Review on cryogenic technologies for CO₂ removal from natural gas

Abstract

CO₂ in natural gas (NG) is prone to condense directly from gas to solid or solidify from liquid to solid at low temperatures due to its high triple point and boiling temperature, which can cause a block of equipment. Meanwhile, CO₂ will also affect the calorific value of NG. Based on the above reasons, CO₂ must be removed during the NG liquefaction process. Compared with conventional methods, cryogenic technologies for CO₂ removal from NG have attracted wide attention due to their non-polluting and low-cost advantages. Its integration with NG liquefaction can make rational use of the cold energy and realize the purification of NG and the production of by-product liquid CO₂. In this paper, the phase behavior of the CH₄-CO₂ binary mixture is summarized, which provides a basis for the process design of cryogenic CO₂ removal from NG. Then, the detailed techniques of design and optimization for cryogenic CO₂ removal in recent years are summarized, including the gas-liquid phase change technique and the gas-solid phase change technique. Finally, several improvements for further development of the cryogenic CO₂ removal process are proposed. The removal process in combination with the phase change and the traditional techniques with renewable energy will be the broad prospect for future development.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

cryogenic CO₂ removal / purification of natural gas (NG) / biogas upgrading / CH₄-CO₂ binary system

References

[1] Zhou S, Duan M S, Yuan Z Y. . Peak CO₂ emission in the region dominated by coal use and heavy chemical industries: a case study of Dezhou city in China. Frontiers in Energy, 2020, 14(4): 740–758

[2] Wang H, He J. China’s pre-2020 CO₂ emission reduction potential and its influence. Frontiers in Energy, 2019, 13(3): 571–578

[3] Zhang X, Geng Y, Tong Y W. . Trends and driving forces of low-carbon energy technology innovation in China’s industrial sectors from 1998 to 2017: from a regional perspective. Frontiers in Energy, 2021, 15(2): 473–486

[4] Reineberg H. Natural gas and LNG: future of electricity. Pipeline and Gas Journal, 2017, 244(9): 38–40

[5] Zhao Y X, Gong M Q, Wang H C. . Development of mobile miniature natural gas liquefiers. Frontiers in Energy, 2020, 14(4): 667–682

[6] Krikkis R N. A thermodynamic and heat transfer model for LNG ageing during ship transportation. Towards an efficient boil-off gas management. Cryogenics, 2018, 92: 76–83

[7] IGU. IGU 2018 World LNG Report. Barcelona: IGU, 2019

[8] Wu J T, Ju Y L. Comprehensive comparison of small-scale natural gas liquefaction processes using brazed plate heat exchangers. Frontiers in Energy, 2020, 14(4): 683–698

[9] Berstad D, Nekså P, Anantharaman R. Low-temperature CO₂ removal from natural gas. Energy Procedia, 2012, 26(26): 41–48

[10] Raney. Remove carbon dioxide with Selexol. Hydrocarbon Processing, 1976, 55(4)

[11] Hochgesand G. Rectisol and purisol. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, 1970, 62(7): 37–43

[12] Bui M, Adjiman C S, Bardow A. . Carbon capture and storage (CCS): the way forward. Energy & Environmental Science, 2018, 11(5): 1062–1176

[13] Olajire A A. CO₂ capture and separation technologies for end-of-pipe applications—a review. Energy, 2010, 35(6): 2610–2628

[14] Wolsky A M, Daniels E J, Jody B J. CO₂ capture from the flue gas of conventional fossil-fuel-fired power plants. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2010, 13(3): 214–219

[15] WangZ. Adsorption separation of methane/carbon dioxide. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Tianjin: Tianjin University, 2003 (in Chinese)

[16] XiaM ZYanL HLeiW, . Separation and recovery technology and comprehensive utilization of carbon dioxide. Modern Chemical Industry, 1999, 19(5): 46–48 (in Chinese)

[17] Baker R W, Lokhandwala K. Natural gas processing with membranes: an overview. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2008, 47(7): 2109–2121

[18] ShenG LLiX P. Theoretical research on the separation of carbon dioxide/methane by membrane. Membrane Science and Technology, 1994, (4): 29–33 (in Chinese)

