TH78331A - Liquefaction of natural gas - Google Patents

Abstract

The DC60 unveils a process for liquefying natural gas, involving the production of a liquefied stream primarily composed of heavier hydrocarbons than methane. In this process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled and divided into two streams. The first stream is further cooled to ensure complete condensation, expanded to medium pressure, and then fed to the distillation column at the center feed of the first column. The second stream is also expanded to medium pressure and then fed to the distillation column at the center feed of the second lower column. The distillation stream is drawn from the column below the feed of the second stream and cooled to ensure at least a portion of it condenses, forming a reflux stream. At least a portion of this reflux stream is forced towards the distillation column as the top feed. The bottom product from this distillation column should primarily consist of any hydrocarbons heavier than methane; otherwise, the purity of the liquefied natural gas will be reduced. The remaining gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a high intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure for condensation, and then expanded to a low pressure for the formation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This process reveals a method for liquefying natural gas that involves the production of liquefied streams primarily composed of heavier hydrocarbons than methane. In this process, the natural gas stream to be liquefied is partially cooled and divided into a first and a second stream. The first stream is further cooled for significant total condensation, expanded to intermediate pressure, and then delivered to the distillation column at the center feed of the first column. The second stream is also expanded to intermediate pressure and then delivered to the distillation column at the center feed of the second lower column. The distillation stream is drawn from the column below the feed of the second stream and cooled for at least a portion of it to condense, forming a reflux stream. At least a portion of the reflux stream is forced towards the distillation column as the top feed. The bottom product from this distillation column should contain... The main component is any hydrocarbon heavier than methane, which, if not done, would reduce the purity of the liquefied natural gas. The remaining gas stream from the distillation column is compressed to a high intermediate pressure, cooled under pressure for condensation, and then expanded to a low pressure for the formation of the liquefied natural gas stream.

Claims (65)

1. In the process for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components, where (a) such stream is cooled under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and form a condensing stream, and (b) such condensing stream is expanded to a lower pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream, an improved process is performed where (1) such stream is treated in one or more cooling stages, (2) such cooled stream is at least divided into a first stream and a second stream, (3) such first stream is cooled to condense the entire stream significantly and is then expanded to a medium pressure, (4) such second stream is expanded to the same medium pressure, (5) such expanded first stream and such expanded second stream are forced into a distillation column where they are separated into a more volatile distillation stream and a relatively volatile distillation stream. (6) The vapor stream is drawn from the area of the distillation column below the second stream through the expansion stream and is cooled sufficiently to condense at least part of this stream, thus forming the residual vapor stream and the reflux stream. (7) This reflux stream is forced into the distillation column as the top feed stream. (8) This residual vapor stream is combined with the more volatile vapor stream to form the volatile residual gas, which is predominantly methane and lighter components, and (9) this volatile residual gas is cooled under pressure to condense at least part of this portion, thus forming the condensation stream. 2. Processes for liquefying natural gas streams containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which (a) such natural gas stream is cooled under pressure to at least partially condense the stream and form a condensing stream; and (b) such condensing stream is expanded to a lower pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream; Improvements in which (1) such natural gas stream is treated in one or more cooling steps to partially condense the stream; (2) such partially condensed natural gas stream is separated to provide a vapor stream and a liquid stream; (3) such vapor stream is at least divided into a first and a second stream; (4) such first stream is cooled to significantly condense the entire stream and then expanded to a medium pressure; (5) such second stream is expanded to the same medium pressure; (6) such liquid stream is expanded to the same medium pressure; (7) The first stream passes through the expansion stream, the second stream passes through the expansion stream, and the liquid stream through the expansion stream is forced into the distillation column, where it is separated into a more volatile vapor stream and a less volatile fraction, which is predominantly the heavier hydrocarbon components; (8) The vapor stream is drawn out from the region of the distillation column below the second stream through the expansion stream and is cooled sufficiently to cause at least a portion of it to condense, thus forming the residual vapor stream and the reflux stream; (9) The reflux stream is forced into the distillation column as the top feed stream; (10) The residual vapor stream is merged with the more volatile vapor stream to form the volatile residual gas, which is predominantly the methane and lighter components; and (11) The volatile residual gas is cooled under pressure to cause at least a portion of it to condense, thus forming the condensation stream. 