ConocoPhillips
Alternative two column HRU design with rich reflux

Abstract:

The invention relates to a system, method and apparatus for removing heavies from natural gas. Natural gas and an external rich reflux gas feed are processed in a single column refluxed absorber. A bottoms stream is routed to a first heat exchanger and then to a stabilizer column where an overhead stream from the stabilizer column is routed through a condenser for partial separation into an overhead stream. A rich solvent may be introduced to the stabilizer column. The overhead stream is routed through a condenser for partial separation into a stabilizer reflux and a second overhead stream lights. The second overhead stream lights is routed to a heat exchanger and then routed to a partial condenser where the stream is separated into a heavies rich reflux stream, a distillate stream and heavies treated natural gas stream. The rich reflux is routed through a heat exchanger and the rich reflux is pumped to the single column refluxed absorber to be introduced into the single column refluxed absorber as the external rich reflux gas feed.