A process for the extraction and recovery of ethane and heavier
hydrocarbons (C2+) from LNG. The process covered by this patent maximizes
the utilization of the beneficial cryogenic thermal properties of the LNG
to extract and recover C2+ form the LNG using a unique arrangement of
heat exchange equipment, a cryogenic fractionation column and processing
parameters that essentially eliminates (or greatly reduces) the need for
gas compression equipment minimizing capital cost, fuel consumption and
electrical power requirements.This invention may be used for one or more
of the following purposes:to condition LNG so that send-out gas delivered
from an LNG receiving and regasification terminal meets commercial
natural gas quality specifications;to condition LNG to make Lean LNG that
meets fuel quality specifications and standards required by LNG powered
vehicles and other LNG fueled equipment;to condition LNG to make Lean LNG
so that it can be used to make CNG meeting specifications and standards
for commercial CNG fuel;to recover ethane, propane and/or other
hydrocarbons heavier then methane from LNG for revenue enhancement,
profit or other commercial reasons.