[19] Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2005

[20] Maqsood K, Mullick A, Ali A. . Cryogenic carbon dioxide separation from natural gas: a review based on conventional and novel emerging technologies. Reviews in Chemical Engineering, 2014, 30(5): 453–477

[21] Figueroa J D, Fout T, Plasynski S. . Advances in CO₂ capture technology—the U. S. Department of Energy’s carbon sequestration program. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 2008, 2(1): 9–20

[22] Ebner A D, Ritter J A. State-of-the-art adsorption and membrane separation processes for carbon dioxide production from carbon dioxide emitting industries. Separation Science and Technology, 2009, 44(6): 1273–1421

[23] MacDowell N, Florin N, Buchard A. . An overview of CO₂ capture technologies. Energy & Environmental Science, 2010, 3(11): 1645–1669

[24] Rufford T E, Smart S, Watson G. . The removal of CO₂ and N₂ from natural gas: a review of conventional and emerging process technologies. Journal of Petroleum Science Engineering, 2012, 94-95: 123–154

[25] Song C, Liu Q, Deng S. . Cryogenic-based CO₂ capture technologies: state-of-the-art developments and current challenges. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2019, 101: 265–278

[26] Donnelly H G, Katz D L. Phase equilibria in the carbon dioxide-methane system. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, 1954, 46(3): 511–517

[27] PikaarM J. A study of phase equilibria in hydrocarbon-CO₂ systems. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree. London: Imperial College London, 1959

[28] Davis J A, Rodewald N, Kurata F. Solid-liquid-vapor phase behavior of the methane-carbon dioxide system. AIChE Journal, 1962, 8(4): 537–539

[29] Kurata F, Im K U. Phase equilibrium of carbon dioxide and light paraffins in presence of solid carbon dioxide. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 1971, 16(3): 295–299

[30] AgrawalG MLavermanR J. Phase behavior of the methane-carbon dioxide system in the solid-vapor region In: Timmerhaus K D, ed. Advances in Cryogenic Engineering. Boston, MA: Springer, 1995, 327–338

[31] Le T T, Trebble M A. Measurement of carbon dioxide freezing in mixtures of methane, ethane, and nitrogen in the Solid−Vapor equilibrium region. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2007, 52(3): 683–686

[32] Zhang L, Burgass R, Chapoy A. . Measurement and modeling of CO₂ frost points in the CO₂–methane systems. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2011, 56(6): 2971–2975

[33] Shen T, Gao T, Lin W. . Determination of CO₂ solubility in saturated liquid CH₄ + N₂ and CH₄ + C₂H₆ mixtures above atmospheric pressure. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2012, 57(8): 2296–2303

[34] Gao T, Shen T, Lin W. . Experimental determination of CO₂ solubility in liquid CH₄/N₂ mixtures at cryogenic temperatures. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2012, 51(27): 9403–9408

[35] ThanarajuA D. Experimental measurement of dew points for high carbon dioxide natural gas. Final Year Project, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, 2013

[36] Xiong X, Lin W, Jia R. . Measurement and calculation of CO₂ frost points in CH₄ + CO₂/CH₄ + CO₂ + N₂/CH₄ + CO₂ + C₂H₆ mixtures at low temperatures. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2015, 60(11): 3077–3086

[37] YiX L. Freezing calculation of CO₂ in natural gas deep refrigerating separation equipment. Natural Gas Industry, 1988, 8(3): 74–77 (in Chinese)

[38] Zhu L K, Chen G L. Model study on phase equilibrium of methane-carbon dioxide system at low temperature. Acta Petrolei Sinica (Petroleum Processing Section), 1988, 4(2): 33–42

[39] ZareNezhad B, Eggeman T. Application of Peng–Robinson equation of state for CO₂ freezing prediction of hydrocarbon mixtures at cryogenic conditions of gas plants. Cryogenics, 2006, 46(12): 840–845

[40] HlavinkaM WHernandezV N. Proper interpretation of freezing and hydrate prediction results from process simulation. In: the 85th GPA Annual Convention Proceedings, Grapevine, USA, 2006

[41] HuX CGaoTLinW S. A preliminary study on carbon dioxide crystal precipitation in pressurized liquefied natural gas process. Cryogenics & Superconductivity, 2009, (06): 18–21 (in Chinese)

