Membrane gas separation applications in natural gas processing

Abstract

Gas separation membranes can be applied to a range of processing steps during natural gas treatment. This paper considers the current and future potential of polymeric membranes in acidic gas removal, heavy hydrocarbon recovery, water dehydration as well as nitrogen and helium separation. In particular, the current commercial membrane materials for CO 2 removal (cellulose acetate, polyimides and perfluoropolymers) are reviewed, along with membrane process design and the conditions required to make membrane processes economically competitive with other technologies. The current application of membranes for heavy hydrocarbon recovery is also investigated. Issues affecting membrane viability ar..