Methods, apparatuses and systems for processing fluid streams having multiple constituents

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses and systems for processing fluid streams having multiple constituents are provided including embodiments utilizing ascending temperature separation processes as well as combined ascending and descending temperature separation processes. For example, in one embodiment, a mixed gas stream may be processed by flowing the stream through multiple heat exchangers, expanding the stream, and then separating the stream into a liquid portion and a vapor portion. The vapor portion, having an increased or decreased concentration of an identified constituent may then pass through the heat exchangers again in reverse order and collected. The liquid portion may then be subjected to further, sequential separation acts which each take place at increasing temperatures. In another embodiment, numerous, sequential separation acts take place in, for example, at decreasing temperatures and, subsequently, at increasing temperatures. Such a mixed fluid stream, for example, may include constituents such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane.

Description

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS[0001]The United States Government has certain rights in this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC07-05ID14517 between the United States Department of Energy and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the present invention relate, generally, to the processing of fluid streams having multiple constituents and, more particularly, to processes and systems for the separation and recovery of desired components or constituents of a mixed fluid stream including the production of multiple streams from the mixed fluid stream, the produced streams having increased or reduced component concentrations as compared to the mixed gas stream.BACKGROUND[0003]A number of processes, such as those associated with, for example, the processing of hydrocarbons, result in a waste gas stream having a mixture of components. When these components are capable of being recovered, economics of the process improve. However, many of the costs associated with the proce...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a gas processing plant is provided. The plant includes a plurality of heat exchangers and a first flow path configured to convey a fluid stream sequentially through each of the plurality of heat exchangers. An expansion device is disposed in the first flow path downstream of the plurality of heat exchangers. A first separation tank is coupled with the first flow path downstream of the expansion device. A second flow path is configured to convey a vapor stream through the plurality of heat exchangers in a reverse sequential order as compared to the first flow path. The plant also includes a plurality of additional separation tanks, wherein each of the plurality of separation tanks is disposed between, and in communication with, two different heat exchangers. The plurality of additional separation tanks and the plurality of heat exchangers are located and configured to flow fluid sequentially through the plurality of additional separation tanks while increasing the temperature of any fluid flowing therethrough from one separation tank to another.

[0018]In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, another method of processing a mixed gas stream having multiple constituents is provided. The method includes subjecting at least a portion of the mixed gas stream to a first plurality of sequentially conducted gas-liquid separation acts, wherein each of the first plurality of sequentially conducted gas-liquid separation acts is conducted at a reduced temperature as compared to a previously conducted gas-liquid separation act of the first plurality of separation acts. The portion of the mixed gas stream is expanded and the expanded stream is further separated into a liquid portion and a vapor portion. At least a portion of the liquid portion is subjected to an additional plurality of sequentially conducted gas-liquid separation

Problems solved by technology

However, many of the costs associated with the process of recovering specific component gases of a waste gas stream or other mixed gas stream are tied to the energy required to recover such gases along with the recurring expense of regeneration.

The cost of such activities can easily exceed the value of the component gases recovered from the waste gas streams.

Likewise, the cost of separating constituents from a mixed gas stream, whether considered “waste gas” or not, often exceed the value of the separated constituent making it cost prohibitive to conduct such activities.

In a capital-intensive marketplace, the ability to improve the economics of a given process by even a few percentage points may provide the difference between a profitable plant and one that is not economically feasible.

Smaller scale processing plants conventionally produce smaller waste gas streams, making it difficult to economically and efficiently treat the waste gas streams using traditional methods.

For example, purification and / or separation of the different gases from a main mixed gas are often accomplished prior to a liquefaction process and can significantly add to the expense and complexity of the process.

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