Distillative separation of methane and carbon dioxide

摘要

An improvement in a Ryan/Holmes separation of methane from carbon dioxide is disclosed wherein the upper portion of a distillation column is operated at temperatures above the triple point of carbon dioxide, i.e., -70 DEG F., while still effectuating a separation of methane from carbon dioxide. This is achieved by increasing the amount of non-polar liquid agent added to the condenser of the column to an amount sufficient to maintain the condenser and all portions of the column at such temperatures.