Distillation Patents (Class 62/620)
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Publication number: 20090293538Abstract: A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a distillation column. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The residual gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure to condense it, and then expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: ORTLOFF ENGINEERS, LTD.Inventors: John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cueller
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Publication number: 20090293539Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing carbon monoxide by cryogenic distillation is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Explotation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Alain Briglia, Philippe Court, Natacha Haik-Beraud, Antoine Hernandez, Christian Monereau
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Publication number: 20090293537Abstract: A process of extraction of natural gas liquids from a hydrocarbon stream is disclosed. The recovered natural gas liquids are flashed to a vapor to provide refrigeration to the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: Greg E. Ameringer
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Patent number: 7621152Abstract: A cryogenic plant having at least two direct phase separation devices such as distillation columns whose circular perimeters serve to define the perimeter of the cold box encompassing the direct phase separation devices and ancillary equipment for the process.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventor: Henry Edward Howard
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Publication number: 20090282864Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Michael Malsam
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Publication number: 20090282865Abstract: A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is divided into two portions. The first portion is supplied to a fractionation column at a first upper mid-column feed point. The second portion is directed in heat exchange relation with a first portion of a warmer distillation stream rising from the fractionation stages of the column, whereby the LNG feed stream is partially heated and the distillation stream is totally condensed. The condensed distillation stream is divided into a “lean” LNG stream and a reflux stream, whereupon the reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The second portion of the LNG feed stream is heated further to partially or totally vaporize it and thereafter supplied to the column at a first lower mid-column feed position. The gas stream is divided into two portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: ORTLOFF ENGINEERS, LTD.Inventors: Tony L. Martinez, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
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Publication number: 20090277219Abstract: LNG is pumped to supercritical pressure and vaporized, preferably in an offshore location to thereby form a natural gas stream with an intermediate temperature. A first portion of that stream is then processed in an onshore location to remove at least some non-methane components to thereby form a lean LNG, which is then combined with a second portion of that stream to form a sales gas having desired chemical composition. The intermediate temperature and the split ratio of the gas stream in first and second portion are a function of the concentration of the non-methane components in the LNG.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2005Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: John Mak, Curt Graham
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Patent number: 7603867Abstract: The process that includes providing the following elements for treating source refrigerated LNG, a heat exchanger/condenser through which refrigerated LNG passes, a vaporizer receiving LNG from the heat exchanger/condenser to produce heating grade LNG product, a distillation column producing distillate condensed in the heat exchanger/condenser to produce vehicle grade LNG, some of which is returned to the distillation column, the distillation column having input of refrigerated LNG, the distillation column having a lower outlet through which produced C2+ is delivered.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Cryogenic Group, Inc.Inventor: Ross M. Brown
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Patent number: 7600395Abstract: A process and apparatus for the liquefaction of natural gas including an improved heavy hydrocarbon removal column with overhead condensing and refluxing. Particularly, a methane-rich stream exiting a propane refrigerant cycle is delivered to a heavies removal column, and the heavies depleted vapor from the column is at least partially condensed and the liquid portion provided as reflux to the heavies removal column.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Anthony P. Eaton, Bobby D. Martinez, Jame Yao
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Patent number: 7600396Abstract: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) or components thereof are used as working fluids in power generation cycles in a LNG regasification plant. Especially preferred plant configurations will be able to process LNG of different composition while generating on-spec pipeline gas, CNG, LNG vehicle fuel, and LPG.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Fluor Technologies CorporationInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20090248174Abstract: An optimization method based on statistical modeling relating NGL plant process variables. The modeling may rely on input data from process history and modeled data. The method identifies process scenarios when a compressor from an associated propane/propylene refrigeration system may be deactivated and still allow the NGL plant to achieve product specification.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANYInventors: Othman A. Taha, Henry H. Chan
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Publication number: 20090211296Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a fraction rich in C2+ from liquefied natural gas (LNG) is disclosed. In an embodiment, partial evaporation of the liquefied natural gas occurs in a heat exchanger. The partially evaporated natural gas is separated into a first gas fraction rich in C1 and a first liquid fraction rich in C2+. In a separation column, rectification separation of the first liquid fraction rich in C2+ into a second gas fraction rich in C1 and a second liquid fraction rich in C2+ occurs. The first gas fraction rich in C1 is re-liquefied in the heat exchanger. At least one sub-stream of the re-liquefied gas fraction rich in C1 is fed as a reflux to the rectification separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2005Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Heinz Bauer, Hubert Franke, Rainer Sapper
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Publication number: 20090211297Abstract: A process for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the process includes expansion of a liquefied natural gas stream and separation of the helium-rich fraction. The helium-rich fraction is heated countercurrent to a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied. The natural gas stream liquefied in a heat exchange countercurrent to the helium-rich fraction to be heated is fed prior to and/or in the separation of the helium-rich fraction. The total enthalpy of the mixture of the two aforementioned natural gas streams brought to the separation of the helium-rich fraction is variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Hans Schmidt
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Publication number: 20090200022Abstract: Systems and methods of treating a gas stream are described. A method of treating a gas stream includes cryogenically separating a first gas stream to form a second gas stream and a third stream. The third stream is cryogenically contacted with a carbon dioxide stream to form a fourth and fifth stream. A majority of the second gas stream includes methane and/or molecular hydrogen. A majority of the third stream includes one or more carbon oxides, hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 2, one or more sulfur compounds, or mixtures thereof. A majority of the fourth stream includes one or more of the carbon oxides and hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 2. A majority of the fifth stream includes hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3 and one or more of the sulfur compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Jose Luis Bravo, Albert Destrehan Harvey, III, Harold J. Vinegar
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Publication number: 20090193846Abstract: A process is described for the recovery of CO and optionally hydrogen from a stream containing CO, H2, methane, and hydrocarbons heavier than methane. The process is characterized by a two-stage removal (3, 6) of C2+ hydrocarbons from the feed. In a first step the feed gas (1) is separated (3) into a first C2+ depleted stream (5) and a first C2+ enriched stream (4). The first C2-enriched stream (4) is rectified (6) to produce a second C2+ depleted stream. The first and second C2+ depleted streams (5, 9) are fed to a cryogenic system (10) fro recovery of CO (12) and optionally hydrogen (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2005Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Michael J. Foral, Rian Reyneke, Wayne W.Y. Eng, Graeme Parker
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Publication number: 20090188279Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a hydrocarbon stream such as a natural gas stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) supplying a partially condensed feed stream (10) to a first gas/liquid separator (2), the feed stream (10) having a pressure >50 bar; (b) separating the feed stream (10) in the first gas/liquid separator (2) into a first vaporous stream (20) and a first liquid stream (70); (c) expanding the first vaporous stream (20), thereby obtaining an at least partially condensed first vaporous stream (30); (d) supplying the at least partially condensed first vaporous stream (30) to a second gas/liquid separator (4); (e) separating the stream (30) as supplied in step (d) in the second gas/liquid separator (4) into a second vaporous stream (60) and a second liquid stream (40); (f) increasing the pressure of the second liquid stream (40) to a pressure of at least 50 bar, thereby obtaining a pressurized second liquid stream (50); and (g) returning the pressurized secondType: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2007Publication date: July 30, 2009Inventors: Eduard Coenraad Bras, Hussein Mohammed Ismail Mostafa, Paramasivam Senthil Kumar
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Patent number: 7565815Abstract: A process for liquefying natural gas in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure, and supplied to a distillation column. The bottom product from this distillation column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The residual gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure to condense it, and then expanded to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
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Publication number: 20090173103Abstract: A gas processing plant has a de-ethanizer and a refluxed absorber, wherein the absorber operates at higher pressure than the de-ethanizer, and wherein at least a portion of the absorber bottoms product is expanded to provide cooling for the absorber reflux stream and/or the distillation column feed stream. Especially contemplated gas processing plants include propane and ethane recovery plants, and where the gas processing plant is an ethane recovery plant, it is contemplated that the ethane product comprises no more than 500 ppm carbon dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20090165498Abstract: Contemplated gas treatment plants for recovery of NGL from rich feed gas include an upstream conditioning unit in which heavier hydrocarbons, and most typically C5 and heavier are removed prior to feeding the processed feed gas to an NGL recovery plant, thus avoiding the need to process the heavier hydrocarbons in the NGL recovery plant. Such conditioning units advantageously reduce energy demand for dehydration otherwise required and allow for production of C2-C4, and C5+ streams that can be sold as valuable products.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20090151391Abstract: An LNG facility employing a heavies enriching stream to increase the flexibility of the LNG facility by allowing feed gas streams of widely varying compositions to be processed while producing on-spec LNG.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Shawn S. Huang, Harry J. Crofton, G. Dennis Cook, Jong Juh Chen
