US gas processors have recently chosen Costain Natural Resources to carry out an eight-month research study into the removal of heavy hydrocarbons from natural gas. Adrian Finn, Process Technology Manager, and Adil Farooq, Process Engineer, have now begun work on the study, which was awarded by the GPA Midstream Association based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As Adrian explained, the study’s findings will be used to facilitate exports of natural gas from the US to Europe. “Shale gas production means that US natural gas production has increased greatly in recent years. Giant plants (typically costing many hundreds of $millions) in Texas and Louisiana can produce several million tonnes per annum. These are now starting operation, with more to follow.”
Adrian and Adil have begun to identify and assess current commercially available technologies for removing components that may freeze. Said Adrian: “This award highlights Costain’s expertise in low temperature gas processing and in the evaluation and selection of the critical gas pre-treatment solutions required upstream of cryogenic liquefaction facilities. The US is a world leader in gas technology, and GPA Midstream had the whole world to choose from. So for them to come to us to find a solution is quite a feather in our cap!”
