Modelling of countercurrent partial condensers for light hydrocarbon streams containing hydrogen

A general model is described for the condensation of gaseous mixtures containing a non-condensing species. The model is applied to the countercurrent partial condensation of light hydrocarbons (methane, ethylene, ethane and propylene) in the presence of hydrogen. Calculations are performed to study the effect of H2 upon the equilibrium constants of the other components, and also, to determine the extent to which the physical solubility of H2 may affect the process. The simulations also demonstrate the sensitivity of the system to certain operating and geometric parameters and show the relative importance of these parameters.