DESIRED COMPONENTS ARE RECOVERED IN THE STRIPPED SECOND DISTILLATION LIQUID STREAM. (FIG. 2)

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the vapor distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus for liquefying a portion of a natural gas stream are disclosed. The natural gas stream is cooled under pressure and divided into a first stream and a second stream. The first stream is cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a lower feed point on a distillation column. The second stream is expanded to the intermediate pressure and divided into two portions. One portion is cooled and then supplied to a mid-column feed point on the distillation column; the other portion is used to cool the first stream. 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, so that the overhead vapor from the distillation column contains essentially only methane and lighter components. This overhead vapor is cooled and condensed, and a portion of the condensed stream is supplied to a top feed point on the distillation column to serve as reflux. A second portion of the condensed stream is expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the top feed to an absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and directed into one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly to heat it while cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a feed between first and second absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the second absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorbing means and directed into one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly to heat it while cooling the gas stream and the first stream. The heated distillation vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure and divided into a volatile residue gas fraction and a compressed recycle stream. The compressed recycle stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it by the distillation vapor stream in the one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as top feed to the first absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the first and second absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a first condensed stream. At least a portion of the first condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column at an upper mid-column feed position. A portion of the column overhead stream is also directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, so that it also supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream as it is condensed, forming a second condensed stream. The second condensed stream is divided into a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and fed to the top of a mass transfer means. A distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a first heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components and form a bottom liquid product. A distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is combined with any vapor in the expanded cooled gas stream, and the combined vapor stream is cooled in a second heat and mass transfer means to partially condense it, forming a condensed stream that is fed to the top of the mass transfer means. A portion of the bottom liquid product is subcooled, expanded to lower pressure, and used to cool the combined vapor stream.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and divided into first and second portions. The first and second portions are expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at upper mid-column feed positions, with the expanded second portion being heated before it enters the tower. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream and the expanded second portion to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 (or C 3 ) components and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 components (or C 3 components) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and fed to the bottom of the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a heat and mass transfer means to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The absorbing means and the heat and mass transfer means are housed in the processing assembly.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed. A portion of the column overhead stream is also directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, so that it also supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream as it is condensed to form a “lean” LNG stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.

Hydrocabon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for removing carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower at a top column feed position. The tower overhead vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure and cooled to partially condense it, forming a condensed stream. The condensed stream is expanded to intermediate pressure, used to subcool a portion of the tower bottom liquid product, then supplied to the tower at a mid-column feed position. The subcooled portion of the tower bottom liquid product is expanded to lower pressure and used to cool the compressed overhead vapor stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the carbon dioxide is recovered in the tower bottom liquid product.

Liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 (or C 3 ) components and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between first and second absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as bottom feed to the second absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the first absorbing means is heated, compressed to higher pressure, and divided into a volatile residue gas fraction and a compressed recycle stream. The compressed recycle stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as top feed to the first absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the second absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove C 5 and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to fractionate lighter components from mixed hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbon stream is supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a volatile stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means as its top feed. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and heated in a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to strip out its volatile components, forming a relatively less volatile stream and a vaporized stream. The vaporized stream is supplied to the mass transfer means as its bottom feed.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied, to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. The outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure and cooled, then a portion is substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Natural gas liquefaction

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.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and/or expanded to partially condense it, then separated to provide one or more C 3 containing liquid steams and a first vapor stream. These streams are then directed into a distillation column wherein a second vapor stream is separated to recover a product containing the major portion of the C 3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first vapor stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the second vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the distillation column as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed. The compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it, and is then expanded to the pressure of the fractionation tower and supplied to the tower at a top column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the vapor distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus for liquefying a portion of a natural gas stream are disclosed. The natural gas stream is cooled under pressure and divided into a first stream and a second stream. The first stream is cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a lower feed point on a distillation column. The second stream is expanded to the intermediate pressure and divided into two portions. One portion is cooled and then supplied to a mid-column feed point on the distillation column; the other portion is used to cool the first stream. 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, so that the overhead vapor from the distillation column contains essentially only methane and lighter components. This overhead vapor is cooled and condensed, and a portion of the condensed stream is supplied to a top feed point on the distillation column to serve as reflux. A second portion of the condensed stream is expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Liquefied natural gas production