3. Processes for liquefying natural gas streams containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which (a) such natural gas streams are cooled under pressure to at least partially condense the stream and form a condensing stream; and (b) such condensing streams are expanded to a lower pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream; Improved methods in which (1) such natural gas streams are treated in one or more cooling stages to partially condense the stream; (2) such partially condensed natural gas streams are separated to provide vapor and liquid streams; (3) such vapor streams are at least divided into a first and a second stream; (4) such first stream is cooled to significantly condense the entire stream and then expanded to a medium pressure; (5) such second stream is expanded to the same medium pressure; (6) such liquid streams are expanded to the same medium pressure and heated; (7) The first stream passes through the expansion, the second stream passes through the expansion, and the stream of liquid through the expansion and heating is forced into the distillation column, where it is separated into a more volatile vapor stream and a less volatile fraction, which is predominantly the heavier hydrocarbon components; (8) The vapor stream is drawn out from the region of the distillation column below the second stream of expansion and is cooled sufficiently to cause at least a portion of it to condense, thus forming the residual vapor stream and the reflux stream; (9) The reflux stream is forced into the distillation column as the top feed; (10) The residual vapor stream is merged with the more volatile vapor stream to form the volatile residual gas, which is predominantly the methane and lighter components; and (11) The volatile residual gas is cooled under pressure to cause at least a portion of it to condense, thus forming the condensation stream. 4. Processes for liquefying natural gas streams containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which (a) such natural gas streams are cooled under pressure to at least partially condense the stream and form a condensing stream; and (b) such condensing stream is expanded to a lower pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream; Further improvements in which (1) such natural gas streams are treated in one or more cooling steps to partially condense the stream; (2) such partially condensed natural gas streams are separated to provide vapor and liquid streams; (3) such vapor streams are at least divided into a first and a second stream; (4) such first stream is merged with at least a portion of the liquid stream to form a combined stream; (5) such combined stream is cooled to significantly condense the entire stream and then expanded to a medium pressure; (6) such second stream is expanded to the same medium pressure; (7) any remaining portions (8) The combined stream passes through the expansion, a second stream passes through the expansion, and the remainder passes through the expansion of the combined stream; these streams are forced into the distillation column, where they are separated into a more volatile vapor stream and a less volatile fraction, which is predominantly composed of the heavier hydrocarbons; (9) The vapor stream is drawn from the region of the distillation column below the second stream of expansion and is cooled sufficiently to cause at least a portion of it to condense, thus forming the residual vapor stream and the reflux stream; (10) The reflux stream is forced into the distillation column as the top feed; (11) The residual vapor stream is combined with the more volatile vapor stream to form the volatile residual gas, which is predominantly composed of the methane and lighter components; and (12) The volatile residual gas is cooled under pressure to form the volatile residual gas. At least a portion of this section condenses, and thus forms a current through this condensation. 5. A process for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which (a) such natural gas stream is cooled under pressure to at least partially condense the stream and form a condensing stream; and (b) such condensing stream is expanded to a lower pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream; an improvement in which (1) such natural gas stream is treated in one or more cooling steps to partially condense it; (2) such partially condensed natural gas stream is separated to provide a vapor stream and a liquid stream; (3) such vapor stream is at least divided into a first and a second stream; (4) such first stream is merged with at least a portion of the liquid stream to form a combined stream; (5) such combined stream is cooled to significantly condense the entire stream and then expanded to a medium pressure; (6) such second stream is expanded to the same medium pressure; (7) any remaining portion (8) The combined stream passes through the expansion, a second stream passes through the expansion, and the remainder passes through the expansion and heating of the combined stream. These streams are forced into the distillation column, where they are separated into a more volatile vapor stream and a less volatile fraction, which is predominantly composed of the heavier hydrocarbons; (9) The vapor stream is drawn from the region of the distillation column below the second stream passing through the expansion and is cooled sufficiently to cause at least a portion of it to condense, thus forming the residual vapor stream and the reflux stream; (10) The reflux stream is forced into the distillation column as the top feed; (11) The residual vapor stream is merged with the more volatile vapor stream to form the volatile residual gas, which is predominantly composed of the methane and lighter components; and (12) The volatile residual gas is cooled under pressure for further processing. At least a portion of this section condenses, and thus forms a current through this condensation. 6. Any of the processes under claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, in which a liquid distillate stream is drawn from the distillation column above the area from which the vapor distillate stream is drawn, and such liquid distillate stream is heated and subsequently forced back into the distillation column as a second feed stream below the area from which the vapor distillate stream is drawn. 