Open AccessA generic concept for Helium purification and liquefaction plant
Author(s) -
Said Al Rabadi
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
jordanian journal of engineering and chemical industries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2617-720X
pISSN - 2616-9584
DOI - 10.48103/jjeci272019
Subject(s) - helium , liquefaction , liquefied natural gas , nuclear engineering , air separation , fraction (chemistry) , coolant , waste management , turboexpander , materials science , natural gas , chemistry , thermodynamics , turbine , physics , engineering , chromatography , organic chemistry , oxygen
This study describes and evaluates the performance of producing a pure Helium fraction from Helium extractionfacility designed for cryogenic natural gas plants. A generic concept for obtaining a Helium pure fraction, which hasrelatively lower capital and operating costs should be provided. In order to achieve this objective, a new concept forobtaining a Helium pure fraction from a crude Helium fraction, is proposed based on simulations run under diverseprocess conditions regarding crude Helium gas’ temperature, pressure and composition. This concept ischaracterized by; reducing the plant safety requirements due to the extensive separation of combustiblecomponents, and compact layout of Helium extraction plant. Further re-purification is included in the subsequentHelium liquefaction step through selective adsorption, hence then increasing the purity of the Helium product andreducing the plant energy consumption required for liquefying Helium-rich fraction and the valuable Helium boil-offrouted from the storage facility. The Nitrogen-rich fraction is routed to Nitrogen liquefaction installation. LiquidNitrogen is generated within Helium recovery facility for liquid Helium shielding and container cooling. Surplusgaseous Nitrogen either can be liquefied and used within cryogenic natural gas plant as process coolant or bevented to atmosphere.