Hydrocarbon gas processing

• US 9,933,207 B2
• Filed: 05/03/2010
• Issued: 04/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/17/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: UOP Llc (Honeywell International Inc.), S.M.E. Products LLP
• Original Assignee: Ortloff Enigneers, Ltd., SME Products LP
• Inventors: Johnke, Andrew F., Lewis, W. Larry, Wilkinson, John D., Lynch, Joe T., Hudson, Hank M., Cuellar, Kyle T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pettitt, John F
• Application Number:
  US12/772,472
• Publication Number:
  US 20100287983A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,892 Days
• Field of Search: 62618, 62620, 62621, 62625
• CPC Class Codes: C10G 2400/20 C2-C4 olefins
• CPC Class Codes: C10G 5/06 by cooling or compressing
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2200/02 in a single pressure main column system
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2200/30 using a side column in a single pressure column system
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2200/70 Refluxing the column with a condensed part of the feed stream, i.e. fractionator top is stripped or self-rectified
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2200/78 Refluxing the column with a liquid stream originating from an upstream or downstream fractionator column
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2200/80 using integrated mass and heat exchange, i.e. non-adiabatic rectification in a reflux exchanger or dephlegmator
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2205/04 in the feed line, i.e. upstream of the fractionation step
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2210/06 Splitting of the feed stream, e.g. for treating or cooling in different ways
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2210/12 Refinery or petrochemical off-gas
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2240/02 Expansion of a process fluid in a work-extracting turbine (i.e. isentropic expansion), e.g. of the feed stream
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2270/12 External refrigeration with liquid vaporising loop
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2270/60 Closed external refrigeration cycle with single component refrigerant [SCR], e.g. C1-, C2- or C3-hydrocarbons
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2290/40 Vertical layout or arrangement of cold equipments within in the cold box, e.g. columns, condensers, heat exchangers etc.
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 2290/42 Modularity, pre-fabrication of modules, assembling and erection, horizontal layout, i.e. plot plan, and vertical arrangement of parts of the cryogenic unit, e.g. of the cold box
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 3/0209 Natural gas or substitute natural gas
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 3/0219 Refinery gas, cracking gas, coke oven gas, gaseous mixtures containing aliphatic unsaturated CnHm or gaseous mixtures of undefined nature
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 3/0233 separation of CnHm with 1 carbon atom or more
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 3/0238 separation of CnHm with 2 carbon atoms or more
• CPC Class Codes: F25J 3/0242 separation of CnHm with 3 carbon atoms or more
• CPC Class Codes: Y02C 20/20 : of methane

Abstract

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover ethane, ethylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled, expanded to lower pressure, heated, and its liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means. The second stream is expanded to lower pressure and supplied as a bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is combined with the vapor fraction of the first stream, then cooled by the expanded first stream to form a condensed stream that is supplied as a second top feed to the absorbing means. A distillation liquid stream from the bottom of the absorbing means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.

Claims

1. A process for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C₂ components, C₃ components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C₂ components, C₃ components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C₃ components and heavier hydrocarbon components wherein

(1) said gas stream is divided into first and second portions;

(2) said first portion is cooled;

(3) said second portion is cooled;

(4) said cooled first portion is combined with said cooled second portion to form a cooled gas stream;

(5) said cooled gas stream is divided into first and second streams;

(6) said first stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;

(7) said expanded cooled first stream is heated and thereafter discharged as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction;

(8) said liquid fraction is supplied as a first top feed to an absorbing means housed in a single equipment item processing assembly;

(9) said second stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied as a bottom feed to said absorbing means;

(10) a first distillation vapor stream is collected from an upper region of said absorbing means and combined with said vapor fraction to form a combined vapor stream;

(11) said combined vapor stream is cooled in a first means for providing heat and mass transfer that is housed in said processing assembly, said first means for providing heat and mass transfer being configured to provide heat exchange between

