Patent attributes
There are provided a process for separation of hydrocarbons including the steps of: (a) a feed gas is cooled and partly condensed, and separated into a gas and a liquid; (b) the liquid obtained in step (a) is supplied to a distillation column; (c) the gas obtained in step (a) is expanded by an expander and partly condensed, and separated into a gas and a liquid; (d) the liquid obtained in step (c) is supplied to the distillation column; (e) the gas obtained in step (c) is divided into a first portion and a second portion; (f) the first portion is supplied to the distillation column; (g) the second portion is condensed by being compressed and cooled, and then depressurized and supplied as a reflux to the distillation column; and (h) a residue gas is obtained from the top part of the distillation column and a heavier fraction is obtained from the bottom part of the distillation column; and an apparatus therefor. The process and apparatus enable efficient separation of hydrocarbons.
