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 A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and is cooled to condense at least a part of it, forming a reflux stream.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 ...

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for recovering ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a first fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. A distillation liquid stream is withdrawn from the first fractionation tower below the feed position of the expanded stream, heated, and directed into a second fractionation tower that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream. The overhead vapor stream is cooled to condense it, with a portion of the condensed stream directed to the second fractionation tower as its top feed and the remainder directed to the first fractionation tower at a lower column feed position. The bottom liquid stream from the second fractionation tower is cooled and directed to the first fractionation tower as its top feed.

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 ...

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 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 ...

Hydrocarbon gas processing

The invention discloses 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 it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the tower at mid-column. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is supplied to the tower at mid-column. A distillation stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the second stream and compressed, and is heat-exchanged with the toweroverhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense it, forming a condensed stream which is the tower top feed. The system is effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the tower at an effective recovery temperature. The distillation stream can be withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream.

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. © KIPO & WIPO 2007 ...

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.

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 ...

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.

Natural gas liquefaction

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 directed in heat exchanger relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of a distillation column, whereby the LNG feed stream is partially heated and the distillation stream is partially condensed. The partially condensed distillation stream is separated to provide volatile residue gas and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. A portion of the partially heated LNG feed stream is supplied to the column at an upper mid-column feed point, and the remaining portion 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 maintain the column overhead temperature at a ...

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 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 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

The present invention provides improved recovery of C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or of C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components per amount of utility consumption required to operate the process An improvement in utility consumption required for operating the process may appear in the form of reduced power requirements for compression or re-compression, reduced power requirements for external refrigeration, reduced energy requirements for supplemental heating, or a combination thereof.

Liquefied natural gas processing

In a recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from liquefied natural gas (LNG), the LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then supplied to a fractionation column at a mid-column feed position A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed position and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the vapor distillation stream as it supplies some of the heating of the LNG feed stream The vapor distillation stream is cooled condense some of it, forming a condensed stream Some of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column maintain the column overhead temperature so that most of the desired components are recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.

Hydrocarbon 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.

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.

NATURAL GAS LIQUEFACTION

A process for liquefying natural gas (50) in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane (41) is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied (31) is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure (14,15), and supplied to a distillation column (19). The bottom product (41) 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 (50). The residual gas stream (37) from the distillation column (19) is compressed (16) to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure (60) to condense it, and then expanded (61) to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream. © KIPO & WIPO 2007 ...

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 ...

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process and apparatus 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 pressure of a fractionation tower 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 vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first stream and compressed to an intermediate pressure, and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense substantially all of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at a third mid-column feed position located above the feed point of the first stream. 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 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 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.

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 ...

Liquefied natural gas and hydrocarbon gas processing

Processes for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream are 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 first portion of a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of the column; 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.

Hydrocarbon 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.

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.

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. © KIPO & WIPO 2007 ...

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 ...

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and apparatus 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 pressure of a fractionation tower 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 vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first stream and compressed to an intermediate pressure, and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense substantially all of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at a third mid-column feed ...

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 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

Proceso y aparato para un conjunto de procesamiento compacto para recuperar los componentes C2 (o los componentes C3) y componentes de hidrocarburos más pesados de una corriente de gas de hidrocarburos. La corriente de gas se enfría y se divide en una primera y una segunda corriente. La primera corriente se enfría en mayor medida para condensarla sustancialmente por completo, luego se la expande a una porción menor y se la suministra como alimentación superior en un medio absorbente. La segunda corriente también se expande a una presión menor y se la suministra por el fondo del medio absorbente. Se calienta una corriente de vapor de destilación mediante enfriamiento de la corriente de gas y la primera corriente. Una corriente de líquido de destilación del medio absorbente se suministra a un medio de transferencia de calor y de masa para calentarla y separar sus componentes volátiles mientras se enfría la corriente de gas. El medio de absorción y el medio para la transferencia de calor y ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 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 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 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.

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.

HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for recovering ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a first fractionation tower at a mid-column feed position. A distillation liquid stream is withdrawn from the first fractionation tower below the feed position of the expanded stream, heated, and directed into a second fractionation tower that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream. The overhead vapor stream is cooled to condense it, with a portion of the condensed stream directed to the second fractionation tower as its top feed and the remainder directed to the first fractionation tower at a lower column feed position. The bottom liquid stream from the second fractionation tower is cooled and directed to the first fractionation tower as its top feed.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. In recent years, the preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes supplying at least portions of the gas stream to a fractionation tower having at least one reboiler, and often one or more side reboilers, to supply heat to the column by withdrawing and heating some of the tower liquids to produce stripping vapors that separate the more volatile components from the desired components. The reboiler and side reboilers (if any) are typically integrated into the feed stream cooling scheme to provide at least a portion of the refrigeration needed to condense the desired components for subsequent fractionation in the distillation column. In the process disclosed, the tower reboiling scheme is modified to use one or more tower liquid distillation streams from a point higher in the column than is used in the conventional reboiling ...

