Abstract: A gas-oil separation plant (GOSP) is configured to process crude oil produced from a well. A production stream from the well operates at a first pressure. A processed crude oil stream from the GOSP flows to a multi-phase ejector. The multi-phase ejector induces flow of a production stream from the well in response to the flow of the processed crude oil stream.

Abstract: A process and plant for natural gas liquids (NGL) recovery includes a main heat exchanger, a cold gas/liquid separator, a separation or distillation column, and an overhead gas heat exchanger. A pressurized residue gas generated from an overhead gas stream removed the top of the separation or distillation column is expanded and used as a cooling medium in the overhead gas heat exchanger and the main heat exchanger. The expanded residue gas, used as a cooling medium, is then compressed up to a pressure to be combined with the overhead stream from the separation or distillation column.

Abstract: A method and system for dehydration of a gas phase and hydrate inhibition of a liquid hydrocarbon phase in a multiphase hydrocarbon fluid stream containing water. The method may include (i) separating the hydrocarbon fluid stream into a liquid phase and a first gas phase, (ii) adding hydrate inhibitor to the first gas phase, and (iii) separating off condensed liquids and a second gas phase. The first gas phase has a water dew point that is lower than the initial multiphase hydrocarbon fluid stream and the second gas phase has a lower water dew point than the first gas phase. The hydrate inhibitor has a water content that is low enough to enable it to dry the first gas phase, the hydrate inhibitor being separated off with the condensed liquids and mixed with a part or all of the liquid phase from the separation to inhibit the liquid phase.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enriching diluents with butane so as not to violate pre-defined limits for liquid hydrocarbon fuels with respect to density, volatility and low density hydrocarbon content.

Abstract: A method and system for dehydration of a gas phase and hydrate inhibition of a liquid hydrocarbon phase in a multiphase hydrocarbon fluid stream containing water. The method may include (i) separating the hydrocarbon fluid stream into a liquid phase and a first gas phase, (ii) adding hydrate inhibitor to the first gas phase, and (iii) separating off condensed liquids and a second gas phase. The first gas phase has a water dew point that is lower than the initial multiphase hydrocarbon fluid stream and the second gas phase has a lower water dew point than the first gas phase. The hydrate inhibitor has a water content that is low enough to enable it to dry the first gas phase, the hydrate inhibitor being separated off with the condensed liquids and mixed with a part or all of the liquid phase from the separation to inhibit the liquid phase.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons is proposed, in which a product stream containing hydrocarbons is produced from a methane-rich feed stream and from an oxygen-rich feed stream in a reaction unit which is configured for implementing a method for oxidative coupling of methane, the product stream or at least a stream formed therefrom being treated cryogenically in at least one separation unit using at least one liquid, methane-rich stream. It is provided that in the at least one separation unit (10) a recycle stream is formed from methane contained in product stream (c) and from methane contained in the at least one liquid, methane-rich stream (e, v), the recycle stream being fed to the reaction unit (1) as the methane-rich feed stream (a), and in that the liquid, methane-rich stream (e, v) is provided as makeup.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and systems for performing a swing adsorption process. This swing adsorption process may involve passing streams through adsorbent bed units to remove contaminants, such as water, from the stream. As part of the process, the adsorbent bed unit may include additional space for the valves of the adsorbent bed unit.

Abstract: Volatile organic compounds are removed from crude oil by adding heat upstream of a vapor recovery tower. The heat input may either be sufficient to break the emulsion as in a here treater or extra heat may be added to stabilize the crude oil. Produced gas may be recovered as NGL in one or more cooling stages. Produced gas, whether partially recovered or not, may be used as fuel for said heater treater, other combustion device or compressed into a pipeline.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons include a direct contact condenser to remove compounds from an offgas process stream. The reduction of compounds can decrease duty on the offgas compressor by removing steam and aromatics from the offgas. The dehydrogenation reaction system can be applicable for reactions such as the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene, the dehydrogenation of isoamiline to produce isoprene, or the dehydrogenation of n-pentene to produce piperylene.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripping column and a cold stripping column. A light fractionation column fractionates naphtha from kerosene predominantly from a cold stripped stream. A heavy fractionation column fractionates diesel from unconverted oil predominantly present in a hot stripped stream. Only the hot hydroprocessing effluent is heated in a fired heater prior to entering the heavy fractionation column, resulting in substantial operating and capital savings.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrogen during hydroprocessing, where the process includes providing a pressure increasing device to a hydroprocessing unit, wherein the pressure increasing device utilizes a high pressure stream from a separator for increasing pressure; introducing a hydrogen containing stream to the pressure increasing device, thereby increasing the pressure of the hydrogen containing stream; and routing the hydrogen containing stream from the pressure increasing device to a vapor-liquid separator. The process also includes separating the hydrogen from the hydrogen containing stream in a hydrogen purification unit to produce a recovered hydrogen stream; and then preferably using the recovered hydrogen stream from the hydrogen purification unit within the hydroprocessing unit.

