CA2448884A1 - Natural gas liquefaction - Google Patents

Natural gas liquefaction Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2448884A1
CA2448884A1 CA002448884A CA2448884A CA2448884A1 CA 2448884 A1 CA2448884 A1 CA 2448884A1 CA 002448884 A CA002448884 A CA 002448884A CA 2448884 A CA2448884 A CA 2448884A CA 2448884 A1 CA2448884 A1 CA 2448884A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
gas fraction
residue gas
volatile residue
receive
components
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
CA002448884A
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French (fr)
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CA2448884C (en
Inventor
John D. Wilkinson
Hank M. Hudson
Kyle T. Cuellar
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Ortloff Engineers Ltd
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Individual
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Priority to CA2746624A priority Critical patent/CA2746624C/en
Publication of CA2448884A1 publication Critical patent/CA2448884A1/en
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Publication of CA2448884C publication Critical patent/CA2448884C/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0228—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream
    • F25J3/0247—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream separation of CnHm with 4 carbon atoms or more
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0022—Hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0035—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by gas expansion with extraction of work
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    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/0042—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by liquid expansion with extraction of work
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    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0047—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0052—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream
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    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
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    • F25J1/0052—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream
    • F25J1/0057—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using an "external" refrigerant stream in a closed vapor compression cycle by vaporising a liquid refrigerant stream after expansion of the liquid refrigerant stream with extraction of work
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0211—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle
    • F25J1/0214—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle
    • F25J1/0215—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle
    • F25J1/0216—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process using a multi-component refrigerant [MCR] fluid in a closed vapor compression cycle as a dual level refrigeration cascade with at least one MCR cycle with one SCR cycle using a C3 pre-cooling cycle
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    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
    • F25J1/0235—Heat exchange integration
    • F25J1/0237—Heat exchange integration integrating refrigeration provided for liquefaction and purification/treatment of the gas to be liquefied, e.g. heavy hydrocarbon removal from natural gas
    • F25J1/0239—Purification or treatment step being integrated between two refrigeration cycles of a refrigeration cascade, i.e. first cycle providing feed gas cooling and second cycle providing overhead gas cooling
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/02—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures requiring the use of refrigeration, e.g. of helium or hydrogen ; Details and kind of the refrigeration system used; Integration with other units or processes; Controlling aspects of the process
    • F25J1/0228—Coupling of the liquefaction unit to other units or processes, so-called integrated processes
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    • F25J1/0237—Heat exchange integration integrating refrigeration provided for liquefaction and purification/treatment of the gas to be liquefied, e.g. heavy hydrocarbon removal from natural gas
    • F25J1/0239—Purification or treatment step being integrated between two refrigeration cycles of a refrigeration cascade, i.e. first cycle providing feed gas cooling and second cycle providing overhead gas cooling
    • F25J1/0241—Purification or treatment step being integrated between two refrigeration cycles of a refrigeration cascade, i.e. first cycle providing feed gas cooling and second cycle providing overhead gas cooling wherein the overhead cooling comprises providing reflux for a fractionation step
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    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0204—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the feed stream
    • F25J3/0209—Natural gas or substitute natural gas
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0228—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream
    • F25J3/0233—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream separation of CnHm with 1 carbon atom or more
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    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
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    • F25J3/0228—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream
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    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
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    • F25J3/0228—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream
    • F25J3/0242—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream separation of CnHm with 3 carbon atoms or more
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    • F25J2235/60—Processes or apparatus involving steps for increasing the pressure or for conveying of liquid process streams the fluid being (a mixture of) hydrocarbons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/02—Expansion of a process fluid in a work-extracting turbine (i.e. isentropic expansion), e.g. of the feed stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/30—Dynamic liquid or hydraulic expansion with extraction of work, e.g. single phase or two-phase turbine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2240/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for expanding of process streams
    • F25J2240/40—Expansion without extracting work, i.e. isenthalpic throttling, e.g. JT valve, regulating valve or venturi, or isentropic nozzle, e.g. Laval
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2245/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for recycling of process streams
    • F25J2245/02—Recycle of a stream in general, e.g. a by-pass stream
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/12—External refrigeration with liquid vaporising loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/60—Closed external refrigeration cycle with single component refrigerant [SCR], e.g. C1-, C2- or C3-hydrocarbons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2270/00—Refrigeration techniques used
    • F25J2270/66—Closed external refrigeration cycle with multi component refrigerant [MCR], e.g. mixture of hydrocarbons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2290/00—Other details not covered by groups F25J2200/00 - F25J2280/00
    • F25J2290/40—Vertical layout or arrangement of cold equipments within in the cold box, e.g. columns, condensers, heat exchangers etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)

