Internet Workstation

Edition and Publication

Edition and Publication:
< Natural Gas and Oil > Editorial Department
Hosted by:
China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation Southwest Company
Authorized by:
China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corporation
Co-hosted by:
Overseas Research Center of Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development
Editor in Chief:
Du Tonglin
Vice Editor in Chief:
Tang Xiaoyong,Pu Liming
Address:
No.6, Shenghua Road, High-tech District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Postal Code:
610041
Tel:
028-86014709
028-86014500
Email:
cnpc-ngo@cnpc.com.cn
Issue:ISSN 1006-5539
          CN 51-1183/TE

Links

    Your Position :Home->Past Journals Catalog->2024 Vol.3

    Crude helium extraction from natural gas: Technology progress and prospects
    Author of the article:LI Yingke, XIONG Yingjie, WANG Ke, PU Liming
    Author's Workplace:CPECC Southwest Company, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
    Key Words:Crude helium extraction; Cryogenic technology; Membrane separation technology; Polygeneration technology
    Abstract:

    Helium is a strategic resource crucial for national security and the development of high-tech industries. The content of helium in the air is only 5.2 mL/m3, while the helium content in natural gas ranges from 0.3% to 8%. Although industrial-scale helium can be produced by separating the non-condensable gases from large air liquefaction units, extracting helium from helium-rich natural gas is more feasible economically and is currently the primary source. The process of helium extraction from natural gas involves first removing the majority of methane, nitrogen, and other components to obtain crude helium, followed by further purification of the crude helium. In this paper, a variety of crude helium extraction technologies, such as cryogenic technology, membrane separation technology, combined membrane separation and cryogenic technology, as well as polygeneration technology are introduced. Additionally, it provides a perspective on the future development of cost-effective technology package for helium-extraction from natural gas with low helium content commonly found in China and domestic production of equipment.

    CopyRight©2025Natural Gas and Oil Editorial Office Reserved 京ICP备11013578号-1