Abstract: Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams and, in particular, for purifying silane-containing streams that also contain ethylene are disclosed. The processes and systems may be arranged such that one or more ethylene reactors are downstream of light-end distillation operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for removing contaminants from a gaseous stream substantially comprising carbon dioxide. More specifically, the method comprises the step of subjecting the gaseous stream to an absorption step in which the absorbent is liquid carbon dioxide wherein the waste of carbon dioxide is minimized by utilizing a compressing means for generating a pressure difference between two streams in a reboiler.

Abstract: A process for recovering ethane and heavier hydrocarbons from LNG and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first is supplied to a fractionation column as a first upper mid-column feed. The second portion is heated while condensing a portion of a column distillation stream, thereby producing a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied as top column feed. The second portion of LNG feed is heated further and supplied to the column as a first lower mid-column feed. The gas stream is divided into two portions. The second is expanded, then both portions are cooled while vaporizing the lean LNG stream and heating another portion of the distillation stream. The colder first portion is supplied to the column as a second upper mid-column feed, and the second is supplied as a second lower mid-column feed.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as a natural gas stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: supplying a partly condensed feed stream (10) having a pressure above 60 bar to a first separator (2) wherein it is separated into a gaseous stream (20) and a liquid stream (30); expanding the liquid stream (30) and the gaseous stream (20) and subsequently feeding them into the distillation column (3); removing from the distillation column (3) a gaseous overhead stream (80), partially condensing it, feeding it (90) into a second separator (8) thereby obtaining a liquid stream (100) and a gaseous stream (110), feeding the liquid stream (100) into the distillation column (3) and liquefying the gaseous stream (110) thereby obtaining a liquefied stream (200); wherein the gaseous overhead stream (80) is partially condensed by heat exchanging against the expanded gaseous stream (60) before it (70) is fed into the distillation column (3); and wherein the gaseous stre

Abstract: A process of extraction of natural gas liquids from a liquefied natural gas stream is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for recovery of natural gas liquids from a natural gas feed stream. The process runs at a constant pressure with no intentional reduction in pressure. An open loop mixed refrigerant is used to provide process cooling and to provide a reflux stream for the distillation column used to recover the natural gas liquids. The processes may be used to recover C3+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, or to recover C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for preventing carry-over of C2+ hydrocarbon mist from an NGL recovery column in an LNG plant. A wash loop of recirculating liquid hydrocarbon is provided at the upper portion of the NGL column. A sidestream of liquid hydrocarbons collected within the column is removed from the column and pumped to sufficient height to be returned to the column at a temperature substantially equivalent to the temperature of liquid with the upper portion of the column. In one embodiment, liquid hydrocarbons of a desired composition can be loaded and reloaded to a working medium holding drum in fluid communication with the top of the column. The working medium can be selected to be sufficiently heavy not to be lost from the column and to have a suitable freezing point to avoid freezing within the column.

Abstract: A method of altering the heating value of a liquefied natural gas by adding higher heating value components is disclosed. A portion of the liquefied natural gas is used to cool the higher heating value component stream prior to combining the higher heating value components with the liquefied natural gas to obtain a combined stream having a heating value greater than the liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the distillation separation of a mixture containing, as the main components thereof, carbon dioxide and at least one other fluid selected from the group containing nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, said apparatus comprising a distillation column (8), a condenser (9), a reboiler (7, 11), means for conveying the mixture to be separated to the column or the condenser, means for conveying a head gas from the column to the condenser, and means for conveying a liquid condensed in the condenser into the head of the column. The condenser is formed by an exchanger with plates and blades made from brazed aluminum and having an exchange surface area per m3 of exchanger greater than 400 m2/m3, with ammonia being used as refrigerant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for recovery of natural gas liquids from a natural gas feed stream. The process runs at a constant pressure with no intentional reduction in pressure. An open loop mixed refrigerant is used to provide process cooling and to provide a reflux stream for the distillation column used to recover the natural gas liquids. The processes may be used to recover C3+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, or to recover C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas.