7. Any of the processes under claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 whereby such reflux current is at least divided into a first and a second part, whereby the first part is forced into the distillation column as the top feed and the second part is delivered to the distillation column as another feed at the same feed site where the vapor distillation current is extracted. 8. The process under claim 6 whereby at least the reflux stream is divided into a first and a second part, whereby the first part is forced into the distillation column as the top feed and the second part is delivered to the distillation column as another feed at the same feed site where the vapor distillation stream is extracted. 9. Any of the processes under claims 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 in which the volatile remaining gaseous fraction is compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure to cause at least a portion of this fraction to condense and thus form a stream through such condensation. 10. The procedure under claim 6 in which the remaining volatile gas is compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this portion and thus form a stream through such condensation. 11. The procedure under claim 7 in which the remaining volatile gas is compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this portion and thus form a stream through such condensation. 12. The procedure under claim 8 in which the remaining volatile gas is compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this portion and thus form a stream through such condensation. 13. Any of the processes under claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 in which the volatile remaining gaseous fraction is heated, compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this fraction and thus form a stream through such condensation. 14. The procedure under claim 6 in which the remaining volatile gas is heated, compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a stream through such condensation. 15. The procedure under claim 7 in which the volatile remaining gaseous fraction is heated, compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a stream through such condensation. 16. The procedure under claim 8 in which the remaining volatile gas is heated, compressed and subsequently cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a stream through such condensation. 17. Any of the processes under Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, lighter components, and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 18. A process pursuant to claim 6 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 19. A process pursuant to claim 7 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 20. A process pursuant to claim 8 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 21. A process pursuant to claim 9 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 22. A process pursuant to claim 10 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 23. A process pursuant to claim 11 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, lighter components, and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 24. A process pursuant to claim 12 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 25. A process pursuant to claim 13 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, lighter components, and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 26. A process pursuant to claim 14 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, lighter components, and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 27. A process pursuant to claim 15 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, lighter components, and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 28. A process pursuant to claim 16 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, lighter components, and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group containing C2, C2+, and C3 components. 29. The device for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components consists of: (1) one or more first heat exchange pathways to receive the stream of natural gas and cool it under pressure; (2) a dividing pathway connected to the first heat exchange pathway to receive the stream of natural gas, pass it through the cooling, and divide it into first and second streams; (3) a second heat exchange pathway connected to the dividing pathway to receive the first stream and cool it sufficiently to cause it to be predominantly condensed; (4) a first expansion pathway connected to the second heat exchange pathway to receive the first stream, pass it through the predominantly condensed, and expand it to a medium pressure; (5) a second expansion pathway connected to the dividing pathway to receive the second stream and expand it to a medium pressure; (6) a distillation column connected to the first and second expansion pathways to receive the first stream through the expansion and the second stream through the expansion. (7) A vapor extraction pathway connected to the distillation column to receive the vapor extraction stream from the area of the distillation column below the second stream through the expansion pathway; (8) A third heat exchange pathway connected to the vapor extraction pathway to receive the vapor extraction stream and cool it sufficiently to cause at least part of it to condense; (9) A separation pathway connected to the third heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed and cooled distillation stream and separate it into a residual vapor stream and a reflux stream, with the separation pathway further connected to the distillation column to force the reflux stream into the distillation column as an upper feed; (10) A combining pathway connected to the distillation column and the separation pathway to receive the more volatile vapor extraction stream and the residual vapor stream and form the fraction. (11) A fourth heat exchange pathway is connected to the aforementioned aggregation pathway to receive the volatile residual gas, which is optimized to cool the volatile residual gas under pressure to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a condensing stream; (12) A third expansion pathway is connected to the fourth heat exchange pathway to receive the condensing stream and expand it to a low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream; and (13) A control pathway is optimized to control the volume and temperature of the feed stream for the distillation column to maintain the temperature in the upper part of the distillation column at a temperature that allows the recovery of the heavier hydrocarbons in the less volatile portion. 