Patent ID: 6295833
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: F25J

Abstract:
A method for improving the efficiency of a closed loop mixed refrigerant process for cooling a fluid material through a temperature range exceeding 200.degree. F. to a temperature below about -200.degree. F., the method comprising:a) adjusting the temperature of the liquid fluid material discharged from a refrigeration zone of the closed loop mixed refrigerant process by from about 30 to about 75.degree. F. to a temperature from about -200 to about -245.degree. F.;b) reducing the pressure on the liquid fluid material to reduce the temperature of the liquid fluid material to less than about -245.degree. F. and produce a flash gas;c) separating at least a major portion of the flash gas from the liquid fluid material;d) heating at least a portion of the flash gas to a temperature above about 40.degree. F.;e) compressing at least a portion of the heated flash gas to a pressure at least equal to the pressure of the fluid material charged to the refrigeration zone; and,f) combining at least a portion of the compressed heated flash gas with the fluid material charged to the refrigeration zone.