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Publication number: 20090133437Abstract: A novel process is disclosed which produces a CO-rich stream from a stream containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, and components heavier than methane. The process utilizes a combined CO purification and demethanizer column (5) which reduces the overall capital cost of the process, and efficient heat integration which reduces the energy required by the process. This process is useful in recovering a CO-rich stream (10) from the effluent (1) of an autothermal cracking reactor. It is particularly useful when one or more of the heavy components (6) has a higher value as pure product than when admixed with methane (11), and when product of a purified hydrogen stream (8) is also desirable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2005Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Rian Reyneke, Michael J. Foral
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Publication number: 20090113932Abstract: The invention provides a method of removing solid carbon dioxide from cryogenic equipment, including the steps of: (a) introducing a stream including ethane to the cryogenic equipment to convert solid carbon dioxide to liquid form whereby a mixture of liquid ethane and liquid carbon dioxide is formed; and (b) removing the mixture of liquid ethane and liquid carbon dioxide from the cryogenic equipment. In particular, the method can be used in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant wherein cryogenic equipment contains LNG, and the method includes the steps of: (a?) removing the LNG from the cryogenic equipment; (a) introducing a stream including ethane to convert solid carbon dioxide to liquid form whereby a mixture of liquid ethane and liquid carbon dioxide is formed; and (b) removing the mixture of liquid ethane and liquid carbon dioxide from the cryogenic equipment. The result is an effective cleaning method for fouled LNG equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2009Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: Robert AMIN
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Publication number: 20090113931Abstract: An ethane recovery process utilizing multiple reflux streams is provided. Feed gas is cooled, partially condensed, and separated into a first liquid stream and a first vapor stream. First liquid stream is expanded and sent to a demethanizer. First vapor stream is split into a first and a second separator vapor streams. First separator vapor stream is expanded and sent to demethanizer. Second separator vapor stream is partially condensed and is separated into a reflux separator liquid stream, which is sent to demethanizer, and a reflux separator vapor stream, which is condensed and sent to demethanizer. Demethanizer produces a tower bottom stream containing a substantial amount of ethane and heavier components, and a tower overhead stream containing a substantial amount of remaining lighter components and forms a residue gas stream. A portion of residue gas stream is cooled, condensed, and sent to the demethanizer tower as top reflux stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Sanjiv N. Patel, Jorge H. Foglietta
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Publication number: 20090107174Abstract: 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 streType: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Intan Agustina Ambari, Hsiao Teing Lee
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Publication number: 20090107175Abstract: An ethane recovery process utilizing multiple reflux streams is provided. Feed gas is cooled, partially condensed, and separated into a first liquid stream and a first vapor stream. First liquid stream is expanded and sent to a demethanizer. First vapor stream is split into a first and a second separator vapor streams. First separator vapor stream is expanded and sent to demethanizer. Second separator vapor stream is partially condensed and is separated into a reflux separator liquid stream, which is sent to demethanizer, and a reflux separator vapor stream, which is condensed and sent to demethanizer. Demethanizer produces a tower bottom stream containing a substantial amount of ethane and heavier components, and a tower overhead stream containing a substantial amount of remaining lighter components and forms a residue gas stream. A portion of residue gas stream is cooled, condensed, and sent to the demethanizer tower as top reflux stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Inventors: Sanjiv N. Patel, Jorge H. Foglietta
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Publication number: 20090100862Abstract: A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the column above the feed point of the second stream and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the vapor distillation stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the fractionation tower as its top feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: ORTLOFF ENGINEERS, LTD.Inventors: John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar, Tony L. Martinez
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Patent number: 7520143Abstract: Nitrogen is removed from a liquefied natural gas feed (41) by a two stage separation in which the liquefied natural gas (41) is first fractionated (23) to provide a first nitrogen-enriched overhead vapour stream (46) and a nitrogen-containing bottoms liquid stream (19) and then at least a portion of said bottoms liquid stream (19) is fractionated (25) to provide a second nitrogen-enriched overhead vapour stream (36) that is of lower purity than said first overhead vapour stream (46) and a purified liquefied natural gas stream (50). The first fractionation is conducted in a distillation column (23) refluxed (45) with nitrogen overhead (43) condensed in a condenser (24) located in a flash drum (25) in which the second fractionation is conducted. The second nitrogen-enriched overhead vapour stream (36) provides fuel gas for use in the natural gas liquefaction plant.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Geoffrey Spilsbury
