WO2006094676A1 - Helium production in lng plants - Google Patents

Helium production in lng plants Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006094676A1
WO2006094676A1 PCT/EP2006/001805 EP2006001805W WO2006094676A1 WO 2006094676 A1 WO2006094676 A1 WO 2006094676A1 EP 2006001805 W EP2006001805 W EP 2006001805W WO 2006094676 A1 WO2006094676 A1 WO 2006094676A1
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Prior art keywords
helium
natural gas
gas stream
rich fraction
liquefied
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PCT/EP2006/001805
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Hans Schmidt
Original Assignee
Linde Aktiengesellschaft
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Publication date
Application filed by Linde Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Linde Aktiengesellschaft
Priority to US11/817,359 priority Critical patent/US20090211297A1/en
Priority to AU2006222326A priority patent/AU2006222326B2/en
Publication of WO2006094676A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006094676A1/en

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/003—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production
    • F25J1/0032—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration"
    • F25J1/004—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the kind of cold generation within the liquefaction unit for compensating heat leaks and liquid production using the feed stream itself or separated fractions from it, i.e. "internal refrigeration" by flash gas recovery
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J1/00—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures
    • F25J1/0002—Processes or apparatus for liquefying or solidifying gases or gaseous mixtures characterised by the fluid to be liquefied
    • F25J1/0022—Hydrocarbons, e.g. natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0204—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the feed stream
    • F25J3/0209—Natural gas or substitute natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0228—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream
    • F25J3/0233—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream separation of CnHm with 1 carbon atom or more
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/02—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream
    • F25J3/0228—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream
    • F25J3/028—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream separation of noble gases
    • F25J3/029—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by rectification, i.e. by continuous interchange of heat and material between a vapour stream and a liquid stream characterised by the separated product stream separation of noble gases of helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/06—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation
    • F25J3/0605—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation characterised by the feed stream
    • F25J3/061—Natural gas or substitute natural gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J3/00—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification
    • F25J3/06—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation
    • F25J3/063—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation characterised by the separated product stream
    • F25J3/0685—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation characterised by the separated product stream separation of noble gases
    • F25J3/069—Processes or apparatus for separating the constituents of gaseous or liquefied gaseous mixtures involving the use of liquefaction or solidification by partial condensation characterised by the separated product stream separation of noble gases of helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2200/00—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification
    • F25J2200/02—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification in a single pressure main column system
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2200/00—Processes or apparatus using separation by rectification
    • F25J2200/70—Refluxing the column with a condensed part of the feed stream, i.e. fractionator top is stripped or self-rectified
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2210/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the feed stream
    • F25J2210/06—Splitting of the feed stream, e.g. for treating or cooling in different ways
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2215/00—Processes characterised by the type or other details of the product stream
    • F25J2215/04—Recovery of liquid products
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2220/00—Processes or apparatus involving steps for the removal of impurities
    • F25J2220/60—Separating impurities from natural gas, e.g. mercury, cyclic hydrocarbons
    • F25J2220/62—Separating low boiling components, e.g. He, H2, N2, Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25J—LIQUEFACTION, SOLIDIFICATION OR SEPARATION OF GASES OR GASEOUS OR LIQUEFIED GASEOUS MIXTURES BY PRESSURE AND COLD TREATMENT OR BY BRINGING THEM INTO THE SUPERCRITICAL STATE
    • F25J2280/00—Control of the process or apparatus
    • F25J2280/02—Control in general, load changes, different modes ("runs"), measurements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream.
  • Helium is usually obtained in large quantities from natural gas or from natural gas fractions, such as those found in the so-called LNG baseload plants, ie from a gas mixture consisting essentially of methane, a high proportion of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.
  • Flash gas of the LNG storage tank is concentrated.
  • 1 "cold end" of LNG baseload plants
  • the high pressure liquefied natural gas whose temperature is almost fixed due to the refrigerant of the LNG baseload plant, initially throttled to a mean pressure between 3 and 10 bar
  • the resulting helium-rich flash gas typically a helium content between 5% and 20% - warmed up and fed to a helium recovery plant as a feed fraction.
  • the helium-rich flash gas z. B. against a purified, high pressure natural gas stream - which is withdrawn before the actual liquefaction part of the liquefaction process and thus from the so-called.
  • the amount of this additional natural gas flow is in such a way that no noticeable change in the liquefaction capacity of the LNG baseload plant takes place, which is the case in a wide volume flow range.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a generic method for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.
