Process for recovering hydrocarbons from inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixtures

摘要

An improved process for recovering hydrocarbons from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is provided. The inlet mixture is caused to flow through a first bed of solid adsorbent whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on the bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced. The hydrocarbon-free inert gas is vented and a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon is evacuated with an ejector operated by a motive liquid. A major portion of the hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from the bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with the motive liquid is produced. The inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture is separated from the motive liquid and conducted to a point of additional processing or disposal. The flow pattern of the inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is periodically changed whereby when the bed through which the inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is flowing becomes loaded, the inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to flow through the bed which has just been evacuated and the bed loaded with adsorbed hydrocarbon vapors is caused to be regenerated.