Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing direct contact refrigeration to a heat source wherein refrigeration is generated using a recirculating defined multicomponent refrigerant fluid, and transferred to a direct contact refrigerant fluid which directly contacts the heat source.

Abstract: This invention relates to process for liquefying a pressurized gas stream rich in methane. In a first step of the process, a first fraction of a pressurized feed stream, preferably at a pressure above 11,000 kPa, is withdrawn and entropically expanded to a lower pressure to cool and at least partially liquefy the withdrawn first fraction. A second fraction of the feed stream is cooled by indirect heat exchange with the expanded first fraction. The second fraction is subsequently expanded to a lower pressure, thereby at least partially liquefying the second fraction of the pressurized gas stream. The liquefied second fraction is withdrawn from the process as a pressurized product stream having a temperature above −112° C. and a pressure at or above its bubble point pressure.

Abstract: A germanium gamma-ray detector contained in a vacuum insulated cryostat is provided. The present invention provides a low-cost, high-performance, and highly reliable cooling system for germanium detectors. Moreover, the present invention provides a germanium detector operating environment that meets all the requirements for optimum performance of such detectors incorporating said cooling system. A self-cleaning cooler includes a counter-current heat exchanger which is received within a cooler housing. A removable cryostat is provided for being carried by the cooler housing. A capsule cold finger provides the cooling path to germanium detector element. A centering spacer/isolator is provided for maintaining the position and supporting the weight of the detector in an end cap without conducting an excessive amount of heat into the detector. A capsule flange is provided to substantially close the volume within the end cap. The heat exchanger and the throttle capillary of the cooler cool the cold block.

Abstract: Liquefying a stream enriched in methane comprising a) supplying a natural gas stream to scrub column, removing in the scrub column heavier hydrocarbons from the natural gas stream to obtain a gaseous overhead stream withdrawn from the top of the scrub column, partly condensing the gaseous overhead stream and removing from it a condensate stream, which is returned to the upper part of the scrub column as reflux; b) liquefying the stream enriched in methane in a tube arranged in a main heat exchanger by indirect heat exchange with a multicomponent refrigerant evaporating at low refrigerant withdrawn from the shell side of the main heat exchanger and partly condensing it at an elevated refrigerant pressure, and c) compressing the multicomponent refrigerant pressure in a tube arranged in an auxiliary heat exchanger by indirect heat exchange with an auxiliary multicomponent refrigerant evaporating at low auxiliary refrigerant pressure to obtain multicomponent refrigerant for use in step b), wherein partly condensi

Abstract: A system and a method for efficiently removing natural gas liquids from a natural gas stream at an elevated pressure and liquefying the natural gas stream at an elevated pressure by use of a turbo expander and a compressor.

Abstract: An industrial gas liquefaction cycle employing a main refrigeration circuit to supply low level refrigeration to the industrial gas, and a forecooling circuit employing an azeotropic mixture to provide high level refrigeration to the refrigerant fluid recirculating within the main refrigeration circuit.

Abstract: A method of gas liquefaction wherein the refrigeration to cool and liquefy an essentially water-free feed gas is provided by a single recirculating mixed refrigerant cycle in which refrigeration is provided by the vaporization of two mixed refrigerant streams of different compositions at a lower and higher pressure levels respectively. A lower pressure level vaporizing refrigerant cools the feed gas stream in a first cooling zone and a higher pressure level vaporizing refrigerant further cools and condenses the cooled gas in a second cooling zone to provide the final liquid product. The lower pressure level vaporizing refrigerant is provided by one or more liquids obtained by ambient cooling of compressed mixed refrigerant vapor.

Abstract: Method of producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) whereby refrigeration for cooling and liquefaction is provided by a mixed refrigerant system precooled by another refrigeration system. At least one liquid stream is derived from the partial condensation and separation of the mixed refrigerant at a temperature higher than the lowest temperature provided by the precooling system when the mixed refrigerant is condensed at a final highest pressure. When the mixed refrigerant is condensed at a pressure lower than the final highest pressure, condensation is effected at a temperatures equal or higher than the lowest temperature provided by the precooling system. The mixed refrigerant liquid is used to provide refrigeration at a temperature lower than that provided by the precooling system.

Abstract: The olefin-hydrogen effluent vapor stream from a dehydrogenation process is separated by a cryogenic separation method utilizing a cryogenic separation system. The method does not require external refrigeration and reheats and portions an expander feed stream to extract energy and controls the warm end and cold end temperature differences in the primary heat exchanger to provide energy savings and economical operation and material use.