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.

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.

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 directed in heat exchanger relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of a distillation column, whereby the LNG feed stream is partially heated and the distillation stream is partially condensed. The partially condensed distillation stream is separated to provide volatile residue gas and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. A portion of the partially heated LNG feed stream is supplied to the column at an upper mid-column feed point, and the remaining portion 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 maintain the column overhead temperature at a ...

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.

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.

Proceso y aparato para la separación de una corriente de gas en una fracción volátil de gas residual y una fracción de gas relativamente menos volátil que contiene hidrocarburos c2 e hidrocarburos más pesados

Proceso de separación de corriente de gas que contiene metano; aparato; y mejora de dicho proceso.

Hydrocarbon Gas Processing

A process and apparatus 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 compressed to higher pressure, and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense substantially all 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 ...

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 ...

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 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.

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 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.

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 and apparatus 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 pressure of a fractionation tower 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 vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first stream and compressed to an intermediate pressure, and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense substantially all of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at a third mid-column feed ...

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 ...

Hydrocarbon gas process

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.

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.

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 the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly.

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 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

Proceso y aparato para la recuperacion de etano, etileno, propano, propileno y componentes de hidrocarburos más pesados de una corriente de gas de hidrocarburos en un conjunto de calentamiento compacto. La corriente de gas se enfría y se divide en una primera y una segunda corriente. La primera corriente se enfría en mayor medida para condensarla sustancialmente por completo, y luego se la expande a una porcion menor y se la suministra como alimentacion superior en un medio absorbente dentro del conjunto de calentamiento. La segunda corriente también se expande a una presion menor y se la suministra como alimentacion superior en el medio absorbente. Se recolecta una corriente de vapor de destilacion de la region superior del medio absorbente y se la dirige a uno o más medios intercambiadores de calor en el conjunto de calentamiento para calentarla, al tiempo que se enfría la corriente de gas y la primera corriente. Se recolecta una corriente de líquido de destilacion de la region inferior ...

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 ...

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 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.

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 ...

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 ...

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. The condensed natural gas stream is expanded to an intermediate pressure and supplied to a mid-column feed point on 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, and is routed to the NGL recovery plant so that these heavier hydrocarbons can be recovered in the NGL product. The overhead vapor from the distillation column is cooled and condensed, and a portion of the condensed stream is supplied to a ...

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 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.

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.

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 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 ...

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 the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into first and second portions. The first portion is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to the tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The second portion is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at an intermediate mid-column feed position. The liquid stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a lower mid-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. 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 further cooled; and(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas stream is divided into ...

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 divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into first and second portions. The first portion is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to the tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The second portion is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at an intermediate mid-column feed position. The liquid stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a lower mid-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. 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 further cooled; and(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas stream is divided into ...

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 the recovery of components from a hydrocarbon gas stream which is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower. The second stream is cooled and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into two portions. A first portion is cooled, expanded to tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second portion and the liquid stream are expanded to tower pressure and supplied to the tower. After heating, compressing, and cooling, a portion of the tower overhead vapor is cooled, expanded, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the tower maintain the overhead temperature of the tower 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 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 and apparatus 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 pressure of a fractionation tower 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 vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first stream and compressed to an intermediate pressure, and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense substantially all of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower at a third mid-column feed position located above the feed point of the first stream. 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 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 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 and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the pressure of the distillation column. After expansion, the cooled first stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from fractionation stages of the distillation column. The warmed first stream is then supplied to the column at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the column pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. The distillation stream is cooled by the first stream sufficiently to partially condense it. The partially condensed distillation stream is then separated to provide volatile residue gas and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the C 3 + components is recovered. Alternatively, control means may be adapted so that the major portion of the C 2 + components is recovered.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

A process for the recovery of ethane and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to a pressure below that of the distillation column. After expansion, the cooled first stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from fractionation stages of the distillation column. The warmed first stream is then separated to provide a cold vapor and a liquid stream. The liquid is supplied to the column at a first mid-column feed position and the cold vapor is supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the column pressure and is then supplied to the column at a third mid-column feed position. The distillation stream is cooled by the first stream sufficiently to partially condense it . The partially condensed distillation stream is then separated to provide volatile residue gas and a reflux stream feed. The reflux stream feed is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. In instances where the second stream is expanded in a work expansion machine, any condensation formed prior to work expansion is combined either in whole or in part with the first stream prior to cooling and/or expansion, or supplied either in whole or in part to the column as a condensed stream at a fourth mid-column feed position, or some combination thereof. The temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the C 2 + 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 divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure. After expansion, the cooled first stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a compressed recycle portion of the fractionation tower overhead. The warmed first stream is then 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. The recycle stream is cooled by the first stream sufficiently to substantially condense it. The substantially condensed recycle stream is then expanded to the pressure of the distillation column and supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The pressure of the 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 for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled to partially condense it, then separated to provide a first vapor stream and a first condensed stream. The first vapor stream is divided into first and second streams, then the first stream is combined with the first condensed stream. The combined stream is cooled and expanded to an intermediate pressure to partially condense it, then separated to provide a second vapor stream and a second condensed stream. The second vapor stream is cooled at the intermediate pressure to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a top feed position. The second condensed stream is subcooled at the intermediate pressure, expanded to the tower pressure, and is supplied to the column 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. 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 an alternative embodiment, the combined stream is cooled at essentially inlet pressure to partially condense it, then separated at pressure to provide the second vapor stream and the second condensed stream.

