A process for the removal of water, propane and heavier hydrocarbons from a natural gas stream by means of adsorption

摘要

995,548. Separating water and hydrocarbons from natural gas. SOCONY MOBIL OIL CO. Inc. March 8, 1962 [March 8, 1961]. No. 8947/62. Heading B1L. Water, propane and heavier hydrocarbons are separated from a stream of natural gas by contacting with an inorganic oxide adsorbent having a porosity of 46-58% by volume and an average pore diameter of 15-40Š. Adsorbents specified are silica-magnesia, silicazirconia, silica-thoria, silica-titania, silica-iron oxide, alumina and natural and modified clays; details are given in connection with pure silica gel and a 97À7% silica-2À3% alumina adsorbent. The adsorption may take place at 20-175 ‹F. and 300-2000 p.s.i.g. with a flow rate of 0À05- 10 f.p.s. The process is particularly useful when the water or propane and higher hydrocarbon concentration is at least 40% of its saturation concentration. The adsorption may be performed in 1-, 2- or 3-tower systems, an example of the latter being illustrated in Fig. 1.