Introducing a novel integrated NGL recovery process configuration (with a self-refrigeration system (open-closed cycle)) with minimum energy requirement

摘要

In this study a novel process configuration for recovery of hydrocarbon liquids from natural gas is proposed. The required refrigeration in this configuration is obtained by a self-refrigeration system (open-closed cycle). High performance of the multi-stream heat exchangers, high recovery levels of the hydrocarbon liquids and low required compression power (in the internal refrigeration section) are three of most important characteristic of the proposed configuration. The effects of the mixed self-refrigerant flow rate and pressure on the performance of the process are discussed. Various values for feed composition are tested and the results show that the process can work efficiently with different feeds. In order to analyze the need of external refrigeration by a close or open cycle that is related to the composition of the inlet gas, a configuration with external refrigeration is designed the manner that it is similar with the purposed configuration in the separation section.