JP2012529623A5

JP2012529623A5 -

Info

Publication number: JP2012529623A5
Application number: JP2012514971A
Authority: JP
Filing date: 2010-05-17
Publication date: 2015-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-17

Description

本発明によれば、蒸留蒸気ストリーム及び液体ストリームからの入口ガスに利用可能な冷却を補足するために、特に、リッチ入口ガスの事例において、外部冷凍の使用が採用されてもよい。こうした事例において、加熱及び物質移動手段は、図２〜図５の点線によって示されるように分離器区域１１８ｆ（又は冷却されたフィード・ストリーム３１ａが液体を含まないときの事例においてはガス収集手段）の中に含まれてもよく、又は加熱及び物質移動手段は、図６〜図９の点線によって示されるように分離器１２の中に含まれてもよい。この加熱及び物質移動手段は、フィンアンドチューブ式熱交換器、プレート式熱交換器、ろう付アルミニウム式熱交換器、又は多管式熱交換器及び／又はマルチサービス熱交換器を含む他のタイプの熱伝達デバイスからなってもよい。加熱及び物質移動手段は、冷媒が蒸気をさらに冷却し且つ付加的な液体に凝縮し、下降してストリーム３５において除去される液体の部分となるように、加熱及び物質移動手段の１つの管を通して流れる冷媒ストリーム（例えばプロパン）と上方に流れるストリーム３１ａの蒸気部分との間の熱交換を提供するように構成される。代替的に、従来のガスチラー（単数又は複数）は、ストリーム３１ａが分離器区域１１８ｆ（図２〜図５）又は分離器１２（図６〜図９）に入る前にストリーム３２ａ、ストリーム３３ａ、及び／又はストリーム３１ａを冷媒で冷却するのに用いることができる。 According to the present invention, the use of external refrigeration may be employed, particularly in the case of rich inlet gas, to supplement the available cooling for the inlet gas from the distillation vapor and liquid streams. In such cases, the heating and mass transfer means may be a separator section 118f (or gas collection means in the case when the cooled feed stream 31a does not contain liquid) as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. Or heating and mass transfer means may be included in the separator 12 as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. This heating and mass transfer means can be fin and tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers, brazed aluminum heat exchangers, or other types including multi-tube heat exchangers and / or multi-service heat exchangers The heat transfer device may be used. The heating and mass transfer means passes through one tube of the heating and mass transfer means so that the refrigerant further cools the vapor and condenses into additional liquid and descends into a portion of the liquid that is removed in stream 35. It is configured to provide heat exchange between the flowing refrigerant stream (eg, propane) and the vapor portion of the upward flowing stream 31a. Alternatively, the conventional gas chiller (s) may be configured such that the stream 32a, the stream 33a, and the stream 31a before entering the separator section 118f (FIGS. 2-5) or the separator 12 (FIGS. 6-9), and It can be used to cool the stream 31a with a refrigerant.

Claims

A gas stream (31) containing methane, a C ₂ component, a C ₃ component, and a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50) , the C ₂ component, the C ₃ component, and a process for separating the relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing most of the hydrocarbon components of the hydrocarbon component or said C ₃ components and heavier heavier,
(1) The gas stream (31) is divided into a first part (32) and a second part (33) ;
(2) the first part (32) is cooled;
(3) the second part (33) is cooled;
(4) the cooled first portion (32a) is combined with the cooled second portion (33a) to form a cooled gas stream (31a, 34) ;
(5) The cooled gas stream (31a, 34) is divided into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39) ;
(6) The first stream (36) is cooled so that substantially all of the first stream (36) condenses and is then expanded to a lower pressure, whereby the first stream ( 36) is further cooled,
(7) A processing assembly (118 ) in which the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) contains first absorption means, second absorption means, heating and mass transfer means and one or more heat exchange means. ) Is supplied as a feed between the first absorption means and the second absorption means housed in the first absorption means, the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means,
(8) The second stream (39) is expanded to the lower pressure and supplied to the second absorption means as a bottom feed;
(9) A distilled liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorption means and heated in the heating and mass transfer means contained in the processing assembly (118) , whereby the Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream to the processing assembly ( 118) from the relatively low-volatile fraction (44) ,
(10) A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the heating and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the first distillation vapor stream, thereby condensing Forming a stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distillation steam stream is cooled;
(11) At least a portion of the condensed stream is fed to the first absorption means as a top feed;
(12) a second distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorption means and heated;
(13) said heated second distillation vapor stream, before SL combined with the residual vapor stream containing steam has not been any condensed to form a vapor stream combined,
(14) the combined vapor stream is heated, and then the heated and combined vapor stream is discharged from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50) ;
(15) the heating of the second distillation steam stream and the combined steam stream is accomplished in one or more heat exchange means housed in the processing assembly (118) ; This provides at least part of the cooling of step (2), step (6), and step (10),
(16) The amount and temperature of the feed stream to the first absorption means and the second absorption means is such that the temperature in the upper region of the first absorption means is the relatively low volatile fraction (44 ) most of the components in is effective in maintaining the temperature to be recovered,
process.

