A natural gas helium extraction device

Abstract

The present application relates to natural gas helium extraction technical field, specifically a kind of natural gas helium extraction device, the inside of condensing cylinder is provided with the separation component for separating helium and nitrogen, the inside upper end of condensing cylinder is provided with the collection component for collecting helium, the lower end of condensing cylinder is provided with the condensing component for condensing separation helium and nitrogen, helium and nitrogen are condensed and separated by condensing cylinder, after mixed gas enters the inside of condensing box through gas valve and air hole, nitrogen condenses and liquefies and sinks to the bottom, helium remains gas phase and moves upward, mixed gas is condensed and separated by stationary tank, can be used to condense and separate mixed gas at temperature higher than low-temperature rectifying column, then automatically rise with liquid nitrogen level by buoyancy box, cooperate with the sealing fit of rubber plate and fixed plate, so that gas-liquid separation is discharged, avoid the situation that part of helium is liquefied due to lower temperature during condensation and separation, prevent helium loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural gas helium extraction technology, specifically a natural gas helium extraction device. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas helium extraction is the mainstream industrial route for obtaining high-purity helium. Helium, as a rare strategic resource, is mainly found in natural gas. The process primarily uses cryogenic distillation, which first purifies the feed gas by desulfurization, dehydration, and decarbonization to avoid freezing blockage. Then, it undergoes multi-stage refrigeration to below -160°C, utilizing the boiling point difference to liquefy heavy components such as methane and nitrogen. Helium is enriched in the gaseous phase at the top of the column, yielding 60%–85% crude helium. Subsequent purification processes, including catalytic dehydrogenation, low-temperature adsorption, and membrane separation, remove trace amounts of hydrogen, neon, and nitrogen, ultimately obtaining high-purity helium of over 99.999%.

[0003] Existing cryogenic distillation columns separate gaseous helium and liquid nitrogen at low temperatures. However, helium has a certain solubility in cryogenic liquid nitrogen. During liquid phase reflux and bottom collection within the column, due to the low temperature, some helium easily condenses and dissolves in the liquid phase components and is discharged from the system with the bottom liquid, resulting in direct helium loss. Furthermore, fluctuations in feed gas composition, channeling, leakage, and mist entrainment within the column further exacerbate the incomplete separation, reducing helium recovery rates, increasing the load on subsequent refining processes, and raising overall energy consumption and production costs. This makes it difficult to meet the demands of efficient, low-loss industrial helium extraction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a natural gas helium extraction device.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: a natural gas helium extraction device, including a separation component for separating helium and nitrogen inside a condenser cylinder, a collection component for collecting helium at the upper end of the condenser cylinder, a condensation component for condensing and separating helium and nitrogen at the lower end of the condenser cylinder, and a discharge component for discharging liquid nitrogen at the lower end of the condenser cylinder. The separation assembly includes a fixing plate, which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the condenser cylinder. The fixing plate has an insertion hole on its surface, and an insertion rod is inserted into the insertion hole. Both ends of the insertion rod are threaded with nuts. A sleeve is movably sleeved on the lower end of the insertion rod. A buoyancy box is embedded on the surface of the sleeve, and multiple cylinders are embedded inside the buoyancy box. Multiple through holes are formed on the surface of the fixing plate.

[0006] Specifically, a rubber plate is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the fixing plate, and a circular hole corresponding to the through hole is opened on the surface of the rubber plate.

[0007] Specifically, the collection assembly includes a squeezing plate that is slidably sleeved on the inner wall of the condenser cylinder. Four limiting holes are formed on the surface of the squeezing plate, and the limiting holes are movably sleeved on the surface of the insert rod. A discharge pipe is embedded in the upper surface of the squeezing plate, and a suction pump is fixedly connected to the upper end of the discharge pipe. A sleeve hole is formed on the upper surface of the condenser cylinder, and the discharge pipe is movably sleeved inside the sleeve hole. A hydraulic cylinder is embedded in the center of the upper surface of the condenser cylinder.

[0008] Specifically, two clamping plates are fixedly sleeved on the lower outer wall of the hydraulic cylinder, and the clamping plates are clamped to the inner and outer sides of the upper outer wall of the condenser cylinder.

