INNOVATIVE MOLECULAR GATETM SYSTEMS FOR NITROGEN REJECTION CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL AND NGL RECOVERY

摘要

One-third of the natural gas reserves in the USA are sub-quality due to the presence ofexcessive levels of nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide. Throughout 2001, the first Molecular GateTMsystem for nitrogen rejection has successfully operated at a remote wellhead site in SouthwestColorado. The nitrogen rejection technology offers a new route to meeting pipelinespecifications with a relatively simple process offering high reliability and minimal compression.In early 2002, the first commercial Molecular Gate system for the removal of carbondioxide will commence operation. This process offers a reliable, operator-friendly alternative forthe removal of carbon dioxide from coal bed methane and natural gas streams. The process andapplications are wide ranging and offers advantages in operation as compared with traditionaltechnology.In the Molecular Gate process, NGL components are co-adsorbed and removed with thenitrogen or carbon dioxide. This allows the use of an integrated "bolt-on" system to recoverthese NGL components as a mixed liquid product. For moderately rich gas applications, thatrequire nitrogen rejection or carbon dioxide removal, this NGL recovery technology can be aneconomically attractive addition.