(a) said combined vapor stream arising from said absorbing means flowing upward through one pass of said first means for providing heat and mass transfer, and

(b) said expanded cooled first stream flowing downward,

so that said combined vapor stream is cooled while heating said expanded cooled first stream;

wherein as said combined vapor stream is cooled, a portion of said combined vapor stream is condensed and condensed liquid falls downward while remaining distillation vapor continues flowing upward through said first means for providing heat and mass transfer;

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer provides continuous contact between said condensed liquid and said remaining distillation vapor so that said first means for providing heat and mass transfer also functions to provide mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, thereby providing rectification of said remaining distillation vapor; and

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer supplies at least a portion of the heating of step (7) while simultaneously condensing the less volatile components from said combined vapor stream, and thereafter collecting said condensed liquid and discharging it as a condensed stream and discharging said remaining distillation vapor as a second distillation vapor stream;

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer does not include external reflux equipment items;

(12) said condensed stream is supplied as a second top feed to said absorbing means;

(13) said second distillation vapor stream is heated in one or more means for providing heat exchange that is housed in said processing assembly, said one or more means for providing heat exchange being configured to provide heat exchange between

(a) said first stream flowing through one pass in a lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(b) said second distillation vapor stream arising from said first means for providing heat and mass transfer inside said processing assembly,

so that said first stream is cooled to substantial condensation while heating said second distillation vapor stream to form a partially heated second distillation vapor stream; and

wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange is further configured to provide heat exchange between

(c) said first portion flowing through another pass of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(d) said partially heated second distillation vapor stream that has been heated in said lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange,

wherein said first portion is cooled while further heating said partially heated second distillation vapor stream to form a heated second distillation vapor stream and wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange supplies at least a portion of the cooling of steps (2) and (6), and thereafter discharging said heated second distillation vapor stream from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction;

wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange means does not include external reflux equipment items;

(14) a distillation liquid stream is collected from a lower region of said absorbing means and heated in a second means for providing heat and mass transfer that is housed in said processing assembly, said second means for providing heat and mass transfer being configured to provide heat exchange between

(a) said second portion flowing through one pass of said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, and

(b) said distillation liquid stream flowing downward from said lower region of said absorbing means,

so that said second portion is cooled while heating said distillation liquid stream before it leaves said second means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein as said distillation liquid stream is heated, a portion of it is vaporized to form stripping vapors that rise upward as remaining liquid continues flowing downward through said second means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer provides continuous contact between said stripping vapors and said remaining liquid so that said second means for providing heat and mass transfer also functions to provide mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, stripping said remaining liquid of methane and lighter components; and

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer supplies at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping the more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream, and thereafter discharging said heated and stripped remaining liquid from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction;

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer does not include external reboilers; and

(15) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of said upper region of said absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

2. The process according to claim 1 wherein

(a) said cooled first portion is combined with said cooled second portion to form a partially condensed gas stream;

(b) said partially condensed gas stream is supplied to a separating means and is separated therein to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;

(c) said vapor stream is divided into said first and second streams; and

(d) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied as a feed to said processing assembly below said absorbing means and above said second heat and mass transfer means.

3. The process according to claim 2 wherein

(a) said first stream is combined with said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream;

(b) said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure whereby it is further cooled; and

(c) said expanded cooled combined stream is heated and thereafter discharged as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction.

