MULTIPLE REFLUX STREAM HYDROCARBON RECOVERY PROCESS

摘要

An ethane recovery process utilizing multiple reflux streams is provided. Feed gas is cooled, partially condensed, and separated into a first liquid stream and a first vapor stream. First liquid stream is expanded and sent to a demethanizer. First vapor stream is split into a first and a second separator vapor streams. First separator vapor stream is expanded and sent to demethanizer. Second separator vapor stream is partially condensed and is separated into a reflux separator liquid stream, which is sent to demethanizer, and a reflux separator vapor stream, which is condensed and sent to demethanizer. Demethanizer produces a tower bottom stream containing a substantial amount ethane and heavier components, and a tower overhead stream containing a substantial amount remaining lighter components and forms a residue gas stream. A portion of residue gas stream is cooled, condensed, and sent to the demethanizer tower as top reflux stream.