Abstract

A process for liquefying natural gas (50) in conjunction with producing a liquid stream containing predominantly hydrocarbons heavier than methane (41 ) is disclosed. In the process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied (31) is partially cooled, expanded to an intermediate pressure (14,15), and supplied to a distillation column (19). The bottom product (41) from this distillatio n column preferentially contains the majority of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane that would otherwise reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas (50). The residual gas stream (37) from the distillation column (19) is compressed (16) to a higher intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure (60 ) to condense it, and then expanded (61) to low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream.

Claims

(6) said volatile residue gas fraction is cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
29. The improvement according to claim 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction is compressed and thereafter cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
30. The improvement according to claim 1 or 6 wherein (1) said volatile residue gas fraction is compressed and thereafter cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (2) said condensed portion is divided into at least two portions to form thereby said condensed stream and said liquid stream.
31. The improvement according to claim 2, 7, or 8 wherein (1) said volatile residue gas fraction is compressed and thereafter cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (2) said condensed portion is divided into at least two portions to form thereby said condensed stream and said second liquid stream.
32. The improvement according to claim 9 wherein said more volatile vapor distillation stream is compressed and thereafter combined with said vapor stream to form said volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
33. The improvement according to claim 10 wherein said more volatile vapor distillation stream is compressed and thereafter combined with said second vapor stream to form said volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
34. The improvement according to claim 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, or 28 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction is heated, compressed, and thereafter cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
35. The improvement according to claim 1 or 6 wherein (1) said volatile residue gas fraction is heated, compressed, and thereafter cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (2) said condensed portion is divided into at least two portions to form thereby said condensed stream and said liquid stream.
36. The improvement according to claim 2, 7, or 8 wherein (1) said volatile residue gas fraction is heated, compressed, and thereafter cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (2) said condensed portion is divided into at least two portions to form thereby said condensed stream and said second liquid stream.
37. The improvement according to claim 9 wherein said more volatile vapor distillation stream is heated, compressed, cooled, and thereafter combined with said vapor stream to form said volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
38. The improvement according to claim 10 wherein said more volatile vapor distillation stream is heated, compressed, cooled, and thereafter combined with said second vapor stream to form said volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
39. The improvement according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 37, or 38 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
40. The improvement according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 32, 33, 37, or 38 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
41. In an apparatus for the liquefaction of a natural gas stream containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being (a) one or more first heat exchange means cooperatively connected to receive said natural gas stream and cool it under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form a condensed stream; and (3) second expansion means connected to said separation means to receive said vapor stream and expand it to an intermediate pressure;
(4) third expansion means connected to said separation means to receive said liquid stream and expand it to said intermediate pressure;
(5) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded vapor stream and said expanded liquid stream, with said distillation column adapted to separate said streams into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said heavier hydrocarbon components;
(6) said first heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream; and (7) 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 portion of said heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.
69. The improvement according to claim 43, 44, 45, 67, or 68 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and compress it; and (2) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
70. The improvement according to claim 41 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and compress it;

