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Process for removal of carbon dioxide from mixtures containing carbon dioxide and methane

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6962871

A process for the physical solvent absorptive distillation of a feed gas stream containing carbon dioxide, methane and heavier hydrocarbons to produce a methane-rich overhead product and a CO/sub 2/-rich bottom product is described comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a feed gas stream comprising carbon dioxide, methane and heavier hydrocarbons into an absorptive distillation zone at elevated pressure; (b) introducing a physical solvent in the amount of approximately 0.5-5 moles of solvent per mole of feed into the upper zone of the distillation zone to absorb CO/sub 2/ and heavier hydrocarbons from such feed gas stream; (c) withdrawing a methane-rich overhead stream from the distillation zone as a product without subjecting it to any overhead condenser-reflux duty; (d) removing heat from the distillation zone in at least one intermediate stage of the distillation zone between the point of entry of the physical solvent and the feed location; (e) removing and heating the CO/sub 2/ and heavier hydrocarbon-containing physical solvent at approximately the elevated pressure of the feed gas stream to separately recover at least a regenerated physical solvent for recycle to step (b) and a CO/sub 2/-rich bottom product.

Assignee:
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA
Patent Number(s):
US 4747858
OSTI ID:
6962871
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English