(20c) Effect of Operating Conditions on Cryogenic CO2 Removal

This investigation experimentally and theoretically simulates natural gas (NG) treatment system for high CO₂ sources of natural gas using Aspen Plus. The concept uses patented novel heat exchangers and process designs developed as part of a cryogenic carbon captureâ„¢ process to remove enough CO₂ that traditional NG treating can handle the treated gas without modification. The process simultaneously removes NGL very efficiently. This process provides a simpler alternative to solvent-based CO₂ removal, absorbent drying, and cryogenic natural gas liquids extraction systems found in traditional natural gas processing. Data from an experimental bench-scale apparatus verify simulation results as a function of NG composition and pressure. The investigation discusses costing parameters, exergy loss and heat exchanger efficiency. The results confirm low exergy losses for bench-scale apparatus. The system uses heat exchangers with efficiency of 90+%. High pressure and low methane in NG composition result in high CO₂ capture.