APPARATUS FOR THE LIQUEFACTION OF A GAS AND METHODS RELATING TO SAME
First Claim
1. A method of liquefying a gas, the method comprising:
- liquefying at least a portion of a source gas to provide a liquid natural gas;
precipitating a solid within the liquid natural gas; and
separating the solid from the liquid natural gas.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods are provided for producing liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas. In one embodiment, a liquefaction plant may be coupled to a source of unpurified natural gas, such as a natural gas pipeline at a pressure letdown station. A portion of the gas is drawn off and split into a process stream and a cooling stream. The cooling stream may sequentially pass through a compressor and an expander. The process stream may also pass through a compressor. The compressed process stream is cooled, such as by the expanded cooling stream. The cooled, compressed process stream is expanded to liquefy the natural gas. A gas-liquid separator separates the vapor from the liquid natural gas. A portion of the liquid gas may be used for additional cooling. Gas produced within the system may be recompressed for reintroduction into a receiving line.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of liquefying a gas, the method comprising:
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liquefying at least a portion of a source gas to provide a liquid natural gas; precipitating a solid within the liquid natural gas; and separating the solid from the liquid natural gas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A liquefaction plant comprising:
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a product flow path defined and configured for delivery of a stream of gas through at least one expansion device and into a liquid-gas separator for producing a slurry of liquid natural gas and solid carbon dioxide from the at least a portion of a process stream within the liquid-gas separator; and a hydrocyclone located and configured to receive a solid-liquid slurry from the liquid-gas separator. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification