Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An improved process for separating a hydrocarbon bearing feed gas containing methane and lighter, C.sub.2 (ethylene and/or ethane), C.sub.3 (propylene and/or propane) and heavier components into a fraction containing predominantly C.sub.2 and lighter components and a fraction containing predominantly C.sub.3 and heavier hydrocarbon components including the steps of cooling and partially condensing and delivering the feed stream to a separator to provide a first residue vapor and a C.sub.3 containing liquid, directing a portion of the C.sub.3 containing liquid into a heavy-ends fractionation column wherein the liquid is separated into a second hydrocarbon bearing vapor residue, a second C.sub.2 containing liquid stream, and a C.sub.3 containing product. Directing part of the second liquid into the lights-ends fractionation column, which liquid provides additional liquefied C.sub.2 's which act as a direct contact refrigerant to thereby condense C.sub.3 's and heavier components while the C.sub.2 's are evaporated in the light-ends fractionation column to thereby obtain third residue vapors and liquids, supplying the liquids recovered from the light-ends fractionating column to the heavy-ends fractionation column as a feed thereto.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim