Abstract:
This process comprises using unconventional processing of hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas, for recovering C2+ and NGL hydrocarbons that meet pipeline specifications, without the core high capital cost requirement of a demethanizer column, which is central to and required by almost 100% of the world&#39;s current NGL recovery technologies. It can operate in Ethane Extraction or Ethane Rejection modes. The process uses only heat exchangers, compression and simple separation vessels to achieve specification ready NGL. The process utilizes cooling the natural gas, expansion cooling, separating the gas and liquid streams, recycling the cooled streams to exchange heat and recycling selective composition bearing streams to achieve selective extraction of hydrocarbons, in this instance being NGLs. The compactness and utility of this process makes it feasible in offshore applications as well as to implementation to retrofit/revamp or unload existing NGL facilities. Many disparate processes and derivatives are anticipated for its use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the filing date of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/406,633 entitled “CO2 Tolerant Deep NGL/LPG (C2+/C3+) RECOVERY; Process/System/Apparatus with options for: Ethane EXTRACTION/REJECTION; Sales Gas/LNG Treatment/GASIFICATION; Elimination/Decoupling/Revamp of DEMETHANIZERS/DEETHANIZERS/Refrigeration; Achieving/Meeting C1/C2 Content and TVP PIPELINE Specs for NGL or HEAVY CRUDE OIL AND/OR VISCOSITY Specs; Option to REDUCE/ELIMINATE De-C1, De-C2 Columns Heating/Cooling/Traffic DUTIES/LOADS; Onsite/Offshore/Plant suitable system for NGL/LPG Extractions” and filed Oct. 26, 2010, Confirmation No. 1012. Said application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is in the technical field of recovery of less volatile than methane or C1 component recoveries from gas/fluid mixtures in Oil/Gas or Petrochemical operations. 
         [0004]    More particularly, in addition the present invention is in the technical field of and applicable to various oil/gas production arenas. 
         [0005]    Prior art utilizes complex equipment arrangements and operations for condensate recoveries and generally do not utilize our methods for enhancing upstream operations. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,170 to Sorenson (Nov. 11, 1997) discloses propane recovery processes. Increased recovery of propane, butane and other heavier components found in a natural gas stream is achieved by installing an absorber upstream from an expander and a separator. The separator is downstream from the expander and returns the liquid stream generated by the separator back to the absorber. Additionally, the recovery of propane, butane and other heavier components is enhanced by combining the upper gas stream from a distillation column with the upper gas stream from the absorber prior to injecting this combination into the separator. The upper gas stream removed from the separator is then subsequently processed for the recovery of a predominately methane and ethane gas stream while the bottom liquid stream from the absorber is subsequently distilled for the generation of a stream consisting predominately of propane, butane and other heavy hydrocarbon components. Alternate embodiments include an additional reflux separator in the system, or substitution of an additional absorber for the separator. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,552 to Mak (May 30, 2006) discloses configurations and methods for improved NGL recovery as follows: Feed gas ( 1 ) in an improved NGL processing plant is cooled below ambient temperature and above hydrate point of the feed gas to condense heavy components ( 6 ) and a significant portion of water ( 4 ) contained in the feed gas. The water ( 4 ) is removed in a feed gas separator ( 101 ) and the condensed liquids are fed into an integrated refluxed stripper ( 104 ) that operates as a drier/demethanizer for the condensed liquids, and the uncondensed portion ( 5 ) containing light components is further dried ( 106 ) and cooled prior to turbo expansion ( 23 ) and demethanization ( 112 ). Consequently, processing of heavy components in the cold section is eliminated, and feed gas with a wide range of compositions can be efficiently processed for high NGL recovery at substantially the same operating conditions and optimum expander efficiency. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,051,553 to Mak, et al. (May 30, 2006) discusses twin reflux process and configurations for improved natural gas liquids recovery: A two-column NGL recovery plant includes an absorber ( 110 ) and a distillation column ( 140 ) in which the absorber ( 110 ) receives two cooled reflux streams, wherein one reflux stream ( 107 ) comprises a vapor portion of the NGL and wherein the other reflux stream ( 146 ) comprises a lean reflux provided by the overhead ( 144 ) of the distillation column ( 140 ). Contemplat configurations are especially advantageous in a upgrade of an existing NGL plant and typically exhibit C.sub.3 recovery of at least 99% and C2 recovery of at least 90%. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,127 to Mak (May 27, 2008) discusses a configuration and process for NGL recovery using a subcooled absorption reflux process: An NGL recovery plant includes a demethanizer ( 7 ) in which internally generated and subcooled lean oil absorbs CO.sub.2 and C.sub.2 from a gas stream ( 11 ), thereby preventing build-up and freezing problems associated with CO.sub.2, especially where the feed gas has a CO.sub.2 treatment at ethane recoveries above 90% and propane recoveries of at least 99%. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,175 to Yao et al. (Nov. 30, 1999) discusses enhanced NGL recovery utilizing refrigeration and reflux from LNG plants: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for improving the recovery of the relatively less volatile components from a methane-rich gas feed under pressure to produce an NGL product while, at the same time, separately recovering the relatively more volatile components which are liquified to produce an LNG product. The methods of the present invention improve separation and efficiency within the NGL recovery column while maintaining column pressure to achieve efficient and economical utilization of the available mechanical refrigeration. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful for removing cyclohexane, benzene and other hazardous, heavy hydrocarbons from a gas feed. The benefits of the present invention are achieved by the introduction to the NGL recovery column of an enhanced liquid reflux lean on the NGL components. Further advantages can be achieved by thermally linking a side reboiler for the NGL recovery column with the overhead condenser for the NGL purifying column. Using the methods of the present invention, recoveries of propane and heavier components in excess of 95% are readily achievable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    To address the forgoing desires, the present invention describes a process using unconventional processing of hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas, for recovering C2+ and NGL hydrocarbons that meet pipeline specifications, without the core high capital cost requirement of a demethanizer column, which is central to and required by almost 100% of the world&#39;s current NGL recovery technologies. It can operate in Ethane Extraction or Ethane Rejection modes. The process uses only heat exchangers, compression and simple separation vessels to achieve specification ready NGL. The process utilizes cooling the natural gas, expansion cooling, separating the gas and liquid streams, recycling the cooled streams to exchange heat and recycling selective composition bearing streams to achieve selective extraction of hydrocarbons, in this instance being NGLs. The compactness and utility of this process makes it feasible in offshore applications as well as to implementation to retrofit/revamp or unload existing NGL facilities. Many disparate processes and derivatives are anticipated for its use. 
         [0012]    The present disclosure describes a different and novel approach to NGL and such condensate production versus the predominant current art technologies in this field. The present disclosure can eliminate requirements for a demethanizer completely and/or at least de-couple it from the process so that it acts as a polishing demethanizer with reduced loads and/or higher recoveries of C2+/C3+ components as required and in variable and flexible recoveries. The present invention uses a unique combination of expansion/separation/compression sequences to achieve what normally would require a complex demethanizer column of a large cost to do the same duty of demethanization and the NGL extraction. The current invention can further provide deep extraction of C2+ components of interest with use of either JT or Turbo or JT/Turbo-Expanders and their various configurations. The present invention can be optimized and/or configured in many flexible ways to compete with current art technologies with CAPEX/OPEX savings. It can take gas source pressures of a wide range as long as the combinations of the composition and cooling/expansion cooling combinations meet the recovery mode of operation. 
         [0013]    Turbo expander units can be substituted by vortex based or sonic based condensate producing units wherever we need expansion cooling or pre-cooling for condensate extractions. 
         [0014]    The present disclosure provides an NGL/LPG/LNG process and disclosure of method/process/system/apparatus of invention to provide simplified cooling and deep extraction of C2+/C3+ components from a gas/mixture. The present disclosure provides a process suitable to be part of an LNG/GAS pre- or post-pretreatment. 
         [0015]    The present disclosure provides a process for controlling compositions of various fractions that are separated and at same time while also being able to meet where required &lt;0.5% vol of C1 (methane) content for NGL pipeline specification. 
         [0016]    Further the present disclosure provides a process or method that can provide elimination/enhancement/revamp and/or de-coupling of the integrated/coupled demethanizer/deethanizer/fractionator columns from the current art and practice of NGL/LPG/LNG process systems. It is contemplatee with this process a reduction/elimination of demethanizer/deethanizer cooling/heating/traffic duties and loads. It is also contemplated with this process or method deeper and CO 2  tolerant variable ethane extraction/rejection mode operations. 
         [0017]    It is also contemplated deep NGL extraction with option to vary content to meet crude oil spike/spiking requirements for TVP (True Vapor Pressure)/pumping specifications/requirements. 
         [0018]    This process may be employed with the option to vary the content of NGL condensate and blending with very high viscosity crudes to modify their properties for easier handling and/or to meet crude oil spike/spiking requirements for TVP (True Vapor Pressure)/pumping specifications/requirements. 
         [0019]    With use of the present invention, it is contemplated that the elimination/reduction/enhancement of external/attached refrigeration system needs in NGL/LNG/GAS production systems will be achieved. 
         [0020]    The present disclosure also provides for dehydration/dew-point/HHV control of export/sales/residue/reinjection/re-gasified LNG. The present disclosure also teaches addition/reduction HHV/HV (High Heating Value/Heating Value) control of gas streams in pipelines or pipeline network systems. This process/method provides a producer/carrier/pipeline system onsite/offshore/plant suitable system for NGL/LPG/LNG processes. 
         [0021]    The present disclosure also provides LNG pretreatment/post-treatment/integration for/in LNG production/re-gasification systems; possible bulk removal of H 2 S and/or CO 2 . 
         [0022]    Additionally, use of this invention provides a means of modifying heavy crude oil properties to make it less viscous or of higher API or modification other properties to make it more suitable for processing/handling. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment of the present invention there is described a process for separating less volatile hydrocarbons from more volatile hydrocarbons comprising the steps of: (a) providing a pressurized feedstock stream comprising hydrocarbons C1, C2, C3+; (b) cooling the feed stream in an LNG heat exchanger; (c) further cooling the feed stream from the heat exchanger via a first gas expansion assembly; (d) separating the further cooled stream in a first gas/liquid separation vessel assembly into gas and liquid streams; (e) pumping the liquid stream (0-100%) from the first separation vessel assembly into the heat exchanger to impart a cooling effect on the feed stream in the heat exchanger; (f) recycling the gas stream from the first separation assembly into the heat exchanger to impart a cooling effect on the feed stream in the heat exchanger; (g) directing the recycled gas stream from the heat exchanger to a first compressor cooler assembly, and then compressing and cooling such gas for use at a desired location; (h) directing the recycled liquid stream from the heat exchanger to a second separation assembly wherein gas and liquid are separated; (i) directing the gas stream from the second separation assembly to a second compressor cooler assembly and compressing such gas stream; (j) cooling the gas stream from the second compressor cooler assembly via a second gas expansion assembly; (k) directing the cooled stream from the second gas expansion assembly to a third separation vessel assembly; ( 1 ) recycling the gas stream (0-100%) from the third separation vessel assembly to the first separation vessel assembly; (m) recycling the gas stream (0-100%) from the third separation vessel assembly to a first stream mixer splitter assembly; (n) recycling the liquid stream (0-100%) from the third separation vessel assembly to the first separation vessel assembly; (o) recycling the liquid stream (0-100%) from the third separation vessel assembly to the first stream mixer splitter assembly; (p) recycling the liquid stream (0-100%) from the third separation vessel assembly to the second separation vessel assembly; (q) pumping the liquid stream from the second separation vessel assembly to the first stream mixer splitter assembly; (r) directing the stream (0-100%) from the first stream mixer splitter assembly to a mixing blender or other desired end location; (s) directing the stream (0-100%) from the first stream mixer splitter assembly to a second stream mixer splitter assembly; (t) directing the stream (0-100%) from the second stream mixer splitter assembly to the mixing blender or other desired location; (u) pumping the liquid stream (0-100%) from the first separation vessel assembly into a third stream splitter; (v) directing the liquid stream (0-100%) from the third stream splitter to the first separation vessel assembly; (w)directing the liquid stream (0-100%) from the third stream splitter to a fourth stream splitter; (x) directing the liquid stream (0-100%) from the third stream splitter to a desired location; (y) directing the liquid stream (0-100%) from the fourth stream splitter to the third separation vessel assembly; (z) directing the liquid stream (0-100%) from the fourth stream splitter to the second separation vessel assembly; and (aa) directing the liquid products from the mixing blender to a desired location. 
         [0024]    The various streams, as indicated above, may be directed to one or more locations, and thus, can vary between 0% and 100% depending on desired operational parameters. For example, in one of the recycle streams, 0% would indicate that this step was optional and might not be required in that particular mode of operation. In operational configurations where certain options are not needed, it will be understood that the process need not be required to have a facility for such option. To provide the greatest amount of operational flexibility, it will also be understood that a facility might be equipped to have all of the options available whether all such options are used or not. 
         [0025]    The hydrocarbon feedstock may comprise a hydrocarbon-containing gas, such as natural gas. In one embodiment, the feed stream is pre-cooled in a pre-cooling assembly prior to the step of cooling in the heat exchanger. When a pre-cooling assembly is used, the process may comprise the further steps of first directing the stream (0-100%) from the first stream mixer splitter assembly to the pre-cooling assembly to provide a cooling duty to the pre-cooling assembly and then directing this stream to the second stream mixer splitter assembly. The pre-cooling assembly may obtain its cooling duty from an external refrigeration source. The heat exchanger may comprise one or more heat exchangers operating together. In one embodiment the steps of expansion are accomplished using expansion devices selected from the group consisting of: valves, turbo expanders, vortex devices, and sonic devices and the like. 
         [0026]    One such option includes the further steps of: (i) directing the stream (0-100%) from the second stream mixer splitter assembly to one or more process columns; (ii) processing this stream in the one or more process columns; (iii) directing the processed product liquid stream from the one or more process columns to the mixing blender or other desired end location; and (iii) directing any residue streams from the one or more process columns to a desired location. 
         [0027]    Another option includes the further steps of: (i) introducing a source of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons into the mixing blender; and (ii) blending the crude oil with the liquid products from the process that are present in the mixing blender. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the feedstock is pressurized to between about 300 psig to 1200 psig. In another embodiment, the feedstock is pressurized to about 500 psig. 
         [0029]    In another embodiment of the present invention the first gas expansion assembly comprises a first turbo expander, and the process comprises the additional steps of: after the step of separating the further cooled stream in a first gas/liquid separation vessel assembly into gas and liquid streams, directing the gas stream into a second turbo expander, and then separating the stream from the second turbo expander into a gas stream and an additional liquid stream, the additional liquid stream being directed as per the liquid stream from the first separation vessel assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of a HYSYS Simulation of a gas processing plant in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplary flow diagram of a gas processing plant  100  employed to knock out NGLs from various gas feedstock streams  1 ,  2  and/or  3 .  FIG. 1 , in connection with the TABLES set forth below, provide detail indicative of the overall inventions. The feedstock streams  1 ,  2  and/or  3  are directed (through suitable conduit) into feed stream  4 A. Feedstock stream  1  represents a pressurized feedstock gas/fluid stream that is lean in C2+ content. Feedstock stream  2  represents a pressurized feedstock gas/fluid stream that is rich in C2+ content. Feedstock stream  3  represents a pressurized feedstock gas/fluid stream that is mid-level in C2+ content. The pressurized feedstock gas streams may originate from any source of natural gas or hydrocarbon-containing gas. For example, feedstock streams  1 ,  2 ,  3  may comprise, for example, natural gas from gas pipelines, natural gas from gas production, natural gas from oil and gas production facilities, and other hydrocarbon-containing gas streams. The pressure of the feedstock streams may be regulated and variable, to provide suitable pressure to drive the process. One such suitable pressure is 916 psig as shown in one of the examples relating to feedstock stream  1 . 
         [0032]    Feedstock streams  1 ,  2  and/or  3  (or a combined feedstock stream  4 A) may optionally first be cooled by passing it/them through a cooler  40  equipped with desired modes of cooling/refrigeration equipment. 
         [0033]    Stream  4 A/ 4 B is directed to a heat exchanger  50  (LNG exchanger, cold box, or other arrangement to achieve exchange of heat). However, prior to entry into the LNG heat exchanger  50 , stream  4 A is directed through a cross exchanger  42  where it is cooled by cross exchange with the product NGL streams  27 B and/or  28  from later downstream stages of the process. The cooled stream  4 B emerges from cross exchanger  42  and is directed into a first entry port  51  into heat exchanger  50  wherein stream  4 A is cooled via cross exchange with other process streams  10 ,  16  and exits exchanger through first exit port  52  as cooled stream  5 . Cooled stream  5  is then directed through valve or first gas expansion assembly  58  (or optional via turbo expansion/vortex/sonic expansion/separation units) to release pressure, wherein the emerging gas stream  6  cools via expansion prior to entering a mixer  59  where it can be mixed with other process streams  21 A and/or  22 A and/or  15 C as may be directed into the mixer  59 . V 
         [0034]    The cooler  40  and cross exchanger  42  may be a combination unit or otherwise interface together in what is referred to as a pre-cooling assembly. 
         [0035]    The mixed gas stream (with any liquid phase present) within mixer  59  is then directed as mixed stream  8  to a gas/liquid separator  60 . The mixer  59  and separator  60  may be a combination unit or otherwise interface together in what is referred to as a first separation vessel assembly. The resulting vapor stream  9  emerges through separator gas outlet  63  and is transferred through valve  65  where it becomes stream  10 . As noted above, vapor stream  10  is fed into the second entry port  53  of exchanger  50  where it becomes heated (via exchange of its cold energy to cool the warm feed stream  4 B) and emerges as heated or warmed gas stream  11  while stream  4 B emerges as cooled stream  5 . As discussed further below, the heat exchanger  50  also introduces cool stream  16  to provide further cooling of feed stream  4 B, while also warming stream  16 . 
         [0036]    Warmed gas stream  11  is then directed into gas compressor  66  where it is compressed into residual compressed gas stream  12 . Compressed gas stream  12  is cooled in exchanger  67  where it leaves as compressed residue gas stream  12  and is directed to a desired location. Gas compressor  66  and exchanger  67  can work separately or together as part of an integral unit also referred to as the first compressor cooler assembly. 
         [0037]    Liquid in gas/liquid separator  60  emerges from separator liquid outlet  64  as liquid stream  13  and is directed to a pump  68 . From pump  68 , the liquid stream  13  is directed through pump outlet  68 A to become stream  15  which is then directed through an optional valve  69  to the third entry port  55  of exchanger  50  where liquid or partial liquid stream  16  cross exchanges along with stream  10  to further impart composite “cold energy” to cool feed stream  4 B and then emerges from exchanger  50  through the third exit port  56  as warmed stream  17 . As discussed below, stream  13  may optionally be split to permit liquid to be directed out pump outlet  68 B as stream  15 A to other parts of the process. 
         [0038]    Warmed stream  17  is then fed to a separator vessel (second separation vessel assembly)  70  with other recycle streams  23 , and  15 Y. Vapor stream  18  emerges from separator vessel  70  through vessel vapor outlet  71  and is directed to gas compressor/cooler arrangement  73  to become stream  19 . Stream  19 , in turn, is fed via optional valve (or second gas expansion assembly)  74  as stream  20  to third separation vessel assembly  80 . Gas compressor  73  and valve  74  can work separately or together as part of an integral unit also referred to as the second compressor cooler assembly. Additional recycle stream  15 X also enters vessel  80  to mix with stream  19 . 
         [0039]    Referring back to separator  60 , liquid stream  13  may optionally be split in pump  68  to permit liquid to be directed out pump outlet  68 B as optional split stream  15 A. Stream  15 A is then directed to a splitter (also called third stream splitter)  75  where stream  15 A may be optionally split into one or more recycle streams  15 C,  15 D, and/or  15 E as desired to play a role in the C2 extraction and other overall NGL recovery performance mode. Optional split stream  15 C is recycled back to mixer  59  for use in feeding separator  60  (or stream  15 C can be directed directly back to separator  60 ). Optional liquid stream  15 E may be directed to any desired location, including being introduced as a reflux stream into optional processing column  90  discussed below (which can be a demethanizer, deethanizer, depropanizer or any combinations thereof) to polish or otherwise extract other products present in the stream. Optional recycle stream  15 D is fed to splitter (also called fourth stream splitter)  76  where one optional emerging stream  15 X may be fed into separation vessel assembly  80  as noted above, and/or another optional emerging stream  15 Y may be fed into separator  70  as noted above. 
         [0040]    Referring back to separation vessel assembly  80 , as noted above, vessel  80  receives stream  20  and optionally stream  15 X. Liquid and gas in vessel  80  may be fed into other parts of the process. For example, liquid from vessel  80  may be optionally recycled back to separator  60  via liquid stream  22 A through mixer  59  and stream  8  and/or optionally recycled back to separator vessel  70  via liquid stream  23 . 
         [0041]    Liquid in separator vessel  70  is directed through separator vessel liquid outlet  72  through pump  77  to mixer  78 . As an additional option, liquid from vessel  80  may also be diverted towards the liquid product stream  25  via liquid stream  22 B into mixer  78 . 
         [0042]    Gas stream from vessel  80  may optionally be diverted in whole or in part to the separator vessel  60  via stream  21 A, mixer  59 , and stream  8 , and/or may optionally be spiked into the product stream  25  via gas spike stream  21 B into mixer  78 . 
         [0043]    As noted above, mixer  78  may receive liquid streams from separator  70 , vessel  80  and a spike gas stream also from vessel  80 . The stream emerging from mixer  78  is in turn directed as raw product stream  26  to splitter  79 . The mixer  78  and first splitter  79  may operate as an integrated unit referred to as the first stream mixer splitter assembly. From splitter  79 , the raw product stream  26  can be directed to an end use location via stream  27 A, through receiving vessel  81  and then out as end product NGL-OIL stream  31 . Stream A 26  can be of sufficient demethanized composition by the present process herein that it can be transferred/diverted as stream  27 A to the product or oil-spiking-blending of the process to lead off as NGL-OIL product stream  31 . 
         [0044]    It is contemplated in this mode of further inventive step to handle and process heavy crude oils by modifying their properties by integrating or coupling or joining operation of the present process with modes of blending and modifying the crude oil properties as indicated in this embodiment—namely as shown in this example but not limited to, where it modifies a 19.65 API Crude Oil of viscosity 39.96 cP to a 25.62 API Crude and 22.557 cP viscosity and still keep the crude to pipeline pumping vapor free conditions—TVP of 44.4 PSIG—whereas pipeline pressures of up to 500 psi can allow even further flexibilities of spiking the crude. The flow proportions to attain the shown example can be referred to by reference to the included TABLE 2 and TABLE 1C. 
         [0045]    From splitter  79 , the raw product stream  26  can also be recycled, via stream  27 B back through heat exchanger  42  where its stream can serve to partially cool the feed stream  4 A and thereafter be warmed before being directed, via stream  28  directly to product storage or crude oil blending (such as through second stream mixer splitter assembly  82 ), then through stream  28 A, into mixing blender  83  and then to end product NGL-OIL stream  31 ). Crude stream  30  can be fed into blender  83  to mix with the product stream  28 A. Stream  28  can also be optionally diverted, in whole or in part, through splitter  82  as stream  28 B which can then be directed to a demethanizer or polisher column  90  or other columns which can further process or polish the stream  28 B prior to becoming the final product stage stream  28 C/blender  83 /NGL-OIL stream  31 , and column overhead or residual streams from column  90  area can via stream  29  become integrated to other process stages (not shown). In the present invention, the column  90  is a simple column that is not entwined into the system, but rather, acts simply to distill the product as an optional polishing step. Demethanizers of the prior art are intrinsically tied to and central to these prior art processes. 
         [0046]    Although mixing blender  83  is described as being present to receive various streams from the process prior to discharging to the end product stream  31 , it will be understood that the blending step of the process is optional if no crude oil is provided via inlet  30 , and therefore, the streams  27 A,  28 A and  28 C may also optionally be directed directly to a desired end location rather than going through blender  83 . 
         [0047]    Further, as an intent to aid prior art i.e. revamp/capacity-boost prior art, this “prior art” may be used in place of column  90  to which stream  26  can be diverted to—i.e. there exists a market for revamp of capacity. 
         [0048]    The raw product stream  26  is of most interest in the present disclosure as it is the product that is demethanized to various levels in various modes of operation of the above configuration, ranging from NGL with total demethanizer equivalent demethanization, larger NGL recovery partial demethanization, C2 Recovery Mode lesser but substantial demethanization. For example, in its such modes of operation the raw product stream  26  can also be sent to a demethanizer or polishing column  90  directly. 
         [0049]    There are various junctions depicted in  FIG. 1 . A junction can mean any combinations of splitter/diverter/mixers and any separate numbers of them within the “junction”. To follow track of stream  26  diverted to column  90 : Stream  26  goes to and at junction/splitter  79 . It can be diverted (0-100%) to Stream  27 A—to mixing blender  83 —as a PRODUCT NGL; it can be diverted (0-100%) to Stream  27 B—to exchanger  42 —for “Cool” Recovery in optional exchanger  42 —i.e. cooling the feed; it can be diverted (0-100%) to Stream  27 C—to junction/splitter  82 —for diverting to colum  90 . 
         [0050]    At junction/splitter  82 : optional Stream  28  and/or  27 C enter; Streams  28  and/or  27 C in combination or severally leave (0-100%) as Stream  28 B and/or leave as (0-100%) as Stream  28 A (NGL Product). Stream  28 B goes to optional column  90  for “polishing” processing; Column  90  produces NGL Product Stream  28 C and an overhead or other Stream named  29  (which can be sent to a destination within the main process or any other desired location). 
         [0051]    Regarding pressured Stream  1  (LEAN), there is an optional exchanger  40  that may employ external refrigeration/cooling sources. The sequence of placement can vary in relation to exchanger  42  and heat exchanger  50  by choice/optimization. For example, Stream  1 -LEAN enters a port in the cooler  40  arrangement. It undergoes cooling in cooler  40  against any source of cooling. Stream  4 A leaves cooler  40  as a cooled stream. The cooler  40  operation can be combined in any combination with or within cross exchanger  42  or exchanger  50  which can be similarly combined with or within same equipment in any combination as one example being a multi-pass/multi-stream exchanger. 
         [0052]    Cross exchanger  42  is an optional piece of equipment that operates as a heat/cool recovery exchanger. The sequence/combination of placement can vary in relation to cooler  40  and exchanger  50  by choice/optimization and with or within same equipment in any combination as one example being a multi-pass/multi-stream exchanger. For example, Stream  4 A enters a port in cross exchanger  42  and undergoes cooling against any source of cooling (Stream  27 B in this case), and leaves as Stream  4 B via a port as a cooled stream. The cooling Stream A 27 B enters cross exchanger  42  via a port and leaves as Stream  28  after imparting cooling on Stream  4 A. The cross exchanger  40  operation can be combined in any combination with or within cooler  40  or exchanger  50  which can be similarly combined with or within same equipment in any combination as one example being a multi-pass/multi-stream exchanger. 
         [0053]    With respect to heat exchanger  50 , its sequence/combination of placement can vary in relation to cooler  40  and cross exchanger  42  by choice/optimization and with or within same equipment in any combination as one example being a multi-pass/multi-stream exchanger and others being network/bank of other typical exchangers. Here, Stream  4 B enters a port  51  in heat exchanger  50  and undergoes cooling against any source(s) of cooling (Streams  10  and  16  in this case), and leaves as Stream  5  via a port  52  as a cooled stream. The cooling Stream  10  enters the heat exchanger  50  via a port  53  and leaves as Stream  11  via port  54  after imparting part of composite (combined) cooling on Stream  4 B. The cooling Stream  16  enters the heat exchanger  50  via a port  55  and leaves via port  56  as Stream  17  after imparting part of composite (combined) cooling on Stream  4 B. The heat exchanger  50  operation can be combined or separated and configured in any combination including use of other streams or sources of cooling which will achieve similar or derivative intent of cooling Stream  4 B in one or more equipment, as in one example here being a multi-pass/multiport/multi-stream exchanger. 
