Abstract: A process for the recovery and purification of ethylene and optionally propylene from a stream containing lighter and heavier components that employs an ethylene distributor column and a partially thermally coupled distributed distillation system.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrogen from a mixed hydrocarbon stream wherein the mixed hydrocarbon stream is subjected to a separation technique to produce a substantially hydrogen enriched stream, which is then recovered as hydrogen product. A process for providing refrigeration duty to the process is also disclosed, wherein a substantially methane enriched stream arising from the separation technique is expanded to provide cooling duty for the process.