Industrial breakthrough in natural gas

This was announced during the last council meeting, which was held in ADGAS Headquarters this week, where experts and academics from the three bodies discussed the latest stages of the project.

The project aims to develop a new process based on membrane (contactor) technology as a possible alternative for the current sweetening process in UAE oil and gas industry for the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from natural gas.

"After a two phase process and several years of research we are glad that this project is now coming to an end, producing astronomical results. The first phase started in 2005 and aimed at determining the performance of different types of membrane fibers and conducting parametric studies using simulated natural gas. The second phase started in 2008 and focused on the simultaneous removal of CO2 and H2S from natural gas at ADGAS field where conditions of high pressure and high temperatures exist," said Prof. Sehamuddin Galadari, UAEU's Vice Provost for Research &Graduate Studies.

"The research team was able to successfully report the removal of CO2 and H2S, and simultaneous CO2 & H2S from natural gas using membrane contactors operated at high pressure up to 50 atm and high temperatures up to 110 °C, which is considered to be the first laboratory testing in the world for this application," he added.

Further elaborating on the project, Dr. Reyadh Almehaideb, Dean of the College of Engineering, UAEU, said, "The major achievements of the project included membrane fabrication, experimental testing and mathematical and computer modeling. Membrane fibers were fabricated in UAEU's laboratories using different techniques, characterized to establish their properties and tested for CO2 absorption. The research team has developed a membrane fabrication laboratory that is considered to be among the best in the world, and it is certainly the first of its kind in the Arab world."

Mr. Fahim Kazim, ADGAS CEO, expressed his satisfaction at the results of the project. "This is an prime example of how successful collaboration efforts between local industry and national academic institutions can result in innovative environmental solutions. ADGAS will continue to work closely with our partners and stakeholders for the common benefit of our country."

"A comprehensive mathematical model for CO2, H2S, and simultaneous CO2 and H2S removal from natural gas was developed and the set of equations were successfully solved. The model predictions were validated with the experimental data obtained in the laboratory at different conditions. Preliminary and detailed designs for a pilot plant were completed using the parameters obtained from the model predictions. A risk analysis was also performed complying with ADGAS HSE standards'" said Mr. Morihiro Yoshida, JCCP's Managing Director.

There were many other positive outcomes from this project, including three patents, twenty one scientific (journal) papers published in reputable international journals, eighteen conference presentations, as well as participation in several other presentations. In addition, the team has developed a state-of-the art membrane technology laboratory and acquired the knowledge and experience in the membrane technology that ranks them among the best in the world as judged by Japanese experts in this field.