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This paper provides an exergy analysis of the multistage refrigeration cycle used for Ethane and heavier hydrocarbons (C₂⁺) recovery plant. The behavior of an industrial refrigeration cycle with propane refrigerant has been investigated by the exergy method. The equations of exergy destruction and exergetic efficiency for the main cycle components such as evaporators, condensers, compressors, and expansion valves are developed. The relations for the total exergy destruction in the cycle and the cycle exergetic efficiency are obtained. An ethane recovery unit with its refrigeration cycle has been simulated to prepare the exergy analysis. Using a typical actual work input value; the exergetic efficiency of the refrigeration cycle is determined to be 43.45% indicating a great potential for improvements. The simulation results reveal that the exergetic efficiencies of the heat exchanger and expansion sections get the …