| abstract |
FIELD: technological processes. n SUBSTANCE: disclosed are a method and an apparatus for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C 2 (or C 3 ) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. Preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapour fraction and a liquid fraction. Vapour fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapour, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapour stream and a condensed stream. Condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point. n EFFECT: method for separating a hydrocarbon gas stream is proposed. n 10 cl, 8 dwg |