(231a) Integrated Conceptual Design for Helium Recovery from Natural Gas

Helium is an increasingly important inert gas in the modern economy, with a diverse range of applications across various industries. As natural gas is the most abundant source of helium, it is imperative to study the helium recovery associated with natural gas processing in effective and efficient ways. In this paper, an integrated LNG and liquid helium production process (namely LBRL process) from natural gas feedstock has been developed, modeled, and examined. It includes four subsystems: (i) a liquefied natural gas (LNG) production plant (LPP); (ii) a boil-off gas management system (BOGM); (iii) a helium recovery production plant (HRPP); and (iv) a helium liquefication plant (HLPP). The complex employs natural gas as the primary feedstock. Through process integration and optimization, the complex will produce LNG, liquid helium, and pure N2 simultaneously. The developed LBRL complex has been virtually demonstrated by rigorous modeling and simulations. Its energy consumption and economic performance under large turndown ratios have also been thoroughly investigated.