Abstract: The invention relates to a method for resolving a hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-containing feed fraction (1, 1?), preferably natural gas, is described, wherein the feed fraction (1, 1?) is separated by rectification (T1, T2) into a nitrogen-enriched fraction (5) and a hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-depleted fraction (10), and wherein the separation by rectification proceeds in a rectification column consisting of a preseparation column (T1) and a main separation column (T2). A liquid fraction (6) is taken off from the main separation column (T2) above the feed-in site(s) of the fraction (7, 7?, 7?) that is taken off from the preseparation column (T1) and fed to the main separation column (T2), and the liquid fraction (6) is applied to the preseparation column (T1) as reflux.

Abstract: A process for producing a gaseous component of air under pressure by cryogenic separation is provided.

Abstract: A pressure control system comprises separate conduits for supplying liquefied gas and vapor from a cryogen space defined by a cryogenic storage tank. A first conduit can deliver liquefied gas to a use device through a heater and then a first flow controller. A second conduit can deliver vapor to the use device with flow therethrough controlled by a second flow controller. The first flow controller is not exposed to liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures because it is located downstream from the heater. For automatic operation a pressure sensor measures pressure inside the cryogen space and the first and second flow controllers are independently operable to maintain the pressure inside the cryogen space within a predetermined range. In a preferred embodiment the liquefied gas is a combustible fuel that is consumed by an internal combustion engine, which is the use device.

Abstract: Contemplated gas treatment plants for recovery of NGL from rich feed gas include an upstream conditioning unit in which heavier hydrocarbons, and most typically C5 and heavier are removed prior to feeding the processed feed gas to an NGL recovery plant, thus avoiding the need to process the heavier hydrocarbons in the NGL recovery plant. Such conditioning units advantageously reduce energy demand for dehydration otherwise required and allow for production of C2-C4, and C5+ streams that can be sold as valuable products.

Abstract: A 4-valve pulse tube cryocooler has, on a high-pressure end of a compressor, first and second coolant supply channels respectively connected to high-temperature ends of a regenerator and a pulse tube. The cryocooler further has, on a low-pressure end of the compressor, a first coolant recovery channel connected to the high-temperature end of the regenerator, a second coolant recovery channel connected to the high-temperature end of the pulse tube, and a third coolant recovery channel connected to the high-temperature end of the pulse tube via a common pipe and including a flow resistance member interposed between a flow control valve and the high-temperature end of the pulse tube.