PROCESS FOR SEPARATING A MULTI-COMPONENT GAS STREAM CONTAINING AT LEAST ONE FREEZABLE COMPONENT

摘要

This invention relates generally to a separation process in which a multi-component feed stream (401) is introduced into a separation system (490) that operates under solids forming conditions for at least one of the feed stream components. The freezable component, although typically CO2, H2S or another acid gas, can be any component that has the potential for forming solids in the separation system (490). The multi-component feed stream is introduced into a separation system (490), at least a portion of which operates under solids forming conditions for at least one component of the feed stream. A overhead vapor stream (406) is withdrawn and compressed to a higher pressure stream (408). At least a portion of the compressed stream is cooled and then expanded to a lower pressure to further cool the compressed stream. At least a portion (409) of the expanded stream is returned to the separation system (490), thereby providing refrigeration to the separation system (490).