Single Column Refluxed Absorber with Rich Reflux for C6+ Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heavies removal processes in natural gas processing are costly and inflexible due to the need for dual column designs, which are sensitive to feed composition and conditions, leading to increased capital and operating expenses and C6+ loss.
Innovation Solution
A single column refluxed absorber design with a rich reflux system, eliminating the reboiler and using a condenser, reduces capital and operating costs, increases operational flexibility, and enhances C6+ separation efficiency by using a rich solvent composed of hydrocarbons like ethane to pentane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dual column design is used to separate C6+ species from natural gas, then separation capability is improved, but capital and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate columns (absorber and stabilizer) into a single integrated column design. The column incorporates both absorption sections for C6+ removal and stabilization sections for liquid product recovery, eliminating the need for dual column infrastructure while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single column is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an absorber for removing C6+ hydrocarbons from natural gas and a stabilizer for recovering liquid hydrocarbons. The column includes multiple trays configured to handle different process functions within one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a dual column geometry is used, then separation performance is improved, but sensitivity to feed composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single column design incorporates adjustable tray configurations and flexible operating parameters that can be dynamically optimized based on feed composition variations. The integrated design allows for dynamic balance between absorption and stabilization functions, enabling the system to adapt to changing natural gas compositions without requiring structural modifications.
3Productivity
If absorber diameters are significantly different due to feed composition, then processing capacity is improved, but a superstructure is required increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The single column incorporates locally optimized tray sections with different diameters or configurations at different heights. The upper portion of the column is optimized for gas absorption while the lower portion is optimized for liquid stabilization, allowing each section to have appropriate dimensions for its specific function while maintaining a unified column structure.
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 single column design reduces overall expenditures, minimizes C6+ and solvent loss, and improves separation efficiency, making it suitable for variable feedstocks without the need for gas compression, thus lowering capex and opex.
Implementation Method 1
an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream
Implementation Method 2
The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser
Implementation Method 3
routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream
Implementation Method 4
Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream. The rich reflux is routed through a heat exchanger and the rich reflux is pumped to the single column refluxed absorber to be introduced into the single column refluxed absorber as the external rich reflux gas feed.