SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEPARATING ALKANE GASES WITH APPLICATIONS TO RAW NATURAL GAS PROCESSING AND FLARE GAS CAPTURE

摘要

The present invention is a field-deployable system for separating methane and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from a raw gas stream comprising a compressor; a dehydrator; a refrigerator having one or more stages; and a separation subsystem adapted to separate the raw gas stream into three useable product streams: (1) a methane stream that is at least 70% methane, (2) an ethane-rich stream, and (3) a NGLs stream having a vapor pressure of no more than 17 bar (250 psi) at 38°C (100°F). The methane stream is sufficiently lean to be useable in existing natural gas engines without modification. The NGLs stream has a sufficiently low vapor pressure to be transportable in standard propane containers. The ethane-rich stream may be utilized within the system itself to power its own operations. The system can be utilized to reduce flaring from liquids-rich gas production sites, produce natural gas liquids for transport, and provide dry methane gas suitable for use in existing field generators.