         [0054]    Valve  58  may be a JT valve or turbo expander assembly (or vortex or sonic technology devices and the like) to provide expansion cooling. In this case, Stream  5  enters a port in valve  58  and undergoes pressure drop and leaves as Stream  6  via a port. The stream is cooled by pressure drop and expansion thermodynamics. Where a turbo expander is used the turbo power can be utilized/integrated to other use. 
         [0055]    Mixer  59  is another junction. Stream  5  enters a port in mixer  59 . Stream  21 A, an anticipated vapor stream from separation vessel assembly  80 , enters a port of mixer  59 . Stream  22 A, an anticipated liquid stream from vessel  80  enters a port in mixer  59 . Optionally, an anticipated liquid Stream  15 C from junction/splitter  75  enters a port in mixer  59 . Stream  8  leaves mixer  59  as a mix via a port as Stream  8 . 
         [0056]    Downstream of mixer  59  is separator vessel  60 . Stream  8  enters a port in separator  60 . Stream  9  leaves separator  60  (out port  63 ) as an anticipated gas Stream  9  and then enters a port in valve  65 . Stream  13  leaves vessel  60  (via port  64 ) as an anticipated liquid stream and enters a port in pump  68 . 
         [0057]    Valve or turbo expander assembly  65  provides pressure control upstream and downstream. In this case, Stream  9  enters a port in valve  65  and leaves as Stream  10  via a port as a stream for providing cooling in the heat exchanger assembly  50 . Where a turbo expander is utilized the turbo power can be utilized/integrated to other use. 
         [0058]    Pump  68  also serves as a junction. Here, Stream  13  enters a port at pump  68 ; Stream  15 , an anticipated liquid stream from pump  68  leaves via a port to a port on valve  69 . Optional Stream  15 A, an anticipated liquid stream from pump  68  leaves via a port to a port on splitter/junction  75 . 
         [0059]    Valve or turbo expander assembly  69  provides pressure control upstream and downstream. Here, Stream  15  enters a port in valve  69  and leaves as Stream  16  via a port as a stream for providing cooling in the heat exchanger  50  assembly. Where a turbo expander is utilized the turbo power can be utilized/integrated to other use. 
         [0060]    Emerging from the heat exchanger  50 , composite (combined) warmed Stream  11  enters a port at gas compressor  66 . Composite (combined) warmed Stream  17  enters a port at separator vessel  70 . 
         [0061]    With respect to separator vessel  70 , anticipated Stream  17  from heat exchanger  50  enters a port at separator vessel  70 . Anticipated liquid Stream  23  from separation vessel assembly  80  enters a port at vessel  80 . Optional anticipated liquid Stream  15 Y from junction/slitter  76  enters a port at separator vessel  70 . Stream  18  leaves separator vessel  70  as an anticipated gas stream and enters a port at gas compressor  73 . Stream  24  leaves separator vessel  70  as an anticipated liquid stream and enters a port at pump  77 . 
         [0062]    With respect to compressor and cooler assembly  73 , anticipated Stream A 18  from separator  70  enters a port at compressor/cooler  73 . Stream  18  is compressed and cooled and leaves as compressed cooled Stream  19  from a port of compressor/cooler assembly  73 . Compressed Stream  19  from compressor/cooler  73  enters a port at valve  74 . 
         [0063]    Valve or expander/compressor assembly  74  provides pressure control upstream and downstream. Here, stream  19  enters a port in valve  74  and leaves as Stream  20  via a port. Where a turbo expander is utilized the turbo power can be utilized/integrated to other use. 
         [0064]    Separation vessel assembly  80  also serves as a junction assembly. Here, anticipated Stream  20  from valve  74  enters a port at vessel  80 . Stream  21 A leaves vessel  80  at a port as an anticipated gas stream and enters a port at mixer  59 . Anticipated liquid Stream  23  leaves a port at vessel  80  and enters a port at separator  70 . Optional anticipated Stream  15 X from junction/splitter  76  enters a port at vessel  80 . Optional anticipated liquid Stream  22 A leaves a port at vessel  80  and enters a port at mixer  59 . Optional anticipated liquid Stream  22 B leaves a port at vessel  80  and enters a port at mixer  78 . Optional anticipated vapor Stream  21 B leaves a port at vessel  80  and enters a port at mixer  78  (for further anticipation of sending to column  90  if desired). 
         [0065]    Regarding pump assembly  77 , Stream  24  enters a port at pump  77 . Stream  25 , an anticipated liquid stream from pump  77  leaves via a port to port on mixer  78 . 
         [0066]    Regarding mixing junction  78 , Streams (and Optional Streams) ( 25 ,  22 B,  21 B enter mixing junction  78  via ports. Stream  26  (anticipated raw NGL product) leaves mixer  78  via a port to enter splitting junction  79  at a port. 
         [0067]    Regarding splitter junction  79 , Stream  26  (anticipated raw NGL Product) enters splitter  79  at a port. Stream  27 A leaves splitter  79  as Stream  27 A (essentially raw NGL Product). As an option, 0-100% of flow of splitter  79  departing streams, anticipated Stream  27 B leaves splitter  79  to enter exchanger  42  as a heat exchange stream, imparting any cooling duty available to exchanger  42 . As an option, 0-100% of flow of splitter departing streams, anticipated Stream  27 C leaves a port at splitter  79  and enters a port at splitter junction  82 . 
         [0068]    With respect to optional junction  82 , as one option, Stream (0-100% of flow of splitter  79  departing streams)  27 C (anticipated raw NGL Product) enters splitter  82  at a port. As another option, Stream (0-100% of flow of splitter  79  departing streams)  28  leaving exchanger  42  enters a port at splitter  82  (essentially raw NGL Product). Anticipated Stream  28 A leaves splitter  82  to enter end product mixer  75 . As an option, Stream  28 B leaves a port at splitter  82  and enters a port at column  90  (an anticipated polishing/extracting equipment such as a demethanizer or other anticipated assembly of other refining equipment). 
         [0069]    Column  90  is an optional polishing/extracting equipment such as a demethanizer or other anticipated assembly of other refining equipment). As an option, Stream  28 C leaves a port at column  1  and enters a port at end product mixer  83 . Anticipated Stream(s)  29  leave column  90  to enter the Process for recouping some overhead components or can leave to any desired destination; 
         [0070]    The end product mixer,  83  is anticipated to accept at ports Streams (and optional Streams) ( 27 A,  28 A,  28   c , “ 30  (CRUDE)”, etc.) and exit as Stream “ 31  NGL-OIL” by pumping and/or mixing with other product Liquids (such as heavy crude oils, but not limited to) of which it is anticipated of this invention as one part to provide feasibility or function. It is also anticipated that Stream “ 31  NGL-OIL” is just the product of this process where no mixing of other streams or products is anticipated. 
         [0071]    With respect to splitter junction  75 , optionally, between 0-100% of flow of pump  68  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 A enters splitter junction  75  at a port. Stream  27 A leaves splitter  79  as Stream A 27 A (essentially raw NGL Product). Optionally, (0-100% of flow of splitter  75  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 C leaves splitter  75  to enter mixer  59 . As another option, 0-100% of flow of splitter  75  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 D leaves junction  75  to enter splitter  76 . Another option includes (0-100% of flow of T 3  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 E leaves splitter  75  to enter a desired location for one example as an anticipated reflux to Column  90  area/equipment. 
         [0072]    Splitter junction  76  takes on various product streams. For example, optionally (0-100% of flow of splitter  75  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 D enters splitter  76  at a port. Optionally (0-100% of flow of splitter  76  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 X leaves splitter  76  to enter separation vessel assembly  80 . Optionally, (0-100% of flow of splitter  76  departing streams), anticipated Stream  15 Y leaves slitter  76  to enter separator  70 . 
         [0073]    Regarding the compressor and cooler system assembly  66 , anticipated Stream  11  from heat exchanger  50  enters a port of anticipated Compressor assembly  66  which provides gas to “Residue Gas” Compressor of system  66 . 
         [0074]    Gas of Stream  11  anticipated is compressed at compressor  66  and leaves a port to enter a port at heat exchanger  67  to be cooled down to anticipated pipeline or transfer pressure and temperature and departing from a port as anticipated gas Stream  12 A. 
         [0075]    For a better understanding of the operation of the present invention, reference is made to the following Tables in connection with process flow diagrams illustrated in the drawings. 
         [0076]    As a means of the explanation of  FIG. 1 , tables are provided giving more detailed data description of the parameters for the design and operation of the process plant. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure, that the present invention could be practiced by following the present disclosure of the diagrams/Figures and the accompanying data Tables. The current disclosure is indicative of reasonable assumptions typically made by those skilled in the art, including rounding of the data, ambient conditions and heat losses not accounted and not shown but contemplated where required. 
         [0077]    Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 1  (with reference to the Tables) there are provided temperature and pressure profiles as part of the drawings and referring stream table data. This information provides one of ordinary skill in the art of HYSYS Process Simulation with a description of the invention to permit the practice thereof. It is much more elucidating and so one is referred to the Stream Table TABLE 2 for  FIG. 1C  included herein to view the process parameters of flows, Pressure and Temperature that pertain to each point of process streams referred to in the description below. Other embodiments are variants and/or variables of that. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Stream Name 
                 4B 
                 26 
                 28B 
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
                 30 (CRUDE) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 55.057 
                 10.039 
                 90.000 
                 60.000 
                 60.000 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 906.000 
                 400.000 
                 300.000 
                 495.000 
                 500.000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow [lbmole/hr] 
                 25,804.103 
                 3,083.124 
                 3,082.104 
                 2,527.139 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Viscosity [cP] 
                 0.013 
                 0.104 
                   