(3) said second dividing means connected to said first heat exchange means to receive said condensed portion and divide it into at least two portions, forming thereby said condensed stream and said liquid stream, said second dividing means being further connected to said distillation column to direct said liquid stream into said distillation column as a top feed thereto.
73. The improvement according to claim 47 or 48 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and compress it;
(2) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (3) said second dividing means connected to said first heat exchange means to receive said condensed portion and divide it into at least two portions, forming thereby said condensed stream and said second liquid stream, said second dividing means being further connected to said distillation column to direct said second liquid stream into said distillation column as a top feed thereto.
74. The improvement according to claim 49 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said more volatile vapor distillation stream and compress it; and (2) said combining means connected to said separation means and said compressing means to receive said vapor stream and said compressed more volatile vapor distillation stream and combine them to form said volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
75. The improvement according to claim 50 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said more volatile vapor distillation stream and compress it; and (2) said combining means connected to said second separation means and said compressing means to receive said second vapor stream and said compressed more volatile vapor distillation stream and combine them to form a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
76. The improvement according to claim 51, 52, 55, or 56 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said contacting and separating means to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and compress it; and (2) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
77. The improvement according to claim 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66 wherein said apparatus includes (1) compressing means connected to said combining means to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and compress it; and (2) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
78. The improvement according to claim 43, 44, 45, 67, or 68 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it; and (3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
79. The improvement according to claim 41 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it;
(3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (4) said dividing means connected to said first heat exchange means to receive said condensed portion and divide it into at least two portions, forming thereby said condensed stream and said liquid stream, said dividing means being further connected to said distillation column to direct said liquid stream into said distillation column as a top feed thereto.
80. The improvement according to claim 42 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it;
(3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (4) said dividing means connected to said first heat exchange means to receive said condensed portion and divide it into at least two portions, forming thereby said condensed stream and said second liquid stream, said dividing means being further connected to said distillation column to direct said second liquid stream into said distillation column as a top feed thereto.
81. The improvement according to claim 46 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it;
(3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (4) said second dividing means connected to said first heat exchange means to receive said condensed portion and divide it into at least two portions, forming thereby said condensed stream and said liquid stream, said second dividing means being further connected to said distillation column to direct said liquid stream into said distillation column as a top feed thereto.
82. The improvement according to claims 47 or 48 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it;
(3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it; and (4) said second dividing means connected to said first heat exchange means to receive said condensed portion and divide it into at least two portions, forming thereby said condensed stream and said second liquid stream, said second dividing means being further connected to said distillation column to direct said second liquid stream into said distillation column as a top feed thereto.
83. The improvement according to claim 49 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said more volatile vapor distillation stream and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated more volatile vapor distillation stream and compress it;
(3) cooling means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated more volatile vapor distillation stream and cool it;
(4) said combining means connected to said separation means and said cooling means to receive said vapor stream and said cooled compressed more volatile vapor distillation stream and combine them to form a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
84. The improvement according to claim 50 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said distillation column to receive said more volatile vapor distillation stream and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated more volatile vapor distillation stream and compress it;
(3) cooling means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated more volatile vapor distillation stream and cool it;
(4) said combining means connected to said second separation means and said cooling means to receive said second vapor stream and said cooled compressed more volatile vapor distillation stream and combine them to form a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said methane and lighter components.
85. The improvement according to claims 51, 52, 55, or 56 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said contacting and separating means to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;

(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it; and (3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
86. The improvement according to claims 53, 54, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, or 66 wherein said apparatus includes (1) heating means connected to said combining means to receive said volatile residue gas fraction and heat it;
(2) compressing means connected to said heating means to receive said heated volatile residue gas fraction and compress it; and (3) said first heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction, with said first heat exchange means adapted to cool said compressed heated volatile residue gas fraction under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form thereby said condensed stream.
87. The improvement according to claim 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 79, 80, 81, 83, or 84, wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
88. The improvement according to claim 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 79, 80, 81, 83, or 84, wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
89. The improvement according to claim 29 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.

100. The improvement according to claim 36 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
101. The improvement according to claim 69 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
102. The improvement according to claim 73 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
103. The improvement according to claim 76 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
104. The improvement according to claim 77 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
105. The improvement according to claim 78 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
106. The improvement according to claim 82 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
107. The improvement according to claim 85 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
108. The improvement according to claim 86 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, and C2 components.
109. The improvement according to claim 69 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.

110. The improvement according to claim 73 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
111. The improvement according to claim 76 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
112. The improvement according to claim 77 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
113. The improvement according to claim 78 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
114. The improvement according to claim 82 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
115. The improvement according to claim 85 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
116. The improvement according to claim 86 wherein said volatile residue gas fraction contains a major portion of said methane, lighter components, C2 components, and C3 components.
CA2448884A 2001-06-08 2002-06-04 Natural gas liquefaction Expired - Lifetime CA2448884C (en)

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