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:
Aug. 08, 1989
Filed:
May. 17, 1988
Roy E Campbell, Midland, TX (US);
John D Wilkinson, Midland, TX (US);
Hank M Hudson, Midland, TX (US);
Elcor Corporation, Dallas, TX (US);
Abstract
A process for the recovery of propane and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the pressure of the distillation column. After expansion, the cooled first stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a warmer distillation stream rising from fractionation stages of the distillation column. The warmed first stream is then supplied to the column at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the column pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. The distillation stream is cooled by the first stream sufficiently to partially condense it. The partially condensed distillation stream is then separated to provide volatile residue gas and a reflux stream. The reflux stream is supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the C.sub.3 + components is recovered. Alternatively, control means may be adapted so that the major portion of the C.sub.2 + components is recovered.