Abstract: A method for treating coal includes drying coal in an initial drying step. The dried coal is pyrolyzed in a pyrolysis step to form coal char and evolved gases. The coal char is eventually cooled and blended. The evolved gases are condensed in at least two, preferably three or more, distinct zones at different temperatures to condense coal-derived liquids (CDLs) from the evolved coal gas. Noncondensable gases may be returned to the pyrolysis chamber as a heat-laden sweep gas, or further processed as a fuel stream. The CDLs may optionally be centrifuged and/or filtered or otherwise separated from remaining particulate coal sludge. The sludge may be combined with coal char, optionally for briquetting; while the CDLs are stored. Precise control of the condensing zone temperatures allows control of the amount and consistency of the condensate fractions collected.

Abstract: A method comprises separating a hydrocarbon feed stream having carbon dioxide into a heavy hydrocarbon stream and a light hydrocarbon stream. The light hydrocarbon stream is separated into a carbon dioxide-rich stream and a carbon dioxide-lean stream. At least a portion of the carbon dioxide-lean stream is fed to a hydrocarbon sweetening process. Another method comprises receiving a hydrocarbon feed stream that comprises 30 molar percent to 80 molar percent carbon dioxide. A heavy hydrocarbon stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the heavy hydrocarbon stream comprises at least 90 molar percent C3+ hydrocarbons. A carbon dioxide-rich stream is separated from the hydrocarbon feed stream, wherein the carbon dioxide-rich stream comprises at least 95 molar percent carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An efficient delayed coking process improvement for producing heavy coker gas oil of sufficient quality to be used as hydrocracker feedstock.

Abstract: There is provided a method for recovering hydrocarbon compounds from a gaseous by-products generated in the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction, the method comprising a pressurizing step in which the gaseous by-products are pressurized, a cooling step in which the pressurized gaseous by-products are pressurized to liquefy hydrocarbon compounds in the gaseous by-products, and a separating step in which the hydrocarbon compounds liquefied in the cooling step are separated from the remaining gaseous by-products.

Abstract: A system for recovering products from a gas stream comprises a cooled chamber having an inlet that feeds the gas stream to a plurality of sequential conduit loops within the chamber. A critical orifice follows each loop, and each loop includes an output port. Based upon the physical characteristics of each loop, the sizing of the critical orifice following the loop, and the temperature within the chamber, different products are condensed from the gas stream through the output ports. The system may be configured to condense hydrocarbonaceous products such as ethane, propane, butane or methane, as well as fundamental products such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen. Gaseous products may be stored in gas or liquid form or vented to atmosphere depending upon amount, purity, and so forth.

Abstract: Processing schemes and arrangements are provided for the processing a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock via hydrocarbon cracking processing with selected hydrocarbon fractions being obtained via fractionation-based product recovery.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering product from reactor effluent of a reactor for a hydrocarbon feedstream is disclosed. An indigenous C4 stream is used as lean oil in a demethanizer, which facilitates significant cost and operational savings. C4 bottoms from a downstream depropanizer is used as lean oil recycle.

