Liquefied Petroleum Gas

The fractionation process is used to separate the bulk natural gas liquid into component products: ethane, propane, butane and natural gasoline (C5+) or any combination of these. A series of fractionation towers exploit the relative volatility of the individual products for separation. SPEC engineers design the process to ensure the final products match our customers’ requirements.
Heat is introduced at the bottom of the tower which causes the more volatile components to be driven to the top of the vessel. Simultaneously, liquid reflux enters from the top of the fractionation tower driving the less volatile components to the bottom of the tower.
Trays installed within the tower ensure that the vapor and liquid phases are continuously in contact allowing for the desired separation. As a result, the less volatile product has been isolated (will not be 100% pure but will be within the acceptable limits). The first product to be removed is ethane followed by propane, butane and finally natural gasoline. Depending on the degree of separation sought will determine the number of towers that are required.