Methane and C2+ Separation Using Turbine Effluent Reflux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, such as cryogenic expansion, are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and require significant space and external coolants, limiting their applicability, especially on floating installations or in sensitive security zones.
Innovation Solution
A method that forms a cooled reflux flow from the effluent of a dynamic pressure reduction turbine, which is then reintroduced into the distillation column, optimizing the separation process by reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for external coolants, while maintaining high ethane extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic expansion methods are used to separate C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, then separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function and reflux function into a single integrated system. The effluent from the pressure reduction turbine is cooled and at least partially condensed to form a cooled reflux flow that is reintroduced into the distillation column, merging the cooling process with the reflux generation process to eliminate the need for separate external coolant systems and reduce energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own effluent (from the pressure reduction turbine) as the cooling medium to generate reflux, making the system self-sufficient. The cooled and condensed effluent is reintroduced into the distillation column as reflux, allowing the system to serve its own cooling needs without external coolants and reducing overall energy requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic expansion methods are used to separate C2+ hydrocarbons from natural gas, then separation efficiency is improved, but spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (cooling, condensation, and reflux generation) into a single integrated process within the distillation column system. The cooling and condensation of the turbine effluent occurs in conjunction with the reflux generation, eliminating the need for separate external coolant storage and circulation systems, thereby reducing the spatial footprint of the installation
3Temperature
If external coolants are used in separation processes, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own effluent from the pressure reduction turbine as the cooling medium, eliminating the need for external coolant systems. The effluent is cooled and condensed, then reintroduced as reflux into the distillation column, making the system self-sufficient and reducing device complexity by removing external coolant circulation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameters of the turbine effluent by cooling and condensing it to form a liquid reflux flow. This parameter change (from gas to liquid) enables the effluent to serve as effective reflux without requiring external coolants, simplifying the overall system configuration
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
The method achieves a substantial reduction in energy consumption and spatial requirements, enhancing the separation efficiency of C2+ hydrocarbons while ensuring high ethane recovery rates, suitable for use on floating installations and sensitive zones.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of an effluent from a dynamic pressure reduction turbine is cooled and at least partially liquefied in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
the portion of the effluent from the dynamic pressure reduction turbine is cooled and at least partially liquefied in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
introducing at least a portion of the fraction subjected to pressure reduction into the first turbine in a middle portion of a first distillation column
Implementation Method 4
cooling and at least partially condensing the column supply fraction
Data Source
AI summary
This method comprises cooling the supply flow in a first heat exchanger, separation in a first separation flask in order to produce a light upper flow and a heavy lower flow and dividing the light upper flow into a supply fraction of a dynamic pressure reduction turbine and a supply fraction of a first distillation column.The method comprises forming a cooled reflux flow from an effluent from a dynamic pressure reduction turbine, the portion of the effluent being cooled and at least partially liquefied in a heat exchanger.It comprises introducing the cooled reflux flow from the heat exchanger into the first distillation column.