Hydrocarbon gas processing

Abstract

A process for the recovery of propane, propylene and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream is disclosed. The stream is cooled and/or expanded to partially condense it, then separated to provide a first vapor stream. The first vapor stream is directed into a contacting device whereby vapors and liquids are formed. The liquids are directed to a distillation column operating at lower pressure wherein a second vapor stream is separated to recover a product containing the major portion of the C 3 components and heavier hydrocarbon components. The second vapor stream is directed into heat exchange relation with the vapors to cool the second vapor stream and condense at least a part of it, forming a condensed stream. At least a portion of the condensed stream is directed to the contacting device to intimately contact the first vapor stream; the remaining portion (if any) of the condensed stream can be supplied to the distillation column as its top feed. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the contacting device and the distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of the contacting device and the distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of the desired components is recovered.

We claim:  
     
         1 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or phase separation and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (3) said separated liquids are supplied to said distillation column as a feed thereto; and  
 (4) at least a portion of said separated vapors is directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction.  
   
     
     
         2 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or phase separation and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) a portion of said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (4) said separated liquids are supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto; and  
 (5) at least a portion of said separated vapors is directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction.  
   
     
     
         3 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or phase separation and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto; and  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors is directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction.  
   
     
     
         4 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (4) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (5) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (6) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         5 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (4) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (5) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (6) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         6 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         7 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (3) a portion of said condensed stream is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         8 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (3) a portion of said condensed stream is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         9 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (3) a portion of said condensed stream is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         10 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (3) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         11 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (3) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         12 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (2) said compressed second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (3) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (6) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (7) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (9) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         13 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (4) said compressed third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         14 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (4) said compressed third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         15 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is compressed to higher pressure;  
 (4) said compressed third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (6) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (7) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said compressed third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (9) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         16 . The improvement according to claims  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , or  12  wherein said second vapor stream is heated before being compressed.  
     
     
         17 . The improvement according to claims  13 ,  14 , or  15  wherein said third vapor stream is heated before being compressed.  
     
     
         18 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (3) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least a portion of said pumped condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (4) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (5) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (6) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         19 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (3) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least a portion of said pumped condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (4) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (5) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (6) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         20 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (3) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least a portion of said pumped condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         21 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (3) a portion of said pumped condensed stream is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said pumped condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         22 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (3) a portion of said pumped condensed stream is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said pumped condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (5) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (6) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (7) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         23 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) said condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (3) a portion of said pumped condensed stream is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least part of the remaining portion of said pumped condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         24 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a first condensed stream;  
 (2) said first condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a second condensed stream;  
 (4) said second condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least a portion of said pumped second condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         25 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a first condensed stream;  
 (2) said first condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a second condensed stream;  
 (4) said second condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (5) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams is intimately contacted with at least a portion of said pumped second condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (6) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (8) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         26 . In a process for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in which process 
 (a) said gas stream is treated in one or more cooling and/or expansion steps and at least one phase separation step to partially condense at least a portion thereof and provide thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams is directed into a distillation column wherein said liquid is separated into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein 
 (1) said second vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a first condensed stream;  
 (2) said first condensed stream is directed into said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) said third vapor stream is cooled sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a second condensed stream;  
 (4) said second condensed stream is pumped to higher pressure;  
 (5) at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams is treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps to provide thereby an expanded stream;  
 (6) at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said expanded stream are intimately contacted with at least a portion of said pumped second condensed stream in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, whereupon resultant vapors and liquids are separated from said contacting device;  
 (7) said separated liquids are treated in one or more heating and/or expansion steps and supplied to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) at least a portion of said separated vapors are directed into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3), and thereafter discharging at least a portion of said separated vapors as said volatile residue gas fraction; and  
 (9) the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting device and said distillation column are effective to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting device and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         27 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (4) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (5) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2); and  
 (6) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         28 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (4) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (5) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2); and  
 (6) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         29 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (4) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed second vapor stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (5) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (6) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2); and  
 (7) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         30 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (3) dividing means connected to receive said condensed stream and to divide said condensed stream into at least first and second liquid streams;  
 (4) first liquid expansion means connected to receive said first liquid stream and expand it to lower pressure, said first liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded first liquid stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and said second liquid stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) second liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said second liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         31 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (3) dividing means connected to receive said condensed stream and to divide said condensed stream into at least first and second liquid streams;  
 (4) first liquid expansion means connected to receive said first liquid stream and expand it to lower pressure, said first liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded first liquid stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and said second liquid stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) second liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said second liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         32 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (3) dividing means connected to receive said condensed stream and to divide said condensed stream into at least first and second liquid streams;  
 (4) first liquid expansion means connected to receive said first liquid stream and expand it to lower pressure, said first liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded first liquid stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (5) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (6) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and said second liquid stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (7) second liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said second liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (2); and  
 (9) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         33 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) cooling means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) heat exchange means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         34 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) cooling means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) heat exchange means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         35 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) compressing means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (2) cooling means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (3) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (4) heat exchange means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (6) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (7) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4); and  
 (9) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         36 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) cooling means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) compressing means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (4) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         37 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) cooling means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) compressing means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (4) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         38 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) cooling means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) compressing means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and compress it to higher pressure;  
 (4) heat exchange means connected to said compressing means to receive said compressed third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (5) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (6) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and at least part of the liquid portion of said partially condensed third vapor stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (7) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said compressed third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (4); and  
 (9) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         39 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (3) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said pumped condensed stream, wherein said vapor and condensed stream are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (4) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (5) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1); and  
 (6) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         40 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (3) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said pumped condensed stream, wherein said vapor and condensed stream are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (4) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (5) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1); and  
 (6) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         41 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (3) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (4) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and at least a portion of said pumped condensed stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and condensed stream are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (5) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto;  
 (6) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1); and  
 (7) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         42 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (3) dividing means connected to receive said pumped condensed stream and to divide it into at least first and second liquid streams;  
 (4) first liquid expansion means connected to receive said first liquid stream and expand it to lower pressure, said first liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded first liquid stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and said second liquid stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) second liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said second liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         43 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (3) dividing means connected to receive said pumped condensed stream and to divide it into at least first and second liquid streams;  
 (4) first liquid expansion means connected to receive said first liquid stream and expand it to lower pressure, said first liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded first liquid stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and said second liquid stream, wherein said vapor and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) second liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said second liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         44 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) heat exchange means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a condensed stream;  
 (2) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (3) dividing means connected to receive said pumped condensed stream and to divide it into at least first and second liquid streams;  
 (4) first liquid expansion means connected to receive said first liquid stream and expand it to lower pressure, said first liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded first liquid stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (5) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (6) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and said second liquid stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and liquid are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (7) second liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said second liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said second vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (1); and  
 (9) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         45 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) cooling means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a first condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said first condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) heat exchange means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a second condensed stream;  
 (4) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said second condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said pumped second condensed stream, wherein said vapor and condensed stream are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         46 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons;    (b) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;    (c) heating means connected to receive said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream and heat it; and    (d) a distillation column connected to receive said expanded heated C 3 -containing liquid stream which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) cooling means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a first condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said first condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) heat exchange means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a second condensed stream;  
 (4) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said second condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (5) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams and at least a portion of said pumped second condensed stream, wherein said vapor and condensed stream are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (6) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a third feed thereto;  
 (7) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3); and  
 (8) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         47 . In an apparatus for the separation of a gas stream containing at least C 2  components and C 3  components into a volatile residue gas fraction containing a major portion of said C 2  components and lighter components and a relatively less volatile fraction containing a major portion of said C 3  components and heavier hydrocarbon components, in said apparatus there being 
 (a) one or more feed cooling means and/or feed expansion means and at least one feed separation means cooperatively connected to provide at least one partially condensed gas stream, providing thereby at least one first vapor stream and at least one C 3 -containing liquid stream which also contains lighter hydrocarbons; and    (b) a distillation column connected to receive at least one of said C 3 -containing liquid streams which is adapted to separate said liquid into said relatively less volatile fraction and a second vapor stream containing predominantly C 2  components and lighter hydrocarbons;    the improvement wherein said apparatus includes 
 (1) cooling means connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it;  
 (2) separating means connected to receive said partially condensed second vapor stream and separate it, thereby forming a third vapor stream and a first condensed stream, said separating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said first condensed stream to said distillation column at a top feed position;  
 (3) heat exchange means connected to said separating means to receive said third vapor stream and cool it sufficiently to condense at least a part of it, thereby forming a second condensed stream;  
 (4) pumping means connected to said heat exchange means to receive said second condensed stream and pump it to higher pressure;  
 (5) expansion means connected to receive at least one of said first C 3 -containing liquid streams and expand it to lower pressure;  
 (6) contacting and separating means connected to receive at least a portion of at least one of said first vapor streams, at least a portion of said expanded C 3 -containing liquid stream, and at least a portion of said pumped second condensed stream, wherein said vapor, expanded liquid, and condensed stream are commingled in at least one contacting device operating at a pressure higher than the pressure of said distillation column, said contacting and separating means including separating means to separate resultant vapors and liquids after contact;  
 (7) liquid expansion means connected to receive said separated liquids and expand them to lower pressure, said liquid expansion means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded liquids to said distillation column as a second feed thereto;  
 (8) said contacting and separating means being further connected to said heat exchange means to direct at least a portion of said vapors separated therein into heat exchange relation with said third vapor stream, thereby to supply at least a portion of the cooling of step (3); and  
 (9) control means adapted to regulate the quantities and temperatures of said feed streams to said contacting and separating means and said distillation column to maintain the overhead temperatures of said contacting and separating means and said distillation column at temperatures whereby the major portion of said C 3  components and heavier components is recovered in said relatively less volatile fraction.  
   
