Patent ID: 7311813
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: B01D,C10G,F25J

Abstract:
1. A process for the separation and recovery of hydrocarbon components, comprising: a. introducing a hydrocarbon feed comprising a mixture of hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene and optionally heavier components into a first separation column to obtain a first top stream and a first bottom stream; b. introducing said first top stream into a second separation column to obtain a second top stream and a second bottom stream; c. refluxing said first separation column with a liquid draw from said second separation column; d. reboiling said first separation column with a reboiler exchanger; e. introducing said first bottom stream into a third separation column to obtain a third top stream and a third bottom stream; f. introducing said second top stream into a fourth separation column to obtain a fourth top stream and a fourth bottom stream; g. refluxing said second separation column with a liquid draw from said fourth separation column; h. reboiling said second separation column with a reboiler exchanger; i. chilling said fourth top stream to provide reflux for said fourth separation column; j. introducing said second bottom stream and said third top stream into a fifth separation column to obtain a fifth top stream and a fifth bottom stream; k. refluxing said third separation column with a liquid draw from said fifth separation column; and l. recovering said fourth bottom stream and said fifth top stream as a hydrocarbon component; wherein said third and fifth separation columns operate at a pressure substantially lower than the pressure levels of said first, second, and fourth separation columns.