The present invention is directed to an improved integrated process for
the removal of heavy hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and
water from a raw natural gas feed stream. More specifically, the
integrated process of the present invention comprises a three step
process involving the adsorption of heavy hydrocarbons and water on an
adsorbent bed selective for the same, a subsequent aqueous lean amine
treatment for the absorptive removal of acid gases, such as carbon
dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, and an adsorptive removal of water. The
process of the present invention results in a highly purified dry natural
gas product stream.