Patent ID: 6486375
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: C07C,C10G

Abstract:
An improved process for recovering hydrocarbon vapors from an inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture comprising the steps of:(a) flowing said inlet mixture through a first bed of solid adsorbent having an affinity for hydrocarbon vapors whereby hydrocarbon vapors are adsorbed on said bed and a residue gas stream comprised of substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas is produced; (b) venting said substantially hydrocarbon-free inert gas to the atmosphere; (c) evacuating a second bed of solid adsorbent having hydrocarbon vapors adsorbed thereon with an ejector operated by a motive liquid whereby a major portion of said hydrocarbon vapors is desorbed from said bed and an inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture commingled with said motive liquid is produced; (d) separating said inert gas and hydrocarbon-rich vapor mixture from said motive liquid; (e) conducting said inert gas and hydrocarbon rich vapor mixture to a point of additional processing or disposal; and (f) periodically changing the flow pattern of said inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture and changing the bed of solid adsorbent being evacuated whereby when the bed through which the inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is flowing becomes loaded with adsorbed hydrocarbon vapors, the inlet inert gas-hydrocarbon vapor mixture is caused to flow through the bed which has just been evacuated and the bed loaded with adsorbed hydrocarbon vapors is caused to be regenerated.