Heat Exchange Absorption Vessel for Hydrocarbon Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating liquefiable hydrocarbons from hydrogen-, hydrocarbon-containing gas streams, such as those produced in catalytic reforming, are inefficient and costly, requiring elaborate sequences of vessels for maximizing hydrogen, LPG, and C5+ hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
A vessel with a heat exchange absorption section and a refrigeration unit is used for countercurrent contact between a hydrogen-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and a hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream, facilitating the separation of hydrogen and C3+ hydrocarbons through thermal exchange and chilling, allowing for efficient recovery of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an elaborate sequence of vessels is used for extracting and liquefying C3+ hydrocarbons, then the recovery of hydrogen, LPG, and C5+ hydrocarbons is maximized, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation functions into a single vessel by incorporating both an absorption section (with packing material for hydrogen absorption) and a liquefaction section (with heat exchange surfaces for condensation). This integration eliminates the need for separate vessels for each function, reducing device complexity while maintaining high recovery efficiency of hydrogen, LPG, and C5+ hydrocarbons.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vessel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: absorbing hydrogen in the absorption section, liquefying C3+ hydrocarbons in the liquefaction section, and separating different hydrocarbon fractions. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require several specialized vessels, reducing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple unit operations are performed in separate vessels, then separation efficiency is improved, but the loss of time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the absorption and liquefaction operations into a single vessel with integrated sections, the patent eliminates the time required for material transfer between separate vessels. The countercurrent flow arrangement within the single vessel allows simultaneous absorption and liquefaction operations to proceed in parallel, reducing overall process time while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vessel design enables continuous countercurrent contact between the gas stream and liquid absorbent throughout the entire separation process. This continuous operation without interruption for vessel-to-vessel transfer maintains high separation efficiency while minimizing time loss associated with multiple discrete unit operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables efficient separation and recovery of hydrogen and C3+ hydrocarbons, forming a chilled H2-rich gas stream and a C3+ hydrocarbon-rich liquid stream, thereby enhancing the recovery of valuable products from hydrogen-, hydrocarbon-containing gas streams.
Implementation Method 1
A first heat exchange absorption section is disposed in the internal volume and has a first tube portion disposed in a first shell portion for thermal exchange with the first shell portion
Implementation Method 2
A refrigeration unit is in fluid communication with the first shell portion. The refrigeration unit is configured to advance a refrigerant through the first shell portion to cool the hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream and the at least the portion of the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream
Implementation Method 3
The vessel is configured to position the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream in the internal volume below the first heat exchange absorption section and a hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream in the internal volume above the first heat exchange absorption section for countercurrent contact of the hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream with at least a portion of the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream along the first tube portion to separate H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for separating liquefiable hydrocarbons from H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas streams are provided. In one example, a method comprises positioning a H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream in an internal volume of a vessel below a heat exchange absorption section. A hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream is positioned in the internal volume above the heat exchange absorption section. The hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream is countercurrent contacted with at least a portion of the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream along a tube portion of the heat exchange absorption section to separate H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream and the at least the portion of the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream are cooled along the tube portion to facilitate separating H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons.