Abstract: A process for liquefying a natural gas comprising a mixture of hydrocarbons predominating in methane, the process comprising a first semi-open refrigerant cycle with natural gas in which any natural gas liquids that have condensed are separated from the natural gas feed stream, which stream then passes through a main cryogenic heat exchanger (4) in order to contribute by heat exchange to pre-cooling a main natural gas stream (F-P) and to cooling an initial refrigerant gas stream (G-0), a second semi-open refrigerant cycle with natural gas for contributing to pre-cooling the natural gas and the refrigerant and also to liquefying the natural gas, and a closed refrigerant cycle with refrigerant gas for subcooling the liquefied natural gas and for delivering refrigeration power in addition to the other two cycles. The invention also provides a natural gas liquefaction installation for performing such a process.

Abstract: A double liquid distribution device (1) suitable for use in in a fractionating or wash column (10) including a high collector tray (2) connected to a manifold support (7) via at least two longitudinal liquid downflow ducts (5, 6), the manifold support (7) supporting at least two series of transverse tubular manifolds (8, 8a 8b) and serving to feed liquid respectively to the first series of manifolds (8a) via a first longitudinal duct (5) and to the second series of manifolds (8b) via a second longitudinal duct (6), each manifold (8, 8a 8b) including distribution orifices (8c) in its under face that are suitable for distributing the liquid onto the top face of the packing bed (9). The two longitudinal liquid downflow ducts (5, 6) are connected together in a low portion (5b, 6b) by a communication device (11) fitted with a valve (12) having controlled opening that is suitable for allowing the liquid to be transferred between the two longitudinal ducts in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-phase reactor for the reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with hydrogen and to a hydroconversion process, for example of H-Oil™ type, employing it, comprising a chamber with an upper end and a gas/liquid separation device comprising: a recycle cup, above the catalytic reaction zone and delimiting, with the upper end, a recycle zone, comprising a cylindrical upper part extended by a lower part of decreasing section and of variable angle of inclination, provided with vertical pipes for the passage of a gas/liquid mixture originating from a catalytic reaction zone, and having a fixed angle of inclination ? of between 50° and 85° with respect to the axis of the cylindrical part, a pipe for recycle of the liquid at the apex of the lower part, in fluidic communication with the lower end of the chamber by recirculation means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-phase reactor for the reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with hydrogen and to a hydroconversion process, for example of H-Oil™ type, employing it, comprising a chamber with an upper end and a gas/liquid separation device comprising: a recycle cup, above the catalytic reaction zone and delimiting, with the upper end, a recycle zone, comprising a cylindrical upper part extended by a lower part of decreasing section and of variable angle of inclination, provided with vertical pipes for the passage of a gas/liquid mixture originating from a catalytic reaction zone, and having a fixed angle of inclination ? of between 50° and 85° with respect to the axis of the cylindrical part, a pipe for recycle of the liquid at the apex of the lower part, in fluidic communication with the lower end of the chamber by recirculation means.

Abstract: A double liquid distribution device is suitable for a fractionating or wash column comprising a high collector tray connected to a manifold support via at least two longitudinal liquid downflow ducts. The manifold support supports at least two series of transverse tubular manifolds and feeds liquid respectively to the first series of manifolds via a first longitudinal duct and to the second series of manifolds via a second longitudinal duct. Each manifold includes distribution orifices in its under face suitable for distributing the liquid onto the top face of the packing bed. The two longitudinal liquid downflow ducts are connected together in a low portion by a communication device fitted with a valve having controlled opening suitable for allowing the liquid to be transferred between the two longitudinal ducts in controlled manner.

Abstract: A process for liquefying a natural gas comprising a mixture of hydrocarbons predominating in methane, the process comprising a first semi-open refrigerant cycle with natural gas in which any natural gas liquids that have condensed are separated from the natural gas feed stream, which stream then passes through a main cryogenic heat exchanger (4) in order to contribute by heat exchange to pre-cooling a main natural gas stream (F-P) and to cooling an initial refrigerant gas stream (G-0), a second semi-open refrigerant cycle with natural gas for contributing to pre-cooling the natural gas and the refrigerant and also to liquefying the natural gas, and a closed refrigerant cycle with refrigerant gas for subcooling the liquefied natural gas and for delivering refrigeration power in addition to the other two cycles. The invention also provides a natural gas liquefaction installation for performing such a process.