Upgrading Methane Streams with Ultra-Fast Thermal Swing Adsorption
Project # 41905

Primary Performing Organization:
Velocys, Inc.

This project intends to design and demonstrate a revolutionary approach to upgrading low-Btu methane from coal mines, landfills, and other sub-quality sources.  If successful, the resulting technology would enable recovery of methane from such previously uneconomic sources, thereby preventing methane emissions to the atmosphere.  Commercial deployment of this approach has the potential to reduce annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent, while simultaneously recovering 3.5 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas.

The project will focus on separating nitrogen from methane, one of the most significant and costly challenges in upgrading low-quality methane streams.  Methane and nitrogen capacity is being investigated under several temperatures, compositions, and pressures.  The project will use the Velocy’s modular, “microchannel process technology” (MPT) to achieve “ultra-fast thermal swing adsorption” (TSA).  The MPT technology enhances heat and mass transfer.  Greater heat transfer results in TSA cycle times measured in seconds, compared to hours for conventional TSA systems; and enables compact, economic systems for upgrading methane streams to pipeline quality.  See diagram.

This project is a two-phased effort.  Phase I is assessing the technical and market feasibility of the process described above.  The steps to be taken are:

• Selecting an absorbent for use in a microchannel-based TSA unit.
• Designing the MPT-based system and components.
• Completing a process feasibility assessment.

The objective of Phase II is to conduct bench-scale demonstrations of “Ultra-Fast” TSA.

Contact:
Project Manager:  Dawn Deel, dawn.deel@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Ultra-Fast TSA Fact Sheet (pdf)