METHOD OF LIQUEFACTION OF NATURAL GAS IN THROTTLING CYCLE Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: methods of liquefaction of natural gas.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes increase of pressure at forming forward flow and removal of compression heat to surrounding medium. Then, forward flow is subjected to preliminary cooling in additional heat exchanger and pressure of forward flow is reduced in at least one cooling stage below critical pressure. Forward flow is cooled in at least one cooling stage where liquid phase of high-boiling components is preliminarily separated and throttled into reverse flow. Then, forward flow is throttled forming gas-and-liquid mixture which is separated in separator into target liquid and vapor phase forming reverse flow which is directed for cooling of forward flow and mixing with starting natural gas. Target liquid is discharged to consumer. Forward flow is additionally cooled by reverse flow before throttling of forward flow forming gas-and-liquid mixture in final heat exchanger.

EFFECT: enhanced efficiency; increased coefficient of liquefaction of natural gas; extended range of throttling cycles.

2 cl, 3 dwg