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Patent number: 7516626Abstract: The apparatus is used to produce a product by low-temperature separation of a gas mixture, in particular air. It includes a direct contact cooler (3) for cooling the feed mixture, a purification apparatus (4) for purifying the cooled feed mixture and a low-temperature part (7). The low-temperature part (7) includes a main heat exchanger (8a) for cooling the purified feed mixture to approximately dewpoint temperature and a distillation column (9a) for low-temperature separation of the feed mixture. The direct contact cooler (3), the purification apparatus (4) and the low-temperature part (7) are arranged on one line (101).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Brox, Markus Huppenberger
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Patent number: 7503186Abstract: In a method of condensing an unprocessed well stream from an offshore gas or gas condensate field the well stream taken from one or more wellheads is cooled and directly expanded, isentropically, or near isentropically, to a state in which the pressure is close to that of a storage tank. Part of the well stream is condensed and condensed fractions thereof is drawn off the expander and fed to the storage tank along with condensation products from the exit of the expander. Hence, without any preprocessing, a condensed well stream product is produced which comprises a mixture of liquids and solids which is collected in the storage tank for transport therefrom to land. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The invention makes the condensation of an unprocessed well stream possible without any preprocessing thereof, such as extraction of solid particles, e.g. sands, removal of water, cleaning or drying.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Institutt for EnergiteknikkInventors: Istvan Bencze, Jan Bosio, Guttorm O. Endrestøl, Terje Sira, Dag Thomassen
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Patent number: 7500370Abstract: A method includes controlling a first process using a first process control system. The method also includes controlling a second process using a second process control system. The method further includes controlling the first and second process control systems together. In addition, the method includes optimizing at least one process objective using both the first and second process control systems. The first process can be a natural gas liquids production process, and the second process can be a liquefied natural gas production process. The process objective could include at least one of: profit, natural gas liquids quantity, natural gas liquids quality, liquefied natural gas quantity, and liquefied natural gas quality.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Brian A. Coward
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Publication number: 20090056371Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of deriching a stream of liquefied natural gas by extracting a natural gas liquid comprising inter alia the steps of: heating the stream of liquefied natural gas (1) in a first heat exchanger arrangement (5); splitting it into at least a first portion (17) and a second portion (19); passing the first portion (17) to a distillation column (21) and passing the second portion (19) to a second heat exchanger arrangement (26) and then supplying it (20) to the distillation column (21) from which a natural gas liquid stream (35) and an overhead vapour stream (40) are withdrawn; —passing the overhead vapour stream (40) to the second heat exchanger arrangement (26) to form an intermediate deriched condensate stream (49) of which at least a portion is thereafter passed to the distillation column.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2006Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Paramasivam Senthil Kumar
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Publication number: 20090031756Abstract: A method for cooling a natural gas stream (CxHy) and separating the cooled gas stream into various fractions having different boiling points, such as methane, ethane, propane, butane and condensates, comprises: cooling the gas stream (1,2); and separating the cooled gas stream in an inlet separation tank (4); a fractionating column (7) in which a methane lean rich fluid fraction (CH4) is separated from a methane lean fluid fraction (C2+Hz); feeding at least part of the methane enriched fluid fraction from the inlet separation tank (4) into a cyclonic expansion and separation device (8), which preferably has an isentropic efficiency of expansion of at least 80%, such as a supersonic or transonic cyclone; and feeding the methane depleted fluid fraction from the cyclonic expansion and separation device (8) into the fractionating column (7) for further separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2006Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Marco Betting, Jacob Michiel Brouwer, Pascal van Eck, Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink
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Patent number: 7484385Abstract: An ethane recovery process utilizing multiple reflux streams is provided. Feed gas is cooled, partially condensed, and separated into a first liquid stream and a first vapor stream. First liquid stream is expanded and sent to a demethanizer. First vapor stream is split into a first and a second separator vapor streams. First separator vapor stream is expanded and sent to demethanizer. Second separator vapor stream is partially condensed and is separated into a reflux separator liquid stream, which is sent to demethanizer, and a reflux separator vapor stream, which is condensed and sent to demethanizer. Demethanizer produces a tower bottom stream containing a substantial amount ethane and heavier components, and a tower overhead stream containing a substantial amount remaining lighter components and forms a residue gas stream. A portion of residue gas stream is cooled, condensed, and sent to the demethanizer tower as top reflux stream.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventors: Sanjiv N. Patel, Jorge H. Foglietta
