In the quest to meet the world’s ever-growing energy demands, researchers are delving into innovative technologies to make the most of ‘low-quality’ natural gas reserves. A groundbreaking study led by Amiza Surmi from the Chemical Engineering Department at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS and Group Research & Technology at PETRONAS has shed light on a promising solution: Cryogenic Rotating Packed Beds (CryoRPB) for nitrogen removal from natural gas. The findings, published in Results in Engineering, could significantly reshape the energy landscape by enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.
The global energy demand is projected to surge by 190 trillion cubic feet by 2040. To meet this demand, industries are compelled to tap into gas fields with high nitrogen content, which are often deemed ‘low-quality.’ However, conventional nitrogen removal methods result in substantial hydrocarbon losses, making the process less efficient and more costly. This is where CryoRPB technology comes into play.
Surmi and her team evaluated three different configurations of Nitrogen Rejection Units (NRU) integrated with CryoRPB against a conventional flash vessel. The results were striking. The dual-stage nitrogen expander with CryoRPB NRU emerged as the most efficient, achieving the lowest unit technical cost ($3.72 per million British thermal units) and reducing specific energy consumption by approximately 60% compared to the base case. “This technology significantly reduces hydrocarbon loss by about 30%, enabling the production of 0.02 million tonnes per annum of LNG with greater feedstock utilization efficiency,” Surmi explained.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. By enhancing nitrogen removal efficiency, CryoRPB technology can maximize hydrocarbon recovery, making it economically viable to exploit previously untapped gas reserves. This not only addresses the growing energy demand but also contributes to sustainability by reducing waste and improving resource utilization.
The study also conducted a sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of various factors on the economic viability of CryoRPB technology. The results highlighted that the LNG price had the highest impact on the net present value, causing fluctuations of up to ±36%. Feed gas capacity also played a significant role, improving the net present value from -32% to +22% as capacity increased. These insights provide a comprehensive framework for integrating CryoRPB with single and dual refrigeration configurations for LNG production.
Looking ahead, the research paves the way for future developments in the field. Surmi emphasizes the need for scalable solutions for commercial deployment and the integration of renewable energy sources. “These advancements will significantly enhance the sustainability and economic viability of LNG production utilizing Rotating Packed Beds,” she noted.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like CryoRPB technology offer a glimpse into a future where efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability go hand in hand. With researchers like Surmi at the helm, the journey towards a more sustainable energy future seems brighter than ever. The study, published in Results in Engineering, translates to ‘Results in Engineering’ in English, underscores the potential of this technology to revolutionize the energy landscape.