CPC B01D 53/0446 (2013.01) [B01D 53/0423 (2013.01); B01D 53/0438 (2013.01); B01D 2253/102 (2013.01); B01D 2257/7025 (2013.01); B01D 2259/402 (2013.01); B01D 2259/455 (2013.01)] | 11 Claims |
1. A natural gas separation system, comprising:
a plurality of adsorbent towers coupled to a set of switches, the set of switches directing a natural gas inlet flow through one of:
a first adsorbent tower of the plurality of adsorbent towers, when the set of switches are in a first position; or
a second adsorbent tower of the plurality of adsorbent towers, when the set of switches are in a second position;
the first position further coupling the second adsorbent tower to a closed-loop circuit, comprising a fluid differential pressure pump and a heater, wherein gaseous fluid circulates through the second adsorbent tower, the vacuum pump and heater in a loop until the inlet of the vacuum pump is within a selected temperature of the output of the heater;
the first position further coupling the second adsorbent tower to a desorption circuit comprising:
the vacuum pump;
a compressor;
a heat exchanger; and
a gas-liquid separator; and
a series of valves that select between the closed-loop circuit and the desorption circuit in the first position;
wherein in the first position:
methane or other unwanted light hydrocarbons exists the first adsorbent tower through an outlet; and
natural gas liquids exit the separator when the desorption circuit is selected.
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