Objective
The oil and gas industry is interested in using membrane based gas separation p rocesses for natural gas dehydration and hydrocarbon dewpointing. Membrane proc esses provide weight and space reduction, a flexibility regarding capacity chan ges and a clear reduction in the emission of aromatics. They allow short start- up times and they are suitable for offshore applications. The simple operation principle requires no coolants or additional chemicals and demands only a minim um of operation or maintenance. Developed and patented membranes for dehydratio n and separation of higher hydrocarbons from natural gas as well as a module sy stem are already available. The objective of this project is the development of new membrane based processes for natural gas dehydration and hydrocarbon dewpo inting. In order to get reliable performance and process data, tests will be ca rried out under real field conditions at different test facilities available wi thin the consortium. In these investigations improved membranes and module conc epts will be tested, which are especially optimised for high pressure and high volume flows typical for natural gas applications. Based on the data supplied b y the field tests, further improved simulation tools and the know-how that is p rovided by the industrial partners specific process designs will be developed. The knowledge which is obtained from these investigations will finally result i n the design and operation of a demonstration unit for natural gas treatment at one facility available within the consortium. In the consortium end-users from the European oil and gas industry will provide access to different test facili ties and will contribute to detailed process and economic evaluations. The plan t manufactures who are represented in this project will design and supply the d emonstration unit and will be involved in the process and economic evaluations. They will also be responsible for a future exploitation of the newly developed technology. A membrane manufacturer will provide a scale-up of membrane produc tion. A National Research Centre will provide test membranes, test modules, ass istance in field operations and expertise in membrane technology and process ca lculations and two Universities will be involved in membrane improvements and m embrane and process simulations.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryhydrocarbons
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsfossil energynatural gas
- engineering and technologychemical engineeringseparation technologies
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationssimulation software
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
21502 Geesthacht
Germany