Liquid Contact Patents (Class 62/625)
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Patent number: 11486636Abstract: A method to recover olefins and C2+ fractions from refineries gas streams. The traditional recovery methods employed at refineries are absorption with solvents and cryogenic technology using compression and expansion aided by external refrigeration systems. In contrast to known methods, there is provided first a pre-cooling heat exchanger on a feed line feeding the gas stream to a in-line mixer, secondly by injecting and mixing a stream of LNG to condense the C2+ fractions upstream of the fractionator. The temperature of the gas stream entering the fractionator is monitored downstream of the in-line mixer. A LNG stream is temperature controlled to flow through the injection inlet and mix with the feed gas at a temperature which results in the condensation of the C2+ fractions before entering the fractionator. A LNG reflux stream is temperature controlled to maintain fractionator overhead temperature. The fractionator bottoms temperature is controlled by a circulating reboiler stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignees: 1304338 ALBERTA LTD, 1304342 ALBERTA LTDInventors: Jose Lourenco, MacKenzie Millar
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Patent number: 11448460Abstract: One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a method for separating hydrogen from an olefin hydrocarbon rich compressed effluent vapor stream, employing a single heat exchanger, multiple gas-liquid separators, multiple expander/compressor sets, and a rectifier attached to a liquid product drum.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Enflex, Inc.Inventors: James Zhao, Shukui Zhao
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Patent number: 11428464Abstract: This specification relates to operating industrial facilities, for example, crude oil refining facilities or other industrial facilities that include operating plants that process natural gas or recover natural gas liquids.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Mahmoud Bahy Mahmoud Noureldin, Akram Hamed Mohamed Kamel, Abdulaziz A. AlNajjar
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Patent number: 11320196Abstract: This specification relates to operating industrial facilities, for example, crude oil refining facilities or other industrial facilities that include operating plants that process natural gas or recover natural gas liquids.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Mahmoud Bahy Mahmoud Noureldin, Akram Hamed Mohamed Kamel, Abdulaziz A. AlNajjar
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Patent number: 11320197Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Dale L. Embry, Paul R. Davies, Qi Ma, David W. Larkin, Michael J. Calderon
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Patent number: 11221138Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring and control of landfill and recycling operations provide an intelligent centralized platform for remote, real-time industrial data gathering and process control for management of landfill and recycling operations such as leachate, gas, water and other liquids. The system and method can directly upload machine data (such as liquid volumes, flows, level, equipment runtime, sorter data, status, etc) into a centralized platform. This data can be used for analytics and automation of processes and equipment control.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: WM Intellectual Property Holdings, L.L.C.Inventor: Dennis Craig Siegel
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Patent number: 11110389Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for separating the components of a multi-component gas stream comprising light and heavier volatility components with a variable composition. 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 a first, second and third reduced constant pressure of sequentially lower pressure wherein the released gas is compressed and a part is routed back to the absorber bottoms as stripping gas and a part is routed as a part of the heavier product stream. In this invention compressed vapor from the first or second reduced constant pressure rich solvent flash vessel is split by flow control between recycle routing to the absorber bottom stage as stripping gas and to the heavier product hydrocarbon stream, depending on the feed gas concentration of light component.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: BRECOR HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Thomas K. Gaskin, Earle R. Mowrey
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Patent number: 10947171Abstract: One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a method for separating hydrogen from an olefin hydrocarbon rich compressed effluent vapor stream, employing a single heat exchanger, multiple gas-liquid separators, multiple expander/compressor sets, and a rectifier attached to a liquid product drum.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Enflex, Inc.Inventors: James Zhao, Shukui Zhao
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Patent number: 10864476Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for separating the components of a multi-component gas stream comprising light and heavier volatility components with a variable composition. 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 a first, second and third reduced constant pressure of sequentially lower pressure wherein the released gas is compressed and a part is routed back to the absorber bottoms as stripping gas and a part is routed as a part of the heavier product stream. In this invention compressed vapor from the first or second reduced constant pressure rich solvent flash vessel is split by flow control between recycle routing to the absorber bottom stage as stripping gas and to the heavier product hydrocarbon stream, depending on the feed gas concentration of light component.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: BRECOR HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Thomas K. Gaskin, Earle R. Mowrey
