Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for recovering helium from feed streams containing carbon dioxide

US9791210B2 · kind B2 · utility

2Cited by
15References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 2, 2012
Grant dateOct 17, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 9, 2034

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 intermediate component having a volatility between those of helium and carbon dioxide. In particular, processes of the present invention comprise separating the carbon dioxide and the components of intermediate volatility from the helium at a temperature greater than −82.7° C. to form a helium-rich product stream, wherein the concentration of at least one of the intermediate components in the helium-rich product stream is lower than its concentration in the feed stream, and wherein at least part of the separation is effected by contacting a vapor with a liquid.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.