The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 30, 2021
Filed:
Sep. 13, 2018
Applicant:
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA (US);
Inventors:
Assignee:
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, PA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
F25J 3/06 (2006.01); F25J 3/08 (2006.01); B01D 53/22 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
F25J 3/069 (2013.01); B01D 53/226 (2013.01); B01D 53/227 (2013.01); B01D 53/229 (2013.01); F25J 3/08 (2013.01); F25J 2200/06 (2013.01); F25J 2200/38 (2013.01); F25J 2200/40 (2013.01); F25J 2205/64 (2013.01); F25J 2205/80 (2013.01); F25J 2205/82 (2013.01); F25J 2215/30 (2013.01); F25J 2220/62 (2013.01); F25J 2220/66 (2013.01); F25J 2220/68 (2013.01); F25J 2260/60 (2013.01); F25J 2270/30 (2013.01); F25J 2280/10 (2013.01);
Abstract
A helium-containing stream is recovered from a natural gas feed using a membrane followed by multiple distillation steps. Refrigeration is provided by expanding a bottoms liquid with a higher nitrogen content than the feed, achieving a lower temperature in the process. The helium-enriched vapor is then purified and the helium-containing waste stream is recycled to maximize recovery and reduce the number of compressors needed. The helium-depleted natural gas stream can be returned at pressure for utilization or transportation.