4. The process according to claim 1 wherein

(a) said gas stream is cooled;

(b) said cooled gas stream is divided into said first and second streams;

(c) said second distillation vapor stream is heated in said one or more means for providing heat exchange that is housed in said processing assembly, said one or more means for providing heat exchange being configured to provide heat exchange between

(i) said first stream flowing through one pass in a lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(ii) said second distillation vapor stream arising from said first means for providing heat and mass transfer inside said processing assembly,

so that said first stream is cooled to substantial condensation while heating said second distillation vapor stream to form a partially heated second distillation vapor stream, and wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange is further configured to provide heat exchange between

(iii) said gas stream flowing through another pass of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(iv) said partially heated second distillation vapor stream that has been heated in said lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange,

wherein said gas stream is cooled while further heating said partially heated second distillation vapor stream to form a heated second distillation vapor stream and wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange supplies at least a portion of the cooling of steps (a) and (c) (ii), and thereafter discharging said heated second distillation vapor stream from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction, wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange means does not include external reflux equipment items; and

(d) the distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of said absorbing means and heated in the second means for providing heat and mass transfer that is housed in said processing assembly, said second means for providing heat and mass transfer being configured to provide heat exchange between

(i) a heating medium flowing through one pass of said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, and

(ii) said distillation liquid stream flowing downward from said lower region of said absorbing means,

so that said heating medium is cooled while heating said distillation liquid stream before it leaves said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, and wherein as said distillation liquid stream is heated, a portion of it is vaporized to form stripping vapors that rise upward as remaining liquid continues flowing downward through said second means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer provides continuous contact between said stripping vapors and said remaining liquid so that said second means for providing heat and mass transfer also functions to provide mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, stripping said remaining liquid of methane, C₂ components, and lighter components, and thereafter discharging said heated and stripped remaining liquid from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction;

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer does not include external reboilers.

5. The process according to claim 4 wherein

(a) said gas stream is cooled sufficiently to partially condense it;

(b) said partially condensed gas stream is supplied to a separating means and is separated therein to provide a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;

(c) said vapor stream is divided into said first and second streams; and

(d) at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied as a feed to said processing assembly below said absorbing means and above said second heat and mass transfer means.

6. The process according to claim 5 wherein

(a) said first stream is combined with said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream;

(b) said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure whereby it is further cooled; and

(c) said expanded cooled combined stream is heated and thereafter discharged as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction.

7. The process according to claim 2 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

8. The process according to claim 3 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

9. The process according to claim 5 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

10. The process according to claim 6 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

11. The process according to claim 1 wherein

(1) A gas collecting means is housed in said processing assembly;

(2) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said gas collecting means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(3) said cooled gas stream is supplied to said gas collecting means and directed to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be further cooled by said external refrigeration medium; and

(4) said further cooled gas stream is divided into said first and second streams.

12. The process according to claim 4 wherein

(1) A gas collecting means is housed in said processing assembly;

(2) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said gas collecting means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(3) said cooled gas stream is supplied to said gas collecting means and directed to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be further cooled by said external refrigeration medium; and

(4) said further cooled gas stream is divided into said first and second streams.

13. The process according to claim 2, 3, 7 or 8 wherein

(1) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said separating means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(2) said vapor stream is directed to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be cooled by said external refrigeration medium to form additional condensate; and

(3) said additional condensate becomes a part of said at least one liquid stream separated therein.

14. The process according to claim 5, 6, 9 or 10 wherein

(1) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said separating means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(2) said vapor stream is directed to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be cooled by said external refrigeration medium to form additional condensate; and

(3) said additional condensate becomes a part of said at least one liquid stream separated therein.

15. The process according to claim 1 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said second means for providing heat and mass transfer;

(2) said additional absorbing means is configured to provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream from said absorbing means with said stripped more volatile components from said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said third distillation vapor stream is supplied to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said partially stripped distillation liquid stream is supplied to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to be heated, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped remaining liquid that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

16. The process according to claim 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, or 12 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said second means for providing heat and mass transfer;

(2) said additional absorbing means is configured to provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream from said absorbing means with said stripped more volatile components from said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said third distillation vapor stream is supplied to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said partially stripped distillation liquid stream is supplied to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to be heated, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

17. The process according to claim 13 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said second means for providing heat and mass transfer;

(2) said additional absorbing means is configured to provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream from said absorbing means with said stripped more volatile components from said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said third distillation vapor stream is supplied to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said partially stripped distillation liquid stream is supplied to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to be heated, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

