Importance

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Abstract

A process for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is divided into first and second streams. The first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to the fractionation tower pressure. After expansion, the cooled first stream is directed in heat exchange relation with a compressed recycle portion of the fractionation tower overhead. The warmed first stream is then supplied to the fractionation tower at a first mid-column feed position. The second stream is expanded to the tower pressure and is then supplied to the column at a second mid-column feed position. The recycle stream is cooled by the first stream sufficiently to substantially condense it. The substantially condensed recycle stream is then expanded to the pressure of the distillation column and supplied to the column at a top column feed position. The pressure of the recycle stream and the quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the column are effective to maintain the column overhead temperature at a temperature whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

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First Claim