                 0.095 
                 29.949 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (H2O) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Nitrogen) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (CO2) 
                 0.007 
                 0.016 
                 0.016 
                 0.020 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (H2S) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Methane) 
                 0.873 
                 0.129 
                 0.129 
                 0.008 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Ethane) 
                 0.071 
                 0.444 
                 0.444 
                 0.487 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Propane) 
                 0.029 
                 0.242 
                 0.242 
                 0.280 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (i-Butane) 
                 0.005 
                 0.042 
                 0.041 
                 0.050 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (n-Butane) 
                 0.010 
                 0.085 
                 0.085 
                 0.103 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (i-Pentane) 
                 0.002 
                 0.015 
                 0.015 
                 0.018 
                 0.006 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (n-Pentane) 
                 0.003 
                 0.028 
                 0.028 
                 0.034 
                 0.043 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (C6*) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.057 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (C7*) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.804 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0078]    The results from the simulation of TABLE 1A in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1A RESULTS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 C2 RECOVERY 
                 67.03 
                   
               
               
                   
                 C3 RECOVERY 
                 93.78 
                   
               
               
                   
                 FEED C1 MFR 
                 0.8725 
                   
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE FEED API 
                 22.47 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE VOL FLOW 
                 0 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE VISCO 
                 29.9491 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
                 PROD API 
                 158.9 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
                 PROD VISCO 
                 0.0951 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
                 PROD FLOW 
                 14465 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                   
                 VOL FR C1-PROD 
                 0.0048 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0079]    The characteristics for stream  31  NGL-OIL from the simulation of TABLE 1A in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1A 
               
               
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60.00 
                 ° F. 
               
               
                 495.0 
                 psig 
               
               
                 414.3 
                 psig 
               
               
                 0.0951 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0080]    The characteristics for stream  30  crude from the simulation of TABLE 1A in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1A 
               
               
                 30 (CRUDE) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60.00 
                 ° F. 
               
               
                 500.0 
                 psig 
               
               
                 −11.95 
                 psig 
               
               
                 0.0000 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                 −11.47 
                 psig 
               
               
                 29.95 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0081]    TABLE 1A (in conjunction with the process flow diagram of  FIG. 1 ) shows NGL recovery utilizing demethanizer column  90  for polishing recovery. In this example, there is 12.9% C1 in the raw NGL product. After the column  90 , there is demonstrated C2 recovery of 67.03% and C3 recovery of 93.78%. TABLE 1A shows partial achievement of demethanizing while extracting NGL—“partial” is deliberate for ethane extraction—using the present process, and then polishing it with a demethanizer. 
         [0082]    By way of summary of the example set out in connection with TABLE 1A and  FIG. 1 , there is no oil used. Product stream is diverted to further treat in column. Using some of the variability of the system functions to produce NGL already down to C1=/&lt;12.9% Mole. In this example, there is no no flow of Crude Oil Stream (0.000 “Molar Flow” flow in “ 30  (CRUDE)”). Stream “ 31  (NGL-OIL)” is either just the NGL product or blended with oil final product either as: straight from the inventive process (called raw NGL and as in Stream  26 ). The Cl content is approximately down to 12.9% or is diverted via Stream  28 B to a polishing/column facility  90  (a de-methanizer column or other facility) producing NGL product of required specifications (e.g. in this case &lt;1% Mole C1). 
         [0083]    With this example, the overall performance accomplished is: 
         [0084]    C2 Recovery of 67% 
         [0085]    C3+ Recovery of 94%+ 
         [0086]    NGL Prod demethanized to &lt;0.5% vol. C1 using column facility. 
         [0087]    Blended with Oil (Not applicable in this example). 
         [0088]    Blending with crude oil for any number of purposes e.g. but not limited to: 
         [0089]    Modifying Crude Oil viscosity From X cP to Z cp) 
         [0090]    Blending (Spiking) as a recovered product from gas stream. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1B 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Stream Name 
                 4B 
                 26.000 
                 28B 
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
                 30 (CRUDE) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 77.836 
                 −33.688 
                 90.000 
                 60.000 
                 60.000 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 906.000 
                 400.000 
                 300.000 
                 495.000 
                 500.000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow [lbmole/hr] 
                 25,804.103 
                 2,061.687 
                 0.000 
                 2,061.676 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Viscosity [cP] 
                 0.013 
                 0.179 
                   
                 0.106 
                 39.959 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (H2O) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Nitrogen) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (CO2) 
                 0.007 
                 0.003 
                 0.003 
                 0.003 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (H2S) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Methane) 
                 0.873 
                 0.010 
                 0.010 
                 0.010 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Ethane) 
                 0.071 
                 0.380 
                 0.380 
                 0.380 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Propane) 
                 0.029 
                 0.355 
                 0.355 
                 0.355 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (i-Butane) 
                 0.005 
                 0.062 
                 0.062 
                 0.062 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (n-Butane) 
                 0.010 
                 0.127 
                 0.127 
                 0.127 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (i-Pentane) 
                 0.002 
                 0.022 
                 0.022 
                 0.022 
                 0.007 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (n-Pentane) 
                 0.003 
                 0.042 
                 0.042 
                 0.042 
                 0.045 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (C6*) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.004 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (C7*) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.850 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0091]    The results from the simulation of TABLE 1B in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1B RESULTS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 C2 RECOVERY 
                 42.63 
                   
               
               
                   
                 C3 RECOVERY 
                 96.90 
                   
               
               
                   
                 FEED C1 MFR 
                 0.8725 
                   
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE FEED API 
                 19.65 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE VOL FLOW 
                 0 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE VISCO 
                 39.9588 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
                 PROD API 
                 151.0 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
                 PROD VISCO 
                 0.1056 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
                 PROD FLOW 
                 12126 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                   
                 VOL FR C1-PROD 
                 0.0057 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0092]    The characteristics for stream  31  NGL-OIL from the simulation of TABLE 1B in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1B 
               
               
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60.00 
                 ° F. 
               