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 And a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing most of the components and heavier hydrocarbon components
A process for separating,
(1) The gas stream (31) is divided into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) the first part (32) is cooled;
(3) the second part (33) is cooled;
(4) the cooled first portion (32a) is combined with the cooled second portion (33a) to form a partially condensed gas stream (31a);
(5) The partially condensed gas stream (31a) is fed to a separation means and separated in the first separation means to produce a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream ( 35) and provide
(6) The steam stream (34) is divided into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39),
(7) The first stream (36) is cooled so that substantially all of the first stream (36) condenses and is then expanded to a lower pressure so that the first stream is Further cooled,
(8) A processing assembly (118) in which the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) contains a first absorption means, a second absorption means, a heating and mass transfer means, and one or more heat exchange means. ) Is supplied as a feed between the first absorption means and the second absorption means housed in the first absorption means, the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means,
(9) The second stream (39) is expanded to the lower pressure and supplied to the second absorption means as a bottom feed;
(10) A distilled liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorption means and heated in the heating and mass transfer means contained in the processing assembly (118), whereby the Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream to the processing assembly ( 118) from the relatively low-volatile fraction (44),
(11) At least a portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) is expanded to the lower pressure, below the second absorption means and above the heating and mass transfer means. Fed to the processing assembly (118) as a feed;
(12) A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the heating and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the first distillation vapor stream, thereby condensing Forming a stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distillation steam stream is cooled;
(13) at least a portion of the condensed stream is fed to the first absorption means as a top feed;
(14) a second distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorption means and heated;
(15) the heated second distillation vapor stream is combined with the residual vapor stream containing any uncondensed vapor to form a combined vapor stream;
(16) the combined vapor stream is heated, and then the heated and combined vapor stream is discharged from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(17) the heating of the second distillation steam stream and the combined steam stream is accomplished in one or more heat exchange means housed in the processing assembly (118); This provides at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), step (7), and step (12),
(18) The amount and temperature of the feed stream to the first absorption means and the second absorption means is such that the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means is reduced to the relatively low volatile fraction (44 Effective to maintain a temperature at which most of the components in
process.

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 And a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing most of the components and heavier hydrocarbon components
A process for separating,
(1) The gas stream (31) is divided into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) the first part (32) is cooled;
(3) the second part (33) is cooled;
(4) the cooled first portion (32a) is combined with the cooled second portion (33a) to form a partially condensed gas stream (31a);
(5) The partially condensed gas stream (31a) is fed to a separation means and separated in the first separation means to produce a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream ( 35) and provide
(6) The steam stream (34) is divided into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39),
(7) the first stream (36) is combined with at least a portion (37) of the at least one liquid stream (35) to form a combined stream (38);
(8) The combined stream (38) is cooled so that substantially all of the combined stream (38) condenses and is then expanded to a lower pressure, thereby the combined stream. (38) is further cooled,
(9) The processing assembly (118) in which the expanded, cooled and combined stream (38b) contains a first absorption means, a second absorption means, a heating and mass transfer means, and one or more heat exchange means. Supplied as a feed between the first absorption means and the second absorption means housed in the first absorption means, the first absorption means being positioned above the second absorption means,
(10) The second stream (39) is expanded to the lower pressure and supplied to the second absorption means as a bottom feed;
(11) A distilled liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorption means and heated in the heating and mass transfer means contained in the processing assembly (118), whereby the Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream to the processing assembly ( 118) from the relatively low-volatile fraction (44),
(12) Any remaining portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) is expanded to the lower pressure, below the second absorption means and above the heating and mass transfer means. Fed to the processing assembly (118) as a feed;
(13) A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the heating and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the first distillation vapor stream, thereby condensing Forming a stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distillation steam stream is cooled;
(14) at least a portion of the condensed stream is fed to the first absorption means as a top feed;
(15) a second distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorption means and heated;
(16) the heated second distillation vapor stream is combined with the residual vapor stream containing any uncondensed vapor to form a combined vapor stream;
(17) the combined vapor stream is heated, and then the heated and combined vapor stream is discharged from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(18) the heating of the second distillation steam stream and the combined steam stream is accomplished in one or more heat exchange means housed in the processing assembly (118); This provides at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), step (8), and step (13),
(19) The amount and temperature of the feed stream to the first absorption means and the second absorption means is such that the temperature in the upper region of the first absorption means is the relatively low volatile fraction (44 Effective to maintain a temperature at which most of the components in
process.

A process according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the separating means is housed in the processing assembly (118).

