摘要:
A process for the extraction and recovery of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons (C2+) from LNG. The process covered by this patent maximizes the utilization of the beneficial cryogenic thermal properties of the LNG to extract and recover C2+ form the LNG using a unique arrangement of heat exchange equipment, a cryogenic fractionation column and processing parameters that essentially eliminates (or greatly reduces) the need for gas compression equipment minimizing capital cost, fuel consumption and electrical power requirements. This invention may be used for one or more of the following purposes: to condition LNG so that send-out gas delivered from an LNG receiving and regasification terminal meets commercial natural gas quality specifications; to condition LNG to make Lean LNG that meets fuel quality specifications and standards required by LNG powered vehicles and other LNG fueled equipment; to condition LNG to make Lean LNG so that it can be used to make CNG meeting specifications and standards for commercial CNG fuel; to recover ethane, propane and/or other hydrocarbons heavier then methane from LNG for revenue enhancement, profit or other commercial reasons.