Abstract: An objective in a natural gas liquids (NGL) plant is that of achieving and maintaining maximum productivity. If this plant is equipped with a turboexpander that drives a gas compressor (recompressor), maximum turboexpander productivity provides maximum plant productivity attained by maximum compressor power. This is accomplished by manipulating the compressor operating point location (by adjusting the opening of the antisurge valve) and by controlling rotational speed. The subjects of the proposed invention are the method and apparatus (comprising a turboexpander/recompressor rotational speed controller and a recompressor antisurge controller) providing maximum turboexpander/recompressor rotational speed and recompressor operating point location (corresponding to maximum power) by opening the turboexpander's adjustable nozzles and the recompressor antisurge valve.

Abstract: A natural gas liquefaction system and process wherein excess refrigeration available in a typical natural gas liquefaction system is used to cool the inlet air to gas turbines in the system to thereby improve the overall efficiency of the system. A cooler is positioned in front of the air inlet of each gas turbine; and coolant (e.g. water) is flowed through each of the coolers to cool the ambient air as it flows into the gas turbines. The water, in turn, is cooled with propane taken from a refrigerant circuit in the system which, in turn, is used to initially cool the natural gas which is to be liquefied.

Abstract: A process for gas liquefaction, particularly nitrogen liquefaction, which combines the use of a nitrogen autorefrigeration cooling cycle with one or more closed-loop refrigeration cycles using two or more refrigerant components. The closed-loop refrigeration cycle or cycles provide refrigeration in a temperature range having a lowest temperature between about −125° F. and about −250° F. A nitrogen expander cycle provides additional refrigeration, a portion of which is provided at temperatures below the lowest temperature of the closed-loop or recirculating refrigeration cycle or cycles. The lowest temperature of the nitrogen expander cycle refrigeration range is between about −220° F. and about −320° F. The combined use of the two different refrigerant systems allows each system to operate most efficiently in the optimum temperature range, thereby reducing the power consumption required for liquefaction.

Abstract: A closed loop single mixed refrigerant process and system wherein the process efficiency is increased by increasing the temperature of liquefied material produced in a heat exchange refrigeration zone and thereafter cooling the liquefied material by flashing a portion of the liquefied material to produce a cooler liquefied material and a flash gas a portion of which is recycled to the heat exchange refrigerator. The process and system provide increased process efficiency and flexibility.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and an apparatus for improving the efficiency of an open-cycle refrigeration process for LNG production by the employment of a liquid expander to recover energy associated with the flashing of a pressurized liquid stream and employing said recovered energy to compress the flashed vapor streams in the open cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use on board ship to reliquefy a compressed vapor employs pre-assemblies of components. The reliquefaction is effected in a closed cycle in which a working fluid is compressed in at least one compressor, is cooled in a first heat exchanger, is expanded in a turbine and is warmed in a second heat exchanger in which the compressed vapor is at least partially condensed. The apparatus comprises a first pre-assembly including the second heat exchanger and a second pre-assembly including the first heat exchanger, the compressor and the expansion turbine are positioned. The pre-assemblies are positioned on respective platforms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of liquefying a gaseous, methane-rich feed to obtain a liquefied product by supplying the gaseous, methane-rich feed at elevated pressure to a first tube side of a main heat exchanger at its warm end, cooling, liquefying and sub-cooling the gaseous, methane-rich feed against evaporating refrigerant to get a liquefied stream, removing the liquefied stream from the main heat exchanger at its cold end and passing the liquefied stream to storage as liquefied product, removing evaporated refrigerant from the shell side of the main heat exchanger at its warm end, compressing in at least one refrigerant compressor the evaporated refrigerant to get high-pressure refrigerant, partly condensing the high-pressure refrigerant and separating the partly-condensed refrigerant into a liquid heavy refrigerant fraction and a gaseous light refrigerant fraction, sub-cooling the heavy refrigerant fraction in a second tube side of the main heat exchanger to get a sub-cooled heavy refriger

