Importance

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Abstract

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to lower pressure, and supplied to a fractionation tower at an upper mid-column feed position. The second stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it and separated into vapor and liquid streams. The vapor stream is divided into first and second portions. The first portion is cooled to condense substantially all of it, expanded to the tower pressure, and supplied to the tower at the top feed position. The second portion is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the fractionation tower at an intermediate mid-column feed position. The liquid stream is expanded to the tower pressure and supplied to the column at a lower mid-column feed position. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the fractionation tower are effective to maintain the overhead temperature of the fractionation tower at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

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First Claim