The use of membrane technology for industrial N2-bearing gas treatment

The problem of nitrogen separation from hydrocarbon gas appears relevant for both natural gas processing at the production site and biogas purification to biomethane (especially where its source is landfill gas).

According to figures from international studies, nitrogen removal units based on various technologies are used in 35% of natural gas purification cases and 65% of renewable natural gas purification cases. In their portfolio the world’s leading membrane manufacturers have polymer membranes for the selective separation of methane — N2.

Unlike other technological solutions (in particular, cryogenic-based technology) that are able to display their parameters only after the unit has been delivered and commissioned, the membrane can be tested as a separate element, and specifically in workshop environment. The results obtained with just one membrane element can be scaled to the unit integrally, which significantly mitigates the risks of start-up operations failure.