     
     
         48 . The improvement according to claims  27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  33 ,  34 , or  35  wherein a gas heating means is connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and heat it, said gas heating means being further connected to said compressing means to supply said heated second vapor stream thereto.  
     
     
         49 . The improvement according to claims  30 ,  31 , or  32  wherein a gas heating means is connected to said distillation column to receive said second vapor stream and heat it, said gas heating means being further connected to said compressing means to supply said heated second vapor stream thereto.  
     
     
         50 . The improvement according to claims  36 ,  37 , or  38  wherein a gas heating means is connected to said separation means to receive said third vapor stream and heat it, said gas heating means being further connected to said compressing means to supply said heated third vapor stream thereto.  
     
     
         51 . The improvement according to claims  27 ,  28 ,  29 ,  33 ,  34 ,  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41 ,  45 ,  46 , or  47  wherein a feed heating means is connected to said liquid expansion means to receive said expanded liquids and heat them, said feed heating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded heated liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto.  
     
     
         52 . The improvement according to claims  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  42 ,  43 , or  44  wherein a feed heating means is connected to said second liquid expansion means to receive said expanded liquids and heat them, said feed heating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded heated liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto.  
     
     
         53 . The improvement according to  claim 48  wherein a feed heating means is connected to said liquid expansion means to receive said expanded liquids and heat them, said feed heating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded heated liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto.  
     
     
         54 . The improvement according to  claim 49  wherein a feed heating means is connected to said second liquid expansion means to receive said expanded liquids and heat them, said feed heating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded heated liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto.  
     
     
         55 . The improvement according to  claim 50  wherein a feed heating means is connected to said liquid expansion means to receive said expanded liquids and heat them, said feed heating means being further connected to said distillation column to supply said expanded heated liquids to said distillation column as a feed thereto.