METHOD OF LIQUEFACTION OF NATURAL GAS IN THROTTLING CYCLE Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: cryogenic engineering; liquefaction of natural gas and low-boiling multi-component gases.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes delivery of natural gas for liquefaction, increasing the pressure of natural gas for forming direct flow which is cooled in at least one cooling stage where liquid phase of high-0boiling components is separated and throttling it into reverse flow. Direct flow is throttled after cooling stage, thus forming gas-and-liquid mixture which is separated in separator into target liquid and vapor phase forming the reverse flow; target liquid is directed to consumer. Reverse flow is directed for cooling the direct flow and mixing with starting natural gas. Prior to delivery of direct flow to cooling stage, it is cooled, working flow is separated from direct flow, pressure of direct flow is decreased, thus forming vapor-and-liquid mixture before separation of liquid phase of high-boiling components. After separation of liquid phase of high-boiling components, pressure of direct flow is increased by means of ejector due to energy of expansion of working flow; vapor-and-liquid flow escaping from ejector is divided into vapor which is directed to direct flow and liquid forming circulating flow which is throttled and mixed with reverse flow. Preliminary cooling of direct flow is performed due to cold of reverse flow.

EFFECT: increased coefficient of liquefaction; low cost of procedure.

4 cl, 4 dwg