US 12,247,007 B2 · Reflux arrangement for distillation columns

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and/or methods for enabling a reflux process in one or more distillation columns. For example, various embodiments described herein can relate to a method that can utilize the column's feed stream to provide an internal reflux mechanism in the top portion of the distillation column. For instance, the method can include capturing overhead vapor from a distillation column. Additionally, the method can include comingling the overhead vapor with a feed stream. Further, the method can include partially condensing the feed stream to form a liquid hydrocarbon feed stream that is supplied to a top portion of the distillation column. In one or more embodiments, the comingling can incorporate reflux functionality into the liquid hydrocarbon feed stream to promote a rectification process in the top portion of the distillation column.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method, comprising:

capturing overhead vapor from a distillation column;
comingling the overhead vapor with a non-cooled feed stream;
and
partially condensing the non-cooled feed stream comingled with the overhead vapor to form a comingled liquid hydrocarbon feed stream from the non-cooled feed stream and the overhead vapor that is supplied to a top portion of the distillation column, wherein the comingling incorporates reflux functionality into the comingled liquid hydrocarbon feed stream to promote a rectification process in the top portion of the distillation column.

1 more element

A system, comprising:

a piping circuit coupled to a top section of a distillation column, wherein the piping circuit is configured to capture overhead vapor from the distillation column;
a control valve positioned along the piping circuit, wherein the control valve is configured to control introduction of the overhead vapor to a non-cooled feed stream, thereby comingling the non-cooled feed stream and the overhead vapor;
and
a cooling unit in fluid communication with the non-cooled feed stream comingled with the overhead vapor, wherein the cooling unit is configured to cool the non-cooled feed stream comingled with the overhead vapor, thereby partially condensing the non-cooled feed stream comingled with the overhead vapor to form a comingled liquid hydrocarbon feed stream from the non-cooled feed stream and the overhead vapor, wherein the piping circuit is further configured to supply the comingled liquid hydrocarbon feed stream to a top section of the distillation column, wherein the comingling incorporates reflux functionality into the comingled liquid hydrocarbon feed stream to promote a rectification process in the top portion of the distillation column.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Reflux arrangement for distillation columns

Life of this patent

Reflux arrangement for distillation columns

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15