18. The process according to claim 14 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said means for providing second heat and mass transfer;

(2) said additional absorbing means is configured to provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream from said absorbing means with said stripped more volatile components from said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said third distillation vapor stream is supplied to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said partially stripped distillation liquid stream is supplied to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to be heated, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

19. The process according to claim 1 wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

20. The process according to claim 13 wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

21. The process according to claim 15 wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

22. The process according to claim 17 wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

45. The process according to the claim 2 wherein

(a) said first stream is combined with a portion of said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream;

(b) said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure whereby it is further cooled,

(c) said expanded cooled combined stream is heated and thereafter discharged as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction, and

(d) a remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied as a feed to said processing assembly below said absorbing means and above said second means for providing head and mass transfer.

46. The process according to claim 5 wherein

(a) said first stream is combined with a portion of said at least one liquid stream to form a combined stream;

(b) said combined stream is cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure whereby it is further cooled;

(c) said expanded cooled combined stream is heated and thereafter discharged as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction; and

(d) a remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream is expanded to said lower pressure and is supplied as a feed to said processing assembly below and absorbing means and above said second means for providing heat and mass transfer.

23. An apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing methane, C₂ components, C₃ components, and heavier hydrocarbon components into a volatile residue gas fraction and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C₂ components, C₃ components, and heavier hydrocarbon components or said C₃ components and heavier hydrocarbon components comprising

(1) first dividing means to divide said gas stream into first and second portions;

(2) one or more means for providing heat exchange housed in a single equipment item processing assembly and connected to said first dividing means to receive said first portion and cool it;

(3) first means for providing heat and mass transfer housed in said processing assembly and connected to said first dividing means to receive said second portion and cool it;

(4) first combining means connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange and said first means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said cooled first portion and said cooled second portion and form a cooled gas stream;

(5) second dividing means connected to said first combining means to receive said cooled gas stream and divide it into first and second streams;

(6) said one or more means for providing heat exchange housed in said processing assembly and connected to said second dividing means to receive said first stream and cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;

(7) first expansion means connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said substantially condensed first stream and expand it to lower pressure;

(8) second means for providing heat and mass transfer housed in said processing assembly and connected to said first expansion means to receive said expanded cooled first stream and heat it, and thereafter discharging said heated expanded first stream as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction;

(9) absorbing means housed in said processing assembly and connected to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said liquid fraction as a first top feed thereto;

(10) second expansion means connected to said second dividing means to receive said second stream and expand it to said lower pressure, said second expansion means being further connected to said absorbing means to supply said expanded second stream as a bottom feed thereto;

(11) vapor collecting means housed in said processing assembly and connected to said absorbing means to receive a first distillation vapor stream from an upper region of said absorbing means;

(12) second combining means housed in said processing assembly and connected to said vapor collecting means and said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said first distillation vapor stream and said vapor fraction and form a combined vapor stream;

(13) said second means for providing heat and mass transfer being further connected to said second combining means to receive said combined vapor stream and cool it, said second means for providing heat and mass transfer being configured to provide heat exchange between

(a) said combined vapor stream arising from said absorbing means flowing upward through one pass of said second means for providing heat and mass transfer, and

(b) said expanded cooled first stream flowing downward,

so that said combined vapor stream is cooled while heating said expanded cooled first stream, wherein as said combined vapor stream is cooled, a portion of said combined vapor stream is condensed and condensed liquid falls downward while remaining distillation vapor continues flowing upward through said second means for providing heat and mass transfer;

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer provides continuous contact between said condensed liquid and said remaining distillation vapor so that said second means for providing heat and mass transfer also functions to provide mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, thereby providing rectification of said remaining distillation vapor; and

wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer supplies at least a portion of the heating of step (8) while simultaneously condensing the less volatile components from said combined vapor stream, and thereafter collecting said condensed liquid and discharging it as a condensed stream and discharging said remaining distillation vapor as a second distillation vapor stream, wherein said second means for providing heat and mass transfer does not include external reflux equipment items;