[42] JiangHHeYZhuC. A forecast model for the solid CO₂ formation conditions in a CH₄-CO₂ system. Natural Gas Industry, 2011, 31(9): 112–115 (in Chinese)

[43] XiongX JLinW SGuA Z. Prediction of CO₂ frosting temperature in CH₄-CO₂ binary system. Chemical Engineering of Oil & Gas, 2012, 41(2): 176–178, 186 (in Chinese)

[44] Riva M, Campestrini M, Toubassy J. . Solid–liquid–vapor equilibrium models for cryogenic biogas upgrading. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2014, 53(44): 17506–17514

[45] De Guido G, Langè S, Moioli S. . Thermodynamic method for the prediction of solid CO₂ formation from multicomponent mixtures. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2014, 92(1): 70–79

[46] Mao S, Shi L, Peng Q. . Thermodynamic modeling of binary CH₄–CO₂ fluid inclusions. Applied Geochemistry, 2016, 66: 65–72

[47] Li Y, Gong C, Li Y. Application of highly accurate phase-equilibrium models for CO₂ freezing prediction of natural gas system. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2016, 55(19): 5780–5787

[48] de Ozturk M, Panuganti S R, Gong K. . Modeling natural gas-carbon dioxide system for solid-liquid-vapor phase behavior. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2017, 45: 738–746

[49] KongL W. Prediction of CO₂ frosting temperature in CH₄-CO₂ binary system. Chemical Engineering of Oil & Gas, 2019, 48(2): 5 (in Chinese)

[50] Tang L, Li C, Lim S. Solid-liquid-vapor equilibrium model applied for a CH₄-CO₂ binary mixture. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2019, 58(39): 18355–18366

[51] de Guido G, Spatolisano E. Simultaneous multiphase flash and stability analysis calculations including solid CO₂ for CO₂–CH₄, CO₂–CH₄–N₂, and CO₂–CH₄–N₂–O₂ mixtures. Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data, 2021, 66(11): 4132–4147

[52] XiongX JLinW SGuA Z. Feasibility study on cryogenic separation of CH₄-CO₂ binary system. Cryogenics & Superconductivity, 2012, 40(001): 1–4 (in Chinese)

[53] HolmesA SRyanJ M. US Patent 4 318 723, 1982–3-9

[54] ValenciaJ ADentonR D. US Patent 4 511 382, 1985–04–16

[55] AtkinsonT DLavinJ TLinnettD T. US Patent 4 759 786, 1988–07–26

[56] ZareNezhad B, Hosseinpour N. An extractive distillation technique for producing CO₂ enriched injection gas in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) fields. Energy Conversion and Management, 2009, 50(6): 1491–1496

[57] Roussanaly S, Anantharaman R, Lindqvist K. Multi-criteria analyses of two solvents and one low-temperature concepts for acid gas removal from natural gas. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2014, 20: 38–49

[58] Pellegrini L A. WO Patent 054945A2, 2014–04–10

[59] De Guido G, Langè S, Pellegrini L A. Refrigeration cycles in low-temperature distillation processes for the purification of natural gas. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2015, 27: 887–900

[60] Pellegrini L A, De Guido G, Langé S. Biogas to liquefied biomethane via cryogenic upgrading technologies. Renewable Energy, 2018, 124: 75–83

[61] Yousef A M I, Eldrainy Y A, El-Maghlany W M. . Upgrading biogas by a low-temperature CO₂ removal technique. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 2016, 55(2): 1143–1150

[62] Yousef A M, El-Maghlany W M, Eldrainy Y A. . Low-temperature distillation process for CO₂/CH₄ separation: a study for avoiding CO₂ freeze-out. Journal of Heat Transfer, 2018, 140(4): 042001

[63] Yousef A M, El-Maghlany W M, Eldrainy Y A. . New approach for biogas purification using cryogenic separation and distillation process for CO₂ capture. Energy, 2018, 156: 328–351

[64] Yousef A M, El-Maghlany W M, Eldrainy Y A. . Upgrading biogas to biomethane and liquid CO₂: a novel cryogenic process. Fuel, 2019, 251: 611–628

[65] Li G, Bai P. New operation strategy for separation of ethanol–water by extractive distillation. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2012, 51(6): 2723–2729

