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Method for ethane liquefaction

a technology of liquefaction and apparatus, applied in the direction of refrigeration and liquidation, solidification, lighting and heating apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of high irreversible losses, high thermal stress, and inability to use brazed aluminum heat exchangers, so as to reduce the number of liquid recycle loops or eliminate them, the effect of reducing the efficiency of the compressor

Inactive Publication Date: 2016-04-07
LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
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AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a process for liquefying ethane using a method that reduces or eliminates the need for multiple liquid recycle loops. This process involves using inline compression and a more thermodynamically efficient operation as a mixed refrigerant, which slightly reduces the efficiency of the compressor. However, the overall efficiency of the process is increased by having a more optimal process design.

Problems solved by technology

However, because this process employs large temperature differences between the hot and cold fluids, brazed aluminum heat exchangers cannot be used as the exchangers would be subjected to very high thermal stresses.
As such, the process known heretofore suffers several drawbacks, including using multiple, independent shell and tube type exchangers (or the like), suffering high irreversible losses, and having increased power and capital costs.

Method used

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  • Method for ethane liquefaction
  • Method for ethane liquefaction
  • Method for ethane liquefaction

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Embodiment Construction

[0032]While the invention will be described in connection with several embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all the alternatives, modifications and equivalence as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

[0033]To overcome the problems associated with the cascading refrigeration cycle of FIG. 1, the natural progression of development for one skilled in the art would be to propose using a mixed refrigerant process similar to those used in LNG processes. However, because ethane liquefies at a warmer temperature than methane (i.e., LNG), large quantities of heavier components (e.g., butane and / or pentane) would be the natural choice of the refrigerant. For example, a typical mixed refrigerant composition for LNG production is 30% methane, 38% ethane, 11% propane, 6% butane, 15% pentane

[0034]FIG. 2 provides an example of a thermody...

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Abstract

The process for ethane liquefaction can include a mixed refrigerant containing heavy hydrocarbons (e.g., butane and / or pentane) using compression without interstage cooling, or cooling only after the first compression stages where there is no liquid formation yet, such that the number of liquid recycle loops are reduced. The lack of cooling in the compressor reduces the compressor's mechanical efficiency; however, this is offset by having a more thermodynamically efficient process cycle because the cycle can operate as a mixed refrigerant rather than cascade.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Applicant No. 62 / 060,609, filed Oct. 7, 2014, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for liquefaction of ethane. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are related to liquefying a gaseous stream comprised predominantly of ethane by using a mixed refrigerant loop incorporating heavy hydrocarbons (butane, and / or pentane) compression without providing cooling between stages or with limited cooling between stages.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Liquefaction of methane (LNG) is well established, dating back to over 50 years. In certain cases, liquid ethane can also be produced directly from these LNG plants along with other higher hydrocarbon chain components and are called natural gas liquids (NGLs). However, many applications require the indep...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F25J1/00
CPCF25J1/0022F25J1/0052F25J1/0055F25J1/0212F25J1/0296F25J2215/62
Inventor TURNEY, MICHAEL A.
Owner LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE
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