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Fully integrated solution for lean natural gas processing in an LNG facility.

Number: 50

Author(s) : BUKOWSKI J., JENSEN E., SHUKRE R., BHADRA S., SHARMA B., ARSLAN O.

Summary

Natural gas entering LNG plants contains a variety of species that need to be removed to ensure safe and efficient operation. First, contaminants such as water, carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds (e.g. mercaptans, COS, hydrogen sulfide) and mercury are removed. These species can have detrimental impact on the plant equipment and product quality. When the feed gas is rich in NGL content, the recovery of natural gas liquids (NGL) allows tuning of LNG heating value and can provide additional value by recovery of valuable byproducts. This is achieved via dedicated NGL recovery unit based on cryogenic fractionation coupled with turboexpanders. However, when NGL levels are low (lean gas), conventional technologies such as cryogenic fractionation become less attractive due to the low amount of liquid for reflux; hence, alternative heavy hydrocarbon (HHC, C6-C10 and BTX) removal methods are needed. In these cases, the target is to prevent freezing and plant downtime via removal of HHC. Due to their solubility, stringent limits in HHC (e.g. <1ppm for benzene) need to be met. The CO2 removal is typically achieved by amine solvent-based absorption technologies. These units have large footprint and lower operational flexibility along with difficulty in modularization. This creates an opportunity at low feed gas CO2 (<2 mol-%) for alternative solutions such as adsorption-based technologies to outcompete traditional LNG treatment strategies.
Honeywell LNG’s liquefaction portfolio includes a patented process specifically designed for lean natural gas to integrate the adsorption unit with an efficient liquefaction process and provide superior performance to both. This paper presents commercial applications of the SeparSIV® technology, showcasing customized mitigation strategies for the removal of HHCs, CO₂, and water under varying feed conditions. Case studies demonstrate how the integration of SeparSIV with the Honeywell LNG liquefaction process can provide enhanced benefits in adsorption system design. Backed by Honeywell UOP’s extensive R&D and adsorbent manufacturing expertise, and Honeywell LNG’s deep knowledge of liquefaction processes and equipment, the SeparSIV solution offers extended adsorbent life, protection for sensitive downstream equipment, and highly optimized performance for lean gas processing.

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Details

  • Original title: Fully integrated solution for lean natural gas processing in an LNG facility.
  • Record ID : 30034663
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: 21st International Conference & Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG2026)
  • Publication date: 2026/02/05

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