Energy-Efficient Process to Utilize Dilute Methane Emissions

Methane gas, a valuable energy resource, is the second-largest human-caused contributor to global warming, representing about 10% of total U.S. global-warming emissions. Substantial amounts are vented as carbon dioxide/methane mixtures from landfills and natural gas processing plants. This gas is vented because it is too dilute to burn. This project will develop a low-cost process to convert dilute methane-emission streams into useful fuel. In particular, the project will focus on emissions for which methane is mixed with carbon dioxide. Such mixtures are commonly produced and vented in natural gas processing and landfill operations, and represent more than half of total methane emissions. In Phase I, innovative membranes and module designs will be tested with model dilute methane mixtures. A technical and economic analysis will be performed to demonstrate that the process is low cost and energy efficient. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: A process that converts methane emissions into a useful fuel in a cost-effective manner should be applicable to a diverse group of dilute methane-enriched emission streams, including those generated in landfills and natural gas processing.