Integrated Membrane System for Upgrading Nitrogen-Rich Natual Gas

65051 Natural gas that is contaminated with less than 10% nitrogen still can be used by blending it with sufficient low-nitrogen-content gas. Unfortunately, much of this gas is not usually produced, particularly if it also contaminated with carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This represents about $30 billion worth of natural gas. This project will develop an integrated membrane system to remove nitrogen and other impurities from small natural gas streams. One of the two membranes to be evaluated in the proposed process is at the development stage; the other is already used commercially. In Phase I, the performance of spiral-wound modules containing the development-stage membrane will be measured with model gas mixtures in a bench-scale test system. A detailed technical and economic analysis of the complete process will be performed. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: This low-cost, natural gas process should be very attractive for small wells and should allow the production of gas from many currently unexploited wells. A significant opportunity should also exist to combine the membrane process with cryogenic distillation for larger streams.