Refrigeration – Processes – Circulating external gas
Patent
1991-05-17
1992-09-08
Capossela, Ronald C.
Refrigeration
Processes
Circulating external gas
55 62, F25J 300
Patent
active
051448076
ABSTRACT:
There is disclosed a method for the removal and recovery of hydrocarbons which are contained within the air/vapor mixture in bulk oil or gasoline storage tanks using fractional condensation with cryogenic cooling. The air/vapor mixture is flushed from the tank with fresh air and passed, successively, through several stages of a portable condenser train. When necessary, the first stage of the treatment comprises a caustic wash stage where the air/vapor mixture is contacted completely with a caustic solution to remove sulfur compounds. The desulfurized air/vapor mixture is then passed to the first condenser stage which condenses and removes substantially all moisture within the mixture. The de-humidified, desulfurized mixture is then passed to an intermediate stage where the heavier hydrocarbon fractions are condensed and separated and is then passed to a final condenser stage where it is cooled to a temperature of at least -100 degrees F., sufficient to condense substantially all hydrocarbon components therein. The cooling is accomplished cryogenically with direct or indirect heat exchange in each of the condenser stages, using liquid nitrogen. The treated air from the final condenser can be recycled as a source of the air to flush the bulk oil or gasoline storage tank. The system is initially charged with a solvent such as isopropanol, and the condensates are collected in the solvent and become increasingly concentrated in the solvent. The solvent/condensate mixture is continuously recirculated to the condensing stages as a source of wash liquid therein to remove any solids that may form in the condensing stages.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3266262 (1966-08-01), Moragne
patent: 4331456 (1982-05-01), Schwartz et al.
patent: 4878931 (1989-11-01), Grant
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