Abstract: A process for treating a crude containing natural gas comprising supplying the crude to a stabilization unit to obtain a gaseous stream and crude oil; supplying a compressed, gaseous stream at a low temperature to the bottom of a first column; partly condensing the first gaseous overhead stream, returning the liquid phase to the first column and supplying the methane-rich stream to a liquefaction plant; supplying an expanded bottom stream at a low temperature to the top of a second column; removing from the top of the second column a second gaseous overhead stream, and removing from the bottom of the second column a liquid bottom stream; vaporizing part of the bottom stream and introducing the vapor into the bottom of the second column; and introducing the remainder of the bottom stream into a crude oil stream at an appropriate point in or upstream of the stabilization unit, wherein the amount of heat removed from the first gaseous overhead stream is so adjusted that the concentration of C5+ in the first gase

Abstract: A process is provided for stabilizing a petroleum liquid feed stream which contains a more volatile hydrocarbon portion, a less volatile hydrocarbon portion and water. The more volatile hydrocarbon portion of the petroleum liquid feed stream is reacted with the water in a fluidized bed heat exchanger to form a solid hydrate and a petroleum liquid product which contains the remaining less volatile hydrocarbon portion of the petroleum liquid feed stream. The petroleum liquid product is separated from the solid hydrate to recover the resulting petroleum liquid product which is substantially less volatile and more stable than the petroleum liquid feed stream and more suitable for storage or transport, particularly at low pressures.

Abstract: A process for treating a crude containing natural gas comprising supplying the crude to a stabilization unit to obtain a gaseous stream and crude oil; supplying a compressed, gaseous stream at a low temperature to the bottom of a first column; partly condensing the first gaseous overhead stream, returning the liquid phase to the first column and supplying the methane-rich stream to a liquefaction plant; supplying an expanded bottom stream at a low temperature to the top of a second column; removing from the top of the second column second gaseous overhead stream, and removing from the bottom of the second column a liquid bottom stream; vaporizing part of the bottom stream and introducing the vapor into the bottom of the second column; and introducing the remainder of the bottom stream into a crude oil stream at an appropriate point in or upstream of the stabilization unit, wherein the amount of heat removed from the first gaseous overhead stream is so adjusted that the concentration of C5+ in the first gaseou

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for recovering product from reactor effluent of a reactor for a hydrocarbon feedstream. An indigenous C4 stream is used as lean oil in a demethanizer, which facilitates significant cost and operational savings. C4 bottoms from a downstream depropanizer is used as lean oil recycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting and concentrating oils from materials in which the oils are already dispersed. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with the extraction of fixed oils or mineral oils from materials using a process of solvent extraction which is performed under elevated pressure and temperature. The solvent medium may be HFC 134a alone, or HFC 134a in combination with a suitable co-solvent which can be determined in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A process for treating a crude containing natural gas comprising supplying the crude to a stabilization unit to obtain a gaseous stream and crude oil; supplying a compressed, gaseous stream at a low temperature to the bottom of a first column; partly condensing the first gaseous overhead stream, returning the liquid phase to the first column and supplying the methane-rich stream to a liquefaction plant; supplying an expanded bottom stream at a low temperature to the top of a second column; removing from the top of the second column second gaseous overhead stream, and removing from the bottom of the second column a liquid bottom stream; vaporizing part of the bottom stream and introducing the vapour into the bottom of the second column; and introducing the remainder of the bottom stream into a crude oil stream at an appropriate point in or upstream of the stabilization unit, wherein the amount of heat removed from the first gaseous overhead stream is so adjusted that the concentration of C5+ in the first

Abstract: A process for the recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) (ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbons) from liquefied natural gas (LNG) is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is split with at least one portion used as an external reflux, without prior treatment, to improve the separation and recovery of the natural gas liquids (NGL).

Abstract: The present invention describes a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) apparatus and process for the production of purified hydrogen from a feed gas stream containing heavy hydrocarbons (i.e., hydrocarbons having at least six carbons). The apparatus comprises at least one bed containing at least three layers. The layered adsorption zone contains a feed end with a low surface area adsorbent (20 to 400 m2/g) which comprises 2 to 20% of the total bed length followed by a layer of an intermediate surface area adsorbent (425 to 800 m2/g) which comprises 25 to 40 % of the total bed length and a final layer of high surface area adsorbent (825 to 2000 m2/g) which comprises 40 to 78% of the total bed length.