Abstract: Both a method and apparatus for producing liquified natural gas (LNG) at a well head or other source where cool high pressure natural gas is provided. The natural gas flow from the source is cleaned, if required, and is split into two portions. The first flow portion goes to a primary heat exchanger, then to a second heat exchanger or super cooler, and is thereafter throttled into a LNG tank wherein a part thereof flashes to liquid natural gas and a part thereof becomes a very cold saturated vapor to be vented from the LNG tank. This vent remainder of the first flow portion enters the super cooler as a coolant therefor. The second flow portion enters an expander where work is extracted and the temperature and pressure of the second flow portion are lowered. The cold lower pressure second portion combines with the partially warmed vent remainder of the first portion from the super cooler and passes into the primary heat exchanger as the initial coolant for the first portion.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for liquefying natural gas to produce a pressurized liquid product having a temperature above −112° C. using two mixed refrigerants in two closed cycles, a low-level refrigerant to cool and liquefy the natural gas and a high-level refrigerant to cool the low-level refrigerant. After being used to liquefy the natural gas, the low-level refrigerant is (a) warmed by heat exchange in countercurrent relationship with another stream of the low-level refrigerant and by heat exchange against a first stream of the high-level refrigerant, (b) compressed to an elevated pressure, and (c) aftercooled against an external cooling fluid. The low-level refrigerant is then cooled by heat exchange against a second stream of the high-level mixed refrigerant and by exchange against the low-level refrigerant. The high-level refrigerant is warmed by the heat exchange with the low-level refrigerant, compressed to an elevated pressure, and aftercooled against an external cooling fluid.

Abstract: A support structure that is either floatable or otherwise adapted to be disposed in an offshore location at least partially above sea level. A natural gas liquefaction system is located on or in the support structure and has a series of heat exchangers for cooling the natural gas in a countercurrent heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant. One or more compressors compress the refrigerant which is divided into two separate streams. Each stream is fed to a liquid expansion turbine where it is isentropically expanded. The expanded streams of refrigerant are then fed to the cool end of one of the heat exchangers.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing from a pressurized methane-rich gas stream a pressurized methane-rich liquid stream having a temperature above −112° C. (−170° F.) and having a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or below its bubble point. In this process, a methane-rich liquid stream having a temperature below about −155° C. (−247° F.) is supplied and its pressure is increased. A pressurized methane-rich gas to be liquefied is supplied and introduced to the pressurized methane-rich liquid stream at a rate that produces a methane-rich liquid stream having a temperature above −112° C. (−170° F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or below its bubble point.

Abstract: A process is disclosed to remove at least one high volatility component, such as nitrogen, from a pressurized natural gas to produce pressurized liquefied natural gas that is lean in nitrogen and has a temperature above about −112° C. (−170° F.). A pressurized feed natural gas containing nitrogen is expanded and passed to a fractionation column. The fractionation column produces a first vapor stream that has enhanced nitrogen content and a first liquid stream. The vapor stream is cooled to produce a vapor phase and a liquid phase. The vapor and liquid phases are then phase separated to produce a second vapor stream and a second liquid stream. The second liquid stream is returned to the fractionation column as reflux. The second vapor stream is preferably used to cool the incoming feed stream. The first liquid stream is removed from the fractionation system as a product stream lean in nitrogen.

Abstract: Apparatus for liquefying natural gas supplied from a source comprising a compressor for compressing the natural gas. A chiller reduces the temperature of the compressed gas, a heat exchanger for further cooling the cooled compressed gas. A Joule-Thompson valve is provided having an inlet and an orifice in communication with the inlet and the dewar for changing the size of the orifice. A pipe is connected from the heat exchanger to the Joule-Thompson valve and supplies cooled compressed gas to the inlet of the Joule-Thompson valve. The inlet of the Joule-Thompson valve has an inlet pressure. The dewar has a pressure therein substantially less than the pressure in the inlet whereby when the cooled compressed gas from the inlet piping passes through the Joule-Thompson valve there is an expansion of the gas to provide further cooling and liquefaction of a substantial portion of the gas as it passes into the dewar.

Abstract: A system for liquefying industrial gas wherein industrial gas is compressed to two levels using a first and a second compression system and then is processed in a heat exchanger having horizontally oriented sensible heat exchange passages and vertically oriented condensing heat exchange passages.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for conveying gas stream rich in methane, such as natural gas. In the first step of the process, gas is supplied to a pipeline at an entry pressure that is substantially higher than the output pressure of the pipeline. The drop in pressure in the pipeline causes a lowering of the gas temperature, preferably to a temperature below about −29° C. (−20° F.). The entry pressure of the gas to the pipeline is controlled to achieve a predetermined output pressure of the gas from the pipeline. Output gas from the pipeline is then liquefied to produce liquefied gas having a temperature above about −112° C. (−170° F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or below its bubble point temperature. The pressurized liquefied gas is then further transported in a suitable container.