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Patent number: 10859313Abstract: One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a method for separating hydrogen from an olefin hydrocarbon rich compressed effluent vapor stream, employing a single heat exchanger, multiple gas-liquid separators, multiple expander/compressor sets, and a rectifier attached to a liquid product drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: EnFlex, Inc.Inventors: James Zhao, Shukui Zhao
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Patent number: 10633305Abstract: One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a method for separating hydrogen from an olefin hydrocarbon rich compressed effluent vapor stream, employing a single heat exchanger, multiple gas-liquid separators, multiple expander/compressor sets, and a rectifier attached to a liquid product drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Enflex, Inc.Inventors: James Zhao, Shukui Zhao
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Patent number: 10464810Abstract: To obtain hydrogen from a gaseous C2minus feed, it is cooled from a first to a second temperature level at a first pressure level forming one or more condensates. A gaseous remainder is cooled to a third temperature level and subjected to a counterflow absorption at the first pressure level, obtaining a top gas rich in hydrogen and methane and a sump liquid. The former is heated and subjected to pressure swing adsorption at the first pressure level, forming a product stream rich in hydrogen and depleted in or free from methane. The condensate(s) and/or the sump liquid is/are expanded to and fed into a low pressure demethanizer at the second pressure level. The counterflow absorption is carried out using fluid taken from the demethanizer at the second pressure level, compressed in gaseous form to the first pressure level and cooled to the third temperature level.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Tuat Pham Duc, Paul Kuhn
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Patent number: 10427092Abstract: The invention is a process and apparatus for separating the components of a multi-component gas stream comprising light and heavier volatility components with a variable composition. 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 a first, second and third reduced constant pressure of sequentially lower pressure wherein the released gas is compressed and a part is routed back to the absorber bottoms as stripping gas and a part is routed as a part of the heavier product stream. In this invention compressed vapor from the first or second reduced constant pressure rich solvent flash vessel is split by flow control between recycle routing to the absorber bottom stage as stripping gas and to the heavier product hydrocarbon stream, depending on the feed gas concentration of light component.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: BRECOR HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Thomas K. Gaskin, Earle R. Mowrey
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Patent number: 10371442Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation method and a separation process system for easily recovering ethanol from an ethanol oligomerization reactant containing unreacted ethanol. A separation method according to the present invention may improve the economics and increase separation efficiency by easily refluxing ethylene while reducing or excluding the use of a reflux system which uses an expensive cooling medium, and the like, and may also improve process efficiency by reducing the amount of heat used by a reboiler.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Hoi In Jeong, Mi Kyung Kim, Jong Ku Lee, Jeong Seok Lee
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Patent number: 10352616Abstract: Enhanced low temperature separation (LTS) processes are provided for separating light hydrocarbon components from heavy hydrocarbon components. The enhanced LTS process utilizes an absorber and a de-ethanizer tower to achieve sufficiently pure natural gas liquid (NGL) products and residue gas products. A portion of the de-ethanizer tower overhead is condensed and recycled as reflux for the absorber. The enhanced LTS process requires less refrigeration of the feed gas stream yet still achieves increased recovery of the valuable heavier hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon gas streams. The enhanced LTS process also reduces compression requirements compared to conventional LTS processes.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Black & Veatch Holding CompanyInventor: Kevin L. Currence
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Patent number: 10240781Abstract: An apparatus and method for reclaiming uncondensed hydrocarbons normally exhausted to the atmosphere from a still column of a glycol dehydrator system, and combusting the uncondensed hydrocarbons in a burner assembly of a reboiler after the burner assembly has been ignited by fuel gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Inventors: D. Jeffrey Hill, J. Scott Hill, E. Todd Wiggins