30. The device for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components consists of: (1) one or more first heat exchange pathways to receive the natural gas stream and cool it to a pressure sufficient to cause partial condensation; (2) a first separation pathway connected to the first heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed natural gas stream and separate it into a vapor and a liquid stream; (3) a division pathway connected to the first separation pathway to receive the vapor stream and divide it into at least two streams: a first and a second stream; (4) a second heat exchange pathway connected to the division pathway to receive the first stream and cool it to a pressure sufficient to cause majority condensation; (5) a first expansion pathway connected to the second heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed first stream and expand it to a pressure sufficient to cause partial condensation; (6) A second expansion pathway connected to the aforementioned splitting pathway to receive the aforementioned second stream and cause it to expand to the aforementioned intermediate pressure; (7) A third expansion pathway connected to the aforementioned first splitting pathway to receive the aforementioned liquid stream and cause it to expand to the aforementioned intermediate pressure; (8) A distillation column connected to the aforementioned first expansion pathway, the aforementioned second expansion pathway, and the aforementioned liquid stream through the expansion pathway, where the distillation column is constructed to be suitable for separating the aforementioned streams into a more volatile vapor distillation stream and a less volatile fraction, the majority of which consists of the aforementioned heavier hydrocarbons; (9) A vapor extraction pathway connected to the aforementioned distillation column to receive the vapor distillation stream from the area of the distillation column below the aforementioned second expansion stream; (10) A third heat exchange pathway connected to the aforementioned vapor extraction pathway to receive the aforementioned vapor distillation stream and cause it to be cooled sufficiently to cause at least a portion of it to condense; (11) A second separation pathway is connected to the third heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed and cooled distillation stream, and to separate this stream into the residual vapor stream and the reflux stream; this second separation pathway is further connected to the distillation column to force the reflux stream into the distillation column as the top feed stream; (12) A combining pathway is connected to the distillation column and the second separation pathway to receive the more volatile vapor distillation stream and the residual vapor stream, and to form the volatile residual gas, with the main component being methane and lighter components; (13) A fourth heat exchange pathway is connected to the combining pathway to receive the volatile residual gas, and this fourth heat exchange pathway is designed to cool the volatile residual gas under pressure so that at least part of it condenses and thus forms the condensation stream; (14) A fourth expansion pathway is connected to the fourth heat exchange pathway to receive the condensation stream. and causing this stream to expand to a lower pressure for the formation of the liquefied natural gas stream; and (15) a control pathway designed to optimize the volume and temperature of the feed stream for the distillation column in order to maintain the temperature in the upper part of the distillation column at a temperature that allows for the recovery of the main components of the heavier hydrocarbons in the less volatile portion. 31. The device for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components consists of: (1) one or more first heat exchange pathways to receive the natural gas stream and cool it to a pressure sufficient to cause partial condensation; (2) a first separation pathway connected to the first heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed natural gas stream and separate it into a vapor and a liquid stream; (3) a division pathway connected to the first separation pathway to receive the vapor stream and divide it into at least two streams: a first and a second stream; (4) a second heat exchange pathway connected to the division pathway to receive the first stream and cool it to a pressure sufficient to cause majority condensation; (5) a first expansion pathway connected to the second heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed first stream and expand it to a pressure sufficient to cause partial condensation; (6) A second expansion pathway connected to the aforementioned splitting pathway to receive the aforementioned second stream and cause this stream to expand to the aforementioned central pressure; (7) A third expansion pathway connected to the aforementioned first splitting pathway to receive the aforementioned liquid stream and cause this stream to expand to the aforementioned central pressure; (8) A heating pathway connected to the aforementioned third splitting pathway to receive the aforementioned liquid stream through the expansion and cause this stream to be heated; (9) A distillation column connected to the aforementioned first expansion pathway, the aforementioned second expansion pathway, and the aforementioned heating pathway to receive the first stream through the expansion, the second stream through the expansion, and the liquid stream through the expansion and cause this stream to be heated, where the distillation column is constructed to be suitable for separating this stream into a more volatile vapor distillation stream and a less volatile fraction, which mainly consists of the heavier hydrocarbon components; (10) A vapor extraction pathway connected to