Abstract: A system for effectively generating refrigeration for use in putting a product fluid into an ultra cold condition wherein an active magnetic regenerator or a multicomponent refrigerant fluid cycle is integrated with a pulse tube system for receiving heat generated by the pulse tube system.

Abstract: A process is disclosed to remove a high-volatility component, such as nitrogen, from a feed stream rich in methane to produce a product substantially free of the high-volatility component. The feed stream is expanded and fed to a phase separator which produces a vapor stream and a liquid stream. The vapor stream is enriched in the volatile component. The liquid stream, which is lean in the volatile component and rich in methane, is pumped to a higher pressure and heated to produce a pressurized liquefied product stream having a pressure sufficient for the product stream to be at or below its bubble point and having a temperature above about −112° C. (−170° F.).

Abstract: A high pressure nitrogen pipeline, oxygen or plant air is diverted around a pressure letdown station to liquefy the gas or a portion of the gas for storage or air separation assist, with the remaining unused gaseous portion being returned to the pipeline downstream the letdown station. One or more heat exchangers and one or more expanders are used to cool down the gas and liquefy it. A generator or compressor may be coupled to the expanders employing companders for generating power or for further compression of the pipeline gas. In a further embodiment, natural gas is cooled to assist in liquefying the nitrogen by drying the natural gas and forming two streams wherein carbon dioxide is removed from a smaller stream which is applied to cascaded heat exchangers and the larger stream is expanded to further cool it. The two streams are applied to the heat exchangers for cooling and liquefying nitrogen gas or other merchant gas applied to the heat exchangers from a pipeline or other source.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for reliquefying boil-off gas produced by pressurized liquid natural gas. In this process, refrigeration duty is provided to a heat exchanger by means of a refrigeration cycle. Pressurized natural gas is cooled by the heat exchanger and then expanded to a lower pressure to produce a liquid stream that is passed to a first phase separator. A boil-off vapor is passed through the heat exchanger and it is then compressed and cooled before being recycled back through the heat exchanger. The compressed, cooled boil-off gas is then expanded and passed to a second phase separator. A vapor stream produced by the second separator is removed from the process. A liquid stream produced by the second phase separator is passed to the first phase separator to produce a pressurized liquid having a temperature above about −112° C. and a pressure sufficient for the liquid to be at or below its bubble point.

Abstract: A method for providing refrigeration such as to an insulated enclosure wherein a defined multicomponent refrigerant fluid undergoes a phase change coupled with Joule-Thomson expansion to generate refrigeration over a wide temperature range which may comprise from ambient to low temperatures.

Abstract: LPG and gasoline are recovered from catalytic reformer plant treat gas and net gas by refrigeration-induced condensation and separation, using reformer plant waste heat to produce the refrigeration in an ammonia absorption refrigeration unit. Referring to FIG. 2, reformer waste heat from exchanger 21 powers absorption refrigeration unit 22, which supplies refrigeration to chiller 25. Net gas and treat gas is recuperatively cooled in recuperator 24, chilled in chiller 25, and separated in separator 26. Absorption refrigeration may also be supplied to cool FCC compressor inlet vapor to below ambient, either in conjunction with treat gas chilling or independently. Other waste heat streams may also be used.

Abstract: A station for dispensing a gas, in particular nitrogen, under a dispensing pressure, includes a line (10) for gas inlet under an inlet high pressure, a line (14) for dispensing the gas under a lower dispensing pressure, and a device (16) for reducing the pressure of the gas to be dispensed from the inlet pressure to the dispensing pressure. The pressure-reducing device (16) includes a machine for pressure reduction with external work production. The station includes upstream of the pressure-reducing device (16), a conduit (18) for dividing the inlet gas into a fraction to be dispensed and a complementary fraction, downstream of the conduit (18), a device (20) for liquefaction of the complementary fraction of the inlet gas that includes a heat exchanger (26) for exchanging heat with the reduced-pressure fraction of the inlet gas, and a reservoir (40) for collecting the liquefied complementary fraction.

Abstract: A conventional air separator unit separates nitrogen, oxygen or argon merchant gas to be liquefied. Input pressurized natural gas is processed through a pressure letdown liquefaction system including gas separators for removing moisture and for drying the gas. The dried gas is then separated into large and small gas stream portions wherein CO.sub.2 in the smaller portion is removed. The two portions are passed through a first heat exchanger from which the larger portion is expanded which cools it and then passed through two heat exchangers including the first exchanger, used to regenerate the CO.sub.2 separator and drier and then returned to the input stream.

