Helium Extraction from Natural Gas

A helium-containing stream is recovered from a natural gas feed using a membrane followed by multiple distillation steps. Refrigeration is provided by expanding a bottoms liquid with a higher nitrogen content than the feed, achieving a lower temperature in the process. The helium-enriched vapor is t...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Hauptverfasser: Higginbotham, Paul, White, Vincent, Ploeger, Jason Michael
Format: Patent
Sprache:eng
Schlagworte:
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:A helium-containing stream is recovered from a natural gas feed using a membrane followed by multiple distillation steps. Refrigeration is provided by expanding a bottoms liquid with a higher nitrogen content than the feed, achieving a lower temperature in the process. The helium-enriched vapor is then purified and the helium-containing waste stream is recycled to maximize recovery and reduce the number of compressors needed. The helium-depleted natural gas stream can be returned at pressure for utilization or transportation.