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 And a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing most of the components and heavier hydrocarbon components
A process for separating,
(1) The gas stream (31) is divided into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) the first part (32) is cooled;
(3) the second part (33) is cooled;
(4) the cooled first portion (32a) is combined with the cooled second portion (33a) to form a partially condensed gas stream (31a);
(5) The partially condensed gas stream (31a) is fed to a separation means and separated in the first separation means to produce a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream ( 35) and provide
(6) The steam stream (34) is divided into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39),
(7) The first stream (36) is cooled so that substantially all of the first stream (36) condenses and is then expanded to a lower pressure so that the first stream is Further cooled,
(8) A processing assembly (118) in which the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) contains a first absorption means, a second absorption means, a heating and mass transfer means, and one or more heat exchange means. ) Is supplied as a feed between the first absorption means and the second absorption means housed in the first absorption means, the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means,
(9) The second stream (39) is expanded to the lower pressure and supplied to the second absorption means as a bottom feed;
(10) A distilled liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorption means and heated in the heating and mass transfer means contained in the processing assembly (118), whereby the Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream to the processing assembly ( 118) from the relatively low-volatile fraction (44),
(11) (i) the heating and mass transfer means has an upper region and a lower region;
(Ii) at least a portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) is expanded to the lower pressure, and the expanded at least portion (40a) of the at least one liquid stream (35) is Supplied to the processing assembly (118), between the upper and lower regions of the heating and mass transfer means,
(12) A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the heating and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the first distillation vapor stream, thereby condensing Forming a stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distillation steam stream is cooled;
(13) at least a portion of the condensed stream is fed to the first absorption means as a top feed;
(14) a second distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorption means and heated;
(15) the heated second distillation vapor stream is combined with the residual vapor stream containing any uncondensed vapor to form a combined vapor stream;
(16) the combined vapor stream is heated, and then the heated and combined vapor stream is discharged from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(17) the heating of the second distillation steam stream and the combined steam stream is accomplished in one or more heat exchange means housed in the processing assembly (118); This provides at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), step (7), and step (12),
(18) The amount and temperature of the feed stream to the first absorption means and the second absorption means is such that the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means is reduced to the relatively low volatile fraction (44 Effective to maintain a temperature at which most of the components in
process.

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 And a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing most of the components and heavier hydrocarbon components
A process for separating,
(1) The gas stream (31) is divided into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) the first part (32) is cooled;
(3) the second part (33) is cooled;
(4) the cooled first portion (32a) is combined with the cooled second portion (33a) to form a partially condensed gas stream (31a);
(5) The partially condensed gas stream (31a) is fed to a separation means and separated in the first separation means to produce a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream ( 35) and provide
(6) The steam stream (34) is divided into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39),
(7) the first stream (36) is combined with at least a portion (37) of the at least one liquid stream (35) to form a combined stream (38);
(8) The combined stream (38) is cooled so that substantially all of the combined stream (38) condenses and is then expanded to a lower pressure, thereby the combined stream. (38) is further cooled,
(9) The processing assembly (118) in which the expanded, cooled and combined stream (38b) contains a first absorption means, a second absorption means, a heating and mass transfer means, and one or more heat exchange means. Supplied as a feed between the first absorption means and the second absorption means housed in the first absorption means, the first absorption means being positioned above the second absorption means,
(10) The second stream (39) is expanded to the lower pressure and supplied to the second absorption means as a bottom feed;
(11) A distilled liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorption means and heated in the heating and mass transfer means contained in the processing assembly (118), whereby the Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream to the processing assembly ( 118) from the relatively low-volatile fraction (44),
(12) (i) the heating and mass transfer means has an upper region and a lower region;
(Ii) any remaining portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) is expanded to the lower pressure, and any expanded remaining portion (40a) of the at least one liquid stream (35) , Supplied to the processing assembly (118), between the upper and lower regions of the heating and mass transfer means,
(13) A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the heating and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the first distillation vapor stream, thereby condensing Forming a stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distillation steam stream is cooled;
(14) at least a portion of the condensed stream is fed to the first absorption means as a top feed;
(15) a second distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorption means and heated;
(16) the heated second distillation vapor stream is combined with the residual vapor stream containing any uncondensed vapor to form a combined vapor stream;
(17) the combined vapor stream is heated, and then the heated and combined vapor stream is discharged from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(18) the heating of the second distillation steam stream and the combined steam stream is accomplished in one or more heat exchange means housed in the processing assembly (118); This provides at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), step (8), and step (13),
(19) The amount and temperature of the feed stream to the first absorption means and the second absorption means is such that the temperature in the upper region of the first absorption means is the relatively low volatile fraction (44 Effective to maintain a temperature at which most of the components in
process.

A process according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the separating means is housed in the processing assembly (118).

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and heavier hydrocarbon component or said C _３3 A process for separating the components and a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing a majority of the heavier hydrocarbon components,
(1) The gas stream (31) is divided into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) the first part (32) is cooled;
(3) the second part (33) is cooled;
(4) the cooled first portion (32a) is combined with the cooled second portion (33a) to form a cooled gas stream (31a);
(5) (i) The processing assembly (118) contains a gas collection means, a first absorption means, a second absorption means, a heating and mass transfer means and one or more heat exchange means,
(Ii) additional heating and mass transfer means is included within the gas collection means, the additional heating and mass transfer means including one or more conduits for an external refrigeration medium;
(Iii) the cooled gas stream (31a) is directed to the additional heating and mass transfer means to be supplied to the gas collection means and to be further cooled by the external refrigeration medium;
(Iv) the further cooled gas stream (34) is divided into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39);
(6) The first stream (36) is cooled so that substantially all of the first stream (36) condenses and is then expanded to a lower pressure, whereby the first stream ( 36) is further cooled,
(7) The expanded and cooled first stream (38b) is supplied as a feed between the first absorption means and the second absorption means housed in the processing assembly (118); One absorbing means is positioned above the second absorbing means;
(8) The second stream (39) is expanded to the lower pressure and supplied to the second absorption means as a bottom feed;
(9) A distilled liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the second absorption means and heated in the heating and mass transfer means contained in the processing assembly (118), whereby the Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream to the processing assembly ( 118) from the relatively low-volatile fraction (44),
(10) A first distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the heating and mass transfer means and cooled sufficiently to condense at least a portion of the first distillation vapor stream, thereby condensing Forming a stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distillation steam stream is cooled;
(11) At least a portion of the condensed stream is fed to the first absorption means as a top feed;
(12) a second distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the first absorption means and heated;
(13) the heated second distillation vapor stream is combined with the residual vapor stream containing any uncondensed vapor to form a combined vapor stream;
(14) the combined vapor stream is heated, and then the heated and combined vapor stream is discharged from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(15) the heating of the second distillation steam stream and the combined steam stream is accomplished in one or more heat exchange means housed in the processing assembly (118); This provides at least part of the cooling of step (2), step (6), and step (10),
(16) The amount and temperature of the feed stream to the first absorption means and the second absorption means is such that the temperature in the upper region of the first absorption means is the relatively low volatile fraction (44 Effective to maintain a temperature at which most of the components in
process.

