Series Membrane Modules for Nonhydrocarbon Gas Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-hydrocarbon gas separation devices using separation membranes face challenges in increasing discharge pressure without increasing equipment size, leading to higher facility costs and energy consumption when handling natural gases with high non-hydrocarbon content.
Innovation Solution
A non-hydrocarbon gas separation device with two separation modules connected in series, where the pressure of the first separation module on the discharge line side is higher than that of the second separation module, utilizing compressors to increase the pressure of the non-hydrocarbon gas and incorporating pressure control units to manage pressure differences across the modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the natural gas containing a large amount of non-hydrocarbon gas is treated with a non-hydrocarbon gas separation device using a separation membrane, then the non-hydrocarbon gas can be separated efficiently, but the equipment and piping size increases leading to higher facility costs
Solution Approach 1:
The non-hydrocarbon gas separation device is divided into multiple separation modules connected in series, each module handling a portion of the separation task. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high separation efficiency for large-volume natural gas while keeping each individual module compact, thus resolving the contradiction between separation productivity and equipment size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the non-hydrocarbon gas is sent to recovery facilities after separation, then the non-hydrocarbon gas can be utilized for EOR or CCS, but the power consumption increases due to the need for pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation modules are configured to perform preliminary pressure maintenance during the separation process itself, so that the non-hydrocarbon gas is already at an elevated pressure when discharged. This preliminary action reduces or eliminates the need for subsequent compression, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to supply gas to recovery facilities.
3Stress or pressure
If the discharge pressure of non-hydrocarbon gas is increased to meet recovery facility requirements, then the gas can be supplied to EOR or CCS facilities, but the equipment size and facility cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of separation and pressure increase are merged into a single integrated separation module system. The modules are designed to simultaneously achieve both separation and pressure elevation, eliminating the need for separate compression equipment and thereby increasing discharge pressure without proportionally increasing equipment size.
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 configuration allows for increased discharge pressure of non-hydrocarbon gases while preventing an increase in equipment size, reducing compressor power consumption and membrane area requirements, thus optimizing energy efficiency and cost.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a difference in pressure (difference in partial pressure) of a gas to be separated before and after its permeation through the separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
driven by a difference in pressure (difference in partial pressure) of a gas to be separated before and after its permeation through the separation membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a non-hydrocarbon gas separation device and the like capable of increasing a discharge pressure of a non-hydrocarbon gas to a downstream side while preventing an increase in size of equipment. In the non-hydrocarbon gas separation device, a first separation module (2a) and a second separation module (2b) connected to each other in series are each configured to separate a non-hydrocarbon from a natural gas through use of a separation membrane (20). The non-hydrocarbon gas having been separated from the natural gas is discharged to each of discharge lines (202) and (204). At this time, a pressure of the first separation module (2a) on a discharge line (202) side is higher than a pressure of the second separation module (2b) on a discharge line (204) or (202) side.