Helium purification process and unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helium purification processes discharge significant amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere during the regeneration of adsorption units, which is inefficient and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A helium purification process that separates a stream containing helium, nitrogen, and methane through partial condensation and/or distillation, followed by catalytic hydrogen reduction, adsorption-based water removal, and combustion of methane-rich streams to minimize atmospheric methane discharge, utilizing a combination of pressure swing adsorption and temperature swing adsorption units for efficient helium recovery and methane utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If adsorption units are used for helium purification, then helium purity is improved, but methane is discharged into the atmosphere during regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers methane from the adsorption unit regeneration process by directing the nitrogen stream containing methane to a combustion unit, where it is converted to carbon dioxide and water, thereby eliminating the harmful discharge while maintaining purification efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful methane discharge into a beneficial process by using combustion to transform methane into carbon dioxide and water, simultaneously generating heat that can be utilized in the helium liquefaction process
2Ease of operation
If nitrogen stream is used for TSA regeneration, then adsorption unit regeneration is achieved, but methane is released into the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the harmful methane-containing nitrogen stream into a useful resource by directing it to a combustion unit, where methane is converted to carbon dioxide and the generated heat is utilized for helium liquefaction, eliminating atmospheric discharge while maintaining operational efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separation steps are implemented, then helium purity is increased, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation functions into integrated units: the cryogenic separation unit handles both initial helium enrichment and nitrogen/methane stream generation, while the adsorption units work in sequence with the combustion unit to simultaneously regenerate adsorbents and eliminate methane, reducing overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The nitrogen stream serves multiple functions: it regenerates the TSA unit, provides fuel for the combustion unit, and the resulting carbon dioxide is removed by the adsorption units, creating a multi-functional process loop that reduces the need for separate dedicated systems
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 process achieves a helium purity of at least 95 mol % while significantly reducing methane emissions by converting methane into carbon dioxide and nitrogen through combustion, thereby minimizing environmental impact and optimizing resource recovery.
Implementation Method 1
separated by partial condensation and/or distillation to form a helium-enriched stream containing hydrogen, a first stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane and a second stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane
Implementation Method 2
separated by partial condensation and/or distillation to form a helium-enriched stream containing hydrogen, a first stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane and a second stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane
Implementation Method 3
the helium-enriched stream is sent to a catalytic unit in the presence of oxygen to reduce its hydrogen content
Implementation Method 4
the helium-enriched stream from which part of the water has been removed is purified by adsorption in a first adsorption unit to produce a helium-rich gas comprising at least 95 mol % of helium
Implementation Method 5
the helium-depleted residual gas containing water is separated by adsorption in a second adsorption unit to remove the water
Implementation Method 6
the first stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane is sent to a combustion unit to participate in combustion and the combustion gases are discharged to the atmosphere or recovered
Data Source
AI summary
In a helium purification process, a stream containing at least 10% of helium, at least 10% of nitrogen in addition to hydrogen and methane is separated to form a helium-enriched stream containing hydrogen, a first stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane and a second stream enriched in nitrogen and in methane, the helium-enriched stream is treated to produce a helium-rich product and a residual gas containing water, the residual gas is treated by adsorption (TSA) to remove the water and the regeneration gas from the adsorption is sent to a combustion unit (O).