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New Recycle Process Scheme For High Ethane Recovery
New Recycle Process Scheme For High Ethane Recovery
The innovation of this process is that it does This paper describes the process fundamentals
not use the typical inlet gas feed split type of of this development and the different options of
flow arrangement to reboil the demethanizer or application. It also describes the flexibility of
deethanizer column, but instead uses an open operation in ethane rejection or recovery mode,
heat pump scheme to that effect. The residue the required process controls, and the
gas compressor provides the heat pump effect. simplicity to retrofit or revamp old units.
The heat pump stream is then further cooled
and entered in the top section of the column as PROCESS FUNDAMENTALS
a cold reflux. Product recoveries are above
95% for ethane plus product, or 99% for LPG Traditionally, cryogenic plants provide
production. Because of the nature of this reboiling to demethanizers by using part of
design, this process offers the opportunity to inlet feed gas, or inlet feed split (see fig. 1). If
operate at full ethane rejection or recovery. the two stream temperatures are not similar,
The scheme is also very adaptable to revamp there is lost work in the mixing operation
existing facilities.
unless the designer has access to some Product recoveries are typically above 95% for
proprietary design. ethane plus product, or 99% for propane
production.
FLEXIBILITY OF OPERATION
(RECOVERY/REJECTION)
REFERENCES CITED
CONCLUSIONS
[1] U.S. Patent 5,890,377
We have introduced a new gas processing
scheme that:
y Is easier to control.