[0009] Specifically, the condensation assembly includes a condensation box, which is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the condensation cylinder. Multiple connecting pipes are symmetrically embedded on the inner walls of both sides of the condensation box. The ends of the connecting pipes that are close to each other are fixedly connected to the same annular pipe. A condensate pump is symmetrically fixedly connected to the outer wall of the condensation box. A gas delivery pipe is embedded on the lower outer wall of the condensation cylinder. A gas delivery valve is fixedly connected to the other end of the gas delivery pipe. A circular box is fixedly connected to the end of the gas delivery pipe located inside the condensation cylinder. Multiple air holes are opened on the upper surface of the circular box. A gas-liquid separation membrane is fixedly connected to the upper inner wall of the circular box.

[0010] Specifically, a plurality of support blocks are fixedly connected to the lower inner wall of the circular box, and a support grid is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support blocks.

[0011] Specifically, the discharge assembly includes a support frame that is snapped onto the lower outer wall of the condenser cylinder. Multiple columns are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the support frame, and a support ring is fixedly connected to the lower surface of each column. A collection cone is embedded at the center of the lower surface of the condenser cylinder, and a discharge valve is fixedly connected to the lower end of the collection cone.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are: (1) The natural gas helium extraction device of the present invention uses a condenser to separate helium and nitrogen. After the mixed gas enters the condenser through the gas valve and gas hole, the nitrogen condenses and liquefies and sinks to the bottom, while the helium remains in the gas phase and moves upward. The mixed gas is separated by the static box. The temperature can be higher than that of the low temperature distillation column to separate the mixed gas. Then, the buoyancy box automatically rises and falls with the liquid nitrogen level. With the sealing fit between the rubber plate and the fixed plate, the gas and liquid are separated and discharged, avoiding the situation where the temperature is low during the condensation separation and causing some helium to liquefy, thus preventing the loss of helium.

[0013] (2) The natural gas helium extraction device of the present invention, through the annular uniform cooling design, combined with the pretreatment structure of gas-liquid separation membrane and support grid in the circular box, makes the mixed gas intake more uniform and the gas-liquid initial separation more efficient, avoiding the problems of uneven local cooling and disordered gas-liquid mixing, and greatly improving the stability of the device operation. The buoyancy lifting structure of the separation component does not require additional power drive, and automatically adjusts the sealing state by relying on the buoyancy of liquid nitrogen. The structure is simple and has a low failure rate, and can achieve continuous and stable separation for 24 hours, meeting the continuous and efficient requirements of industrial helium extraction.

[0014] (3) The natural gas helium extraction device of the present invention uses a hydraulic cylinder to drive the extrusion plate downwards, which quickly compresses the helium enrichment zone above the condenser cylinder. Combined with a suction pump, it achieves immediate and efficient helium extraction, significantly shortening the helium enrichment and collection time and increasing the helium extraction rate per unit time. The extrusion plate slides directionally along the insertion rod, ensuring smooth operation without deviation, ensuring no leakage or residue in the helium collection process, simplifying the complex gas phase collection process in traditional helium extraction technology, and improving the overall helium extraction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional structure of a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional structure of a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 An external view of a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the separation component of a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the extrusion plate structure of a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a circular box structure for a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the buoyancy box structure of a natural gas helium extraction device provided by the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Condenser; 2. Separation assembly; 21. Fixing plate; 22. Insertion hole; 23. Insertion rod; 24. Nut; 25. Sleeve; 26. Buoyancy box; 27. Cylinder; 28. Through hole; 29. ​​Rubber plate; 210. Round hole; 3. Collection assembly; 31. Extrusion plate; 32. Limiting hole; 33. Discharge pipe; 34. Suction pump; 35. Sleeve hole; 36. Hydraulic cylinder; 37. Clamping plate; 4. Condensation assembly; 41. Condensation box; 42. Connecting pipe; 43. Ring pipe; 44. Condensate pump; 45. Gas supply pipe; 46. Gas supply valve; 47. Round box; 48. Air hole; 49. Gas-liquid separation membrane; 410. Support grid; 411. Support block; 5. Discharge assembly; 51. Support frame; 52. Column; 53. Support ring; 54. Collection cone; 55. Discharge valve. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0019] Please see Figures 1 to 7 The present invention provides the following technical solutions: Example 1: A natural gas helium extraction device includes a condenser cylinder 1 with a separation component 2 for separating helium and nitrogen inside, a collection component 3 for collecting helium inside the upper part of the condenser cylinder 1, a condensation component 4 for condensing and separating helium and nitrogen at the lower part of the condenser cylinder 1, and a discharge component 5 for discharging liquid nitrogen at the lower part of the condenser cylinder 1. The separation component 2 includes a fixing plate 21, which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the condenser cylinder 1. An insertion hole 22 is provided on the surface of the fixing plate 21, and an insertion rod 23 is inserted into the insertion hole 22. Both ends of the insertion rod 23 are threaded with nuts 24. A sleeve 25 is movably sleeved at the lower end of the insertion rod 23. A buoyancy box 26 is embedded on the surface of the sleeve 25. Multiple cylinders 27 are embedded inside the buoyancy box 26. Multiple through holes 28 are provided on the surface of the fixing plate 21. The buoyancy box 26 can automatically rise and fall with the liquid nitrogen level to realize the automatic opening and closing of the gas-liquid separation channel.

