Helium Extraction from Nitrogen Rejection Unit Stream of LNG Plants

摘要

Helium is a major rare gas with significant industrial and research applications.Production has traditionally come from natural gas and the helium market is becomingtighter as production is not keeping up with demand.Helium extraction and refining from the NRU (nitrogen rejection unit) of baseload LNGplants has become one of major helium production sources. This paper first identifiesthe current helium production picture worldwide and where in the baseload LNG plantshelium streams are produced. Process and technology used are introduced. How theyare applied is examined.Both the Middle East and North Africa have become more important in producing heliumfrom baseload LNG plants. Australia started to produce helium from an LNG plant in2009. More baseload LNG plants are expected to produce helium, as US supplydeclines in the future. This paper further examines technological considerations.