Process development and sensitivity analysis of novel integrated helium recovery from natural gas processes

Two novel integrated cryogenic helium extraction from natural gas processes are introduced and analyzed. Helium recovery efficiency, energy consumption per extracted helium, energy and exergy analyzes are studied for the proposed processes. Multi streams heat exchangers composite curves show that thermal design of the processes has been done with good efficiency. The results show that efficiency of the integrated processes is higher than the flash method. Efficiency of the modified Linde and Exxon mobile integrated processes are 96% and 95% respectively. Based on the results modified Linde process performance is better than the modified Exxon mobile process. Exergy analysis results show that valves have more exergy destruction comparing to the other equipment. Also air coolers have low exergy loss and high exergy efficiency.