A process and an apparatus for liquefying a portion of a natural gas stream are disclosed. The natural gas stream is cooled under pressure and divided into a first stream and a second stream. The first stream is cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a lower feed point on a distillation column. The second stream is expanded to the intermediate pressure and divided into two portions. One portion is cooled and then supplied to a mid-column feed point on the distillation column; the other portion is used to cool the first stream. 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, so that the overhead vapor from the distillation column contains essentially only methane and lighter components. This overhead vapor is cooled and condensed, and a portion of the condensed stream is supplied to a top feed point on the distillation column to serve as reflux. A second portion of the condensed stream is expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a feed between first and second absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the second absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorbing means and directed into one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly to heat it while cooling the gas stream and the first stream. The heated distillation vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure and divided into a volatile residue gas fraction and a compressed recycle stream. The compressed recycle stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it by the distillation vapor stream in the one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as top feed to the first absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the first and second absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream.

Hydrocarbon gas processing including a single equipment item processing assembly

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the top feed to an absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and directed into one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly to heat it while cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream.

Hydrocarbon gas processing including a single equipment item processing assembly

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and fed to the top of a mass transfer means. A distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a first heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components and form a bottom liquid product. A distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is combined with any vapor in the expanded cooled gas stream, and the combined vapor stream is cooled in a second heat and mass transfer means to partially condense it, forming a condensed stream that is fed to the top of the mass transfer means. A portion of the bottom liquid product is subcooled, expanded to lower pressure, and used to cool the combined vapor stream.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for recovering heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, expanded, and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded, cooled, and supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the mid-column feed positions and cooled by the LNG stream sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, with at least a portion of the condensed stream directed to the column at an upper mid-column feed position. A portion of the column overhead stream is cooled by the LNG feed stream to condense it and form both a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream that is supplied to the column at a top column feed position.

Hydrocarbon gas processing featuring a compressed reflux stream formed by combining a portion of column residue gas with a distillation vapor stream withdrawn from the side of the column

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and divided into first and second portions. The first and second portions are expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at upper mid-column feed positions, with the expanded second portion being heated before it enters the tower. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream and the expanded second portion to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the first stream, combined with a portion of the tower overhead vapor stream, compressed to higher pressure, and directed into heat exchange relation with the remaining tower overhead vapor stream to cool the compressed combined vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is expanded to the tower pressure and directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 (or C 3 ) components and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.

Hydrocarbon gas processing including a single equipment item processing assembly

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C 2 components (or C 3 components) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and fed to the bottom of the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a heat and mass transfer means to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The absorbing means and the heat and mass transfer means are housed in the processing assembly.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove C5 and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to fractionate lighter components from mixed hydrocarbon streams. The hydrocarbon stream is supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a volatile stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means as its top feed. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and heated in a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to strip out its volatile components, forming a relatively less volatile stream and a vaporized stream. The vaporized stream is supplied to the mass transfer means as its bottom feed.

Liquefied Natural Gas and Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first portion is supplied to a fractionation column at a first upper mid-column feed point. The second portion is directed in heat exchange relation with a first portion of a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of the column, whereby the LNG feed stream is partially heated and the distillation stream is totally condensed. The condensed distillation stream is divided into a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The second portion of the LNG feed stream is heated further to partially or totally vaporize it and thereafter supplied to the column at a first lower mid-column feed position. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second portion is expanded to the operating pressure of the column, then both portions are directed in heat exchange relation with the lean LNG stream and the second portion of the warmer distillation stream, whereby both portions of the gas stream are cooled, the lean LNG stream is vaporized, and the second portion of the distillation stream is heated. The first portion of the gas stream, which has been cooled to substantial condensation, is supplied to the column at a second upper mid-column feed point, and the second portion is supplied to the column at a second lower mid-column feed point. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for removal of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbon gas streams in a processing assembly. The stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and supplied as a top feed to a mass transfer means inside the processing assembly. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream, thereafter discharging the heated and striped distillation liquid stream from the processing assembly as the bottom liquid product therefrom. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the mass transfer means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the mass transfer means at a temperature whereby the major portion of said carbon dioxide is recovered in the bottom liquid product.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to remove C 5 and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The hydrocarbon gas stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the processing assembly between an absorbing means and a mass transfer means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and cooled in a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied to the absorbing means at its top feed point. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a second heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point.

