Abstract: A method is disclosed for standard distillation of a mixture of carbon dioxide and ethane derived from a prior separation state in a way that greater than normal separation is obtained. The greater separation is accomplished in two stages. In the first stage, an azeotrope of carbon dioxide and ethane is formed in a first distillation column at a first pressure. The azeotropic mixture is then transferred to a second distillation column operated at a second pressure. The second pressure is at least 150 psia greater or less than the first pressure and is sufficient to shift the phase curves or equilibrium ratios so that additional separation of the ethane and carbon dioxide is accomplished in the second column. Preferably, if the concentration of carbon dioxide in the original ethane-carbon dioxide mixture is less than the concentration of carbon dioxide in the azeotrope, the pressure in the second column will be lower than pressure in the first column.

Abstract: In the pyrolysis of crushed mined hydrocarbonaceous mineral solids with hot heat carrying solids, the heat carrying solids are recovered from the pyrolyzed mineral matter, heated and recycled back to a primary pyrolysis zone. At an appropriate point in the process, a mixture of heat carriers and pyrolyzed mineral matter is fed into a chamber through which an elutriating gas is flowed. Prior to entry into the chamber, the mixture is separated into two streams having different relative concentrations of spent mineral matter. The stream with the least amount of spent mineral matter is fed into the chamber at a point below the point where the stream with the larger amount of spent mineral matter is fed. This prevents surging of the elutriation system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating a mixture of carbon dioxdie and ethane derived from a prior separation stage. The separation is accomplished by liquid-liquid extraction of a liquefied azeotrope of carbon dioxide and ethane with a liquid hydrocarbon having at least three carbon atoms, that is, propane, or a heavier hydrocarbon, or a mixture of hydrocarbons. The liquid-liquid extraction unit may be preceded by distillation of a carbon dioxide-ethane mixture to form the azeotrope. The ethane and extraction hydrocarbon may be separated in a subsequent distillation stage. The method is useful in carbon dioxide separation facilities where it is desirable to recover ethane that would otherwise be lost.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for separating a mixture of carbon dioxide and ethane derived from a prior separation stage. The separation is accomplished by freezing the carbon dioxide in an azeotrope of carbon dioxide and ethane and washing the ethane from the solid carbon dioxide with a liquid hydrocarbon having at least three carbon atoms. The freezing stage may be preceded by distillation of a carbon dioxide-ethane mixture to form the azeotrope. The carbon dioxide and wash hydrocarbon may be separated in a subsequent distillation stage. In addition, if desired, the ethane-wash hydrocarbon mixture may be similarly separated in a subsequent distillation stage. The method is useful in carbon dioxide separation facilities where it is desirable to recover ethane that would otherwise be lost.

Abstract: Mined, crushed hydrocarbonaceous solids are pyrolyzed in a retort with a gas containing hydrocarbons. The gas is heated to a suitable temperature of at least 600.degree. F. Thereafter, a relatively small amount of oxygen is added to the heated gas outside the retort. The resulting mixture is then flowed into the retort. The amount of oxygen is theoretically sufficient to raise the temperature of the heated gas at least 100.degree. F., but is less than the amount theoretically sufficient to react with all of the hydrocarbons in the heated gas. The process is applicable to any type of retort wherein a retort recycle gas containing hydrocarbons is heated outside the retort and is then injected into the retort to provide a source of heat for pyrolyzing hydrocarbonaceous solids in the retort. The advantages of this modified indirect heated retorting method depends on the type of retort.