gmh,
You said;
Unfortunately the process requires the liquefaction to occur to separate the gases.There are emerging processes to remove Helium from NG streams without liquefaction by using membrane technology.
It means the NG can be exported by pipeline and the helium extracted without liquefaction.
I am not sure RLT has the stomach, competency or financial support to apply this technology.
From a Linde publication;
First-of-its-Kind Helium Purification Facility with Hybrid Membrane/PSA TechnologyTo revive the Canadian helium (He) industry, Weil Group Resources turned to Linde to help them separate and purify helium from the natural gas mix recovered at its Mankota well in Saskatchewan. This first-of-its-kind helium purification facility designed by Linde has been operational since 2016. It uses a hybrid process combining HISELECT membranes with pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology to enrich wellhead gas from a helium concentration of 1 mol% to 5.0 quality (99.999 mol%). The facility can process 10 million standard cubic feet of feed gas a day and supplies industrial customers in Canada and the western U.S.And Weil seems to be expanding the technology;
CALGARY, AB, Oct. 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Weil Group Resources, LLC (Weil) has significantly expanded its helium production capabilities in Canada with the successful launch of its new "Pearl" project near Medicine Hat City. The project showcases an innovative modular helium purification facility and represents the latest advancement in Weil's portfolio of Canadian projects, which has identified approximately 1Bcf of proven helium reserves since 2012.At the heart of the Pearl project is Weil's latest technological breakthrough - the Weil Helium Integrated Membrane Module (WHIMM), a first-of-its-kind innovation in helium processing. This modular facility offers unprecedented flexibility through its re-deployable and scalable design, accommodating both single and multiple well production scenarios. The WHIMM system, configured to produce over 24 MMscf of helium annually, represents the most cost-effective process design for bringing enriched helium to market."We are excited to bring another helium facility on-stream in Canada and have learned much to bring new, more efficient process designs to the forefront. Between our technical and operating teams, all stakeholders here, and our customers, we are pleased to offer new, critical resources to market," stated Weil CEO, Jeff Vogt.
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