摘要 |
A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. In recent years, the preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes supplying at least a portion of the gas stream to a work expansion device, then directing the work expanded stream to a distillation column at a mid-column feed point below an upper rectification section. The top column feed above the upper rectification section is typically a condensed and subcooled gaseous stream, frequently comprised of a gas stream that would otherwise feed the work expansion device. In the process disclosed, the work expanded stream is further cooled prior to feeding the distillation column at the mid-column feed point, so that a lesser volume of top column feed is required to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.
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