(14) said absorbing means being further connected to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said condensed stream as a second top feed thereto;

(15) said one or more means for providing heat exchange being further connected to said second means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said second distillation vapor stream and heat it, said one or more means for providing heat exchange being configured to provide heat exchange between

(a) said first stream flowing through one pass in a lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(b) said second distillation vapor stream arising from said second means for providing heat and mass transfer inside said processing assembly,

so that said first stream is cooled to substantial condensation while heating said second distillation vapor stream to form a partially heated second distillation vapor stream; and

wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange is further configured to provide heat exchange between

(c) said first portion flowing through another pass of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(d) said partially heated second distillation vapor stream that has been heated in said lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange,

wherein said first portion is cooled while further heating said partially heated second distillation vapor stream to form a heated second distillation vapor stream and wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange supplies at least a portion of the cooling of steps (2) and (6), and thereafter discharging said heated second distillation vapor stream from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction;

wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange means does not include external reflux equipment items;

(16) liquid collecting means housed in said processing assembly and connected to said absorbing means to receive a distillation liquid stream from a lower region of said absorbing means;

(17) said first heat and mass transfer means being further connected to said liquid collecting means to receive said distillation liquid stream and heat it, said first means for providing heat and mass transfer being configured to provide heat exchange between

(a) said second portion flowing through one pass of said first means for providing heat and mass transfer, and

(b) said distillation liquid stream flowing downward from said lower region of said absorbing means,

so that said second portion is cooled while heating said distillation liquid stream before it leaves said first means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein as said distillation liquid stream is heated, a portion of it is vaporized to form stripping vapors that rise upward as remaining liquid continues flowing downward through said first means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer provides continuous contact between said stripping vapors and said remaining liquid so that said first means for providing heat and mass transfer also functions to provide mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, stripping said remaining liquid of methane and lighter components; and

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer supplies at least a portion of the cooling of step (3) while simultaneously stripping the more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream, and thereafter discharging said heated and stripped remaining liquid from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction;

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer does not include external reboilers; and

(18) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said absorbing means to maintain the temperature of said upper region of said absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the components in said relatively less volatile fraction are recovered.

24. The apparatus according to claim 23 wherein

(a) said first combining means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange and said first means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said cooled first portion and said cooled second portion and form a partially condensed gas stream;

(b) separating means is connected to said first combining means to receive said partially condensed gas stream and separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;

(c) said second dividing means is connected to said separating means to receive said vapor stream and divide it into said first and second streams; and

(d) third expansion means is connected to said separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means is further connected to said processing assembly to supply said expanded liquid stream as a feed thereto below said absorbing means and above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein

(a) third combining means is connected to said second dividing means and said separating means to receive said first stream and said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;

(b) said one or more means for providing heat exchange is connected to said third combining means to receive said combined stream and cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;

(c) said first expansion means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and expand it to lower pressure; and

(d) said second means for providing heat and mass transfer is connected to said first expansion means to receive said expanded cooled combined stream and heat it, and thereafter discharging said heated expanded combined stream as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction.

26. The apparatus according to claim 23 wherein

(a) said one or more means for providing heat exchange is housed in said processing assembly to cool said gas stream;

(b) said second dividing means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said cooled gas stream and divide it into said first and second streams;

(c) said second distillation vapor stream is heated in said one or more means for providing heat exchange that is housed in said processing assembly, said one or more means for providing heat exchange being configured to provide heat exchange between

(i) said first stream flowing through one pass in a lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(ii) said second distillation vapor stream arising from said second means for providing heat and mass transfer inside said processing assembly,

so that said first stream is cooled to substantial condensation while heating said second distillation vapor stream to form a partially heated second distillation vapor stream, and wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange is further configured to provide heat exchange between