Abstract: Contemplated plants thermally integrate operation of a refinery component, and most preferably of a hydrocarbon splitter with LNG regasification to provide refrigeration duty and with a power cycle to provide the reboiler duty of the component. It should be noted that such configurations advantageously allow operation of the splitter at a reduced temperature and at reduced pressure, thereby increasing separation efficiency, while the power output is boosted using air intake chilling. Most notably, such process advantages are achieved by satisfying the heating duty of LNG regasification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the operation of a distillation tower containing a controlled freezing zone and at least one distillation section. The process and tower design are utilized for the additional recovery of hydrocarbons from an acid gas. In this process, a separation process is utilized in which a multi-component feedstream is introduced into an apparatus that operates under solids forming conditions for at least one of the feedstream components. The freezable component, although typically CO2, H2S, or another acid gas, can be any component that has the potential for forming solids in the separation system. A dividing wall is added to at least a portion of the lower distillation section of the apparatus to effect the separation of at least some fraction of the hydrocarbons in that portion of the tower.

Abstract: The present application is concerned with processes and apparatuses for the separation of nitrogen from liquefied natural gas feeds. The processes comprise the steps of: (i) cooling the feed and passing the feed to a fractionation column; (ii) withdrawing from the fractionation column an overhead vapour stream having an enriched nitrogen content, and a liquid stream having a reduced nitrogen content; (iii) dividing the overhead vapour stream from step (ii) into at least first and second overhead streams; (iv) compressing, cooling and at least partially condensing at least the first overhead stream from step (iii); and (v) expanding the stream from step (iv) and passing the expanded stream to the fractionation column as reflux, and wherein cooling in step (iv) is provided, at least in part, by heat exchange with one or more streams from the fractionation column.

Abstract: A process comprising separating a hydrocarbon feed stream into a natural gas-rich stream and a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-rich stream using process equipment comprising only one multi-stage separation column, wherein the natural gas-rich stream has an energy content of less than or equal to about 1,300 British thermal units per cubic foot (Btu/ft3), and wherein the LPG-rich stream has a vapor pressure less than or equal to about 350 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). A process comprising separating a hydrocarbon feed stream into a top effluent stream and a LPG-rich stream, and subsequently expanding the top effluent stream to produce a natural gas-rich stream. An apparatus comprising a multi-stage separation column configured to separate a hydrocarbon feed stream into a top effluent stream and a LPG-rich stream, and an expander configured to expand the top effluent stream and produce a natural gas-rich stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the integration of a fractionation process and an olefin refrigeration system, wherein the fractionation process olefin effluent is supplied to the refrigeration system, can eliminate a fractionation process condenser and reflux drum typically present. A plurality of bottoms streams can be collected from the fractionation process. The olefin refrigerant can be supplied to alternate olefin refrigerant consumers, as desired. A column in the fractionation process can be refluxed with an olefin stream from refrigeration system, and olefin product can be collected or exported via line.

Abstract: Bulk storage of natural gas or methane is facilitated by absorbing and storing the gas in a liquefied medium through the interaction of moderate pressure, low temperature and a solvent medium. Systems and processes are provided that facilitate the absorption of natural gas or methane into a liquid or liquid vapor medium for storage and transport, and back into a gas for delivery to market. In a preferred embodiment, the absorptive properties of ethane, propane and butane under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure (associated with a novel mixing process) are utilized to store natural gas or methane at more efficient levels of compressed volume ratio than are attainable with natural gas alone under similar holding conditions. The preferred mixing process efficiently combines natural gas or methane with a solvent medium such as liquid ethane, propane, butane, or other suitable fluid, to form a concentrated liquid or liquid vapor mixture suited for storage and transport.

Abstract: Contemplated plants include an absorber in which the split ratio of various feed streams to an absorber are used to control recovery of a desired component in a bottom product of a distillation column that receives the bottom product of the absorber. In especially preferred aspects, the plant is an NGL plant and the split ratio of the feed streams used to control the level of desired ethane recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for recovery of natural gas liquids from a natural gas feed stream. The process runs at a constant pressure with no intentional reduction in pressure. An open loop mixed refrigerant is used to provide process cooling and to provide a reflux stream for the distillation column used to recover the natural gas liquids. The processes may be used to recover C3+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, or to recover C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to thioetherification processes for the removal of mercaptans in charge gas streams. In particular, the invention relates to thioetherification processes for the removal of mercaptans using a catalyst comprising palladium and silver.

Abstract: A system for removing acid gases from a raw gas stream is provided. The system includes a cryogenic distillation tower. The cryogenic distillation tower has a controlled freezing zone that receives a cold liquid spray comprised primarily of methane. The tower receives and then separates the raw gas stream into an overhead methane gas stream and a substantially solid material comprised of carbon dioxide. The system includes a collector tray below the controlled freezing zone. The collector tray receives the substantially solid material as it is precipitated in the controlled freezing zone. The system also has a filter. The filter receives the substantially solid material and then separates it into a solid material comprised primarily of carbon dioxide, and a liquid material comprising methane. The solid material may be warmed as a liquid and sold, while the liquid material is returned to the cryogenic distillation tower.