               
                 495.0 
                 psig 
               
               
                 334.8 
                 psig 
               
               
                 0.1056 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0093]    The characteristics for stream  30  crude from the simulation of TABLE 1B in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1B 
               
               
                 30 (CRUDE) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60.00 
                 ° F. 
               
               
                 500.0 
                 psig 
               
               
                 −12.16 
                 psig 
               
               
                 0.0000 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                 −11.63 
                 psig 
               
               
                 39.96 
                 cP 
               
               
                 19.65 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0094]    TABLE 1B (in conjunction with the process flow diagram of  FIG. 1 ) shows NGL high C2+ recovery mode with no use of a demethanizer column for polishing recovery in stream nor input of crude oil. TABLE 1B shows NGL recovery with no column polishing. TABLE 1B—&lt;1% (rounded) C1 in the raw NGL product. No use of polishing column  90 . This example shows the effectiveness of the present invention without use of demethanizer column  90 : C2 recovery 42.62%; C3 recovery 96.90%. TABLE 1B shows the straight achievement of demethanizing, using the process of the present invention. 
         [0095]    By way of summary of TABLE 1B in connection with  FIG. 1 , there is no oil added. There is no column used. Using some of the variability of the system functions to produce NGL already meeting NGL Spec for C1=/&lt;0.5 Vol. (˜1% C1 Mole). In this example, there is no flow of Crude Oil Stream (0.000 “Molar Flow” flow in “ 30  (CRUDE)”). Stream “ 31  (NGL-OIL)” is (either) just the NGL product (or blended with oil final product either as): 
         [0096]    Straight from the inventive process (called raw NGL and as in Stream  26 ) 
         [0097]    (In this case, C1 content is already approximately =/&lt;1 mol %) 
         [0098]    or 
         [0099]    (N/A Diverted) via Stream  28 B to a polishing/column facility  90  (a de-methanizer column or other facility) producing NGL product of required specifications (e.g. in this case &lt;1% Mole C1). 
         [0100]    Overall Performance accomplished: 
         [0101]    C2 Recovery of 43% 
         [0102]    C3+ Recovery of 97%+ 
         [0103]    NGL Product demethanized to &lt;0.5% vol. C1 and not using column facility. 
         [0104]    (N/A in this example). Blended with Oil 
         [0105]    (N/A in this example). Blending with crude oil for any number of purposes e.g. but not limited to: 
         [0106]    Modifying Crude Oil viscosity From X cP to Z cp) 
         [0107]    Blending (Spiking) as a recovered product from gas stream. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1C 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Stream Name 
                 4B 
                 26 
                 28B 
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
                 30 (CRUDE) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 77.836 
                 −33.688 
                 90.000 
                 60.000 
                 60.000 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 906.000 
                 400.000 
                 300.000 
                 495.000 
                 500.000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow [lbmole/hr] 
                 25,804.103 
                 2,061.687 
                 0.000 
                 17,061.676 
                 15,000.000 
               
               
                 Liq Mass Density @Std Cond [API_60] 
                   
                 150.965 
                 150.965 
                 25.616 
                 19.652 
               
               
                 Viscosity [cP] 
                 0.013 
                 0.179 
                   
                 22.557 
                 39.959 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (H2O) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Nitrogen) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (CO2) 
                 0.007 
                 0.003 
                 0.003 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (H2S) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Methane) 
                 0.873 
                 0.010 
                 0.010 
                 0.001 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Ethane) 
                 0.071 
                 0.380 
                 0.380 
                 0.046 
                 0.000 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (Propane) 
                 0.029 
                 0.355 
                 0.355 
                 0.043 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (i-Butane) 
                 0.005 
                 0.062 
                 0.062 
                 0.008 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (n-Butane) 
                 0.010 
                 0.127 
                 0.127 
                 0.017 
                 0.001 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (i-Pentane) 
                 0.002 
                 0.022 
                 0.022 
                 0.009 
                 0.007 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (n-Pentane) 
                 0.003 
                 0.042 
                 0.042 
                 0.045 
                 0.045 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (C6*) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.004 
                 0.004 
               
               
                 Comp Mole Frac (C7*) 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.000 
                 0.747 
                 0.850 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0108]    The results from the simulation of TABLE 1C in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1C RESULTS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 C2 RECOVERY 
                 42.62 
                   
               
               
                   
                 C3 RECOVERY 
                 96.90 
                   
               
               
                   
                 FEED C1 MFR 
                 0.8725 
                   
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE FEED API 
                 19.65 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE VOL FLOW 
                 103682 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                   
                 CRUDE VISCO 
                 39.9588 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
                 PROD API 
                 25.62 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
                 PROD VISCO 
                 22.5570 
                 cP 
               
               
                   
                 PROD FLOW 
                 114518 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                   
                 VOL FR C1-PROD 
                 0.0006 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0109]    The characteristics for stream  31  NGL-OIL from the simulation of TABLE 1C in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1C 
               
               
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60.00 
                 ° F. 
               
               
                 495.0 
                 psig 
               
               
                 44.38 
                 psig 
               
               
                 22.5570 
                 cP 
               
               
                 25.62 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0110]    The characteristics for stream  30  crude from the simulation of TABLE 1B in connection with  FIG. 1  can be tabulated as follows: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 EXAMPLE 1C 
               
               
                 30 (CRUDE) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 60.00 
                 ° F. 
               
               
                 500.0 
                 psig 
               
               
                 −12.16 
                 psig 
               
               
                 1.037e+005 
                 barrel/day 
               
               
                 −11.63 
                 psig 
               
               
                 39.96 
                 cP 
               
               
                 19.65 
                 API_60 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0111]    TABLE 1C (in conjunction with the process flow diagram of  FIG. 1 ) shows NGL lower C2+ recovery mode with no use of a demethanizer column for polishing in stream, and utilizing modifying action on crude oil. This example shows viscosity modification of heavy crude oil using recovered NGL to modify API and Viscosity of the heavy oil. TABLE 1C provides additional results when blending with oil—i.e. viscosity modification, etc. TABLE 1C shows NGL recovery with no column polishing i.e. TABLE 1C—&lt;1% (rounded) C1 in the raw NGL product. No use of column. This illustrates the effectiveness of the present invention without use of demethanizer column and effectively specifically providing product for adding to Crude oil/Hydrocarbon Stream. And, this is used as an example for the direct Oil/fluid blending case above and shown in further detail in TABLE 1C (in connection with  FIG. 1 ) and the process has many common features for other embodiments of this invention. 
         [0112]    By way of summary of TABLE 1C in connection with  FIG. 1 , in this example, the product is blended to oil. The oil viscosity is thereby modified. There is no use of the column. Using some of the variability of the present system functions to produce NGL already meeting NGL Spec for C1=/&lt;0.5 Vol. (˜1% C1 Mole). In this example, yes, there is a flow of crude oil stream (15,000 lbmole/hr “Molar Flow” flow in “ 30  (CRUDE)”). Stream “ 31  (NGL-OIL)” is (either just the NGL product or) blended with oil final product either as): 
         [0113]    (N/A Straight from the inventive process (called raw NGL and as in Stream  26 ) 
         [0114]    (and in this case, C1 content is ALREADY approximately =/&lt;1% mol %) 
         [0115]    OR) 
         [0116]    (N/A Diverted) via Stream  28 B to a polishing/column facility  90  (a de-methanizer column or other facility) producing NGL Product of required specifications (e.g. in this case &lt;1% Mole C1). 
         [0117]    Overall Performance accomplished: 
         [0118]    C2 Recovery of 43% 
         [0119]    C3+ Recovery of 97%+ 
         [0120]    NGL Prod demethanized using system to &lt;0.5% vol. C1 and not using column facility. 
         [0121]    Blended with Oil 
         [0122]    Blending with crude oil for any number of purposes e.g. but not limited to: 
         [0123]    Modifying Crude Oil viscosity From 40 cP to 23 cP 
         [0124]    Blending (Spiking) as a recovered product from gas stream. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Stream Name 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 1 (LEAN) 
                 2 (RICH) 
                 3 (MID) 
                 4A 
                 4B 
                 5 
                 6 
                 8 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 110.0000 
                 100.0000 
                 100.0000 
                 100.0000 
                 77.8360 
                 −70.0000 
                 −187.4702 
                 −160.0881 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 916.0000 
                 916.0000 
                 916.0000 
                 916.0000 
                 906.0000 
                 901.0000 
                 50.0000 
                 50.0000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow 
                 25,804.1030 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 25,804.1030 
                 25,804.1030 
                 25,804.1030 
                 25,804.1030 
                 28,460.3862 
               