(1) Additional heating and mass transfer means are included within the separation means, the additional heating and mass transfer means including one or more conduits for an external refrigeration medium,
(2) the vapor stream is directed to the additional heating and mass transfer means to be cooled by the external refrigeration medium to form additional condensation;
(3) The claim 2, claim 3, claim 6, claim 6, or claim 3, wherein the additional condensation becomes part of the at least one liquid stream (35) separated therein. Process according to 7.

(1) the condensed stream is divided into at least a first reflux stream (48) and a second reflux stream (49) ;
(2) the first reflux stream (48) is fed to the first absorption means as the top feed;
(3) The second reflux stream (49) is fed to the processing assembly (118) as a feed below the second absorption means and above the heating and mass transfer means. The process according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, claim 7, claim 8 or claim 9.

1 for an external heating medium, wherein the heating and mass transfer means supplements the heating provided by the second part (33) for the stripping of the more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream. In claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 7, claim 8, claim 9, or claim 10, comprising one or more conduits The process described.

A gas stream (31) containing methane, a C ₂ component, a C ₃ component, and a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and the C ₂ component, C ₃ component and more an apparatus for separating the relatively low volatility fractions containing most of the hydrocarbon components of the hydrocarbon component or said C ₃ components and heavier heavy (44),
(1) a first dividing means for dividing the gas stream (31) into a first part (32) and a second part (33) ;
(2) for cooling said first portion (32) of receiving and said first portion (32), heat exchange means, heat and mass transfer means, the first absorbing means, the second absorbing means, liquid collection Means, a heat exchange means housed in a processing assembly (118) containing the first steam collecting means and the second steam collecting means and connected to the first dividing means;
(3) connected to the means and dividing the first is housed in said processing assembly (118) for cooling said second portion (33) of the receiving and the second portion (33) Heating and mass transfer means;
(4) receiving said cooled first portion (32a) and said cooled second portion (33a ) and forming said cooled gas stream (31a, 34) with said heat exchange means; First combining means connected to the heating and mass transfer means;
(5) the to separate the cooling gas stream (31a, 34) and the receiving and the cooled gas stream (31a, 34) a first stream (36) second stream (39) a A second dividing means connected to one combining means;
(6) the heat exchange means cools the first stream (36) enough to receive the first stream (36) and substantially condense the first stream (36) ; Further connected to said second dividing means for
(7) connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the substantially condensed first stream (38a) and expanding the substantially condensed first stream (38a) to a lower pressure; First expansion means;
(8) In the processing assembly (118) for receiving the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) as a feed to and between the first absorbing means and the second absorbing means. a housed and the first connected to said expansion means first absorbing means and the second absorbing means, said first absorbing means is positioned above the said second absorbing means, first And a second absorption means,
(9) a second expansion means connected to said second, separate means for inflating said second accepts stream (39) and said second stream (39) to a lower said pressure Second expansion means further connected to the second absorption means to supply the expanded second stream as a bottom feed to the second absorption means;
(10) a liquid collecting means contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the second absorbent means for receiving a distilled liquid stream from a lower region of the second absorbent means;
(11) The heating and mass transfer means is further connected to the liquid collection means for receiving the distillation liquid stream and heating the distillation liquid stream, thereby simultaneously removing more volatile components from the distillation liquid stream. Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while stripping, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream from the processing assembly (118) to the relatively low volatility distillation. Dispense as minutes (44) ,
(12) a first steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the heating and mass transfer means for receiving a first distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the heating and mass transfer means; Collecting means;
(13) for the heat exchange means to cool the first distillation steam stream sufficient to receive the first distillation steam stream and condense at least a portion of the first distillation steam stream; Further connected to the first steam collecting means to form a condensed stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distilled steam stream has cooled. ,
(14) the first absorption means is further connected to the heat exchange means to receive at least a portion of the condensed stream as a top feed to the separation means;
(15) Second steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first absorbent means for receiving a second distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the first absorbent means. Collecting means;
(16) The heat exchange means is further connected to the second steam collecting means to receive the second distillation steam stream and heat the second distillation steam stream, thereby the step (13). Supply at least part of the cooling of the
(17) The connected to said heat exchange means to and form a combined vapor stream accepted the residual vapor stream containing the heated second distillation vapor stream and before Symbol vapor is not any condensed Two means of combining;
(18) The heat exchanging means is further connected to the second combining means to receive the combined steam stream and heat the combined steam stream, thereby the steps (2) and the steps Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of (6) and then discharging the heated combined vapor stream from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50) ;
(19) In order to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means at a temperature at which most of the components in the relatively low volatile fraction (44) are recovered, and Control means adapted to adjust the amount and temperature of the feed stream to the second absorption means;
A device comprising:

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 An apparatus for separating the components and a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing a majority of the heavier hydrocarbon components,
(1) a first dividing means for dividing the gas stream (31) into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) heat exchange means, heating and mass transfer means, first absorption means, second absorption means, liquid collection for receiving said first part (32) and cooling said first part (32) Means, a heat exchange means housed in a processing assembly (118) containing the first steam collecting means and the second steam collecting means and connected to the first dividing means;
(3) received in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first dividing means for receiving the second part (33) and cooling the second part (33); Heating and mass transfer means;
(4) the heat exchange means for receiving the cooled first portion (32a) and the cooled second portion (33a) and forming a partially condensed gas stream (31a); And a first combining means connected to the heating and mass transfer means;
(5) receiving the partially condensed gas stream (31a) and separating the partially condensed gas stream (31a) into a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream (35); Separating means connected to said first combining means for
(6) a second dividing means connected to the separating means for receiving the steam stream (34) and dividing it into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39);
(7) the heat exchanging means cools the first stream (36) enough to accept the first stream (36) and substantially condense the first stream (36); Further connected to said second dividing means for
(8) connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the substantially condensed first stream (38a) and expanding the substantially condensed first stream (38a) to a lower pressure; First expansion means;
(9) In the processing assembly (118) for receiving the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) as a feed to and between the first absorbing means and the second absorbing means. A first absorption means and a second absorption means housed and connected to the first expansion means, wherein the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means; And a second absorption means,
(10) second expansion means connected to the second dividing means for receiving the second stream (39) and expanding the second stream (39) to the lower pressure; Second expansion means further connected to the second absorption means for supplying the expanded second stream (39a) as a bottom feed to the second absorption means;
(11) liquid collection means housed in said processing assembly (118) and connected to said second absorption means for receiving a distilled liquid stream from a lower region of said second absorption means;
(12) The heating and mass transfer means is further connected to the liquid collection means for receiving the distillation liquid stream and heating the distillation liquid stream, thereby simultaneously removing more volatile components from the distillation liquid stream. Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while stripping, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream from the processing assembly (118) to the relatively low volatility distillation. Dispense as minutes (44),
(13) third expansion means connected to the separation means for receiving at least a portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) and expanding it to the lower pressure; A third expansion means is configured to supply the expanded liquid stream (40a) as a feed thereto below the second absorption means and above the heating and mass transfer means. A third expansion means further connected to (118);
(14) a first vapor collection means contained in the processing assembly and connected to the heating and mass transfer means for receiving a first distilled vapor stream from an upper region of the heating and mass transfer means; ,
(15) for the heat exchange means to cool the first distillation steam stream sufficient to receive the first distillation steam stream and condense at least a portion of the first distillation steam stream; Further connected to the first steam collecting means to form a condensed stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distilled steam stream has cooled. ,
(16) the first absorption means is further connected to the heat exchange means to receive at least a portion of the condensed stream as a top feed to the second separation means;
(17) second steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first absorbent means for receiving a second distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the first absorbent means; Collecting means;
(18) The heat exchange means is further connected to the second steam collecting means to receive the second distillation steam stream and heat the second distillation steam stream, thereby the step (15). Supply at least part of the cooling of the
(19) a second connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the heated second distillation steam stream and the residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam and forming a combined steam stream; Means to combine
(20) The heat exchanging means is further connected to the second combining means to receive the combined steam stream and heat the combined steam stream, thereby the steps (2) and the steps Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of (7) and then discharging the heated combined vapor stream from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(21) In order to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means at a temperature at which most of the components in the relatively low volatile fraction (44) are recovered, and Control means adapted to adjust the amount and temperature of the feed stream to the second absorption means;
A device comprising:

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 An apparatus for separating the components and a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing a majority of the heavier hydrocarbon components,
(1) a first dividing means for dividing the gas stream (31) into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) heat exchange means, heating and mass transfer means, first absorption means, second absorption means, liquid collection for receiving said first part (32) and cooling said first part (32) Means, a heat exchange means housed in a processing assembly (118) containing the first steam collecting means and the second steam collecting means and connected to the first dividing means;
(3) received in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first dividing means for receiving the second part (33) and cooling the second part (33); Heating and mass transfer means;
(4) the heat exchange means for receiving the cooled first portion (32a) and the cooled second portion (33a) and forming a partially condensed gas stream (31a); And a first combining means connected to the heating and mass transfer means;
(5) receiving the partially condensed gas stream (31a) and separating the partially condensed gas stream (31a) into a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream (35); Separating means connected to said first combining means for
(6) a second dividing means connected to the separating means for receiving the steam stream (34) and dividing it into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39);
(7) means for receiving said first stream (36) and at least a portion (37) of said at least one liquid stream (35) and said second dividing means to form a combined stream (38); A second combining means connected to the separating means;
(8) the heat exchanging means cools the combined stream (38) enough to accept the combined stream (38) and substantially condense the combined stream (38); Further connected to said second combining means for
(9) a first connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the substantially condensed and combined stream (38a) and expanding the substantially condensed and combined stream (38a) to a lower pressure; 1 expansion means;
(10) receiving the expanded, cooled and combined stream (38b) in the processing assembly (118) for receiving as a feed between the first and second absorbent means; And the first absorption means and the second absorption means connected to the first expansion means, wherein the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means. A second absorption means;
(11) second expansion means connected to the second dividing means for receiving the second stream (39) and expanding the second stream (39) to the lower pressure; Second expansion means further connected to the second absorption means for supplying the expanded second stream (39a) as a bottom feed to the second absorption means;
(12) a liquid collection means contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the second absorption means for receiving a distilled liquid stream from a lower region of the second absorption means;
(13) The heating and mass transfer means is further connected to the liquid collection means for receiving the distillation liquid stream and heating the distillation liquid stream, thereby simultaneously removing more volatile components from the distillation liquid stream. Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while stripping, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream from the processing assembly (118) to the relatively low volatility distillation. Dispense as minutes (44),
(14) third expansion means connected to the separation means for receiving and expanding any remaining portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) to the lower pressure; The third expansion means is configured to supply the expanded liquid stream (40a) as a feed thereto below the second absorption means and above the heating and mass transfer means. A third expansion means further connected to the solid (118);
(15) a first vapor collection means contained in the processing assembly and connected to the heating and mass transfer means for receiving a first distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the heating and mass transfer means; ,
(16) for the heat exchange means to cool the first distillation steam stream sufficient to receive the first distillation steam stream and condense at least a portion of the first distillation steam stream; Further connected to the first steam collecting means to form a condensed stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distilled steam stream has cooled. ,
(17) the first absorption means is further connected to the heat exchange means to receive at least a portion of the condensed stream as a top feed to the second separation means;
(18) second steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first absorbent means for receiving a second distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the first absorbent means; Collecting means;
(19) The heat exchange means is further connected to the second steam collecting means to receive the second distillation steam stream and heat the second distillation steam stream, thereby the step (16). Supply at least part of the cooling of the
(20) a third connected to the heat exchange means to receive the heated second distilled steam stream and the residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam and to form a combined steam stream; Means to combine
(21) The heat exchanging means is further connected to the third combining means to receive the combined steam stream and heat the combined steam stream, thereby the step (2) and the step Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of (8) and then discharging the heated combined vapor stream from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(22) In order to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means at a temperature at which most of the components in the relatively low volatile fraction (44) are recovered, and Control means adapted to adjust the amount and temperature of the feed stream to the second absorption means;
A device comprising:

15. An apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14 , wherein the separating means is housed in the processing assembly (118) .

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 An apparatus for separating the components and a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing a majority of the heavier hydrocarbon components,
(1) a first dividing means for dividing the gas stream (31) into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) heat exchange means, heating and mass transfer means, first absorption means, second absorption means, liquid collection for receiving said first part (32) and cooling said first part (32) Means, a heat exchange means housed in a processing assembly (118) containing the first steam collecting means and the second steam collecting means and connected to the first dividing means;
(3) received in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first dividing means for receiving the second part (33) and cooling the second part (33); Heating and mass transfer means;
(4) the heat exchange means for receiving the cooled first portion (32a) and the cooled second portion (33a) and forming a partially condensed gas stream (31a); And a first combining means connected to the heating and mass transfer means;
(5) receiving the partially condensed gas stream (31a) and separating the partially condensed gas stream (31a) into a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream (35); Separating means connected to said first combining means for
(6) a second dividing means connected to the separating means for receiving the steam stream (34) and dividing it into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39);
(7) the heat exchanging means cools the first stream (36) enough to accept the first stream (36) and substantially condense the first stream (36); Further connected to said second dividing means for
(8) connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the substantially condensed first stream (38a) and expanding the substantially condensed first stream (38a) to a lower pressure; First expansion means;
(9) In the processing assembly (118) for receiving the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) as a feed to and between the first absorbing means and the second absorbing means. A first absorption means and a second absorption means housed and connected to the first expansion means, wherein the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means; And a second absorption means,
(10) second expansion means connected to the second dividing means for receiving the second stream (39) and expanding the second stream (39) to the lower pressure; Second expansion means further connected to the second absorption means for supplying the expanded second stream (39a) as a bottom feed to the second absorption means;
(11) liquid collection means housed in said processing assembly (118) and connected to said second absorption means for receiving a distilled liquid stream from a lower region of said second absorption means;
(12) The heating and mass transfer means is further connected to the liquid collection means for receiving the distillation liquid stream and heating the distillation liquid stream, thereby simultaneously removing more volatile components from the distillation liquid stream. Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while stripping, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream from the processing assembly (118) to the relatively low volatility distillation. Dispense as minutes (44),
(13) (i) the heating and mass transfer means has an upper region and a lower region;
(Ii) third expansion means connected to the separation means for receiving at least a portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) and expanding it to the lower pressure; A third expansion means is used to supply at least a portion (40a) of the expanded liquid stream as a feed thereto between the upper and lower areas of the heating and mass transfer means. The third expansion means further connected to the assembly (118);
(14) a first steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the heating and mass transfer means for receiving a first distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the heating and mass transfer means; Collecting means;
(15) for the heat exchange means to cool the first distillation steam stream sufficient to receive the first distillation steam stream and condense at least a portion of the first distillation steam stream; Further connected to the first steam collecting means to form a condensed stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distilled steam stream has cooled. ,
(16) the first absorption means is further connected to the heat exchange means to receive at least a portion of the condensed stream as a top feed to the second separation means;
(17) second steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first absorbent means for receiving a second distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the first absorbent means; Collecting means;
(18) The heat exchange means is further connected to the second steam collecting means to receive the second distillation steam stream and heat the second distillation steam stream, thereby the step (15). Supply at least part of the cooling of the
(19) a second connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the heated second distillation steam stream and the residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam and forming a combined steam stream; Means to combine
(20) The heat exchanging means is further connected to the second combining means to receive the combined steam stream and heat the combined steam stream, thereby the steps (2) and the steps Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of (7) and then discharging the heated combined vapor stream from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(21) In order to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means at a temperature at which most of the components in the relatively low volatile fraction (44) are recovered, and Control means adapted to adjust the amount and temperature of the feed stream to the second absorption means;
A device comprising:

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 An apparatus for separating the components and a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing a majority of the heavier hydrocarbon components,
(1) a first dividing means for dividing the gas stream (31) into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) heat exchange means, heating and mass transfer means, first absorption means, second absorption means, liquid collection for receiving said first part (32) and cooling said first part (32) Means, a heat exchange means housed in a processing assembly (118) containing the first steam collecting means and the second steam collecting means and connected to the first dividing means;
(3) received in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first dividing means for receiving the second part (33) and cooling the second part (33); Heating and mass transfer means;
(4) the heat exchange means for receiving the cooled first portion (32a) and the cooled second portion (33a) and forming a partially condensed gas stream (31a); And a first combining means connected to the heating and mass transfer means;
(5) receiving the partially condensed gas stream (31a) and separating the partially condensed gas stream (31a) into a vapor stream (34) and at least one liquid stream (35); Separating means connected to said first combining means for
(6) a second dividing means connected to the separating means for receiving the steam stream (34) and dividing it into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39);
(7) means for receiving said first stream (36) and at least a portion (37) of said at least one liquid stream (35) and said second dividing means to form a combined stream (38); A second combining means connected to the separating means;
(8) the heat exchanging means cools the combined stream (38) enough to accept the combined stream (38) and substantially condense the combined stream (38); Further connected to said second combining means for
(9) a first connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the substantially condensed and combined stream (38a) and expanding the substantially condensed and combined stream (38a) to a lower pressure; 1 expansion means;
(10) receiving the expanded, cooled and combined stream (38b) in the processing assembly (118) for receiving as a feed between the first and second absorbent means; And the first absorption means and the second absorption means connected to the first expansion means, wherein the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means. A second absorption means;
(11) second expansion means connected to the second dividing means for receiving the second stream (39) and expanding the second stream (39) to the lower pressure; Second expansion means further connected to the second absorption means for supplying the expanded second stream (39a) as a bottom feed to the second absorption means;
(12) a liquid collection means contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the second absorption means for receiving a distilled liquid stream from a lower region of the second absorption means;
(13) The heating and mass transfer means is further connected to the liquid collection means for receiving the distillation liquid stream and heating the distillation liquid stream, thereby simultaneously removing more volatile components from the distillation liquid stream. Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while stripping, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream from the processing assembly (118) to the relatively low volatility distillation. Dispense as minutes (44),
(14) (i) the heating and mass transfer means has an upper region and a lower region;
(Ii) a third expansion means connected to the separation means for receiving any remaining portion (40) of the at least one liquid stream (35) and expanding it to the lower pressure; The third expansion means supplies any remaining portion (40a) of the expanded at least one liquid stream as a feed to it between the upper and lower areas of the heating and mass transfer means A third expansion means further connected to the processing assembly (118) to:
(15) a first vapor collection means contained in the processing assembly and connected to the heating and mass transfer means for receiving a first distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the heating and mass transfer means; ,
(16) for the heat exchange means to cool the first distillation steam stream sufficient to receive the first distillation steam stream and condense at least a portion of the first distillation steam stream; Further connected to the first steam collecting means to form a condensed stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distilled steam stream has cooled. ,
(17) the first absorption means is further connected to the heat exchange means to receive at least a portion of the condensed stream as a top feed to the second separation means;
(18) second steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first absorbent means for receiving a second distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the first absorbent means; Collecting means;
(19) The heat exchange means is further connected to the second steam collecting means to receive the second distillation steam stream and heat the second distillation steam stream, thereby the step (16). Supply at least part of the cooling of the
(20) a third connected to the heat exchange means to receive the heated second distilled steam stream and the residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam and to form a combined steam stream; Means to combine
(21) The heat exchanging means is further connected to the third combining means to receive the combined steam stream and heat the combined steam stream, thereby the step (2) and the step Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of (8) and then discharging the heated combined vapor stream from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(22) In order to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means at a temperature at which most of the components in the relatively low volatile fraction (44) are recovered, and Control means adapted to adjust the amount and temperature of the feed stream to the second absorption means;
A device comprising:

18. An apparatus according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the separating means is housed in the processing assembly (118).

