Dynamic Membrane Reassignment for Natural Gas CO2 Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current natural gas processing methods for extracting carbon dioxide from gas deposits are inefficient due to high energy consumption and membrane surface misallocation, particularly when carbon dioxide concentrations change over time, leading to suboptimal energy use and membrane utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically reassesses and reallocates membrane modules between processing levels based on evolving carbon dioxide content, allowing for adaptive membrane surface optimization and switching between retentate and permeate modes to optimize energy consumption and membrane usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If membrane modules are fixed to specific processing levels, then initial design requirements are met, but membrane surface utilization becomes suboptimal when carbon dioxide concentration changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reassignment of membrane modules between processing levels based on real-time monitoring of carbon dioxide concentration in the natural gas. When CO2 concentration exceeds a threshold, modules are reassigned from the first processing level to the second processing level to optimize separation efficiency. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing feed composition without requiring a fixed, over-designed configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback mechanism where the carbon dioxide concentration in the natural gas is continuously monitored and used to trigger reassignment decisions. The control unit receives concentration data, compares it against predetermined thresholds, and automatically initiates module reassignment when conditions warrant it, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes performance based on actual operating conditions.
2Productivity
If membrane modules are reassigned based on CO2 concentration, then membrane surface utilization is optimized, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the reassignment of membrane modules without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors carbon dioxide concentration, self-decides when reassignment is necessary based on threshold comparisons, and self-executes the reassignment by controlling the positioning mechanisms. This automation reduces operational complexity despite the sophisticated optimization being performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reassignment operations with an automated control system that uses sensors, control logic, and automated positioning mechanisms. Instead of operators physically moving membrane modules based on manual analysis, the system uses electronic sensing and control to automatically optimize module positioning, reducing operational burden while maintaining high processing efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide concentration in natural gas increases, then more carbon dioxide can be extracted for reinjection, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary processing levels and membrane modules based on the actual carbon dioxide concentration. When CO2 concentration is moderate, only the first processing level operates. When concentration increases beyond a threshold, the system activates the second processing level with reassigned modules. This avoids the excessive energy consumption that would result from continuously operating all modules at full capacity regardless of actual processing needs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces energy consumption and optimizes membrane surface utilization by reallocating modules based on changing carbon dioxide levels, ensuring efficient carbon dioxide extraction and natural gas purification, thereby enhancing the overall processing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of membrane modules (M), each of the membrane modules (M) comprising an inlet (EM), a permeate outlet (SP) and a retentate outlet (SR)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a natural gas containing carbon dioxide using membrane modules which are assigned to a first treatment stage or a second treatment stage and are fluidically connected to a retentate mode or a permeate mode. When evolution in the operating conditions results in one of the processing levels requiring less membrane surface for gas processing and the other processing level requiring more membrane surface for gas processing, then the method allows for reassignment of needed membrane modules assigned from one processing level requiring less membrane surface to another processing level requiring more membrane surface.