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 divided into first and second streams. The first stream is 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 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 distillation column and supplied to the column at a top column feed position. 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 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 divided into first and second streams, and the second stream is expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the column at a mid-column feed position. A recycle stream is withdrawn from the tower overhead after it has been warmed and compressed, and is combined with the first stream. The combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it, and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a top column feed position. 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 for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. In recent years, the preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes supplying at least portions of the gas stream to a fractionation tower having at least one reboiler, and often one or more side reboilers, to supply heat to the column by withdrawing and heating some of the tower liquids to produce stripping vapors that separate the more volatile components from the desired components. The reboiler and side reboilers (if any) are typically integrated into the feed stream cooling scheme to provide at least a portion of the refrigeration needed to condense the desired components for subsequent fractionation in the distillation column. In the process disclosed, the tower reboiling scheme is modified to use one or more tower liquid distillation streams from a point higher in the column than is used in the conventional reboiling scheme, providing colder stream(s) for the reboiler(s) that allow more effective cooling of the feed streams and thereby improve the efficiency with which the desired components are recovered. In addition, the tower liquid streams withdrawn from a higher point in the column contain larger quantities of the more volatile components, which when vaporized provide better stripping of undesirable components like carbon dioxide without reducing the recovery of the desired components. The heated distillation stream is returned to a lower point on the fractionation tower that is separated from the withdrawal point by at least one theoretical stage.

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 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 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 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 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

The processing of gas streams containing hydrocarbons and other gases of similar volatility to recover components such as ethane, propane and heavier hydrocarbons from a residue gas containing methane is disclosed. In prior art processes, it has been customary to cool incoming raw feed gas and to separate the desired products by distillation. A part of the needed cooling is obtained by expanding the raw feed gas from a high feed pressure to a lower pressure at which distillation occurs. In the present invention, the raw feed gas is divided into two gaseous streams before expansion. The first stream is expanded in the usual fashion and supplied to the demethanizer as a mid-column feed. The remaining part is cooled to substantial condensation. The condensed stream is expanded and supplied to the demethanizer column above the feed point of the first stream. The split vapor feed provides unexpected advantages in reducing the risk of carbon dioxide icing in the demethanizer column, thus either eliminating or reducing the need for prior CO 2 removal. Alternately, without increasing the risk of carbon dioxide icing, ethane recovery can be increased.

Hydrocarbon gas processing

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

Hydrocarbon gas processing

Hydrocarbon gas processing

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

Natural gas liquefaction

HYDROCARBON GAS PROCESSING

Un proceso y un aparato para recuperar etano, etileno, y componentes hidrocarburos más pesados de una corriente de gas de hidrocarburos. La corriente se enfría, se expande a una menor presion, y se suministra a una primera torre de fraccionamiento por una posicion de alimentacion en la parte media de la columna. De la primera torre de fraccionamiento se extrae una corriente del líquido de destilacion por debajo de la posicion de alimentacion de la corriente expandida, se calienta, y se la dirige hacia el interior de una segunda torre de fraccionamiento que produce una corriente de vapor de cabeza y una corriente de líquido del fondo. El vapor de la corriente de cabeza se enfría para condensarlo, y una parte de la corriente de condensado se dirige hacia la segunda torre de fraccionamiento alimentándola por su posicion de alimentacion superior y donde el resto se dirige hacia la primera torre de fraccionamiento por una posicion de alimentacion en la parte inferior de la columna. La corriente de líquido del fondo proveniente de la segunda torre de fraccionamiento se enfría y se dirige hacia la primera torre de fraccionamiento como su alimentacion superior. A process and apparatus for recovering ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a stream of hydrocarbon gas. The current cools, expands at a lower pressure, and is supplied to a first fractionation tower by a feeding position in the middle part of the column. A distillation liquid stream is extracted from the first fractionation tower below the expanded current feed position, heated, and directed into a second fractionation tower that produces a head steam stream and a stream of liquid from the bottom. The steam of the head stream is cooled to condense it, and a part of the condensate stream is directed towards the second fractionation tower by feeding it by its upper feeding position and where the rest is directed towards the first fractionation tower by a position of feed at the bottom of the ...

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.