Method and apparatus for producing products from natural gas including helium and liquefied natural gas

The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing crude helium, liquefied natural gas product, and optionally synthesis gas from natural gas. A natural gas comprising helium and methane is cooled to produce cooled natural gas. At least a portion of the helium and methane from th...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: ROBERTS MARK J, REPASKY JOHN M
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing crude helium, liquefied natural gas product, and optionally synthesis gas from natural gas. A natural gas comprising helium and methane is cooled to produce cooled natural gas. At least a portion of the helium and methane from the cooled natural gas is separated into a vapor comprising helium, from which crude helium is derived, and a liquid comprising methane. At least a portion of the methane from this liquid is separated into a vapor, which is optionally reacted to produce synthesis gas, and a liquid, from which liquefied natural gas is derived. Additional heat exchange and separation steps may be included.