Low temperature process for separating propane and heavier hydrocarbons from a natural gas stream
A process is described for low temperature fractionation of natural gas to recover as product propane and the heavier hydrocarbons with an efficiency of 90% or greater and an ethane content rejection of 90% or more. The process includes passage of the natural gas through several refrigeration zones followed by a first separation stage to separate liquid condensate from C/sub 1/, C/sub 2/ and C/sub 3/ hydrocarbon gas. The gas stream is cooled further by expansion followed by a second separation stage to separate liquid containing C/sub 1/, C/sub 2/ and C/sub 3/ hydrocarbons from the gas which contains only C/sub 1/ and C/sub 2/ hydrocarbons. Both streams are fed to a deethanizer fractionating column, with the liquid entering at a point intermediate the ends and the gas being utilized in a reflux condenser internal to the column above the point of entry of the liquid stream. Employment of the low temperature C/sub 1/, C/sub 2/ hydrocarbon gas in a reflux condenser in the column provides the necessary refrigeration to condense the propane and heavier constituents of the inlet gas and reject the methane and ethane.
- Assignee:
- Randall Corp The
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4251249
- OSTI ID:
- 6344606
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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