US 2006/0032269 A1 · Hydrocarbon gas processing

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein following cooling, said cooled stream is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(6) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

11 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein following cooling, said cooled stream is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(6) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(7) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

12 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled and thereafter expanded to said lower pressure and supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded cooled second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(6) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

11 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled and thereafter expanded to said lower pressure and supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded cooled second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(6) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(7) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

12 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is combined with at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream, and said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled combined stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is combined with at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream, and said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled combined stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(4) said partially condensed second stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(5) said vapor stream is expanded to said lower pressure and supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded vapor stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(4) said partially condensed second stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(5) said vapor stream is expanded to said lower pressure and supplied to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from a region of said distillation column below said expanded vapor stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) an overhead vapor stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein following cooling, said cooled stream is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(6) said overhead vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

11 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein following cooling, said cooled stream is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(6) said overhead vapor stream is combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(7) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

12 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled and thereafter expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(6) said overhead vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

11 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled and thereafter expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(4) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(5) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(6) said overhead vapor stream is combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(7) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

12 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(9) said overhead vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(9) said overhead vapor stream is combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is combined with at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream, and said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled combined stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(9) said overhead vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;
and
(1) said partially condensed gas stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(2) said vapor stream is thereafter divided into first and second streams;
(3) said first stream is combined with at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream, and said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(4) said expanded cooled combined stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(5) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(9) said overhead vapor stream is combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(4) said partially condensed second stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(5) said vapor stream is expanded to said lower pressure and supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(9) said overhead vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling, of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process

(a) said gas stream is cooled under pressure to provide a cooled stream;
(b) said cooled stream is expanded to a lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
and
(c) said further cooled stream is directed into a distillation column and fractionated at said lower pressure whereby the components of said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered;
the improvement wherein prior to cooling, said gas is divided into first and second streams;
and
(1) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to said lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;
(2) said expanded cooled first stream is thereafter supplied at a first mid-column feed position to a contacting and separating device that produces an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream, whereupon said bottom liquid stream is supplied to said distillation column;
(3) said second stream is cooled under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(4) said partially condensed second stream is separated thereby to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(5) said vapor stream is expanded to said lower pressure and supplied to said contacting and separating device at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a third mid-column feed position;
(7) a vapor distillation stream is withdrawn from an upper region of said distillation column and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream;
(8) at least a portion of said condensed stream is supplied to said contacting and separating device at a top feed position;
(9) said overhead vapor stream is combined with said residual vapor stream to form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combined vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heated, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating device are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating device at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(4) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(5) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream;
(6) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(7) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(8) said distillation column being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (6), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(9) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

12 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(4) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(5) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream;
(6) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(7) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(8) combining means connected to said distillation column and said separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(9) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (6), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

13 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to cool it;
(5) said first expansion means being connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded cooled second stream;
(7) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(8) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) said distillation column being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

13 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to cool it;
(5) said first expansion means being connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded cooled second stream;
(7) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(8) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(9) combining means connected to said distillation column and said separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(5) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquid stream to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream;
(9) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(10) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(11) said distillation column being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (9), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(12) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(5) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquid stream to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream;
(9) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(10) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(11) combining means connected to said distillation column and said second separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(12) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (9), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(13) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

16 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) combining means connected to said dividing means and said first separating means to receive said first stream and at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;
(5) second cooling means connected to said combining means to receive said combined stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(6) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled combined stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(7) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(8) third expansion means being connected to said first separating means to receive any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquid stream to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(9) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream;
(10) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(11) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(12) said distillation column being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (10), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(13) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

16 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) first combining means connected to said dividing means and said first separating means to receive said first stream and at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;
(5) second cooling means connected to said first combining means to receive said combined stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(6) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled combined stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(7) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded second stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(8) third expansion means being connected to said first separating means to receive any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquid stream to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(9) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded second stream;
(10) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(11) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(12) second combining means connected to said distillation column and said second separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(13) said second combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (10), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(14) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

17 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said first dividing means to receive said second stream, said first cooling means being adapted to cool said second stream under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(5) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed second stream and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded vapor stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquid stream to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded vapor stream;
(9) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(10) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(11) said distillation column being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (9), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(12) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into an overhead vapor stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said distillation column at a first mid-column feed position;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said first dividing means to receive said second stream, said first cooling means being adapted to cool said second stream under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(5) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed second stream and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded vapor stream to said distillation column at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquid stream to said distillation column at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from a region of said distillation column below said expanded vapor stream;
(9) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(10) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;
(11) combining means connected to said distillation column and said second separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(12) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (9), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(13) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperature of said distillation column at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