the aforementioned distillation column to receive the aforementioned vapor distillation stream from the area of the distillation column below the second stream through the expansion; (11) A third heat exchange pathway connected to the aforementioned vapor extraction pathway to (12) A second separation pathway is connected to the third heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed and cooled distillation stream, separating it into a residual vapor stream and a reflux stream. This second separation pathway is further connected to the distillation column to force the reflux stream into the distillation column as the top feed; (13) A combining pathway is connected to the distillation column and the second separation pathway to receive the more volatile distillation stream and the residual vapor stream, forming the volatile residual gas, primarily methane and lighter components; (14) A fourth heat exchange pathway is connected to the combining pathway to receive the volatile residual gas. This fourth heat exchange pathway is designed to cool the volatile residual gas under pressure to condense at least a portion of it, thus forming a condensation stream; (15) A fourth expansion pathway connected to the fourth heat exchange pathway to receive the condensing stream and cause it to expand to a low pressure for the formation of the liquefied natural gas stream; and (16) A control pathway designed to control the volume and temperature of the feed stream for the distillation column in order to maintain the temperature in the upper part of the distillation column at a temperature that allows for the recovery of the main components of the heavier hydrocarbons in the less volatile portion. 32. The device for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components consists of: (1) one or more first heat exchange pathways for receiving the natural gas stream and cooling it to a pressure sufficient to cause partial condensation; (2) a first separation pathway connected to the first heat exchange pathway for receiving the partially condensed natural gas stream and separating it into a vapor stream and a liquid stream; (3) a division pathway connected to the first separation pathway for receiving the vapor stream and separating it into at least two streams; (4) a first recombination pathway connected to the division pathway and the first separation pathway for receiving the first stream and at least a portion of the liquid stream and thus forming a combined stream; (5) a second heat exchange pathway connected to the first recombination pathway for receiving the combined stream and cooling it to a pressure sufficient to cause majority condensation; (6) a first expansion pathway connected to the second heat exchange pathway. (7) A second expansion pathway connected to the division pathway to receive the aforementioned second stream and cause this stream to expand to the aforementioned ... (12) A second separation pathway is connected to the third heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed and cooled distillation stream, separating it into a residual vapor stream and a reflux stream. This second separation pathway is further connected to the distillation column to force the reflux stream into the distillation column as the top feed; (13) A second combining pathway is connected to the distillation column and the second separation pathway to receive the more volatile distillation stream and the residual vapor stream, forming the volatile residual gaseous fraction, which is predominantly methane and lighter components; (14) A fourth heat exchange pathway is connected to the second combining pathway to receive the volatile residual gaseous fraction. This fourth heat exchange pathway is designed to cool the volatile residual gaseous fraction under pressure to condense it, thus forming a condensation stream; (15) A fourth expansion pathway connected to the fourth heat exchange pathway to receive the condensate stream and cause it to expand to a low pressure for the formation of the liquefied natural gas stream; and (16) A control pathway designed to optimize the volume and temperature of the feed stream for the distillation column in order to maintain the temperature in the upper part of the distillation column at a temperature that allows for the recovery of the major components of the heavier hydrocarbons in the less volatile portion. 33. The device for liquefying a stream of natural gas containing methane and heavier hydrocarbon components consists of: (1) one or more first heat exchange pathways for receiving the natural gas stream and cooling it to a pressure sufficient to cause partial condensation; (2) a first separation pathway connected to the first heat exchange pathway for receiving the partially condensed natural gas stream and separating it into a vapor stream and a liquid stream; (3) a division pathway connected to the first separation pathway for receiving the vapor stream and separating it into at least two first and second streams; (4) a first recombination pathway connected to the division pathway and to the first separation pathway for receiving the first stream and at least a portion of the liquid stream and thus forming a combined stream; (5) a second heat exchange pathway connected to the first recombination pathway for receiving the combined stream and cooling it to a pressure sufficient to cause majority condensation; (6) a first expansion pathway connected to the second heat exchange pathway. (7) A second expansion pathway connected to the first separation pathway to receive the aforementioned expansion stream and cause this stream to expand to the aforementioned ... (12) A third heat exchange pathway is connected to the vapor extraction pathway to receive the vapor distillation stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least part of it; (13) A second separation pathway is connected to the third heat exchange pathway to receive the partially condensed and cooled distillation stream and separate it into a residual vapor stream and a reflux stream, with this second separation pathway further connected to the distillation column to force the reflux stream into the distillation column as the top feed; (14) A second combining pathway is connected to the distillation column and the second separation pathway to receive the more volatile vapor distillation stream and the residual vapor stream and form the volatile residual gaseous fraction, which is predominantly methane and lighter components; (15) A fourth heat exchange pathway is connected to the second combining pathway to receive the volatile residual gaseous fraction, with this fourth heat exchange pathway being (16) A fourth expansion pathway connected to the fourth heat exchange pathway to receive the condensing stream and expand it to a low pressure to form the liquefied natural gas stream; and (17) A control pathway designed to control the volume and temperature of the feed stream for the distillation column to maintain the temperature in the upper part of the distillation column at a temperature that allows the major portion of the heavier hydrocarbons in the less volatile portion to be recovered. 