[66] Takeuchi Y, Hironaka S, Shimada Y. . Study on solidification of carbon dioxide using cold energy of liquefied natural gas. Heat Transfer, Asian Research, 2000, 29(4): 249–268

[67] ClodicDHittiR EYounesM, . CO₂ capture by anti-sublimation thermo-economic process evaluation. In: 4th Annual Conference on Carbon Capture & Sequestration 2005, Alexandria, USA, 2005

[68] Chang H M, Chung M J, Park S B. Cryogenic heat-exchanger design for freeze-out removal of carbon dioxide from landfill gas. Journal of Thermal Science and Technology, 2009, 4(3): 362–371

[69] Bi Y, Ju Y. Design and analysis of CO₂ cryogenic separation process for the new LNG purification cold box. International Journal of Refrigeration, 2021, 130: 67–75

[70] Tuinier M J, van Sint Annaland M, Kramer G J. . Cryogenic CO₂ capture using dynamically operated packed beds. Chemical Engineering Science, 2010, 65(1): 114–119

[71] Schach M O, Oyarzún B, Schramm H. . Feasibility study of CO₂ capture by anti-sublimation. Energy Procedia, 2011, 4: 1403–1410

[72] LeeJJungJKimK. Development of CO₂ tolerant LNG production system. In: Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, Texas, USA, 2012

[73] Song C, Kitamura Y, Li S. Evaluation of Stirling cooler system for cryogenic CO₂ capture. Applied Energy, 2012, 98: 491–501

[74] Song C, Kitamura Y, Li S. . Analysis of CO₂ frost formation properties in cryogenic capture process. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 2013, 13: 26–33

[75] Song C, Kitamura Y, Li S. Energy analysis of the cryogenic CO₂ capture process based on Stirling coolers. Energy, 2014, 65: 580–589

[76] YuanL C. Theoretical and experimental investigation of cryogenic CO₂ capture by desublimation. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Hangzhou: Zhejiang University, 2015 (in Chinese)

[77] Lin W, Xiong X, Gu A. Optimization and thermodynamic analysis of a cascade PLNG (pressurized liquefied natural gas) process with CO₂ cryogenic removal. Energy, 2018, 161: 870–877

[78] Xiong X, Lin W, Gu A. Integration of CO₂ cryogenic removal with a natural gas pressurized liquefaction process using gas expansion refrigeration. Energy, 2015, 93: 1–9

[79] Baccioli A, Antonelli M, Frigo S. . Small scale bio-LNG plant: comparison of different biogas upgrading techniques. Applied Energy, 2018, 217: 328–335

[80] Babar M, Bustam M A, Maulud A S. . Enhanced cryogenic packed bed with optimal CO₂ removal from natural gas: a joint computational and experimental approach. Cryogenics, 2020, 105: 103010

[81] Valencia J A, Denton R D. US Patent, 4 533 372. 1985–08-06

[82] Thomas E R, Denton R D. Conceptual studies for CO₂/natural gas separation using the controlled freeze zone (CFZ) process. Gas Separation & Purification, 1988, 2(2): 84–89

[83] Kelley B T, Valencia J A, Northrop P S. . Controlled freeze Zone™ for developing sour gas reserves. Energy Procedia, 2011, 4: 824–829

[84] Michael E, Parker P E, Northrop S. . CO₂ management at ExxonMobil’s LaBarge field, Wyoming, USA. Energy Procedia, 2011, 4: 5455–5470

[85] Hart A, Gnanendran N. Cryogenic CO₂ capture in natural gas. Energy Procedia, 2009, 1(1): 697–706

[86] Maqsood K, Pal J, Turunawarasu D. . Performance enhancement and energy reduction using hybrid cryogenic distillation networks for purification of natural gas with high CO₂ content. Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2014, 31(7): 1120–1135

[87] GaoP. Study on recovery of carbon dioxide from flue gas by simulation. Dissertation for the Master’s Degree. Qingdao: China University of Petroleum (East China), 2014 (in Chinese)

[88] Langè S, Pellegrini L A, Vergani P. . Energy and economic analysis of a new low-temperature distillation process for the upgrading of high-CO₂ content natural gas streams. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2015, 54(40): 9770–9782

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press