Technology of Membrane Extraction of Helium From Natural Gas and Prospects of Its Application in the Fields of Eastern Siberia

A brief characterisation of helium is presented, the global reserves of this chemical element are analysed, and the structure of its consumption and production dynamics on the global market are considered. The increasing production and consumption of commercial helium, as well as the high industrial potential of helium products at the territory of Russia, necessitate the development of a set of technological solutions to improve helium extraction, its storage and processing. An analysis of membrane gas separation applications is presented, along with a comparative evaluation of this method against the traditional cryogenic distillation technology. The membrane unit is characterised by energy efficiency, compactness, simplicity of technological maintenance and process control, and does not require significant capital or operational costs. The types of filter cartridges used and the main technological schemes for producing helium in the gas industry are reviewed. Depending on the intended use plan for the helium products at the Markovskoye natural gas and condensate field (the Irkutsk Region), the use of combined technology (two-stage membrane separation with and without recycle, with additional fine purification units for helium concentrate) is proposed. The economic efficiency and commercial value of the proposed technological solution are substantiated.