Natural gas liquefaction

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the tower overhead vapor is directed to an absorbing means and a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly. A portion of the outlet vapor from the processing assembly is compressed to higher pressure, cooled and substantially condensed in a heat exchange means inside the processing assembly, then expanded to lower pressure and supplied to the heat and mass transfer means to provide cooling. Condensed liquid from the absorbing means is fed to the tower.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled, condensed and expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a feed to an absorbing means inside the processing assembly. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. Distillation streams are collected from heat and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to at least partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds are at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream.

Natural gas liquefaction

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.

process and apparatus for separating a gas stream containing methane, c2 components, c3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components

PROCESSAMENTO DE GÁS HIDROCARBONETO. A presente invenção refere-se a um processo e um aparelho para a recuperação de etano, etileno, propano, propileno e componentes de hidrocarboneto mais pesados de uma corrente de gás numa montagem de processamento compacta. A corrente de gás é resfriada e dividida em primeira e segunda correntes. Acorrente de gás é resfriada e dividida em primeira e segunda correntes. A primeira corrente é resfriada adicionalmente para condensar, substancialmente e completamente, sendo a seguir expandida a uma menor pressão, sendo fornecida como alimentação de topo para um meio de absorção dentro da montagem de processamento. A segunda corrente também é expandida a uma menor pressão, sendo fornecida como alimentação de fundo para o meio de absorção. Uma corrente de vapor de destilação é coletada da região superior do meio de absorção, sendo direcionada para aquecê-la, enquanto resfria a corrente de gás e a primeira corrente. Uma corrente de líquido de destilação é coletada da região inferior do meio de absorção e direcionada para um meio de transferência de calor e de massa no conjunto de processamento para aquecer e retirar seus componentes voláteis enquanto resfria a corrente de gás. as quantidades e temperaturas dos suprimentos (...). HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING. The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for recovering ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense, substantially and completely, after which it is expanded at a lower pressure, being supplied as a top feed to an absorption medium within the processing assembly. The second stream is also expanded at a lower pressure, being supplied as a bottom feed for the absorption medium. A stream of distillation vapor is ...

Natural gas liquefaction

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 and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and then supplied to a distillation column at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is also expanded to intermediate pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second lower mid-column feed position. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and is cooled to condense at least a part of it, forming a reflux stream. At least a portion of the reflux stream is directed to the distillation column as its top feed.

Process for separating hydrocarbon gas constituents

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is divided into first (35) and second (32) streams, and the second stream (32) is expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the column (18) at a mid-column feed position (33a, 34a). A recycle stream (39) is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed, and is combined with the first stream (35). The combined stream (38) is cooled to condense substantially all of it, and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower (18) pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a top column feed position (38c). The pressure of the compressed recycle stream and the quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C2 (or C3) components and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between first and second absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as bottom feed to the second absorbing means. A distilla-tion vapor stream from the first absorbing means is heated, compressed to higher pressure, and divided into a volatile residue gas fraction and a compressed recycle stream. The compressed recycle stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as top feed to the first absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the second absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Hydrocarbon gas processing including a single equipment item processing assembly

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for removal of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbon gas streams in a processing assembly. The stream is cooled, expanded to intermediate pressure, and supplied as a top feed to a mass transfer means inside the processing assembly. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the mass transfer means and directed into a first heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream, thereafter discharging the heated and striped distillation liquid stream from the processing assembly as the bottom liquid product therefrom. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the mass transfer means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the mass transfer means at a temperature whereby the major portion of said carbon dioxide is recovered in the bottom liquid product.

LNG production in cryogenic natural gas processing plants

"produção de gnl em plantas de processamento de gás natural criogênicas". é descrito um processo para liquefação de gás natural em conjunto com o processamento do gás natural para recuperação de líquidos de gás natural (ngl). no processo, a corrente de gás natural a ser liqüefeita é tomada a partir de uma das correntes na unidade de recuperação de ngl e resfriada sob pressão para condensá-la. uma corrente de destilação é retirada a partir da unidade de recuperação de ngl para prover parte da refrigeração necessária para condensar a corrente de gás natural. a corrente de gás natural condensada é expandida (14) até uma pressão intermediária e fornecida a um ponto de alimentação no meio de uma coluna de destilação (17). o produto de fundo (41), proveniente de tal coluna de destilação (17), contém, de preferência, a maior parte de quaisquer hidrocarbonetos mais pesados que o metano, que iriam, de outra forma, reduzir a pureza do gás natural liqüefeito, e é direcionado para a unidade de recuperação de ngl, de modo que tais hidrocarbonetos mais pesados possam ser recuperados no produto de ngl. "LNG production in cryogenic natural gas processing plants". A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with natural gas processing for recovery of natural gas liquids (ngl) is described. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is taken from one of the currents in the ngl recovery unit and cooled under pressure to condense it. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the NGL recovery unit to provide part of the cooling required to condense the natural gas stream. the condensed natural gas stream is expanded (14) to an intermediate pressure and supplied to a feed point in the middle of a distillation column (17). the bottom product 41 from such distillation column 17 preferably contains most of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane which would otherwise reduce the purity of liquefied natural gas, and is directed to the ngl recovery unit so that ...