               
                 [lbmole/hr] 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Stream Name 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 9 
                 10 
                 11 
                 12 
                 12A 
                 13 
                 15 
                 15A 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 −160.0881 
                 −160.0881 
                 72.8359 
                 459.5196 
                 100.0000 
                 −160.0881 
                 −156.0241 
                 −156.0241 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 50.0000 
                 50.0000 
                 45.0000 
                 500.0000 
                 495.0000 
                 50.0000 
                 650.0000 
                 650.0000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow 
                 23,738.4486 
                 23,738.4486 
                 23,738.4486 
                 23,738.4486 
                 23,738.4486 
                 4,721.9377 
                 3,305.3564 
                 1,416.5813 
               
               
                 [lbmole/hr] 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Stream Name 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 15C 
                 15D 
                 15E 
                 15X 
                 15Y 
                 16 
                 17 
                 18 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 −156.0241 
                 −156.0241 
                 −156.0241 
                 −154.4029 
                 −154.4029 
                 −154.0590 
                 14.7676 
                 −36.6742 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 650.0000 
                 650.0000 
                 650.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 55.0000 
                 50.0000 
                 50.0000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow 
                 0.0000 
                 1,416.5813 
                 0.0000 
                 1,416.3345 
                 0.0000 
                 3,305.3564 
                 3,305.3564 
                 4,974.0924 
               
               
                 [lbmole/hr] 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Stream Name 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 19 
                 20 
                 21A 
                 21B 
                 22A 
                 22B 
                 23 
                 24 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 100.0000 
                 40.8402 
                 28.6105 
                 28.6105 
                 28.6102 
                 28.6102 
                 28.6102 
                 −36.6750 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 950.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 50.0000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow 
                 4,970.3721 
                 4,970.3721 
                 2,656.2833 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 3,730.4233 
                 2,061.6873 
               
               
                 [lbmole/hr] 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Stream Name 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 25 
                 26 
                 27A 
                 27B 
                 27C 
                 28 
                 28A 
                 28B 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 −33.6880 
                 −33.6880 
                 −33.6880 
                 −33.6880 
                 −33.6880 
                 90.0000 
                 90.0001 
                 90.0001 
               
               
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 400.0000 
                 300.0000 
                 300.0000 
                 300.0000 
               
               
                 Molar Flow 
                 2,061.6873 
                 2,061.6873 
                 0.0000 
                 2,061.6873 
                 0.0000 
                 2,061.6764 
                 2,061.6764 
                 0.0000 
               
               
                 [lbmole/hr] 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Stream Name 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 28C 
                 29 
                 30 (CRUDE) 
                 31 (NGL-OIL) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Temperature [F.] 
                 −244.0323 
                 164.8690 
                 60.0000 
                 60.0000 
               
               
                   
                 Pressure [psig] 
                 300.0000 
                 300.0000 
                 500.0000 
                 495.0000 
               
               
                   