Abstract: A process for efficiently removing carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon containing feed stream utilizing a membrane separation unit in conjunction with a heat exchanger and a carbon dioxide separation unit wherein the streams obtained in the carbon dioxide separation unit are utilized to provide the cooling effect in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process for extracting heavier components, e.g., NGL from liquid/fluid streams such as Rich LNG (RLNG) stream(s) with the streamlined economy. The process involves heating the RLNG stream in heat exchanger(s) (LNGX) against column overhead vapour stream; not requiring separation of Feed streams into feed and reflux by splitting either pre- or post- of heat LNGX. The source liquid RLNG is processed producing liquid NGL and at same time returning purified Lean LNG (LLNG) product in its Liquid LNG form. The process operates essentially without the need for compression equipment. The process further provides without compressors vaporized natural gas at pipeline pressure and specifications. This is a system that can flexibly change product compositions and specifications of product NGL/Lean LNG/Pipeline Gas and operate in both Pipeline Specification deep 99% Ethane (C2) Extraction and Ethane (C2) Rejection NGL recovery modes with economy of equipment and energy requirements.

Abstract: This process comprises using unconventional processing of hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas, for recovering C2+ and NGL hydrocarbons that meet pipeline specifications, without the core high capital cost requirement of a demethanizer column, which is central to and required by almost 100% of the world's current NGL recovery technologies. It can operate in Ethane Extraction or Ethane Rejection modes. The process uses only heat exchangers, compression and simple separation vessels to achieve specification ready NGL. The process utilizes cooling the natural gas, expansion cooling, separating the gas and liquid streams, recycling the cooled streams to exchange heat and recycling selective composition bearing streams to achieve selective extraction of hydrocarbons, in this instance being NGLs. The compactness and utility of this process makes it feasible in offshore applications as well as to implementation to retrofit/revamp or unload existing NGL facilities.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) and a pressurized methane-rich sales gas from liquefied natural gas (LNG) are disclosed. In certain embodiments, LNG passes through a heat exchanger, thereby heating and vaporizing at least a portion of the LNG. The partially vaporized LNG passes to a fractionation column where a liquid stream enriched with ethane plus and a methane-rich vapor stream are withdrawn. The withdrawn methane-rich vapor stream passes through the heat exchanger to condense the vapor and produce a two phase stream, which is separated in a separator into at least a methane-rich liquid portion and a methane-rich gas portion. A pump pressurizes the methane-rich liquid portion prior to vaporization and delivery to a pipeline. The methane-rich gas portion may be compressed and combined with the vaporized methane-rich liquid portion or used as plant site fuel.

Abstract: A system for removing acid gases from a sour gas stream is provided. The system includes an acid gas removal system and a heavy hydrocarbon removal system. The acid gas removal system receives the sour gas stream and separates the sour gas stream into an overhead gas stream comprised primarily of methane, and a bottom acid gas stream comprised primarily of acid gases such as carbon dioxide. The heavy hydrocarbon removal system may be placed upstream or downstream of the acid gas removal system or both. The heavy hydrocarbon removal system receives a gas stream and separates the gas stream into a first fluid stream comprising heavy hydrocarbons and a second fluid stream comprising other components. The components of the second fluid stream will depend on the composition of the gas stream. Various types of heavy hydrocarbon removal systems may be utilized.

Abstract: Controlled RVP C5+ products are produced from feed gas in configurations and methods in which a heavier portion of the feed gas is fractionated into several streams having distinct RVP and in which a C5+ stream is produced from the lighter portion of the feed gas. The so formed streams are then combined to produce C5+ products with controlled RVP. Thus, RVP control is achieved without the need for external products for blending process streams derived from the feed gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating off nitrogen and lighter components, in particular hydrogen, carbon monoxide, neon and argon, from a feed fraction (e.g., natural gas) that is to be liquefied containing at least methane, nitrogen and hydrogen. The cooling and liquefaction of the feed fraction proceeds against the refrigerant or mixed refrigerant of at least one refrigeration cycle. In the inventive method, the feed fraction (1) is partially condensed (E1), and separated in at least one rectification column (T) into a methane-rich fraction (6) and a fraction (4) containing nitrogen and lighter components. The methane-rich fraction (6) is subcooled. Additionally, cooling of the top condenser (E2) of the rectification column (T) proceeds via a refrigerant or mixed refrigerant or a substream of the refrigerant or mixed refrigerant of at least one, refrigeration cycle (20-24).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of the following three blends: 1. Trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze(Z)) and hydrogen fluoride (HF); 2. HFO-1234ze(E), 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa) and HF; and 3. HFO-1234ze(Z), HFC-245fa and HF. These azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions are useful as intermediates in the production of HFO-1234ze(E).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for resolving a hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-containing feed fraction (1, 1?), preferably natural gas, is described, wherein the feed fraction (1, 1?) is separated by rectification (T1, T2) into a nitrogen-enriched fraction (5) and a hydrocarbon-rich, nitrogen-depleted fraction (10), and wherein the separation by rectification proceeds in a rectification column consisting of a preseparation column (T1) and a main separation column (T2). A liquid fraction (6) is taken off from the main separation column (T2) above the feed-in site(s) of the fraction (7, 7?, 7?) that is taken off from the preseparation column (T1) and fed to the main separation column (T2), and the liquid fraction (6) is applied to the preseparation column (T1) as reflux.