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Patent number: 10215485Abstract: In a method and apparatus for treating a hydrocarbon stream having methane, at least a part of the hydrocarbon stream and a main refrigerant stream are cooled by indirect heat exchanging against a pre-cooling refrigerant. The pre-cooled hydrocarbon stream is passed to a first inlet of an extraction column, and an effluent stream is discharged from the extraction column. The effluent stream and at least a part of the pre-cooled main refrigerant stream are passed to a further heat exchanger, where they are both cooled thereby providing a cooled methane-enriched hydrocarbon stream and at least one cooled main refrigerant stream. The passing of the effluent stream to the further heat exchanger and the passing of the pre-cooled hydrocarbon stream to the first inlet of the extraction column includes indirectly heat exchanging the effluent stream against the pre-cooled hydrocarbon stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventors: Francois Chantant, Wouter Jan Meiring
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Patent number: 10082331Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Megan V. Evans, Nasir Ali, Jon M. Mock, Jame Yao, Sriram Ramani
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Patent number: 9844751Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing absorbable gases from pressurized industrial gases contaminated with absorbable gases, without supplying cooling energy. The method includes an industrial gas that is to be purified is purified by an absorbent solvent, the absorbable gases situated therein being removed by the solvent, and the loaded solvent is passed to a stripping stage in which the absorbed gas is desorbed again, and the desorbed gas is compressed, in such a manner that it is heated by the compression, whereupon it is cooled to standard temperature by means of cooling water or cooling air, then expanded, in such a manner that it cools and this cooled desorption gas is again returned to the industrial gas, in such a manner that said industrial gas is also cooled by the admixture.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AGInventor: Johannes Menzel
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Patent number: 9791210Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for recovering helium from a feed comprising helium, carbon dioxide, and at least one intermediate component having a volatility between those of helium and carbon dioxide. In particular, processes of the present invention comprise separating the carbon dioxide and the components of intermediate volatility from the helium at a temperature greater than ?82.7° C. to form a helium-rich product stream, wherein the concentration of at least one of the intermediate components in the helium-rich product stream is lower than its concentration in the feed stream, and wherein at least part of the separation is effected by contacting a vapor with a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Paul Higginbotham, Vincent White, John Eugene Palamara
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Patent number: 9725644Abstract: Y-Grade NGL fracturing systems and methods of using Y-Grade NGL stimulation fluids.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: John A. Babcock, Marcus Guzmann
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Patent number: 9534837Abstract: A process for recovery of natural gas liquids is disclosed, the process including: fractionating a gas stream comprising nitrogen, methane, ethane, and propane and other C3+ hydrocarbons into at least two fractions including a light fraction comprising nitrogen, methane, ethane, and propane, and a heavy fraction comprising propane and other C3+ hydrocarbons; separating the light fraction into at least two fractions including a nitrogen-enriched fraction and a nitrogen-depleted fraction in a first separator; separating the nitrogen-depleted fraction into a propane-enriched fraction and a propane-depleted fraction in a second separator; feeding at least a portion of the propane-enriched fraction to the fractionating as a reflux; recycling at least a portion of the propane-depleted fraction to the first separator. In some embodiments, the nitrogen-enriched fraction may be separated in a nitrogen removal unit to produce a nitrogen-depleted natural gas stream and a nitrogen-enriched natural gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventor: Michael Malsam
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Patent number: 9513050Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Bruno Berthome, Laurent Perru, Fabrice Rivoal
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Patent number: 9266059Abstract: A contaminant gas is removed from a feed gas in two absorption and stripping circuits operated in tandem. The gas is first passed through a rich gas absorber producing a rich absorption liquor from which contaminant gas is stripped in a rich liquor stripper. A lean gas exiting the rich gas absorber is passed through a lean gas absorber, producing a lean absorption liquor from which contaminant gas is stripper in a lean liquor stripper. Regenerated absorption media exiting the respective strippers are recirculated to the respective absorbers.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: MECS, INC.Inventor: Ernesto Vera-Castañeda
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Patent number: 9074815Abstract: A process for recovery of natural gas liquids is disclosed, the process including: fractionating a gas stream comprising nitrogen, methane, ethane, and propane and other C3+ hydrocarbons into at least two fractions including a light fraction comprising nitrogen, methane, ethane, and propane, and a heavy fraction comprising propane and other C3+ hydrocarbons; separating the light fraction into at least two fractions including a nitrogen-enriched fraction and a nitrogen-depleted fraction in a first separator; separating the nitrogen-depleted fraction into a propane-enriched fraction and a propane-depleted fraction in a second separator; feeding at least a portion of the propane-enriched fraction to the fractionating as a reflux; recycling at least a portion of the propane-depleted fraction to the first separator. In some embodiments, the nitrogen-enriched fraction may be separated in a nitrogen removal unit to produce a nitrogen-depleted natural gas stream and a nitrogen-enriched natural gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventor: Michael Malsam
