Abstract: An improved process for separating a hydrocarbon bearing feed gas containing methane and lighter, C.sub.2 (ethylene and ethane) and heavier components into a fraction containing predominantly methane and lighter components and a fraction containing predominantly C.sub.2 and heavier hydrocarbon components including the steps of cooling and partially condensing and delivering the feed stream to a separator to provide a first residue vapor and a C.sub.2 containing liquid, directing a portion of the C.sub.2 containing liquid into a heavy ends fractionation column wherein the liquid is separated into a second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue and a C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separating a hydrocarbon gas into a fraction containing a predominant portion of the ethane and lighter components and a fraction containing a predominant portion of the C.sub.3 and heavier components in which process the feed gas is treated in one or more heat exchange, and expansion steps; partly condensed feed gas is directed into a separator wherein a first residue vapor is separated from a C.sub.3 -containing liquid; and C.sub.3 -containing liquids, at substantially the pressure of separation, are directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into a second residue is separated to recover a C.sub.3 -containing product.