Abstract: Process for efficiently operating a natural gas liquefaction system with integrated heavies removal/natural gas liquids recovery to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or natural gas liquids (NGL) products with varying characteristics, such as, for example higher heating value (HHV) and/or propane content. Resulting LNG and/or NGL products are capable of meeting the significantly different specifications of two or more markets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing nitrogen from a natural gas feed stream. The systems and methods generally include a heat exchange unit, a separation unit, and a liquid methane pump unit, where the separation unit produces a liquid methane bottoms stream and a gaseous overhead stream enriched in nitrogen and the liquid methane pump unit compresses the liquid methane bottoms stream and then pumps the stream through the heat exchange unit to cool a natural gas feed stream. In some embodiments the liquid methane pump unit is a sleeve bearing type unit. Beneficially, the disclosed systems and methods incorporate high head pumps for liquid methane compression instead of vaporizing the liquid methane and compressing it in a gaseous compression units that are typically used for this purpose, saving space, materials, and power.

Abstract: A process for separating off a nitrogen-rich fraction from a feed fraction containing essentially nitrogen and hydrocarbons, wherein the feed fraction is separated by rectification a nitrogen-rich fraction and a methane-rich fraction, is described. According to the invention, during an interruption of the supply of the feed fraction, at least temporarily, the nitrogen-rich fraction (4?) and the methane-rich fraction (5?) are compressed and jointly supplied to the process as feed fraction, wherein the compression of the nitrogen-rich fraction (4?) and the methane-rich fraction (5?) can be performed separately and/or jointly.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of removing impurities from compounds having similar volatilities to form ultra high purity compounds.

Abstract: An energy-efficient method of recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) in a high-pressure liquid state from a high-pressure gas stream. The method includes cooling, condensing, and/or separating CO2 from a high-pressure gas stream in two or more separation zones and further purifying the resulting sub-critical pressure liquid CO2 streams in a third purification zone to thereby provide purified CO2. The purified liquid CO2 may be pumped to above the critical pressure for further utilization and/or sequestration for industrial or environmental purposes.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for separating a feed gas stream containing methane, at least one C2 component, at least one C3 component, and optionally heavier components, into a volatile gas stream containing a major portion of the methane and at least one C2 component and a less volatile stream containing a major portion of the at least one C3 and heavier components. The feed stream is cooled, at least partially condensed, and fed to a fractionation column wherein the feed stream is separated into an overhead vapor stream comprising primarily the lighter components of the feed stream and a bottoms liquid stream comprising primarily the heavier components of the feed stream. The introduction of a reboiler onto the fractionation column assists in removing co-absorbed C2 and lighter components from the fractionation column bottoms thereby facilitating more efficient operation of a downstream deethanizer column. Addition of residue recycle can further supplement recovery of desired components.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then expanded and supplied to a fractionation column at a first mid-column feed position. The gas stream is expanded and cooled, then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed positions and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the distillation vapor stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The distillation vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation column as its top feed.

Abstract: A process is presented for the separation of a hydrocarbon mixture having less than 50% of the light component in the feedstream. The process provides an energy efficiency through drawing off a vapor stream from the rectifying section of a distillation column, and using recompression of the vapor to provide a portion of the heat for reboiling a portion of the bottoms stream exiting the stripping section of the distillation column.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas comprising at least the steps of: (a) providing a hydrocarbon feed stream (10); (b) passing the feed stream (10) through a first separation vessel (12) to provide a first gaseous stream (20) and a first liquid stream (30); (c) passing the first gaseous stream (20) from step (b) through a high pressure separation vessel (14) to provide a second gaseous stream (40) and a second liquid stream (80); (d) maintaining the pressure of the first gaseous stream (20) between step (b) and step (c) within +10 bar; (e) passing the first liquid stream (30) of step (b) through a stabilizer column (16) to provide a third gaseous stream (60) and a stabilized condensate (70); and (f) feeding the second liquid stream (80) from step (c) into the stabilizer column (16).