Abstract: The invention is a process for liquefying a compound A from a mixture comprising at least compound A and at least one compound B. The mixture is available at a pressure P1 with separation of the at least one compounds B and/or of compound A being performed by distillation at a pressure substantially close to pressure P2 in order to produce at least a stream mainly comprising the compound A and at least a stream F4 comprising most of the at least one compound B. The invention has an application of methane and/or helium extraction during liquefaction of a natural gas.

Abstract: A method for more efficiently cooling and liquefying industrial gas wherein refrigeration for the cooling and liquefaction is generated using first and second defined multicomponent refrigerant fluids in separate refrigeration circuits to cover a wide temperature range from ambient to cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: A process for the separation and liquefaction of component gasses from a pressurized mix gas stream is disclosed. The process involves cooling the pressurized mixed gas stream in a heat exchanger so as to condense one or more of the gas components having the highest condensation point; separating the condensed components from the remaining mixed gas stream in a gas-liquid separator; cooling the separated condensed component stream by passing it through an expander; and passing the cooled component stream back through the heat exchanger such that the cooled component stream functions as the refrigerant for the heat exchanger. The cycle is then repeated for the remaining mixed gas stream so as to draw off the next component gas and further cool the remaining mixed gas stream. The process continues until all of the component gases are separated from the desired gas stream. The final gas stream is then passed through a final heat exchanger and expander.

Abstract: A method allowing a gaseous mixture such as a natural gas to be liquefied by using a first compressed coolant mixture M.sub.1, at least partially condensed by cooling with the aid of an external coolant fluid, then subcooled, expanded, and vaporized, and a second compressed coolant mixture, cooled with the aid of an external coolant fluid, then cooled by heat exchange with the first coolant mixture M.sub.1 during the first cooling stage (I), after which it is in an at least partially condensed state. The second partially condensed coolant mixture is sent without phase separation to a second cooling stage (II) where it is fully condensed, expanded, and vaporized at at least two pressure levels. The subcooled natural gas is expanded to form the LNG produced.

Abstract: A method of liquefaction/conditioning of a compressed gas/condensate flow extracted from a petroleum deposit, for transport in liquefied form with a transport vessel, especially for such processing of a compressed gas/condensate flow which has been separated from a crude oil extracted from an offshore oil field. The gas/condensate flow is depressurized and cooled in several steps for producing a stabilized liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a stabilized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), for transport thereof in separate tanks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the partial conversion of natural gas to liquid natural gas. Natural gas, at a high pressure and free of impurities which would hinder the formation of liquid natural gas, is split into first and second flow portions. The first flow portion is conducted through a first heat exchanger and thereafter through a second heat exchanger. From the second heat exchanger, the first flow portion is throttled into a collector, wherein part thereof flashes to liquid natural gas and a part thereof constitutes a cold saturated vapor to be vented from the collector. The vent remainder serves as a coolant for the second heat exchanger. The second flow portion passes through a restrictor and is thereby cooled. The vent remainder from the second heat exchanger is joined with the cooled second flow portion and this combination serves as a coolant for the first heat exchanger before it is conducted to a receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an engine driven system having the capability of liquefying 100% of the natural gas entering the system. The apparatus is connected to a source of clean natural gas, and comprises an engine or prime mover, a compressor and an expander, all drivingly connected, at least one cooler, at least one heat exchanger, a restrictor, a liquid natural gas collector and connecting conduits. The clean natural gas is provided to the inlet of the compressor and is compressed. The compressed natural gas is passed through the at least one cooler to remove heat of compression. The natural gas is split into two flow portions. The first flow portion is cooled in the at least one heat exchanger and is passed through the restrictor into the collector. The temperature and pressure of the first flow portion are such that a substantial portion flashes to liquid natural gas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing liquid natural gas (LNG) from a well head or other source of cool, high pressure natural gas. The natural gas from the source is purified and split into first and second flow portions. The first flow portion is split into two parts passing through first and second heat exchangers. The two parts are thereafter recombined and throttled into a LNG tank wherein part thereof flashes to liquid natural gas and a part thereof constitutes a very cold saturated vapor to be vented from the LNG tank. The vent remainder of the first flow portion is used as a coolant for the second heat exchanger and is then conveyed to a low pressure receiver such as a collection pipeline, the vent remainder having a pressure equal to or greater than the receiver. The second flow portion enters an expander wherein its pressure is lowered below that of the receiver and its temperature is lowered accordingly.

