New achievement for UAEU team

The project, with the research of the last eight years, aims to develop a new process based on membrane technology as a possible alternative for the current sweetening process in the 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 fibres and conducting parametric studies using simulated natural gas,” said Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, UAEU’s vice-provost for research and graduate studies.

“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.

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

According to the dean of the College of Engineering at UAEU Dr Reyadh Almehaideb the major achievements of the project included membrane fabrication, experimental testing and mathematical and computer modelling.

“Membrane fibres were fabricated in UAEU’s laboratories using different techniques, characterised 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.

“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 Morihiro Yoshida, JCCP’s managing director.

Other positive outcomes from this project included three patents, 21 scientific papers published in reputable international journals and 18 conference 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.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com