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Patent number: 8959952Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a mixture comprising at least carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. According to said method, the mixture is separated by a first separating means, at least one liquid fraction of the chamber of the separating means is sent to a product stripper, and at least part of the liquid fraction is sent from the product stripper to a CO/CH4 separating column in order to produce a methane-enriched liquid flow and a gaseous flow enriched with carbon monoxide. The process is carried out under cold conditions at least partially as a result of a carbon monoxide cycle, said cycle at least partially ensuring the condensation at the top of the CO/CH4 separating column and/or the reboiling in the chamber of the product stripper and/or the reboiling in the chamber of the CO/CH4 separating column and/or the cooling of the mixture for the first separating means.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Arthur Darde, Natacha Haik-Beraud, Antoine Hernandez, Guillaume Teixeira
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Patent number: 8821615Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for treating a gas mixture containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, including the following steps: deacidificating the gas mixture by bringing the gas mixture into contact with a first lean absorbent solution stream, delivering a deacidified gas mixture, and a first rich absorbent solution stream; regenerating the first rich absorbent solution stream, delivering the first lean absorbent solution stream and a sour gas stream; distillating the sour gas stream, delivering a first carbon-dioxide-rich stream and a hydrogen-sulphide-rich stream; purifying the first carbon-dioxide-rich stream by bringing the first carbon-dioxide-rich stream into contact with a second lean absorbent solution stream, delivering a second carbon-dioxide-rich stream and a second rich absorbent solution stream, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the second carbon-dioxide-rich stream being greater than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the first carbon-dioxide-rich stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Total S.A.Inventors: Claire Weiss, Renaud Cadours, Kamal Bouzalmata
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Patent number: 8640495Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a carbon monoxide-containing product from a feed containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen and optionally argon. The carbon monoxide-containing product is produced using a hydrogen stripping column for forming a hydrogen-enriched vapor and a hydrogen-freed liquid, a nitrogen separation fractionator for forming a nitrogen-enriched vapor and a nitrogen-depleted liquid containing carbon monoxide and methane from the hydrogen-freed liquid, and a carbon monoxide/methane separation fractionator for forming the carbon monoxide containing product and a methane-enriched liquid from the nitrogen-depleted liquid. At least part of the nitrogen separation fractionator condenser duty provides the feed vaporization duty and reboiler duty for the carbon monoxide/methane separation fractionator, thereby reducing the energy requirement for the separation.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Ait Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Brian Alfred McNeil
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Patent number: 8590340Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ortoff Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: Richard N. Pitman, John D. Wilkinson, Joe T. Lynch, Hank M. Hudson, Tony L. Martinez
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Patent number: 8555673Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating a mixture containing carbon monoxide, nitrogen and hydrogen by cryogenic distillation in a separation system which includes a denitrification column and at least another column. The method can include separating the mixture in order to obtain a fluid enriched with carbon monoxide and containing nitrogen, separating the fluid in the denitrification column, pressurizing the carbon monoxide flow from the column in a compressor up to a high pressure, collecting a fraction of carbon monoxide flow to be used as a product, expanding an amount of the high-pressure carbon monoxide flow in a valve prior to supplying it to the denitrification column, and varying the flow expanded in the valve according to re-boiling needs of the denitrification column.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société pour l'Étude et l'Éxploitation des Procédés Georges ClaudeInventors: Arthur Darde, Antoine Hernandez