[0020] A rubber plate 29 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the fixing plate 21. A round hole 210 corresponding to the through hole 28 is opened on the surface of the rubber plate 29. The rubber plate 29 is used to improve the sealing effect when the fixing plate 21 and the buoyancy box 26 are in contact, and to prevent gas phase leakage.

[0021] In use, initially, the buoyancy box 26, due to its own weight, falls to the lower end of the insertion rod 23, separating from the fixing plate 21 and the rubber plate 29. The through hole 28 and the round hole 210 are open, and the helium rising channel is unobstructed. After the mixed natural gas enters the condenser 1, the nitrogen is condensed into liquid. As the liquid nitrogen level rises, the buoyancy of the liquid nitrogen acts on the buoyancy box 26, pushing the buoyancy box 26 to drive the sleeve 25 to slide upward along the insertion rod 23. When the liquid level rises to the set height, the top of the buoyancy box 26 is tightly fitted with the rubber plate 29, completely sealing the through hole 28 and the round hole 210. At this time, the gaseous helium is blocked above the fixing plate 21 and cannot enter the liquid nitrogen area below, completely preventing the helium from dissolving in the liquid nitrogen and losing it. Then, it is discharged... Component 5 discharges liquid nitrogen. At this time, the channel between condenser component 4 and condenser cylinder 1 is closed. After the liquid nitrogen is discharged, the liquid level drops, the buoyancy decreases, and the buoyancy box 26 falls back under its own weight. The through hole 28 reopens, and the channel between condenser component 4 and condenser cylinder 1 is reopened. The gaseous helium can flow upward smoothly, completing the automatic gas-liquid separation. This device can produce continuously for 24 hours without interruption, with continuous gas intake, continuous cooling, automatic lifting and blocking of the buoyancy box, automatic helium enrichment, intermittent compression collection, and timed liquid nitrogen discharge. It has no complex control logic and vulnerable parts, meeting the industrial helium extraction needs. When shutting down, first shut down condenser component 4 to complete the separation of residual gas, then extract the remaining helium, and after draining the liquid nitrogen, shut down each power component in sequence to complete the shutdown.

[0022] Example 2: The technical solution of this example, which differs from that of Example 1, includes: the collecting component 3 includes a squeezing plate 31, which is slidably sleeved on the inner wall of the condensing cylinder 1. Four limiting holes 32 are opened on the surface of the squeezing plate 31, and the limiting holes 32 are movably sleeved on the surface of the insert rod 23. A discharge pipe 33 is embedded on the upper surface of the squeezing plate 31, and a suction pump 34 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the discharge pipe 33. A sleeve hole 35 is opened on the upper surface of the condensing cylinder 1, and the discharge pipe 33 is movably sleeved inside the sleeve hole 35. A hydraulic cylinder 36 is embedded at the center of the upper surface of the condensing cylinder 1. The hydraulic cylinder 36 drives the squeezing plate 31 to slide in a direction, compressing the helium enrichment area and cooperating with the suction pump 34 to quickly export helium.