Abstract: A method for generating refrigeration, especially over a wide temperature range including cryogenic temperatures, wherein a non-toxic, non-flammable and low or non-ozone-depleting mixture is formed from defined components and maintained in variable load form through compression, cooling, expansion and warming steps in a refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A system for cooling a fluid particularly to a cryogenic temperature wherein a multicomponent refrigerant fluid is partially condensed, the liquid used to generate refrigeration to cool the product by recycle into an upstream portion of the warming leg of the refrigeration circuit, and the vapor, having a different composition than the liquid, is used to generate refrigeration at a colder temperature for further cooling of the product.

Abstract: Provided is a method for liquefying natural gas which can be applied to LNG plants of a wide range of capacity and can produce LNG both efficiently and economically. Feed gas of natural gas or a non-liquefied component of recycle gas which is produced during a process of liquefying natural gas is liquefied by using a first refrigerant, for instant consisting of a C3 refrigerant, and a second refrigerant which is different from the first refrigerant, for instance consisting of a C2 refrigerant, in a stepwise fashion. The flow is then liquefied by a substantially isentropic expansion process. The non-liquefied component remaining from this expansion process is then pressurized by a compressor, and combined with the non-liquefied component of the natural gas for recycling the combined flow. The compressor is driven by power obtained from the substantially isentropic expansion process.

Abstract: A method for more efficiently liquefying industrial gas wherein refrigeration for the liquefaction is generated using a defined multicomponent refrigerant fluid and provided by a single flow circuit over a wide temperature range from ambient to cryogenic temperature.

Abstract: A method for liquefying an industrial gas wherein a portion of the requisite refrigeration is generated by a multicomponent refrigerant circuit and a portion is generated by turboexpansion of either a portion of the industrial gas or a portion of the multicomponent refrigerant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for liquefying a gas stream rich in methane and having a pressure above about 3103 kPa (450 psia). The gas stream is expanded to a lower pressure to produce a gas phase and a liquid product having a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid product to be at or below its bubble point. The gas phase and the liquid product are then phase separated in a suitable separator, and the liquid product is introduced to a storage means for storage at a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for liquefying a pressurized gas stream rich in methane in which the liquefication of the gas stream occurs in a heat exchanger being cooled by a cascade refrigeration system to produce a methane-rich liquid product having a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.). In this process, a pressurized gas stream is introduced into heat exchange contact with a first refrigerant cycle comprising at least one refrigeration stage whereby the temperature of the gas stream is reduced by heat exchange with a first portion of a first refrigerant to produce a cooled gas stream. The cooled gas stream is then introduced into heat exchange contact with a second refrigerant cycle comprising at least one refrigeration stage whereby the temperature of the cooled gas stream is further reduced by heat exchange with a second refrigerant to produce a liquefied methane-rich stream having a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.

Abstract: Method of reducing the amount of components having low boiling points in liquefied natural gas comprising passing the liquefied natural gas at liquefaction pressure through the hot side of an external heat exchanger to obtain cooled liquefied natural gas, allowing the cooled liquefied natural gas to expand dynamically to an intermediate pressure and statically to a low pressure to obtain expanded fluid, and introducing expanded fluid into the upper part of a fractionation column provided with a contacting section arranged between the upper part and the lower part of the fractionation column; passing a direct side stream at low pressure through the cold side of the external heat exchanger to obtain heated two-phase fluid; introducing the heated two-phase fluid into the lower part of the fractionation column and allowing the vapor to flow upwards through the contacting section; allowing the liquid of the expanded fluid to flow downwards through the contacting section; and withdrawing from the lower part of the

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for liquefying a pressurized gas stream rich in methane in which the liquefication of the gas stream occurs in a heat exchanger being cooled by a closed-loop multi-component refrigeration system to produce a methane-rich liquid product having a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.) and a pressure sufficient for the liquid product to be at or below its bubble point. The liquefied gas product is then introduced to a storage means at a temperature above about -112.degree. C. (-170.degree. F.).

Abstract: A method for processing pyrolysis gas prior to gas separation provides high economical efficiency due to low energy consumption for compression and low consumption of cooling water. This is due to the relatively low temperature of the pyrolysis gas and the low pressure losses during multistage compression, which in turn is determined by the organization of the processes of cooling by contact heat exchange between the pyrolysis gas and the washing water and operating liquid, by cooling them with an external medium in refrigerating machines and with a cold carrier in evaporators of absorption machines, and also by preliminarily cooling the washing water in the generators of those machines.