HELIUM PRODUCTION IN LNG PLANTS
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Abstract
A process for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the process includes expansion of a liquefied natural gas stream and separation of the helium-rich fraction. The helium-rich fraction is heated countercurrent to a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied. The natural gas stream liquefied in a heat exchange countercurrent to the helium-rich fraction to be heated is fed prior to and/or in the separation of the helium-rich fraction. The total enthalpy of the mixture of the two aforementioned natural gas streams brought to the separation of the helium-rich fraction is variable.
15 Citations
16 Claims
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1-6. -6. (canceled)
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7. A process for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, comprising the steps of:
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a) expansion of a liquefied natural gas stream and separation of the helium-rich fraction; b) heating of the helium-rich fraction countercurrent to a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied; and c) feeding of the natural gas stream liquefied in a heat exchange countercurrent to the helium-rich fraction to be heated prior to and/or in the separation of the helium-rich fraction; d) wherein the total enthalpy of the mixture of the two aforementioned natural gas streams brought to the separation of the helium-rich fraction is variable. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A process for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, comprising the steps of:
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expanding a liquefied natural gas stream; cooling and liquefying a natural gas stream in a heat exchanger; providing the liquefied natural gas stream and the cooled and liquefied natural gas stream as a mixture to a separator; and separating a helium-rich fraction from the mixture in the separator; wherein the helium-rich fraction is provided from the separator to the heat exchanger for cooling and liquefying the natural gas stream and wherein a total enthalpy of the mixture is variable. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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Specification