Mixed Refrigerant Liquefaction Process

US20070227185A1Inactive Publication Date: 2007-10-04STONE JOHN B +2
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
STONE JOHN B
Publication Date
2007-10-04
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A method for liquefying a natural gas stream is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes placing a mixed component refrigerant in a heat exchange area with a process stream; separating the mixed component refrigerant at one or more pressure levels to produce a refrigerant vapor and a refrigerant liquid; bypassing the refrigerant vapor around the heat exchange area to a compression unit; and passing the refrigerant liquid to the heat exchange area. In another embodiment, the method further includes partially evaporating the refrigerant liquid stream within the heat exchange area to retain a liquid fraction of at least 1% by weight.
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Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 565,589, filed Jun. 23, 2004.BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present inventions generally relate to methods for refrigerating gas streams, such as natural gas, using mixed component refrigerants.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Natural gas is commonly liquefied and transported to supply major energy-consuming nations. To liquefy natural gas, the feed gas is first processed to remove contaminants and hydrocarbons heavier than at least pentane. This purified gas, typically at an elevated pressure, is then chilled through indirect heat exchange by one or more refrigeration cycles. Such refrigeration cycles are costly in terms of both capital expenditure and operation due to the complexity of the required equipment and the efficiency performance of the refrigerant. There is a need, therefore, for a method to improve refrigeratio...

Claims

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