METHODS FOR SPLITTING MIXED HYDROCARBON STREAMS

摘要

Methods of extracting and enriching high value pentane streams suitable for adding to refinery grade gasoline are provided by balancing the relative amounts of isopentane and n-pentane in the output stream of a depentanizer tower, and by balancing the sulfur fractions in the input and output streams of the tower.

主权项

1) A method of making pentanes suitable for mixing into a refined gasoline stream meeting applicable ASTM specifications comprising:
a) providing a natural gasoline stream comprising:
i) 0 wt % methane or ethane or propane;ii) from 0 to 5.0 wt % butane;iii) from 5 to 80 wt % isopentane;iv) from 5 to 80 wt % normal pentane; andv) from 10 to 90 wt % of hydrocarbons consisting of 6 or more carbon atoms (C6+ hydrocarbons); b) splitting said natural gasoline stream into a bottom stream and an enriched overhead pentane stream comprising:
i) greater than 95 wt % of said butane in said natural gasoline stream;ii) greater than 95 wt % of said isopentane in said natural gasoline stream;iii) greater than 95 wt % of said normal pentane in said natural gasoline stream; andiv) from 0 to 20 wt % of said C6+ hydrocarbons in said natural gasoline stream; and c) recovering said enriched overhead pentane stream.