Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
In a method for cracking hydrocarbons, in which the hydrocarbons are first hydrogenated and subsequently are thermally cracked, the improvement comprising converting at least a part of the residue of the thermal cracking to a gas mixture by partial oxidation, desulfurizing and separating a hydrogen-rich fraction from the gas mixture and conducting the hydrogen-rich fraction to the hydrogentation step.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a method for cracking hydrocarbons, in which the hydrocarbons are first hydrogenated and subsequently are thermally cracked, the improvement comprising converting at least a part of the residue of the thermal cracking to a gas mixture by partial oxidation, desulfurizing and separating a hydrogen-rich fraction from the gas mixture and conducting the hydrogen-rich fraction to the hydrogentation step.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
Method according to claim 1, in which the partial oxidation is carried out in the presence of steam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
Method according to claim 2, further comprising a separation of the polymer components of the residue of thermal cracking, wherein the converting comprises converting the polymer components to a gas mixture, and further recycling the remaining components of the residue of thermal cracking to the hydrogenation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
87 words
Method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of separating the hydrogenation product into a liquid and a gaseous fraction; separating the gaseous fraction into a hydrogen-rich and a hydrocarbon-rich fraction; conducting the hydrogen-rich fraction to the hydrogenation and the hydrocarbon-rich fraction to thermal cracking; separating the liquid fraction into a lighter fraction and a heavy residue, conducting the lighter fraction to thermal cracking, and conducting the heavy residue to the partial oxidation step and partially oxidating the heavy residue with residue of the thermal cracking.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
Method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of separating the hydrogenation product into a liquid and a gaseous fraction; separating the gaseous fraction into a hydrogen-rich and a hydrocarbon-rich fraction; conducting the hydrogen-rich fraction to the hydrogenation and the hydrocarbon-rich fraction to thermal cracking; and purifying the gas mixture and the gaseous fraction of the hydrogenation product in one combined step.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
Method according to claim 5 wherein the purifying comprises desulfurizing the gas mixture and the gaseous fraction in one combined step.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
Method according to claim 5 wherein the purifying comprises separating a hydrogen-rich fraction from the gaseous mixture and from the gaseous fraction in one combined step.