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Publication number: 20120240617Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for treating a gas mixture containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, including the following steps: deacidificating the gas mixture by bringing the gas mixture into contact with a first lean absorbent solution stream, delivering a deacidified gas mixture, and a first rich absorbent solution stream; regenerating the first rich absorbent solution stream, delivering the first lean absorbent solution stream and a sour gas stream; distillating the sour gas stream, delivering a first carbon-dioxide-rich stream and a hydrogen-sulphide-rich stream; purifying the first carbon-dioxide-rich stream by bringing the first carbon-dioxide-rich stream into contact with a second lean absorbent solution stream, delivering a second carbon-dioxide-rich stream and a second rich absorbent solution stream, the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the second carbon-dioxide-rich stream being greater than the molar concentration of carbon dioxide in the first carbon-dioxide-rich stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: TOTAL S.A.Inventors: Claire Weiss, Renaud Cadours, Kamal Bouzalmata
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Publication number: 20120103013Abstract: Dividing wall fractional distillation columns and methods of operating these columns with greater flexibility, especially in terms of the ability to adjust the composition of the heartcut, intermediate or sidecut product fraction, are described. In particular, this composition may be advantageously “biased” toward higher or lower molecular weight components, depending on operating needs. Changes in feedstock composition may also be managed more effectively. These benefits are obtained by varying the flow rate of vapor and liquid to each side of the dividing wall. The vapor flowrate rising from an undivided portion of the column interior below the dividing wall is varied to the feed and/or product sections on opposite sides of the dividing wall. Also, the liquid flowrate falling from an undivided portion of the column interior above the dividing wall is varied to the feed and/or product sections on opposite sides of the dividing wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: STEPHEN THOMAS KING, Joe Haas
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Publication number: 20120000246Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: Tony L. Martinez, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
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Patent number: 7973209Abstract: Processing schemes and arrangements for the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and obtaining light olefins substantially free of carbon dioxide via amine treatment and employing fractionation processing are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Gavin P. Towler, John P. Brady, William J. Lechnick, Michael A. Schultz
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Patent number: 7883569Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas; and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Donald Leo Stinson
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Patent number: 7875759Abstract: A process for extracting natural gas liquids (NGLs) from natural gas that involves contacting natural gas from one source with crude, or heavy, oil from a different source under conditions that promote enrichment of the crude or heavy oil with NGLs from the natural gas. Apart from functioning as an absorbent fluid, the crude or heavy oil also functions as the carrier medium for the absorbed. NGLs. When practicing the process, unlike conventional methods, there is no need to regenerate the absorbent fluid, in this case the crude and heavy oil, for recycling.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Rafael Bin Mohd Shamsudin
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Publication number: 20100287985Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: Ortloff Engineers, Ltd.Inventors: Tony L. Martinez, John D. Wilkinson, Hank M. Hudson, Kyle T. Cuellar
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Publication number: 20100281916Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for removing acidic contaminants and C2+-hydrocarbons from a feed gas stream (1) containing methane and acidic contaminants and C2+-hydrocarbons, the process comprising cooling (2) the feed gas stream to a temperature at which solid acidic contaminants are formed and a liquid comprising C2+-hydrocarbons and acidic contaminants as well as a methane enriched gaseous phase, separating (3) a gaseous stream (5) from the solids and liquid, introducing solids and liquid in the upper part of a separation/washing zone (4), the separation/washing zone comprising a downwardly moving bed of solids and removing solids at the lower end of the separation/washing zone, separating liquid from the solids through one or more openings (9) at a position between the upper part and the lower end of the separation/washing zone, and introducing at a position below the one or more openings an upwardly moving washing liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Rick Van Der Vaart
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Patent number: 7806965Abstract: Produced natural gas containing carbon dioxide is dehydrated and chilled to liquefy the carbon dioxide and then fractionated to produce a waste stream of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas liquids may be first separated and removed before fractionation. After fractionation, the waste stream is pressurized and transmitted to a remote injection well for injection either for disposal of the waste stream and preferably to urge hydrocarbons toward the producing well. A hydrocarbon stream proceeds from fractionation to a methanol absorber system which removes carbon dioxide gas. The hydrocarbon stream is thereafter separated into at least hydrocarbon gas, nitrogen and helium. Some of the nitrogen is reintroduced into a fractionation tower to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A methanol recovery system is provided to recover and reuse the methanol. The hydrocarbons are sold as natural gas and the helium is recovered and sold. Excess nitrogen is vented.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Donald Leo Stinson
