Helium recovery from streams containing helium, carbon dioxide, and at least one of nitrogen and methane
US10036590B2 · kind B2 · utility
2Cited by
8References
18Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02C20/40
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for recovering helium from a feed comprising helium, carbon dioxide, and at least one of nitrogen and methane. The feed is separated in a first separator to form helium-enriched stream and a CO2-enriched stream. The helium-enriched stream is separated in a pressure swing adsorption unit to form a helium-rich product stream and a helium-lean stream. At least a portion of the helium-lean stream is recycled to the first separator with the feed. In some embodiments, a membrane separation unit is used to enhance helium recovery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.