Abstract: A mixed single refrigerant process for separating a nitrogen gas stream from a natural gas stream containing nitrogen to produce a nitrogen gas stream from a liquefied natural gas stream wherein the separated nitrogen gas stream is used as a refrigerant for the natural gas stream and wherein the mixed refrigerant provides cooling for the process.

Abstract: An LNG plant is configured to receive rich LNG and to produce LPG, lean LNG, and power using at least one fractionation column, wherein the fractionation portion of the plant can be optionally thermally coupled to a power cycle utilizing residual refrigeration from the processed lean LNG. Most preferably, a liquid portion of the rich LNG is pumped to pressure and heated, and the pressurized and superheated portion is expanded to produce electric energy before being fed into the column. The column overhead vapor is partially condensed, providing column reflux for high NGL recoveries, and the residual vapor is further condensed using refrigeration content of the rich LNG forming the lean LNG product, that is further pumped to pipeline pressure and subsequently vaporized using heated working fluid of the power cycle.

Abstract: Method of, and apparatus for, rejecting nitrogen from a hydrocarbon stream to provide a fuel gas stream. A hydrocarbon stream is at least partially liquefied and subsequently expanded. The expanded hydrocarbon stream is fractionated in a fractionation column to provide an nitrogen-rich hydrocarbon stream and a nitrogen-lean hydrocarbon stream. The nitrogen-rich hydrocarbon stream is partially condensed in a condenser by cooling against a refrigerant circulated in a dedicated first refrigerant circuit, and phase-separated to provide a nitrogen-rejection stream and a nitrogen-lean reflux stream which is returned to the fractionation column. The nitrogen-lean hydrocarbon stream is partially vaporized and phase-separated to provide a vapour stream that is returned to the fractionation column and a liquefied nitrogen-lean hydrocarbon stream that is subjected to sub-cooling. The fuel gas stream is generated from the sub-cooled nitrogen-lean hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Abstract: A method for recovering C2 and higher weight hydrocarbons, or alternatively C3 and higher weight hydrocarbons, from off gas, such as refinery off gas, wherein the method avoids the need to significantly compress contaminated off gas in most cases, and is robust in response to pressure and temperature variations in the off gas feed.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C2 (or C3) components and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between two absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the lower absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the lower absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components. A distillation vapor stream from the top of the heat and mass transfer means is cooled by a distillation vapor stream from the top of the upper absorbing means, thereby forming a condensed stream that is supplied as a top feed to the upper absorbing means.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C2 (or C3) components and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as a feed between first and second absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as bottom feed to the second absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the first absorbing means is heated, compressed to higher pressure, and divided into a volatile residue gas fraction and a compressed recycle stream. The compressed recycle stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as top feed to the first absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the second absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C2 components (or C3 components) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied as top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and fed to the bottom of the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a heat and mass transfer means to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The absorbing means and the heat and mass transfer means are housed in the processing assembly.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of olefins, and in particular for separation of olefins produced by a dehydrogenation process from paraffin feed stocks, is provided. A high pressure product splitter is used to separate olefins produced in a dehydrogenation plant from residual paraffin feed stocks. The use of a high pressure splitter to separate olefin products from paraffin feed stocks allows for recovery of a high purity olefin product with lower energy consumption compared to prior art processes. The process is particularly suited to separation of propylene from propane.

Abstract: A process is described for separating off a nitrogen-rich fraction from a feed fraction containing essentially nitrogen and hydrocarbons, wherein the feed fraction is separated by rectification into a nitrogen-rich fraction and a methane-rich fraction and wherein the methane-rich fraction for the purpose of cold generation is vaporized and superheated at a pressure as high as possible against the feed fraction which is to be cooled. According to the invention the still liquid or partially vaporized methane-rich fraction (5?) is fed to a circulation vessel (D), only the liquid fraction of the methane-rich fraction (5?) occurring in the circulation vessel (D) is completely vaporized, preferably in natural circulation, and the top product (7) of the circulation vessel (D) is superheated (E1).