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Publication number: 20100223952Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a carbon monoxide-containing product from a feed containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen and optionally argon. The carbon monoxide-containing product is produced using a hydrogen stripping column for forming a hydrogen-enriched vapor and a hydrogen-freed liquid, a nitrogen separation fractionator for forming a nitrogen-enriched vapor and a nitrogen-depleted liquid containing carbon monoxide and methane from the hydrogen-freed liquid, and a carbon monoxide/methane separation fractionator for forming the carbon monoxide containing product and a methane-enriched liquid from the nitrogen-depleted liquid. At least part of the nitrogen separation fractionator condenser duty provides the feed vaporization duty and reboiler duty for the carbon monoxide/methane separation fractionator, thereby reducing the energy requirement for the separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventor: Brian Alfred McNeil
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Patent number: 7713497Abstract: A natural gas liquid plant includes a separator (103) that receives a cooled low pressure feed gas (4), wherein the separator (103) is coupled to an absorber (108) and a demethanizer (110). Refrigeration duty of the absorber (108) and demethanizer (110) are provided at least in part by expansion of a liquid portion of the cooled low pressure feed gas (4) and an expansion of a liquid absorber bottom product (19), wherein ethane recovery is at least 85 mol % and propane recovery is at least 99 mol %. Contemplated configurations are especially advantageous as upgrades to existing plants with low pressure feed gas where high ethane recovery is desirable.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Fluor Technologies CorporationInventor: John Mak
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Publication number: 20100071411Abstract: A method for separating a mixture of carbon monoxide, nitrogen, hydrogen and optionally methane by cryogenic distillation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: L'Air Liquide SocieteAnonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Arthur Darde, Antoine Hernandez
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Publication number: 20100024477Abstract: The separation of methane from an admixture (110) with ethane and higher hydrocarbons, especially natural gas, using a scrub column (114), in which the admixture is separated into a methane-rich overhead (116) that is partially condensed (122) to provide reflux to the column (114) and liquid methane-depleted bottoms liquid (126), is improved by providing additional reflux (136) derived from an ethane enriched stream (130) from fractionation (128) of the bottoms liquid. Preferably, absorber liquid (140) from the fractionation (128) also is introduced into the scrub column. The vapor fraction (120) remaining after partial condensation can be liquefied (122) to provide LNG product (124).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Mark Julian Roberts, Adam Adrian Brostow
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Publication number: 20100000255Abstract: Contemplated configurations and methods for gas processing use a refluxed absorber that receives a liquid and a vapor hydrocarbon feed. The absorber further receives a stripping medium that is at least in part formed from a vapor portion of a stabilizer overhead and also receives a scrubbing medium that is at least in part formed from a liquid portion of the stabilizer overhead. Most preferably, the absorber overhead is maintained at a temperature near or even below the hydrate point of the feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2007Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: John Mak
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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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Patent number: 7617701Abstract: In a process for producing a mixture containing at least 10% carbon monoxide (73) by cryogenic separation of a feed gas containing at least carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methane, the feed gas (1) is separated to produce a first gas enriched in hydrogen (71), the feed gas is scrubbed in a methane wash column (7), a carbon monoxide enriched stream (13) from the bottom of the methane wash column is separated (19) to produce a stream further enriched in carbon monoxide (23), the stream further enriched in carbon monoxide is separated to form a carbon monoxide rich stream (31,49) and a liquid methane stream (27), at least part (72) of the carbon monoxide rich stream is mixed with the first gas enriched in hydrogen to form the mixture containing at least 10% carbon monoxide as a product stream.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Jean Billy, Natacha Haik-Beraud, Jean Gallarda, Franck Wegrzyn
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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: 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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Patent number: 7530236Abstract: An apparatus and process for removing natural gas liquids from an liquid natural gas (LNG) stream, specifically recovering at least 90% of ethane from the LNG, utilizing the low-level heat available in an LNG terminal.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Rajeev Nanda
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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