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Patent number: 7475566Abstract: A process for the recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) from liquefied natural gas (LNG) is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is subjected to a two stage separation process where the bottoms from the first stage separation containing C2+ hydrocarbons is split into two portions, with one portion being heated and used as a reflux during the second stage separation to recover the NGL product.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Howe-Barker Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: Scott Schroeder, Kenneth Reddick, Noureddine Belhateche
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Publication number: 20080314079Abstract: A process is provided for denitrogenation of a crude LNG stream. A crude LNG stream comprising between about 1% and 10% nitrogen, and the remainder methane and heavier hydrocarbons, is expanded in a means for expansion, and cooled. Resultant crude LNG stream is introduced into nitrogen rejection column, wherein nitrogen content of LNG is reduced. A nitrogen-enriched vapor stream is withdrawn from top of the column, and a nitrogen-diminished liquid stream is withdrawn from bottom of the column. The nitrogen-diminished bottoms LNG stream is pumped to higher pressure and then divided into two streams. The second stream is reduced in pressure and then passed through reboiler heat exchanger, thus cooling the crude LNG stream. Partially vaporized second stream is reinjected into column at a level above the level of withdrawal of nitrogen-diminished bottoms LNG stream and below the level of introduction of crude LNG feed stream to provide column boilup.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventor: Adam Adrian Brostow
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Patent number: 7467527Abstract: The invention provides an installation for the production of hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide and/or a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, by separating a mixture to be processed (1) which contains at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Said installation comprises a production apparatus (9), for producing a feed mixture (3), a separating unit (BF), means for supplying the feed mixture to the separating unit, means for collecting hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide and/or a mixture of both products (7, 8), derived from the separating unit, means for drawing off at least one recycling gas (6) from the separating unit, means for returning said recycling gas upstream of the separating unit, for separating said gas simultaneously with the feed mixture from the production apparatus and means for modifying the rate and composition of said feed mixture, by modifying the operation of the production apparatus, according to the rate and composition of said at least one recycling gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Alain Briglia
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Publication number: 20080282731Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of heavier hydrocarbons from a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream is disclosed. The LNG feed stream is heated to vaporize at least part of it, then supplied to a fractionation column at a mid-column feed position. A vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from the fractionation column below the mid-column feed position and directed in heat exchange relation with the LNG feed stream, cooling the vapor distillation stream as it supplies at least part of the heating of the LNG feed stream. The vapor distillation 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. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered in the bottom liquid product from the column.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: Kyle T. Cuellar, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson
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Publication number: 20080271480Abstract: Contemplated plants include a refluxed absorber and a distillation column, wherein the absorber is operated at a higher pressure than the distillation column to thereby produce a cryogenic pressurized lean gas. The lean gas is further compressed to a pressure suitable for liquefaction using energy from feed gas vapor expansion. Desired separation of C2 products is ensured by temperature control of the absorber and distillation column using flow ratios of various streams within the plant, and by dividing the separation process into two portions at different pressures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: Fluor Technologies CorporationInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20080256977Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating the components of a multi-component gas stream comprising light and intermediate volatility components. The process includes contacting the multi-component gas stream with a lean solvent in an absorber to produce a light component overhead stream and a rich solvent bottoms stream, flashing the rich solvent bottoms stream in at least one reduced pressure stage, recycling the lean solvent to the absorber, heat exchange cooling of the light component overhead stream, using at least one pressure reduction device for auto-refrigeration cooling, vapor/liquid separating the light component overhead stream in a vapor/liquid separator, reheating a vapor product stream from the vapor/liquid separator against the light component overhead stream, and removing the condensed intermediate component liquid from the vapor/liquid separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Earle R. Mowrey, Thomas K. Gaskin
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Patent number: 7437891Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Ineos USA LLCInventors: Rian Reyneke, Michael J. Foral, Guang-Chung Lee, Wayne W. Y. Eng, Iain Sinclair, Jeffery S. Lodgson