Hydrocarbon gas processing

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and/or expanded to partially condense it, then separated to provide one or more C3 containing liquid streams and a first vapor stream. These streams are then directed into a distillation column wherein a second vapor stream is separated to recover a product containing the major portion of the C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first vapor stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the second vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the distillation column as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream Is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure, heated, and supplied to the fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the expanded cooled first stream and the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

PROCESSING OF HYDROCARBON GASES

REFERIDO A UN PROCESO Y APARATO PARA LA RECUPERACION DE ETANO, ETILENO, PROPANO, PROPILENO Y COMPONENTES DE HIDROCARBUROS MAS PESADOS DE UNA CORRIENTE DE GAS DE HIDROCARBUROS EN UN CONJUNTO DE CALENTAMIENTO COMPACTO. LA CORRIENTE DE GAS SE ENFRIA Y SE DIVIDE EN UNA PRIMERA Y SEGUNDA CORRIENTE. LA PRIMERA CORRIENTE SE ENFRIA PARA CONDENSARLA POR COMPLETO, Y LUEGO DE ESO, EXPANDIRLA A UNA PRESION MENOR Y SE CALIENTA PARA FORMAR UNA FRACCION DE VAPOR Y UNA FRACCION DE LIQUIDO. LA FRACCION DE LIQUIDO SE SUMINISTRA COMO UNA PRIMERA ALIMENTACION POR LA PARTE SUPERIOR A UN MEDIO DE ABSORCION DENTRO DEL CONJUNTO DE PROCESAMIENTO. LA SEGUNDA CORRIENTE TAMBIEN SE EXPANDE A UNA PRESION MENOR Y SE LA SUMINISTRA COMO ALIMENTACION SUPERIOR AL MEDIO ABSORBENTE. SE RECOGE UNA PRIMERA CORRIENTE DE VAPOR DE DESTILACION DE LA REGION SUPERIOR DEL MEDIO DE ABSORCION Y SE LA COMBINA CON LA FRACCION DE VAPOR PARA FORMAR UNA CORRIENTE DE VAPOR COMBINADA, LA CUAL SE DIRIGE HACIA UN PRIMER MEDIO DE TRANSFERENCIA DE CALOR Y MASA DENTRO DEL CONJUNTO DE PROCESAMIENTO, DE TAL MANERA QUE ESTA ES ENFRIADA POR LA PRIMERA CORRIENTE EXPANDIDA, FORMANDO UNA SEGUNDA CORRIENTE DE VAPOR DE DESTILACION, LA CUAL SE DIRIGE HACIA UNO O MAS MEDIOS PARA EL INTERCAMBIO DE CALOR DENTRO DEL CONJUNTO DE PROCESAMIENTO PARA CALENTARLA MIENTRAS SE ENFRIA LA CORRIENTE DE GAS Y LA PRIMERA CORRIENTE, Y UNA CORRIENTE CONDENSADA, LA CUAL SE SUMINISTRA COMO UNA SEGUNDA ALIMENTACION POR LA PARTE SUPERIOR AL MEDIO DE ABSORCION REFERRED TO A PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE RECOVERY OF ETHANE, ETHYLENE, PROPANE, PROPYLENE AND HEAVY-DUTY HYDROCARBON COMPONENTS FROM A CURRENT OF HYDROCARBON GAS IN A COMPACT HEATING SET. THE GAS CURRENT COOLS AND DIVIDES INTO A FIRST AND SECOND CURRENT. THE FIRST CURRENT COOLS TO COMPLETELY CONDENSATE IT, AND THEN EXPANDS IT TO A LOWER PRESSURE AND HEATS TO FORM A VAPOR FRACTION AND A LIQUID FRACTION. THE LIQUID FRACTION IS SUPPLIED AS A FIRST UPPER FEED TO AN ABSORPTION MEDIA WITHIN THE PROCESSING ...