WERKWIJZE VOOR HET SCHEIDEN VAN EEN ONDER HOGE DRUK STAAND AARDGASMENGSEL IN EEN METHAANRIJKE PRODUKTSTROOM EN EEN STIKSTOFRIJKE PRODUKTSTROOM.

摘要

Process for the purification of natural hydrocarbon gases which, as may be produced at a wellhead, are contaminated by substantial proportions of incombustible constituents such as nitrogen. Contaminated gas at elevated pressure is condensed by cooling in two steps, thereafter expanded to approximately atmospheric pressure to effect phase separation between a hydrocarbon-rich liquid and a contaminant-rich vapor. The hydrocarbon-rich liquid is partially vaporized and a second phase separation yields a liquid enriched in hydrocarbon. The vapor from the second separation is cooled and returned to the first separation while the vapor product from first separation along with the liquid product from the second separation are separately employed to effect condensation of the contaminated hydrocarbon.