Abstract: Process and installation for separation of a gas mixture, and gases obtained by this installation. The present invention pertains to a process and an installation for cryogenic separation of the constituents of a natural gas under pressure (14) by a first phase separator (B1) in which the constituents of each phase are separated in a distillation column (C1). Part of the gaseous fraction (5) from the top of the column (C1) is recycled into the highest stage of the column. The process also includes branching (9) of part of a first top fraction (3) from the first phase separator. The process also includes separation of a first bottom fraction (4) from the first separator, in a second separator (B2). Other modes of embodiment are also described.

Abstract: A process and a device for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column (7) by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, liquid phase (12) that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (70) where the solvent is regenerated. The solvent is cooled and recycled at the top of absorption column (7). The C2+ hydrocarbons are collected at the top, and a condensed liquid phase is distilled in a second distillation column (77) to recover a C2 fraction that consists of ethane and ethylene.

Abstract: A process for separating ethane and ethylene from a hydrocarbon steam-cracking effluent is described. Effluent (1) is absorbed in an absorption column by a cooled solvent (9). At the bottom of the column, the liquid phase that contains the solvent and the C2+ hydrocarbons is recovered and hydrogenated (15). The hydrogenation effluent that contains the solvent is introduced into a first distillation column (16). Ethane-ethylene mixture (17) is drawn off laterally from the column, and a phase (19) that contains the solvent and hydrocarbons with at least 3 carbon atoms is drawn off at the bottom of the column. This phase (19) is separated in a second distillation column (22), and C3+ hydrocarbons and, at the bottom of the column, regenerated solvent (26) that is cooled and that is recycled (9, 52) in the absorption column are collected.

Abstract: A process for recovering a hydrogen-rich gas and for increasing the recovery of liquid hydrocarbon products from a hydrocarbon conversion zone effluent by adsorption of the liquifiable products from a chilled gaseous stream with a chilled liquid stream is improved by an arrangement that uses a single refrigeration shell to provide independent temperature control of the chilled gaseous and the chilled liquid stream.

Abstract: A method to condense or coalesce matter is carried out by providing a suitable, narrow passageway for throughput of matter in a vapor state, and passing the matter in a vapor state through said passageway, under conditions such that the matter is coalesced into a more ordered state. Also, a matter coalescing apparatus has a hollow housing in communication with at least one of--(A) a plurality of suitably narrow hollow passageways and (B) a suitably narrow, elongately hollow, matter-coalescing passageway--for throughput of matter to include as a vapor therein. Consequently, highly efficient yields of coalesced matter, to include liquid coalesced from vapor, even under only mild vacuum or at about ambient atmospheric pressure can be obtained. This is especially so with respect to oils, where yields as high as 95 percent or greater can be provided hereby. The invention can be practiced under such outstanding yield efficiencies without a general need for significant external cooling.

Abstract: A process for recovering a hydrogen-rich gas and for increasing the recovery of liquid hydrocarbon products from a hydrocarbon conversion zone effluent by adsorption of the liquifiable products from a chilled gaseous stream with a chilled liquid stream is improved by an arrangement that uses a single refrigeration shell to provide independent temperature control of the chilled gaseous and the chilled liquid stream.

Abstract: A system for lowering the ambient temperature of a vapor being produced from a glycol dehydrator unit, as well as a system for reducing the emissions of BTEX is disclosed. Generally, the system comprises a condenser for condensing the vapor into a fluid phase and a gas phase, and a storage tank, fluidly connected to the outlet of the condenser. The system will also contain a pump member, operatively associated with the storage tank, adapted for pumping the fluid phase from the storage tank; and, a activating member adapted for activating the pump means after the fluid phase reaches a predetermined level within the storage tank. The system will include as part of the condenser member a turbine associated with a roof, with the roof being generally positioned over the condenser coils so as to shade the condenser coils. A method of recovering hydrocarbons from a vapor phase as well as lowering the ambient temperature is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for separating vaporous mixtures of hydrocarbons, water and emulsifier derived from the remediation of wellbore fluid, such as a mud containing solid particulate material in which the vaporous mixture is quenched with a hydrocarbon stream which is at a temperature above the boiling point of water and below the boiling point of the hydrocarbons in the vaporous stream. Most of the hydrocarbons in the vaporous stream and substantially all of the emulsifier are condensed into the hydrocarbon quench to form an oil stream. The water is recovered from the hydrocarbon quench as a vaporous stream and quenched with water. The quenched water and any residual heavier hydrocarbons are separated by phase separation.