[0023] Two clamping plates 37 are fixedly sleeved on the lower outer wall of the hydraulic cylinder 36. The clamping plates 37 are clamped on the inner and outer sides of the upper outer wall of the condenser cylinder 1. The clamping plates 37 are used to fix the hydraulic cylinder 36 to ensure that the driving process is stable and does not deviate.

[0024] In use, the hydraulic cylinder 36 is securely fixed to the upper end of the condenser cylinder 1 by the clamping plate 37 to ensure that it does not deviate during the driving process. When the helium enrichment in the upper part of the condenser cylinder 1 is completed, the hydraulic cylinder 36 is started to push the extrusion plate 31 to slide vertically downward along the insertion rod 23, quickly compressing the helium enrichment space and increasing the helium concentration. At the same time, the suction pump 34 is turned on to quickly extract the high-concentration helium through the discharge pipe 33 to complete the helium collection. After the collection is completed, the hydraulic cylinder 36 drives the extrusion plate 31 to reset, waiting for the next round of helium enrichment. The extrusion plate 31 slides in a directional manner without deviation or leakage, ensuring that there is no residue or loss in the helium collection.

[0025] Example 3: The technical solution of this example, which differs from that of Example 2, includes: the condensing assembly 4 includes a condensing box 41, which is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the condensing cylinder 1. Multiple connecting pipes 42 are symmetrically embedded on the inner walls of both sides of the condensing box 41. The ends of the connecting pipes 42 that are close to each other are fixedly connected to the same annular pipe 43. A condensate pump 44 is symmetrically fixedly connected to the outer wall of the condensing box 41. A gas supply pipe 45 is embedded on the lower outer wall of the condensing cylinder 1. A gas supply valve 46 is fixedly connected to the other end of the gas supply pipe 45. A circular box 47 is fixedly connected to one end of the gas supply pipe 45 inside the condensing cylinder 1. Multiple air holes 48 are opened on the upper surface of the circular box 47. A gas-liquid separation membrane 49 is fixedly connected to the upper inner wall of the circular box 47. The annular pipe 43 realizes uniform cooling in annular shape. The gas-liquid separation membrane 49 performs preliminary gas-liquid separation on the incoming air, thereby improving the separation efficiency.

[0026] Multiple support blocks 411 are fixedly connected to the lower inner wall of the round box 47, and a support grid 410 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support block 411. The collecting cone 54 collects liquid nitrogen in a concentrated manner, and the discharge valve 55 controls the orderly discharge of liquid nitrogen.

[0027] In use, the gas supply valve 46 is opened, and the helium-containing natural gas mixture enters the circular box 47 through the gas supply pipe 45. It first flows evenly through the support grid 410, and then passes through the gas-liquid separation membrane 49 to filter out liquid impurities, free water, and heavy hydrocarbon droplets. The treated gas diffuses evenly upwards from multiple gas holes 48 into the main separation space of the condenser 1. The condensate pump 44 is started, and the refrigerant enters the annular pipe 43 through the connecting pipe 42 to perform 360° annular uniform cooling on the condenser 1. The cooling temperature is controlled in the range of slightly higher than the liquefaction point of helium and lower than the liquefaction point of nitrogen. This can effectively prevent helium from dissolving in the liquid phase components due to the low temperature, and cause heavy components such as nitrogen and methane to liquefy rapidly. Helium is kept in the gas phase and moves upwards. The support grid 410 supports the gas-liquid separation membrane 49 to prevent the membrane from being deformed and damaged by pressure, ensuring stable gas pretreatment and preventing helium loss.

[0028] Example 4: The technical solution of this example that differs from that of Example 3 includes: the discharge component 5 includes a support frame 51, the support frame 51 is snapped onto the lower outer wall of the condenser cylinder 1, a plurality of columns 52 are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the support frame 51, a support ring 53 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the columns 52, a collection cone 54 is embedded at the center of the lower surface of the condenser cylinder 1, and a discharge valve 55 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the collection cone 54.