34. The instrument according to claim 29, which consists of (1) a liquid extraction pathway connected to the distillation column for receiving the liquid distillation stream above the area from which the distillation stream is extracted; and (2) a heating pathway connected to the liquid extraction pathway for receiving the liquid distillation stream and heating it, which is further connected to the distillation column for forcing the distillation stream through the heating into the distillation column as an alternative feed below the area from which the distillation stream is extracted. 35. The instrument under claim 30, which consists of (1) a liquid extraction pathway connected to the distillation column for receiving the liquid distillation stream above the area from which the distillation stream is extracted; and (2) a heating pathway connected to the liquid extraction pathway for receiving the liquid distillation stream and heating it, which is further connected to the distillation column for forcing the distillation stream through the heating into the distillation column as an alternative feed below the area from which the distillation stream is extracted. 36. The instrument under claim 31, which consists of (1) a liquid extraction pathway connected to the distillation column for receiving the distillation stream above the area from which the distillation stream is extracted; and (2) a heating pathway connected to the liquid extraction pathway for receiving the distillation stream and heating it, which is further connected to the distillation column for forcing the distillation stream through the heating into the distillation column as an alternative feed below the area from which the distillation stream is extracted. 37. The instrument according to claim 32, which consists of (1) a liquid extraction pathway connected to the distillation column for receiving the distillation stream above the area from which the distillation stream is extracted; and (2) a heating pathway connected to the liquid extraction pathway for receiving the distillation stream and heating it, which is further connected to the distillation column for forcing the distillation stream through the heating into the distillation column as an alternative feed below the area from which the distillation stream is extracted. 38. The instrument according to claim 33, which consists of (1) a liquid extraction pathway connected to the distillation column for receiving the liquid distillation stream above the area from which the distillation stream is extracted; and (2) a heating pathway connected to the liquid extraction pathway for receiving the liquid distillation stream and heating it, which is further connected to the distillation column for forcing the distillation stream through the heating into the distillation column as an alternative feed below the area from which the distillation stream is extracted. 39. The instrument under claim 29, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 40. The instrument under claim 30, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least a first and a second part; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 41. The instrument under claim 31, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 42. The instrument under claim 32, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 43. The instrument under claim 33, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 44. The instrument under claim 34, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 45. The instrument under claim 35, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 46. The instrument under claim 36, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 47. The instrument under claim 37, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 48. The instrument under claim 38, which shall consist of (1) a second division pathway connected to such division pathway for the division of such reflux stream into at least the first and second parts; (2) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the forced introduction of such first part into such distillation column as an upper feed stream; and (3) such second division pathway further connected to such distillation column for the delivery of such second part to such distillation column at the same main feed location where such vapor distillation stream is drawn out. 49. Any device under any of the claims 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 39, 40, 41, 44, 45 or 46 shall consist of (1) a compression pathway connected to the aforementioned combining pathway for the intake of the volatile residual gas and its compression; and (2) a fourth heat exchange pathway connected to the aforementioned compression pathway for the intake of the volatile residual gas through such compression, where such fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to be suitable for the cooling of the volatile residual gas through such compression under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this portion and thus form a condensing flow. 50. Any device under any of the claims 32, 33, 37, 38, 42, 43, 47 or 48, which shall consist of (1) a compression pathway connected to the aforementioned second combining pathway for the reception of the volatile residual gas and its compression; and (2) a fourth heat exchange pathway connected