Abstract: A process for the dehydration and/or desalination and simultaneous fractionation of a petroleum deposit effluent containing oil, associated gas and water which can be saline, which process comprises:(a) at least one step for separating the liquid and gaseous phases at the pressure P1 for removal of the gas, producing a gaseous fraction G1, on the one hand, which is removed and a liquid fraction L1, on the other hand, which is sent to step(b) at least one step for separating, at least partly, the two liquid phases mixed in the liquid fraction L1, the aqueous phase being partly removed and the oil phase containing a quantity of residual aqueous phase being sent to step (c);(c) at least one distillation step carried out at a pressure P2 which is less than, or at the most equal to, the pressure P1 in step (a), in a distillation zone C1, said distillation being carried out in the presence of the oil phase coming from step (b), said zone C1 comprising an internal heat exchange zone and a boiling zone, and enabling

Abstract: A description is given of a process for the fractionation of oil and gas on a petroleum deposit effluent, including:(a) a stage wherein the liquid and gaseous phases are separated at the gas evacuation pressure P1, producing a gaseous fraction G1, on the one hand, which is evacuated, and a liquid fraction L1, on the other hand, which is constituted at least partially of oil, sending the liquid fraction L1 to stage (b);(b) at least one distillation stage carried out at a pressure P2 which is less than or at least equal to the pressure P1 in stage (a), in a distillation zone C1 which has an internal heat exchange zone and a reboiling zone, and which permits a gaseous fraction G2 to be recovered, on the one hand, and a liquid fraction L2 to be recovered, on the other hand, which is sent to the internal exchange zone, then evacuated; and(c) at least one recompression stage at the pressure P1 of at least a part of the gaseous fraction G2 which is at least partly mixed with the gaseous fraction G2 and evacuated.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrogen-rich gases and increasing the recovery of liquid hydrocarbon products from a hydrocarbon conversion zone effluent is improved by a particular arrangement of a refrigeration zone, a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) zone, and up to two separation zones. The admixing of at least a portion of the tail gas from the PSA zone with a hydrogen-rich gas stream recovered from a first vapor-liquid separation zone results in significantly improved hydrocarbon recoveries and the production of a high purity hydrogen product. The process is especially beneficial in the integration of the catalytic reforming process with vapor hydrogen consuming processes such as catalytic hydrocracking in a petroleum refinery.

Abstract: Process for the simultaneous decarbonation and gasoline stripping of a gaseous mixture at an absolute pressure higher than 0.5 MPa containing methane, C.sub.2 and higher hydrocarbons and CO.sub.2 in which a demethanized rich solvent is regenerated so the process can be carried out more easily and at lower costs than previously known systems.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrogen-rich gases and increasing the recovery of liquid hydrocarbon products from a hydrocarbon conversion zone effluent is improved by a particular arrangement of two refrigeration zones and an absorption vessel.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrogen-rich gases and increasing the recovery of liquid hydrocarbon products from a hydrocarbon conversion zone effluent is improved by a particular arrangement of a refrigeration zone and two separation zones.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the separation of fine catalyst particles from a hydrocarbon feedstock coming from a catalytic cracking unit by filtration through mineral barriers and a filtration loop.The process consists of filtering the feedstock through mineral barriers that are resistant to heat and have a porosity adapted to the minimum diameter of the particles to be retained. The porosity is generally between 0.1 and 100 microns.

Abstract: Stabilized liquid hydrocarbon condensate is obtained by a process comprising the steps of:(a) introducing said condensate, at an elevated temperature and pressure, into a stabilizer column operated under conditions effective to separate said condensate into (i) a liquid portion which is a stabilized condensate comprising n-C.sub.4 t hydrocarbons, and (ii) a gaseous portion, which comprises CO.sub.2 and normally gaseous hydrocarbons(b) withdrawing said liquid portion, (i), from said stabilizer and dividing it into a stabilized condensate product stream that is recovered and a recycle stream that is cooled and reintroduced as liquid feed into said stabilizer column; and(c) withdrawing said gaseous portion, (ii), from said stabilizer column.

