PROPENE/PROPANE SEPARATION PROCESS Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC C07C7/05 C07C11/06 C07C9/08 

FIELD: petrochemical processes.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to separation of saturated and unsaturated hydrogenation-hydrocarbon, in particular propane and propene contained in starting hydrocarbon blend. Process is carried out in vertical countercurrent contact zone, wherein stream with elevated concentration of propene is withdrawn from concentration section and stream with elevated concentration of propane is withdrawn from exhausting section connected to boiler. Separation is effected in presence of hydrocarbon diluent containing mainly one or several saturated C₄-C₁₀-hydrocarbons having boiling point at least by 30°C above that of propane. Preferred content of the diluent in liquid phase ranges from 20 to 90 wt %. Separation is accomplished through rectification and/or selective absorption with partial stripping of stream in boiler, stripped fraction being recycled into rectification or absorption zone. C₂-Hydrocarbon impurities and diluent are separated in additional rectification zones.

EFFECT: reduced operational expenses and improved separation efficiency.

12 cl, 2 dwg, 8 ex