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Publication number: 20080245100Abstract: Liquified petroleum gas or natural gas liquids may be recovered from liquified natural gas by receiving an input stream comprising substantially rich liquified natural gas, splitting the input stream into a direct stream and a bypass stream, heating the direct stream in a cross-exchanger to produce a stream of heat rich liquified natural gas, splitting the heated rich liquified natural gas into a primary column feed, an optional bypass stream and a secondary column feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: Aker Kvaerner, Inc.Inventor: Kamal Shah
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Publication number: 20080202162Abstract: A gas processing plant has a de-ethanizer and a refluxed absorber, wherein the absorber operates at higher pressure than the de-ethanizer, and wherein at least a portion of the absorber bottoms product is expanded to provide cooling for the absorber reflux stream and/or the distillation column feed stream. Especially contemplated gas processing plants include propane and ethane recovery plants, and where the gas processing plant is an ethane recovery plant, it is contemplated that the ethane product comprises no more than 500 ppm carbon dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20080202161Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting the heating value of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) are provided. LNG can be apportioned into at least two portions. A first portion can be warmed to provide a vapor-liquid mixture which can be separated in a first separator to provide a first vapor and a first liquid. The first liquid can be separated to provide ANGL and a second vapor. The first vapor can be compressed and mixed with the second vapor to provide a first effluent. At least a portion of the first effluent can be used to heat the first portion. At least a portion of the first effluent can be used as a first reflux in the first separator. At least a portion of the first effluent can be mixed with a second portion of the LNG to provide an adjusted LNG.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: JORGE JAVIER VAZQUEZ-ESPARRAGOZA, Joseph H. Cho, Heinz Kotzot, Felix J. Fernandez De La Vega, Charles Durr, Robert Burlingame
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Publication number: 20080190135Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20080190136Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the pressure of a fractionation tower and supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. A distillation vapor stream is withdrawn from the column below the feed point of the first stream and compressed to an intermediate pressure, and is then directed into heat exchange relation with the tower overhead vapor stream to cool the distillation stream and condense substantially all of it, forming a condensed stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: ORTLOFF ENGINEERS, LTD.Inventors: Richard N. Pitman, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Tony L. Martinez
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Patent number: 7404301Abstract: A single LNG facility, and operating method therefor, capable of efficiently producing LNG products that meet the varying specifications of different LNG markets.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Inventors: Shawn S. Huang, Harry J. Crofton, Jame Yao, Thomas M. Jones, Weldon Ransbarger, Philip C. Goundry
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Publication number: 20080163645Abstract: A natural gas processing method includes: a pretreatment process of obtaining a treated natural gas; an NGL recovery process of cooling the treated natural gas obtained in the pretreatment process to recover an NGL product composed of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons and to separate a lean gas; a sales gas production process of compressing a part of the lean gas separated in the NGL recovery process to obtain a high-pressure gas; and a natural gas liquefying process of cooling the high-pressure gas after the high-pressure gas is obtained by compressing the lean gas separated in the NGL recovery process, to thereby obtain the LNG product. In the natural gas processing method, a gas compressor used in the sales gas production process is used as a gas compressor in the natural gas liquefying process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: JGC CORPORATIONInventors: Hitoshi Konishi, Hidefumi Omori
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Publication number: 20080141713Abstract: Processes to separate a light hydrocarbon stream comprising ethylene, ethane, and C3+ hydrocarbons into an ethylene stream, an ethane stream, and a C3+ hydrocarbon stream, including: feeding the light hydrocarbon stream to a deethanizer; separating the light hydrocarbons in the deethanizer to form a C3+ hydrocarbon bottoms stream and a C2-rich overhead stream comprising ethylene and ethane; separating the C2-rich stream in a C2-rectifier to form a first ethylene stream and an ethane-rich bottoms stream; and separating the ethane-rich bottoms stream in a C2-splitter to form a second ethylene stream and an ethane stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Vijender Kumar Verma
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Publication number: 20080141712Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Vijender Kumar Verma
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Publication number: 20080134717Abstract: A method of cooling a hydrocarbon stream such as natural gas, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a feed stream; (b) passing the feed stream through a gas treatment stage comprising one or more (number: X) parallel gas treatment units, the feed stream being divided into two or more part-feed streams if there is more than one gas treatment unit, to provide one or more first treated streams; (c) passing the first treated stream or streams of step (b) through an NGL extraction stage comprising one or more (number: Y) parallel NGL extraction units, the first treated stream or streams being shared to match the number of NGL extraction units, to provide one or more second treated streams; and (d) passing the second treated stream or streams of step (c) through a cooling stage comprising one or more (number: Z) parallel cooling systems, the second treated stream or streams being shared to match the number of cooling systems, to provide a cooled hydrocarbon stream or streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Willem Dam, Casper Krijno Groothuis