Patent ID: 8578734
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: F25J

Abstract:
1. A method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream from a feed stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: (a) providing a feed stream; (b) dividing the feed stream of step (a) to provide at least a first feed stream comprising at least 90% of the mass of the initial feed stream, and a second feed stream; (c) liquefying the first feed stream of step b) in a first heat exchanger at a pressure between 20 bar and 100 bar to provide a first liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream; (d) cooling the second feed stream of step b) in a second heat exchanger to provide a cooled feed stream; (e) combining the first LNG stream of step (c) with the cooled feed stream of step (d) to provide a combined LNG stream consisting essentially of liquid; (f) reducing the pressure of the combined LNG stream of step (e) by passing the combined LNG stream consisting essentially of liquid through an expander that creates work energy for use elsewhere in the method; and (g) passing the combined LNG stream of step (f) through a flash vessel to provide a product LNG stream and a gaseous stream that is used in the method without recycling to the feed stream.