Solving the problem of variable pipeline gas quality for industrial end users

摘要

Traditionally pipeline gas was obtained from a limited number of sources and industrial pipeline gas users could rely on consistent gas compositions and characteristics for their processes. With the emergence of shale gas, LNG imports, biogas and even landfill gas the composition and characteristics of pipeline gas are changing. Although the fuel criteria such as Higher Heating Value (HHV), Wobbe Number, acid gas concentration and dew point still have to be met the new sources of gas may introduce a variance in composition, trace metals or other undesirable materials such as siloxanes. Examples are the potential effect of mercury on Natural Gas powered vehicles or the effect of higher heavy hydrocarbon content on flame luminosity in thermal processing plants. Ideally these issues would be addressed at the entry point to the National Transmission System (NTS) however, in practise it may be advisable for the end user to monitor and treat accordingly. In anticipation of the changes in pipeline gas Johnson Matthey has developed a range of solutions including high capacity sorbents and catalytic processes which enable the end user to maintain a controlled and consistent gas feed to their processes.