                 Molar Flow [lbmole/hr] 
                 0.0000 
                 0.0000 
                 15,000.0000 
                 17,061.6764 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0125]    Referring to TABLE 2, there is displayed temperature, pressure and flow characteristics of the various streams referenced in connection with  FIG. 1  and TABLE 1C. 
         [0126]    In another example, non-optimized recoveries from a gas at 500 psig range as follows: For rich gas (37% C1), the C3 recovery is 98%, the C2 recovery is 75%. For lean gas (88% C1), the C3 recovery is 95%, the C2 recovery is 42%. In an optimized system, C2 recoveries in an optimized configuration can be up to 90+% and C3 recoveries can be up to about 100%. This optimized configuration involves modifications to the basic process steps (c) through (e): (c) further cooling the feed stream from the heat exchanger via a first gas expansion assembly; (d) separating the further cooled stream in a first gas/liquid separation vessel assembly into gas and liquid streams; and (e) pumping the liquid stream (0-100%) from the first separation vessel assembly into the heat exchanger to impart a cooling effect on the feed stream in the heat exchange. In this modified process, stream  5  is directed through a turbo expander, then the discharge from the turbo expander is separated into liquid and gas phases. The liquid phase is directed as per stream  13 . The gas phase is directed through another turbo expander whos discharge is directed into another separator. The liquid from separation after second turbo expansion is directed as per stream  13 , the gas as per stream  9 . 
         [0127]    In view of the above, it is contemplated an NGL recovery process that can be used directly or indirectly to enhance heavy crude oil processes and/or handling as shown in this embodiment. It is contemplated a novel NGL recovery process. It is contemplated a novel NGL recovery process with/without a novel demethanizing method. It is contemplated a novel demethanizing process for NGL recovery process(es). It is contemplated of further embodiments to accompany and show an NGL recovery process with various contemplations. It is contemplated an NGL/less-volatile components recovery process from fluid streams. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process with or without a demethanizer/fractionation/distillation column. It is contemplated an NGL deep recovery process with JT valve expansion only. It is contemplated an NGL deep recovery process with JT and/or turboexpansion expansion cooling process. It is contemplated a CO 2  tolerant NGL recovery process. It is contemplated a deep extraction NGL recovery process with recovery of C2+. It is contemplated a deep extraction NGL recovery process with rejection of C2+. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process pre-LNG pretreatment. 
         [0128]    It is contemplated an NGL recovery process post-LNG manufacture at receiving end with and/or LNG gasification steps. It is contemplated an NGL recovery and LNG gasification process. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process with low pressure source feed gas. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process with high pressure source feed gas. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process with external refrigeration. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process without external refrigeration. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process to handle rich in less volatile content gases/fluids. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process to handle lean in less volatile content gases/fluids. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process and pipeline specification or pumping criteria or pressure drop or multiphase criteria meeting mix of the NGL or its mixing with other process fluids, as in one example of crude oil liquids. It is contemplated an NGL recovery process meeting some CO 2  process stream requirements in either rejection or separation of CO 2  from NGL stream. It is contemplated the contemplated and other incidental benefits of this novel NGL and demethanizing process different from the technologies of current art form. 
         [0129]    The present invention is directed to the process or method or system or improvements whichever applies to comprising any feature described, either individually or in combination with any feature, in any configuration or individual steps or processes or combination of individual steps or processes for equipment design, operating, separating or recovering components of varying volatilities from natural gas (LNG) or any other mix of hydrocarbons or other fluid mixes in a fluid phase. 
         [0130]    The present invention provides an unconventional process to vary hydrocarbon compositions in various streams. 
         [0131]    The present invention includes a process for separating less volatile hydrocarbons from more volatile hydrocarbons; and not limited to but more particularly less volatile hydrocarbons from gas streams with more volatile hydrocarbon components; 
         [0132]    The invention is also directed to NGL components from lean in NGL components hydrocarbon gas. 
         [0133]    The present invention is used to produce essentially stabilized condensate, one condensate being NGL, one NGL being variable in ethane (C2) component, the C2 component being varied to produce NGL with “Ethane Extraction” or “Ethane Rejection” based C2 amounts 
         [0134]    The current invention provides a process of unconventional means to separate less volatile hydrocarbons from more volatile hydrocarbons. This process is particularly not dependent on degrees of freedom of a process predominantly tied to a conventional column. 
         [0135]    The process is not tied to use of conventional column to extract NGL from hydrocarbon fluid stream(s). 
         [0136]    The process is not tied to use of conventional column to essentially extract NGL with Ethane Extraction or Ethane Rejection function. 
         [0137]    The present invention also describes a process for producing Pipeline Specification NGL (or condensate); a process for producing demethanized NGL (or condensate); a process for producing demethanized NGL (or condensate) for crude oil enhancement; a process for introducing demethanized NGL (or condensate) of suitable TVP to liquid hydrocarbon carrying pipelines; a process for providing product for improving performance of hydrocarbon carrying pipelines, in one instance more particularly reducing potential of multiphase (gas and liquid(s)) flow pipelines to that of essentially liquid(s) flow regime flow lines; in another instance more particularly reducing potential of high viscosity flow lines to lower viscosity flow performing flow lines. 
         [0138]    The invention also includes a process essentially introducing process steps providing complete desired hydrocarbon separation process; a process essentially introducing process steps to enhance hydrocarbon separation process(es). 
         [0139]    The invention is also directed to a process essentially introducing process steps suitable for improving process of conventional hydrocarbon processes and not limited to; more particularly NGL separation processes; more particularly a CO 2  tolerant process; more particularly Ethane Extraction Processes; more particularly Ethane Rejection Processes; more particularly process stream product Heating Value control processes; more particularly product hydrocarbon component variation processes; more particularly product de-methanizing processes; 
         [0140]    Also disclosed is a process essentially introducing process steps suitable for particularly specific component hydrocarbon separation processes. 
         [0141]    Additionally, the present disclosure also teaches a process essentially introducing process steps suitable with or to conventional hydrocarbon separation processes; in one instance particularly introducing means of providing product feed stream changing effectiveness/capacity of conventional NGL extraction process with column; in one instance particularly introducing means of providing process streams for integration with conventional hydrocarbon extraction process(es) with column(s); in one instance particularly using a conventional column (or columns) as an additional step to process; in one instance more particularly using conventional column (or columns) to polish a product stream. 
         [0142]    The present disclosure further provides a process providing means of introducing a less process utilities demanding and/or less process equipment capacity demanding feed stream for processing. 
         [0143]    The present disclosure is also directed to a process for separating less volatile hydrocarbons from more volatile hydrocarbons; and not limited to but more particularly heavier hydrocarbons from gas streams with lighter hydrocarbon components; and more particularly NGL components from lean in NGL components hydrocarbon gas; producing essentially stabilized condensate; more particularly condensate being NGL; more particularly NGL being variable in Ethane (C2) component; more particularly C2 component being varied to produce NGL with “Ethane Extraction” or “Ethane Rejection” based C2 amounts; particularly unconventional process to vary hydrocarbon compositions in various streams; more particularly a process of unconventional means to separate less volatile hydrocarbons from more volatile hydrocarbons; more particularly a process of unconventional means to separate C2+ less volatile hydrocarbons from more volatile hydrocarbons; more particularly not dependent on degrees of freedom of process predominantly tied to a conventional column; more particularly not tied to use of conventional column to extract NGL from hydrocarbon fluid stream(s); more particularly not tied to use of conventional column to essentially extract NGL with Ethane Extraction or Ethane Rejection function. 
         [0144]    The present disclosure also provides a process for producing Pipeline Specification NGL; a process for producing demethanized NGL; a process for producing demethanized NGL for crude oil enhancement; a process for introducing demethanized NGL of suitable TVP to liquid hydrocarbon carrying pipelines; a process for improving performance of hydrocarbon carrying liquid pipelines; in one instance more particularly reducing potential of multiphase flow pipelines to that of essentially liquids flow regime flow lines; in another instance more particularly reducing potential of high viscosity flow lines to lower viscosity flow performing flow lines; a process essentially introducing process steps providing complete desired hydrocarbon separation process; a process essentially introducing process steps to enhance hydrocarbon separation process(es); a process essentially introducing process steps suitable for improving process of conventional hydrocarbon processes; more particularly NGL separation processes; more particularly Ethane Extraction Processes. more particularly Ethane Rejection Processes; more particularly de-methanizing Processes; more particularly specific component hydrocarbon separation Processes; a process to help increase NGL processing capacity of NGL extraction facilities; a process that reduces methane content of gas condensates; a process that can reduce more volatile component content of product streams in hydrocarbon processes; process steps that can reduce more volatile component content of product streams in hydrocarbon process(es). 
         [0145]    The present disclosure also pertains to a process and process steps for separation of hydrocarbons; a process and process steps of manipulating process equilibrium thermodynamics; A process and process steps of selective enhancement of hydrocarbon components in product streams; A process and process steps for almost infinitely varying compositions of hydrocarbon mixtures to obtain preferred shifts of hydrocarbon mixture components; A process and process steps for preferentially shifting hydrocarbon component concentrations within process; A process and process steps for preferentially shifting hydrocarbon component concentrations to produce desired end product specifications; process not limited to but providing more particularly in this case means to separate at least methane from hydrocarbon(s) less volatile than methane; more particularly in this one case into a product stream with methane lean in hydrocarbon(s) less volatile than methane and other hydrocarbon product(s) lean in methane and enriched with hydrocarbon(s) less volatile than methane; more particularly in this case considered a NGL extraction process; more particularly in this case a demethanizing process; more particularly process providing available variability or choice to extract NGL with Ethane extraction; more particularly process providing available variability or choice to extract NGL with Ethane rejection; comprising the step parameters (pressures, temperatures, flows) more specifically provided by Table 2 that one versed in the art can replicate: 
         [0146]    (a) a Feed Stream is cooled in heat exchanger(s) and expanded resulting in further cooling by Joule Thompson effect, and the resulting equilibrium stream(s) separated into gas and liquid; 
         [0147]    (b) (0 to 100%) of the liquid stream(s) obtained in step (a) is supplied to cool Feed stream(s) of step (a); 
         [0148]    (c) (0 to 100%) of the gas stream(s) obtained in step (a) is supplied to cool Feed stream(s) of step (a); 
         [0149]    (d) other (0 to 100%) of liquid stream(s) of step (b) and possible splits thereof is (are) sent to meet other steps downstream or upstream of the point to meet variability of the inventive process being disclosed; 
         [0150]    (d) Liquid stream of step (b) provides cooling to Feed Stream of step (a) and in the process warms up; 
         [0151]    (e) Stream of step (d) is separated into equilibrium streams of gas and liquid; 
         [0152]    (f) gas stream of step (e) is compressed and cooled into cooled compressed stream; 
         [0153]    (g) compressed stream of step (f) is expanded to cool and separated into equilibrium streams of gas and liquid; 
         [0154]    (h) (0-100%) variable of gas stream of step (g) is sent to mix with equilibrium mix of step (a); 
         [0155]    (i) (0-100%) variable of liquid stream of step (g) is sent to mix with equilibrium mix of step (a); 
         [0156]    (j) other (0-100%) variable of gas stream of step (g) is sent to other downstream process(es); 
         [0157]    (k) other (0-100%) variable of liquid stream of step (g) is sent to other downstream process(es); 
         [0158]    (l) other (0-100%) variable of liquid stream of step (g) is sent to mix with equilibrium mix of step (e); 
         [0159]    (m) liquid stream of step (e) is pressurized and sent to produce a mix with streams of step (j) and step (k); 
         [0160]    (n) (0-100%) variable of stream of step (m) is sent to other downstream end product NGL or other liquids property modification process; 
         [0161]    (o) other (0-100%) variable of stream of step (m) is sent to impart cooling to Feed stream of step (a) and warming up in the process; 
         [0162]    (p) other (0-100%) variable of stream of step (m) is sent to other downstream process(es); 
         [0163]    (q) Stream of step (p) is combined with warmed stream of step (o); 
         [0164]    (r) (0-100%) variable of stream of step (q) is sent to other downstream end product NGL or other liquids property modification process; 
         [0165]    (s) other (0-100%) variable of stream of step (r) is sent to other downstream process for further refining or separation resulting in at least one product such as NGL for example; 
         [0166]    (t) stream of step (s) is sent to other downstream end product NGL or other liquids property modification process of step; 
         [0167]    (u) streams of step (t), step (s) and (n) are processed or mixed with other process streams such as particularly in application of this process with crude oil (often heavy) producing a preferred product content (such as amounts of NGL ethane-plus components) or preferred product property (transport phenomenon or flowing properties). 
         [0168]    The present disclosure provides an unconventional columnless demethanizing broad “composition swing methodology” and is envisioned that it can be applied to other hydrocarbons. 
         [0169]    The process provides the ability to shift up/down/sideways concentrations of hydrocarbons driven by equilibrium for or to preferred separations points. Side streams can also be taken out as products. 
         [0170]    As one particular specific example of the process (without use of column  90 ) permits recovering ˜97% C3 fractions and ˜43% C2+ fraction and still with a (TVP=˜335 psig, C1 Vol %=˜0.5%) and all ready-made to go into pipeline since it should meet pipeline specs (TVP&lt;600 psig, C1 Vol %&lt;0.5%). 
         [0171]    Especially when blended to oil it is a huge benefit to the oil industry in that pumping not required to keep a pipeline pressure of more than 400 PSIG with large recovery of NGL&#39;s from Oil/Gas fields. 
         [0172]    The process provides many available variables, for example, with use of step changes and use of turbo-expander units one can achieve ˜73% C2 recovery with ˜100% C3+ recovery with C1&lt;1% vol and TVP of 371 psig. 
         [0173]    Any person skilled in the art or science, particularly one who is used to process engineering skills will, having had the benefit of the present disclosure, recognize many modifications and variations to the specific embodiment(s) disclosed. As such, the present disclosure, including examples, should not be used to limit or restrict the scope of the invention or their equivalents. Although embodiments have been shown illustrating operation of the processes of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure could create other alternative embodiments that are within the scope of this invention. For example, with the benefit of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate and understand that modifications and alternative embodiments to the process or method or system or improvements disclosed herein and comprise any feature described, either individually or in combination with any feature, in any configuration or individual steps or processes or combination of individual steps or processes for equipment design, operating, separating or recovering components of varying volatilities from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or any other mix of hydrocarbons or other fluid mixes in a fluid phase. 
         [0174]    The present invention will also find utility when used in connection with oil/stream/product enhancement. For example, the present invention could be used to increase pipeline capacities. 
         [0175]    All references referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference as providing teachings known within the prior art. While the apparatus and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the process and system described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method and apparatus of the present invention has many applications, and that the present invention is not limited to the representative examples disclosed herein. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known variations and modifications to the system components described herein, as would be known by those skilled in the art. While the apparatus and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred or illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the process described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention as it is set out in the following claims.