Membrane separation of hydrocarbons from gas flow comprises inclusion of heat exchanger exploiting Joule-Thompson temperature reduction across membrane, to cool feedstock

摘要

Before entry of the gas flow into the membrane separation unit, its temperature is reduced by heat exchange from a stream leaving the membrane separator. Preferred Features: The cooling stream is membrane permeate or retentate. The hydrocarbon-enriched stream (permeate) and/or the hydrocarbon-reduced stream (retentate) may be used for heat exchange. The supplied gas stream pressure is about 40 bar.