Recovery of condensable organic compounds from inert gas streams laden

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy and equipment efficient cyclic process for the recovery of a condensable organic compound from an inert gas stream carrier. Such process comprises expansively cooling a gas in a turbine expander to effect a condensing separation and a recovery of the condensable organic compound from the relatively noncondensable inert gas component. The motive force required to pass the stream through the expander is advantageously supplied by a vacuum pump positioned after the corrosive condensables have been removed from the inert gas carrier stream. The inert gas component optionally may be passed from the vacuum pump into a compressor in order to effect its compressive heating prior to its passage into contact with the condensable organic compound to thereby effect its ladening therewith and a repetition of the cycle. Advantageously, the compressor or, alternatively, the vacuum pump, may be powered in part by the energy liberated from the expansive cooling of the organic compound-laden inert gas stream.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.