depropanizers
Depropanizers are distillation columns used in hydrocarbon processing to separate propane from heavier hydrocarbons in C3+ natural gas liquids streams. They are a core unit in LPG recovery and in refinery gas processing, typically operated after a deethanizer to split the ethane and lighter components from the propane-rich stream. The feed to a depropanizer is a mixed C3+ liquid that contains propane along with butanes and heavier hydrocarbons. The overhead product is enriched in propane and is routed to storage or further processing, while the bottom product contains C4 and heavier components for stabilizers, further processing, or downstream separation such as a butane splitter.
A depropanizer operates as a standard distillation column, using a reboiler to supply heat and a condenser
In industrial practice, depropanizers are essential for producing LPG-grade propane and for feeding downstream fractionation trains.