Abstract Zeolitic molecular sieve adsorption beds are employed with greatly enhanced efficiency in fluid stream purification operations by using a bed to selectively adsorb impurities from a first fluid stream and without regeneration of the bed passing a second impure fluid stream therethrough, the second fluid being a less strongly adsorbed material than the fluid of the first stream. For example, the first fluid stream can be an olefin stream containing sulfur compound impurities and the second a paraffin stream also containing sulfur compound impurities. When used in this manner, the bed exhibits a higher capacity for the impurities adsorption than would be predicted from the impurity adsorption loading from the individual streams.
Process according to claim 1 wherein the first adsorption stroke is continued essentially to the point where breakthrough of the impurity in the first fluid stream occurs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
45 words
Process according to claim 2 wherein the impurities in both of the two impure fluid streams purified by sequential adsorption strokes consist essentially of at least one sulfur compound of the group consisting of H2S and alkyl mercaptans containing from one to five carbon atoms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
Process according to claim 3 wherein the first fluid stream purified by sequential adsorption strokes is a hydrocarbon stream having as a key component a mono-olefin having from one to five carbon atoms and the second fluid stream sequentially purified comprises a paraffin having from one to five carbon atoms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
Process according to claim 4 wherein both the first and second fluid streams are in the liquid phase.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Process according to claim 3 wherein the first fluid stream comprises a naphtha petroleum fraction and the second fluid stream comprises liquefied petroleum gas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Process according to claim 3 wherein the first fluid stream comprises a mixture of normally gaseous saturated hydrocarbons having an average molecular weight larger than methane and the second fluid stream is natural gas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
Process according to claim 2 wherein the impurity in both of the two impure fluid streams purified by sequential adsorption strokes consists essentially of CO2.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
Process according to claim 8 wherein the first fluid stream consists essentially of ethylene and the second fluid stream consists essentially of natural gas.