to the aforementioned compression pathway for the reception of the volatile residual gas after such compression, where such fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to be suitable for the cooling of the volatile residual gas after such compression under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this portion and thus form such condensation flow. 51. Any instrument under any of the claims 29, 30, 39 or 40 shall consist of (1) a heating pathway connected to such combining pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas and heating it; (2) a compression pathway connected to such heating pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through such heating and compression; and (3) such fourth heat exchange pathway connected to such compression pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through such heating and compression, where such fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to allow the volatile residual gas, through such heating and compression, to be cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a condensate flow. 52. Any instrument under any of the claims 31, 34, 35, 41, 44 or 45 shall consist of (1) a second heating pathway connected to such combining pathway for the intake of the volatile residual gas and its heating; (2) a compression pathway connected to such second heating pathway for the intake of the volatile residual gas through such heating and its compression; and (3) such fourth heat exchange pathway connected to such compression pathway for the intake of the volatile residual gas through such heating and its compression, where such fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to allow the heating and compression of the volatile residual gas to be cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of this portion and thus form a condensate flow. 53. The instrument under claim 36 or 46, which shall consist of (1) a third heating pathway connected to such combining pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas and heating it; (2) a compression pathway connected to such third heating pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through such heating and compression; and (3) such fourth heat exchange pathway connected to such compression pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through such heating and compression, where such fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to allow the heating and compression of the volatile residual gas to be cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a flow through such condensation. 54. The instrument according to claim 32 or 42, which consists of (1) a heating pathway connected to the second combining pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas and heating it; (2) a compression pathway connected to the heating pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through the heating and compression; and (3) a fourth heat exchange pathway connected to the compression pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through the heating and compression, where the fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to allow the heating and compression of the volatile residual gas to be cooled under pressure so that at least a portion of it condenses and thus forms a condensate flow. 55. An instrument pursuant to any one of the claims 33, 37, 43 or 47, which shall consist of (1) a second heating pathway connected to such second combining pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas and heating it; (2) a compression pathway connected to such second heating pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through such heating and compression; and (3) such fourth heat exchange pathway connected to such compression pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through such heating and compression, where such fourth heat exchange pathway is constructed to allow the volatile residual gas, through such heating and compression, to be cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a condensate flow. 56. The instrument according to claim 38 or 48, which shall consist of (1) a third heating pathway connected to the second such combining pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas and heating it; (2) a compression pathway connected to the third such heating pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through the heating and compression it; and (3) a fourth such heat exchange pathway connected to the compression pathway for receiving the volatile residual gas through the heating and compression it, where the fourth such heat exchange pathway is constructed to allow the heating and compression of the volatile residual gas to be cooled under pressure in order to condense at least a portion of it and thus form a flow through such condensation. 57. Any instrument under Claim 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 or 48 where the said volatile gas residue has a principal component of methane, lighter components and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group consisting of C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 58. An apparatus pursuant to claim 49 in which the remaining volatile gaseous fraction consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 59. An apparatus pursuant to claim 50 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 60. An apparatus pursuant to claim 51 in which the remaining volatile gaseous fraction consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 61. The instrument pursuant to claim 52, in which the remaining volatile gaseous fraction consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 62. An apparatus pursuant to claim 53 in which the remaining volatile gaseous fraction consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 63. An apparatus pursuant to claim 54 in which the remaining volatile gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 64. An apparatus pursuant to claim 55 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components. 65. An apparatus pursuant to claim 56 in which the volatile residual gas consists primarily of methane, with lighter and heavier hydrocarbon components selected from a group comprising C2 and C2+ components and C3 components.