[0029] In use, the support frame 51, column 52 and support ring 53 form a stable support structure to ensure that the condenser 1 is stable and does not shake when running at low temperature. The liquid nitrogen generated by condensation settles under the action of gravity and flows into the collection cone 54. The liquid nitrogen can be discharged from the device in an orderly manner by opening the discharge valve 55 periodically or according to the liquid level. The discharge process does not affect the separation and collection of helium in the upper part. It can realize continuous operation of helium extraction and liquid discharge at the same time. After the liquid discharge is completed, the discharge valve 55 is closed and the device enters the next cycle.

[0030] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A natural gas helium extraction device, comprising a condenser (1) with a separation component (2) for separating helium and nitrogen inside, a collection component (3) for collecting helium inside the upper end of the condenser (1), a condensation component (4) for condensing and separating helium and nitrogen at the lower end of the condenser (1), and a discharge component (5) for discharging liquid nitrogen at the lower end of the condenser (1). Its features are: The separation component (2) includes a fixing plate (21), which is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the condenser (1). The fixing plate (21) has an insertion hole (22) on its surface. An insertion rod (23) is inserted into the insertion hole (22). Both ends of the insertion rod (23) are threaded with nuts (24). A sleeve (25) is movably sleeved at the lower end of the insertion rod (23). A buoyancy box (26) is embedded on the surface of the sleeve (25). Multiple cylinders (27) are embedded inside the buoyancy box (26). Multiple through holes (28) are opened on the surface of the fixing plate (21).

2. The natural gas helium extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rubber plate (29) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the fixing plate (21), and a round hole (210) corresponding to the through hole (28) is opened on the surface of the rubber plate (29).

3. A natural gas helium extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The collecting component (3) includes a squeezing plate (31), which is slidably sleeved on the inner wall of the condenser cylinder (1). Four limiting holes (32) are provided on the surface of the squeezing plate (31), and the limiting holes (32) are movably sleeved on the surface of the insert rod (23). A discharge pipe (33) is embedded on the upper surface of the squeezing plate (31), and a suction pump (34) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the discharge pipe (33). A sleeve hole (35) is provided on the upper surface of the condenser cylinder (1), and the discharge pipe (33) is movably sleeved inside the sleeve hole (35). A hydraulic cylinder (36) is embedded at the center of the upper surface of the condenser cylinder (1).

4. A natural gas helium extraction device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Two clamping plates (37) are fixedly sleeved on the lower outer wall of the hydraulic cylinder (36), and the clamping plates (37) are clamped on the inner and outer sides of the upper outer wall of the condenser cylinder (1).

5. A natural gas helium extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensation assembly (4) includes a condensation box (41), which is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the condensation cylinder (1). Multiple connecting pipes (42) are symmetrically embedded on the inner walls of both sides of the condensation box (41). The ends of the connecting pipes (42) that are close to each other are fixedly connected to the same annular pipe (43). A condensate pump (44) is symmetrically fixedly connected to the outer wall of the condensation box (41). A gas delivery pipe (45) is embedded on the lower outer wall of the condensation cylinder (1). A gas delivery valve (46) is fixedly connected to the other end of the gas delivery pipe (45). A round box (47) is fixedly connected to one end of the gas delivery pipe (45) inside the condensation cylinder (1). Multiple air holes (48) are opened on the upper surface of the round box (47). A gas-liquid separation membrane (49) is fixedly connected to the upper inner wall of the round box (47).

6. A natural gas helium extraction device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Multiple support blocks (411) are fixedly connected to the lower inner wall of the round box (47), and a support grid (410) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the support block (411).

7. A natural gas helium extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge assembly (5) includes a support frame (51), which is snapped onto the lower outer wall of the condenser cylinder (1). Multiple columns (52) are fixedly connected to the lower surface of the support frame (51), and a support ring (53) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the column (52). A collection cone (54) is embedded at the center of the lower surface of the condenser cylinder (1), and a discharge valve (55) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the collection cone (54).

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