SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF NITROGEN REMOVAL AND HELIUM EXTRACTION PROCESSES FOR NATURAL GAS UPGRADING

Abstract

While there is abundant literature on the enhancement and optimization of gas dehydration and sweetening processes, there is a very limited investigation on nitrogen rejection and helium extraction processes. In this work, we address these two processes and propose different superstructures for process integration and optimization. We enhance the performance of the target processes and present a comprehensive guideline for technology selection. Finally, targeting a broader subject of process synthesis and optimization, a novel work-integrated heat exchange network (WHEN) will be introduced. This new framework has several advantages over existing superstructure models in the literature, which gives the unique opportunity of WHEN accommodation within a process flowsheet. This general platform is then employed to design a nitrogen removal process scheme as a case study.