Hydrocarbon recovery by condensed rotational separation

J Petrol Explor Prod Technol (2012) 2:49–56

Hydrocarbon recovery by condensed rotational separation

H. P. van Kemenade • J. J. H. Brouwers

h.p.v.kemenade@tue.nl

j.j.h.brouwers@tue.nl

Eindhoven University of Technology, PO box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhven, The Netherlands

Abstract

Condensed rotational separation (CRS) is a novel method of gas–gas separation. It is based on pressure distillation at semi-cryogenic temperatures in which one of the components is condensed.  This forms a mist of micron-sized droplets. The droplets are separated by applying the rotational particle separator (RPS). The RPS is a compact device for separating micron-sized particles from gases by centrifugation. 

Authors present condensed rotational separation (CRS) as an efficient method to upgrade natural gas fields contaminated with H2S=CO2: The process consists of two pressure reduction steps. The first step results in maximizing the methane concentration of the gas. The pressure of the separated liquid is further reduced to maximize the concentration of liquid H2S=CO2, whereby the released gas is re-fed to the inlet of the first step.  CRS excels in compactness and minimum usage of energy compared to conventional processes.

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