Performance enhancement and energy reduction using hybrid cryogenic distillation networks for purification of natural gas with high CO2 content

• Published in: The Korean journal of chemical engineering Vol. 31; no. 7; pp. 1120 - 1135
• Main Authors: Maqsood, Khuram, Pal, Jayita, Turunawarasu, Dhanaraj, Pal, Anindya Jyoti, Ganguly, Saibal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01-07-2014; 한국화학공학회
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Materials Science; Process Safety; Process Systems Engineering; 화학공학; CO; Modeling; Natural Gas Purification; Capture; Hybrid Cryogenic Distillation Network
• ISSN: 0256-1115; 1975-7220
• DOI: 10.1007/s11814-014-0038-y

A novel concept of hybrid cryogenic distillation network has been explored which maximizes the benefits of both desublimation or solid-vapor based separation as well as distillation or vapor-liquid equilibrium based separation during the separation of carbon dioxide from methane or natural gas. Process network synthesis has been performed for four case studies with high carbon dioxide (72 mole%) and medium carbon dioxide (50 mole%) natural gas feed streams. The benefits of optimal locations for cryogenic packed beds were investigated. A conventional cryogenic network consisting of multiple distillation columns with butane as additive for extractive distillation was also studied and presented in this paper. Process modeling of cryogenic distillation network with MESH equations was attempted using an integrated dual loop (C+3) convergence and the results were compared with Aspen Plus simulator for benchmarking. The prediction of solidification region was employed using experimental data from literature to avoid solidification regions in the column. The proposed hybrid cryogenic distillation network showed promising potential for energy and size reduction.