Abstract: In a process for obtaining higher-boiling hydrocarbons from a gaseous stream, the latter is first partially condensed and the thus-formed liquid fraction is introduced into a rectification process whereas the gaseous fraction is scrubbed in a scrubbing column using condense residual gas from the rectification. The thus-formed bottom product is likewise passed on to rectification.In order to enhance the scrubbing step by condensed gas, higher hydrocarbons are admixed to this residual gas. Thereby, on the one hand, the residual gas is subjected to improved initial condensation and, on the other hand, the scrubbing effect is enhanced.

Abstract: An improved process for removing free liquid from a hydrocarbon-rich gas stream is disclosed. Liquid is injected into the gas stream upstream of a chiller and downstream of an acid-gas removal system and any equipment that may affect the water content of the gas stream: compressors, columns, additional knockout drums, heat exchangers or the like. This enhances heat and mass transfer in a manner that both minimizes the formation of small droplets and encourages the coalescence of small droplets in the chiller. As a result, small droplets which would normally pass through a knockout drum and a standard mist eliminator are increased in size, prior to their arrival at a vapor-liquid separator to larger drops which are easily removed by the vapor-liquid separator, and the mist eliminator.

Abstract: In a process for the separation of C.sub.2+, C.sub.3+ or C.sub.4+ hydrocarbons from a gas stream containing light hydrocarbons and, if desired, of components boiling lower than methane, in which the gas stream, being under an elevated pressure, is cooled, partially condensed and separated in a phase separator into a liquid and a gaseous fraction; the gaseous fraction is engine expanded, and the liquid fraction is fractionated by rectification into a product stream containing substantially C.sub.2+, C.sub.3+ or C.sub.4+ hydrocarbons and a residual gas stream containing predominantly lower boiling components, the improvement comprising subjecting the gaseous fraction forming after partial condensation, before engine expansion thereof, to heat exchange with the engine expanded gaseous fraction, thereby cooling said gaseous fraction and separating additional components which condense out before the engine expansion stage.

Abstract: A process is set forth for the separation of carbon dioxide from propane and higher alkanes using a carbon dioxide-loaded lean oil solvent and higher solvent flows and heat utilizations rather than mechanical energy utilization. A high pressure carbon dioxide product is produced, making the invention valuable in carbon dioxide miscible flood enhanced petroleum recovery operations.

Abstract: A process for providing a hydrogen-rich gas stream from a reaction zone effluent comprising hydrogen and hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for separating and stabilizing a hydrotreater effluent into a stabilized liquid product and a dry gas product. The hydrotreater effluent is expanded in a first expansion drum from a high pressure to an intermediate pressure, evolving both gaseous and liquid phase components. The gaseous phase components are withdrawn as the gas product and the liquid phase components are further processed. The liquid phase components are further expanded in a second expansion drum, evolving further gas products which are compressed, cooled and returned to the first expansion drum. The second expansion drum liquid phase can comprise the liquid product output or can be further treated by an additional expansion stage.

Abstract: In a system for recovering liquefiable components from well head gases and like gaseous mixtures, a vapor liquid contact apparatus which comprises a combination of a tower shell and liquid spray unit with an absorption unit inside of and supported by the shell so as to permit relative movement of the shell and component parts of the absorption unit.The absorption unit is formed of a multiplicity of superposed plates connected by vertical gas and liquid conduits, a peripheral annular aperture surrounding each plate. In the absorption unit the chambers formed between plates are connected by the vertical liquid conduits for flow of liquid down through the chambers and by the vertical gas conduits for flow of gas up through the chambers, chamber to chamber, the gas conduits being located at the periphery of the plates and adjacent the tower shell.

Abstract: A process which effectively separates and recovers natural gas liquids from a natural gas stream containing nitrogen, regardless of the magnitude of the nitrogen concentration or changes in the nitrogen concentration.