(iii) said gas stream flowing through another pass of said one or more means for providing heat exchange, and

(iv) said partially heated second distillation vapor stream that has been heated in said lower region of said one or more means for providing heat exchange,

wherein said gas stream is cooled while further heating said partially heated second distillation vapor stream to form a heated second distillation vapor stream and wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange supplies at least a portion of the cooling of steps (a) and (c)(ii), and thereafter discharging said heated second distillation vapor stream from said processing assembly as said volatile residue gas fraction;

wherein said one or more means for providing heat exchange means does not include external reflux equipment items; and

(d) said first means for providing heat and mass transfer is connected to said liquid collecting means to receive said distillation liquid stream and heat it, said first means for providing heat and mass transfer being configured to provide heat exchange between

(i) a heating medium flowing through one pass of said first means for providing heat and mass transfer, and

(ii) said distillation liquid stream flowing downward from said lower region of said absorbing means,

so that said heating medium is cooled while heating said distillation liquid stream before it leaves said first means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein as said distillation liquid stream is heated, a portion of it is vaporized to form stripping vapors that rise upward as remaining liquid continues flowing downward through said first means for providing heat and mass transfer; and

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer provides continuous contact between said stripping vapors and said remaining liquid so that said first means for providing heat and mass transfer also functions to provide mass transfer between vapor and liquid phases, stripping said remaining liquid of methane, C₂ components, and lighter components; and

thereafter discharging said heated and stripped remaining liquid from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction;

wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer does not include external reboilers.

27. The apparatus according to claim 26 wherein

(a) said one or more means for providing heat exchange is housed in the processing assembly to cool said gas stream sufficiently to partially condense it;

(b) separating means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said partially condensed gas stream and separate it into a vapor stream and at least one liquid stream;

(c) said second dividing means is connected to said separating means to receive said vapor stream and divide it into said first and second streams; and

(d) third expansion means is connected to said separating means to receive at least a portion of said at least one liquid stream and expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said processing assembly to supply said expanded liquid stream as a feed thereto below said absorbing means and above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer.

28. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein

(a) further combining means is connected to said dividing means and said separating means to receive said first stream and said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;

(b) said one or more means for providing heat exchange is connected to said further combining means to receive said combined stream and cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;

(c) said first expansion means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and expand it to lower pressure; and

(d) said second means for providing heat and mass transfer is connected to said first expansion means to receive said expanded cooled combined stream and heat it, and thereafter discharging said heated expanded combined stream as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction.

29. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

30. The apparatus according to claim 25 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

31. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

32. The apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said separating means is housed in said processing assembly.

33. The apparatus according to claim 23 wherein

(1) a gas collecting means is housed in said processing assembly;

(2) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said gas collecting means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(3) said gas collecting means is connected to said first combining means to receive said cooled gas stream and direct it to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be further cooled by said external refrigeration medium; and

(4) said first dividing means is adapted to be connected to said gas collecting means to receive said further cooled gas stream and divide it into said first and second streams.

34. The apparatus according to claim 26 wherein

(1) a gas collecting means is housed in said processing assembly;

(2) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said gas collecting means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(3) said gas collecting means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said cooled gas stream and direct it to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be further cooled by said external refrigeration medium; and

(4) said dividing means is adapted to be connected to said gas collecting means to receive said further cooled gas stream and divide it into said first and second streams.

35. The apparatus according to claim 24, 25, 29, or 30 wherein

(1) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said separating means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(2) said vapor stream is directed to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be cooled by said external refrigeration medium to form additional condensate; and

(3) said additional condensate becomes a part of said at least one liquid stream separated therein.

36. The apparatus according to claim 27, 28, 31, or 32 wherein

(1) an additional means for providing heat and mass transfer is included inside said separating means, said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer including one or more passes for an external refrigeration medium;

(2) said vapor stream is directed to said additional means for providing heat and mass transfer to be cooled by said external refrigeration medium to form additional condensate; and

(3) said additional condensate becomes a part of said at least one liquid stream separated therein.

