Method and apparatus for separating nitrogen from a mixed stream comprising nitrogen and methane

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating nitrogen from a mixed stream (40) containing nitrogen and methane using an integral adsorption contactor (2) formed of a single construction of activated carbon, said contactor (2 ) accommodates one or more separation flow channels (2a) extending through the integral adsorption contactor (2), the one or more separation flow channels having at least one inlet (2b) leading to the contactor (2) and at least An outlet (2c) from said contactor, said one or more separation flow channels (2a) defining one or more first inner surfaces (2d) of an integral adsorption contactor (2), said contactor (2) Also comprising one or more first outer surfaces (2e) provided with a barrier layer (2f), said first outer surface (2e) being different from said first inner surface (2d). The mixed flow (40) passes through at least one of the fluid separation channels (2a) where the methane is absorbed. The contactor (2) may be regenerated by contacting the contactor (2) with the heat exchange fluid (100) via a barrier layer (2f) on one or more of the outer surfaces (2e).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating nitrogen from a mixed stream containing nitrogen and methane. Background technique [0002] Several methods and apparatus are known for removing nitrogen from mixed streams comprising nitrogen and methane, such as flashing liquefied natural gas streams. One reason for removing nitrogen from the mixed stream may be to obtain natural gas with a desired heating value (ie, energy content when the gas is combusted) depending on the specific gas category or customer requirements. [0003] One known method for removing nitrogen from a mixed stream comprising nitrogen and methane is disclosed in US Patent Publication 2008 / 282885. The US Patent Publication 2008 / 282885 discloses a method for separating a first heavy gas component (such as nitrogen) from a gas mixture containing a first heavy gas component (such as nitrogen) and a second lighter gas component (such as methane). (such as nitr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] The setup of such a prefabricated monolith comprising channels coated with absorbent may have to be glazed to prevent gas from entering the body of the monolith and to maintain fluid separation of the heating and cooling passages or channels, requiring a complex construction process resulting in contact are more expensive and increase the likelihood of operational difficulties should the coating separating the heating and cooling channels fail

Images