16 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(4) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(5) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(6) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(7) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(8) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(9) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(10) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

13 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(4) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(5) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(6) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(7) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(8) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(9) combining means connected to said contacting and separating means and said separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(10) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (7), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to cool it;
(5) said first expansion means being connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(7) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(8) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(9) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(10) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (8), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(11) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

14 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to cool it;
(5) said first expansion means being connected to said first cooling means to receive said cooled second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(6) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(7) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(8) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(9) separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(10) combining means connected to said contacting and separating means and said separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(11) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (8), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(12) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

15 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(5) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded liquid stream to said contacting and separating means at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(9) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(10) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(11) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(12) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (10), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(13) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

16 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(5) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded liquid stream to said contacting and separating means at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(9) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(10) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(11) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(12) combining means connected to said contacting and separating means and said second separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(13) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (10), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(14) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

17 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) combining means connected to said dividing means and said first separating means to receive said first stream and at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;
(5) second cooling means connected to said combining means to receive said combined stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(6) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled combined stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(7) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(8) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded liquid stream to said contacting and separating means at a third mid-column feed position;
(9) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(10) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(11) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(12) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(13) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (11), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(14) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

17 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) said first cooling means being adapted to cool said feed gas under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(2) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed feed and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(3) dividing means connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to divide it into first and second streams;
(4) first combining means connected to said dividing means and said first separating means to receive said first stream and at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;
(5) second cooling means connected to said first combining means to receive said combined stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(6) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled combined stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(7) said first expansion means being connected to said dividing means to receive said second stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded second stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(8) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive any remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded liquid stream to said contacting and separating means at a third mid-column feed position;
(9) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(10) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(11) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(12) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(13) second combining means connected to said contacting and separating means and said second separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(14) said second combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (11), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(15) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

18 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said first dividing means to receive said second stream, said first cooling means being adapted to cool said second stream under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(5) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed second stream and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded vapor stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded liquid stream to said contacting and separating means at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(9) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(10) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(11) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(12) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said overhead vapor stream separated therein into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said overhead vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (10), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated overhead vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(13) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

16 more elements

In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C2 components, C3 components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being

(a) a first cooling means to cool said gas under pressure connected to provide a cooled stream under pressure;
(b) a first expansion means connected to receive at least a portion of said cooled stream under pressure and to expand it to a lower pressure, whereby said stream is further cooled;
and
(c) a distillation column connected to receive said further cooled stream, said distillation column being adapted to separate said further cooled stream into a vapor distillation stream and said relatively less volatile fraction;
the improvement wherein said apparatus includes
(1) dividing means prior to said first cooling means to divide said feed gas into first and second streams;
(2) second cooling means connected to said dividing means to receive said first stream and to cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;
(3) second expansion means connected to said second cooling means to receive said substantially condensed first stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to a contacting and separating means to supply said expanded cooled first stream to said contacting and separating means at a first mid-column feed position, said contacting and separating means being adapted to produce an overhead vapor stream and a bottom liquid stream;
(4) said first cooling means being connected to said first dividing means to receive said second stream, said first cooling means being adapted to cool said second stream under pressure sufficiently to partially condense it;
(5) first separating means connected to said first cooling means to receive said partially condensed second stream and to separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;
(6) said first expansion means being connected to said first separating means to receive said vapor stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said first expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded vapor stream to said contacting and separating means at a second mid-column feed position;
(7) third expansion means connected to said first separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and to expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply said expanded liquid stream to said contacting and separating means at a third mid-column feed position;
(8) said distillation column being connected to said contacting and separating means to receive at least a portion of said bottom liquid stream;
(9) vapor withdrawing means connected to said distillation column to receive a vapor distillation stream from an upper region of said distillation column;
(10) heat exchange means connected to said vapor withdrawing means to receive said vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;
(11) second separating means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said partially condensed distillation stream and separate it, thereby forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream, said second separating means being further connected to said contacting and separating means to supply at least a portion of said condensed stream to said contacting and separating means at a top feed position;
(12) combining means connected to said contacting and separating means and said second separating means to receive said overhead vapor stream and said residual vapor stream and form a combined vapor stream;
(13) said combining means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said combined vapor stream into heat exchange relation with said vapor distillation stream and heat said combined vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (10), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said heated combined vapor stream as said volatile residue gas fraction;
and
(14) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means to maintain the overhead temperature of said contacting and separating means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

17 more elements

Hydrocarbon gas processing

Life of this patent

Hydrocarbon gas processing

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims46