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:
Apr. 06, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 04, 1997
Jorge Hugo Foglietta, Missouri City, TX (US);
ABB Randall Corporation, Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
A process for separating the components of a feed gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbons is shown in which a recycle stream is used to satisfy the heat requirements of the process while at the same time providing a reflux to a demethanizer column to improve product recovery. The inlet gas stream is fed to a separator without first splitting the stream. A first vapor portion and a first liquid portion are produced by the separator with the first vapor portion being supplied, after expansion, to the demethanizer column at an intermediate feed position. The first liquid portion from the separator is expanded and supplied to the demethanizer column at a relatively lower feed position. Overhead vapor is removed from the column and compressed to a higher pressure. The resulting compressed recycle stream is cooled sufficiently to substantially condense it and is supplied as reflux to the demethanizer column at a top feed position.