Patent ID: 6070429
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: F25J

Abstract:
A process for removing low boiling point inorganic components from a pressurized gas stream obtained from a pressurized LNG-bearing stream comprising the steps of:(a) splitting said gas stream into a first stream and a second stream;(b) cooling said first stream thereby producing a liquid-bearing stream;(c) contacting said liquid-bearing stream and second stream in a countercurrent, multistage manner thereby producing a first gas stream and a liquid stream;(d) splitting said first gas stream into a second gas stream and a third gas stream;(e) cooling and reducing the pressure of said second gas stream thereby producing a second liquid-bearing stream;(f) reducing the pressure of said third gas stream;(g) contacting second liquid-bearing stream and reduced pressure third stream in a countercurrent, multistage manner thereby producing a fourth gas and a second liquid stream;(h) cooling and reducing the pressure of said fourth gas stream thereby producing a third liquid-bearing stream;(i) reducing the pressure of said second liquid stream;(j) contacting said third liquid-bearing stream and reduced pressure third liquid stream in a countercurrent, multistage manner thereby producing a low BTU nitrogen-rich gas stream and a third liquid stream which upon sufficient warming becomes a high BTU methane-rich gas stream; and(k) warming said low BTU nitrogen-rich gas stream and third liquid stream by employing said streams as cooling agents for steps (e) and (h).