Methane, C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Component, and a gas stream (31) containing a heavier hydrocarbon component, a volatile residual gas fraction (50), and said C _２2 Ingredient C _３3 Components and heavier hydrocarbon components or the C _３3 An apparatus for separating the components and a relatively low volatility fraction (44) containing a majority of the heavier hydrocarbon components,
(1) a first dividing means for dividing the gas stream (31) into a first part (32) and a second part (33);
(2) heat exchange means, heating and mass transfer means, gas collection means, first absorption means, second absorption to receive the first part (32) and cool the first part (32). Heat exchange means housed in a processing assembly (118) containing the means, liquid collecting means, first vapor collecting means and second vapor collecting means and connected to the first dividing means;
(3) received in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first dividing means for receiving the second part (33) and cooling the second part (33); Heating and mass transfer means;
(4) the heat exchange means and the heating to receive the cooled first portion (32a) and the cooled second portion (33a) and to form a cooled gas stream (31a); And a first combining means connected to the mass transfer means;
(5) (i) a gas collection means is contained in the processing assembly (118);
(Ii) additional heating and mass transfer means is included within the gas collection means, the additional heating and mass transfer means including one or more conduits for an external refrigeration medium;
(Iii) the gas collection means receives the cooled gas stream and the cooled gas stream (31a) to the additional heating and mass transfer means to be further cooled by the external refrigeration medium Connected to said first combining means for directing,
(Iv) a second dividing means connected to the gas collecting means for receiving the further cooled gas stream (34) and dividing it into a first stream (36) and a second stream (39); ,
(6) the heat exchange means cools the first stream (36) enough to receive the first stream (36) and substantially condense the first stream (36); Further connected to said second dividing means for
(7) connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the substantially condensed first stream (38a) and expanding the substantially condensed first stream (38a) to a lower pressure; First expansion means;
(8) In the processing assembly (118) for receiving the expanded and cooled first stream (38b) as a feed to and between the first absorbing means and the second absorbing means. A first absorption means and a second absorption means housed and connected to the first expansion means, wherein the first absorption means is positioned above the second absorption means; And a second absorption means,
(9) second expansion means connected to the second dividing means for receiving the second stream (39) and expanding the second stream (39) to the lower pressure; Second expansion means further connected to the second absorption means to supply the expanded second stream as a bottom feed to the second absorption means;
(10) a liquid collecting means contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the second absorbent means for receiving a distilled liquid stream from a lower region of the second absorbent means;
(11) The heating and mass transfer means is further connected to the liquid collection means for receiving the distillation liquid stream and heating the distillation liquid stream, thereby simultaneously removing more volatile components from the distillation liquid stream. Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while stripping, and then heating and stripping the distilled liquid stream from the processing assembly (118) to the relatively low volatility distillation. Dispense as minutes (44),
(12) a first steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the heating and mass transfer means for receiving a first distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the heating and mass transfer means; Collecting means;
(13) for the heat exchange means to cool the first distillation steam stream sufficient to receive the first distillation steam stream and condense at least a portion of the first distillation steam stream; Further connected to the first steam collecting means to form a condensed stream and a residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam remaining after the first distilled steam stream has cooled. ,
(14) the first absorption means is further connected to the heat exchange means to receive at least a portion of the condensed stream as a top feed to the separation means;
(15) Second steam contained in the processing assembly (118) and connected to the first absorbent means for receiving a second distillation vapor stream from an upper region of the first absorbent means. Collecting means;
(16) The heat exchange means is further connected to the second steam collecting means to receive the second distillation steam stream and heat the second distillation steam stream, thereby the step (13). Supply at least part of the cooling of the
(17) a second connected to the heat exchange means for receiving the heated second distillation steam stream and the residual steam stream containing any uncondensed steam and forming a combined steam stream; Means to combine
(18) The heat exchanging means is further connected to the second combining means to receive the combined steam stream and heat the combined steam stream, thereby the steps (2) and the steps Supplying at least a portion of the cooling of (6) and then discharging the heated combined vapor stream from the processing assembly (118) as the volatile residual gas fraction (50);
(19) In order to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the first absorption means at a temperature at which most of the components in the relatively low volatile fraction (44) are recovered, and Control means adapted to adjust the amount and temperature of the feed stream to the second absorption means;
A device comprising:

(1) Additional heating and mass transfer means are included within the separation means, the additional heating and mass transfer means including one or more conduits for an external refrigeration medium,
(2) the vapor stream is directed to the additional heating and mass transfer means to be cooled by the external refrigeration medium to form additional condensation;
(3) the additional condensation becomes part of the at least one liquid stream (35) separated therein;
An apparatus according to claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, or claim 18.

(1) a third dividing means for receiving said condensed stream and said heat exchange means for dividing said condensed stream into at least a first reflux stream (48) and a second reflux stream (49); Connected to
(2) the first absorption means is adapted to be connected to the third dividing means for receiving the first reflux stream (48) as the top feed to the third dividing means; ,
(3) The heating and mass transfer means is adapted to be connected to the third dividing means for receiving the second reflux stream (49) as a top feed to the third dividing means. ,
An apparatus according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, claim 18, claim 19, or claim 20.

One or more for an external heating medium, wherein the heating and mass transfer means supplements the heating supplied by the second part for the stripping of the more volatile components from the distilled liquid stream Apparatus according to claim 12, claim 13, claim 14, claim 15, claim 16, claim 17, claim 19, claim 20 or claim 21, comprising a conduit.