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U.S. Department of Energy
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Process for separation of hydrocarbon gases

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5528053

A process for separation of a high pressure gaseous stream containing mixed light hydrocarbons is described which comprises: (a) expanding the high pressure gaseous stream to a first intermediate pressure and introducing the resulting expanded stream to a first single equilibrium separation zone; (b) recovering a first vapor stream and a separate first liquid stream from the first single equilibrium separation zone; (c) elevating the first liquid stream to a second intermediate pressure; (d) recovering refrigeration from the first liquid stream at the second intermediate pressure; (e) recovering and cooling an ethane-containing gaseous mixture from the multi-equilibrium separation zone; (f) introducing the cooled ethane-containing gaseous mixture to a second single equilibrium separation zone; (g) recovering a second vapor stream and a separate second liquid stream from the second single equilibrium zone; and (h) expanding the second liquid stream into the first single equilibrium separation zone.

Assignee:
M.W. Kellog Co., Houston, TX
Patent Number(s):
US 4710214
OSTI ID:
5528053
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English