37. The apparatus according to claim 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 or 33 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer and connected to said first means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said stripped more volatile components;

(2) said additional absorbing means is further connected to said liquid collecting means to receive said distillation liquid stream and provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream with said stripped more volatile components, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said absorbing means is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said third distillation vapor stream and supply it to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said first means for providing heat and mass transfer is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said partially stripped distillation liquid stream and heat it, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

38. The apparatus according to claim 26, 27, 28, 31, 32 or 34 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer and connected to said first means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said stripped more volatile components;

(2) said additional absorbing means is further connected to said liquid collecting means to receive said distillation liquid stream and provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream with said stripped more volatile components, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said absorbing means is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said third distillation vapor stream and supply it to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said first means for providing heat and mass transfer is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said partially stripped distillation liquid stream and heat it, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

39. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer and connected to said first means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said stripped more volatile components;

(2) said additional absorbing means is further connected to said liquid collecting means to receive said distillation liquid stream and provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream with said stripped more volatile components, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said absorbing means is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said third distillation vapor stream and supply it to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said first means for providing heat and mass transfer is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said partially stripped distillation liquid stream and heat it, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

40. The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein

(1) an additional absorbing means is included inside said processing assembly above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer and connected to said first means for providing heat and mass transfer to receive said stripped more volatile components;

(2) said additional absorbing means is further connected to said liquid collecting means to receive said distillation liquid stream and provide contacting of said distillation liquid stream with said stripped more volatile components, thereby forming a third distillation vapor stream and a partially stripped distillation liquid stream;

(3) said absorbing means is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said third distillation vapor stream and supply it to said lower region of said absorbing means; and

(4) said first means for providing heat and mass transfer is adapted to be connected to said additional absorbing means to receive said partially stripped distillation liquid stream and heat it, thereby further stripping it to form said heated and stripped distillation liquid stream that is discharged from said processing assembly as said relatively less volatile fraction.

41. The apparatus according to claim 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, or 33 wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

42. The apparatus according to claim 35 wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

43. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

44. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein said first means for providing heat and mass transfer includes one or more passes for an external heating medium to supplement the heating supplied by said second portion for said stripping of said more volatile components from said distillation liquid stream.

47. The apparatus according to claim 24 wherein

(a) third combining means is connected to said dividing means and said separating means to receive said first stream and a portion of said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;

(b) said one or more means for providing heat exchange is connected to said second combining means to receive said combined stream and cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;

(c) said first expansion means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and expand it to lower pressure;

(d) said second means for providing heat and mass transfer is connected to said first expansion means to receive said expanded cooled combined stream and heat it, and thereafter discharging said heated expanded combined stream as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction; and

(e) said third expansion means is connected to said separating means to receive a remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream and expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means is further connected to said processing assembly to supply said expanded liquid stream as a feed thereto below said absorbing means and above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer.

48. The apparatus according to claim 27 wherein

(a) further combining means is connected to said dividing means and said separating means to receive said first stream and a portion of said at least one liquid stream and form a combined stream;

(b) said one or more means for providing heat exchange is connected to said further combining means to receive said combined stream and cool it sufficiently to substantially condense it;

(c) said first expansion means is connected to said one or more means for providing heat exchange to receive said substantially condensed combined stream and expand it to lower pressure;

(d) said second means for providing heat and mass transfer is connected to said first expansion means to receive said expanded cooled combined stream and heat it, and thereafter discharging said heated expanded combined stream as a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction; and

(e) said third expansion means is connected to said separating means to receive a remaining portion of said at least one liquid stream and expand it to said lower pressure, said third expansion means being further connected to said processing assembly to supply said expanded liquid stream as a feed thereto below said absorbing means and above said first means for providing heat and mass transfer.