A DISTILLATIVE METHOD OF SEPARATING A METHANE OVERHEAD PRODUCT FROM A MIXTURE THEREOF WITH AN ACID GAS, AND THE PRODUCTS THUS OBTAINED

摘要

A method of eliminating solids formation in a cryogenic distillative separation of acid gases from methane is disclosed. This method comprises adding a solids-preventing agent to the solids potential zone of the distillation column. Typical solids-preventing agents are one or more C2-C5 alkanes, or other nonpolar liquids which are miscible with methane at the column conditions. The elimination of solids formation permits a more complete separation to be achieved.