  • a generic method which comprises the following method steps: a) decompression of the liquefied natural gas stream and separation of a helium-rich fraction, b) heating of the helium-rich fraction against a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied and c) feeding in heat exchange against the helium-rich fraction to be liquefied liquefied natural gas stream to the liquefied liquefied
  • the flow rate of the aforementioned natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied is preferably adjusted so that there is no significant change in the liquefaction capacity of the LNG baseload plant.
  • the inventive method now makes it possible to meet a wide variety of helium and nitrogen contents in the liquefied natural gas stream and the liquefied natural gas stream.
  • the helium-rich fraction as well as the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied, which are brought into heat exchange with each other, can now be heated or cooled against each other in a targeted temperature-controlled manner. This allows the conditions for the relaxation of the liquefied
  • the mass flow of the helium-rich fraction fed to the heat exchange and / or the mass flow of the natural gas flow supplied, cooled and liquefied be varied such that the helium yield is increased .
  • the helium-rich fraction remains substantially constant and / or maximized.
  • the fuel gas fraction obtained in the fuel gas separation is heated against the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied
  • the heat exchange between the helium-rich fraction to be heated and the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied takes place in at least one wound heat exchanger and / or at least one TEMA heat exchanger,
  • Via line 1 is - as shown in Figure 1 - a liquefied natural gas stream, which was obtained in any natural gas liquefaction process, introduced, relaxed in the valve a to a pressure between 3 and 10 bar and then fed via line 2 to a separator D. At the top of this separator D, a helium-rich gas fraction is withdrawn via line 3.
  • the helium-rich gas fraction is heated in the heat exchanger E, which is preferably a wound heat exchanger or a TEMA heat exchanger, against a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied, which will be discussed in more detail below and then fed via line 4 for further use, such as a process in which a pure-helium fraction is recovered.
  • the heat exchanger E which is preferably a wound heat exchanger or a TEMA heat exchanger
  • a helium-depleted liquid fraction is withdrawn via line 5, expanded in the valve b to a pressure between 1 and 5 bar and via line 6 their further use - possibly after prior promotion by means of pump and caching in a storage tank at Atmospheric pressure - fed.
  • the heat exchanger E is supplied with the mentioned natural gas flow to be cooled and liquefied.
  • This gaseous natural gas stream is withdrawn from the natural gas liquefaction process, for example after the separation of heavy hydrocarbon which is normally required.
  • the amount of this natural gas stream is preferably adjusted so that the helium separation D does not result in a noticeable change in the liquefaction capacity of the LNG baseload plant.
  • bypass lines 7 and 11 are shown in each of which a control valve d and e is arranged.
  • the guided in the lines 3 and 9 fractions can be passed completely or at least partially to the heat exchanger E.
  • the mass flow of the natural gas stream supplied to the heat exchanger E via line 9 can now be varied by means of the expansion valve c and / or the bypass line 11.
  • maximum helium yields or quantities in the helium-rich fraction 3 withdrawn at the top of the separator D can be set or achieved for different compositions of the liquefied natural gas stream.
  • the subcooling temperature of the latter stream is adjusted after the heat exchange E to maximize the helium yield in the helium-rich fraction 3.
  • the aim of this procedure is to adjust the conditions in the separator D, so the total enthalpy of the mixture so that even with different compositions of the natural gas streams 1 and 9, a maximum helium yield in the helium-rich flash gas 3 and 4 is achieved and simultaneously the production of LNG Baseload process is not or only insignificantly affected. In this way an optimal feed fraction can be provided for a downstream process for pure helium 'recovery.
  • the heat exchanger E If comparatively small temperature differences between 5 and 30 K occur in the heat exchanger E, then this will preferably be designed as a plate exchanger. In the case of larger temperature differences, it is advantageous to realize the heat exchanger E as a wound heat exchanger and / or TEMA heat exchanger.
  • the bypass line 11 can be used for a maximum helium flow rate.
  • Yield required subcooling temperature of the guided over the line sections 9 and 10 natural gas stream at the output of the heat exchanger E can be adjusted and regulated.
  • more than 97% can be the win 'in the present to be liquefied natural gas stream helium.
  • the inventive method for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream thus makes it possible to maximize the helium yields of even the most varied liquefied natural gas streams.
  • the required regulatory effort is limited, so that the realization of the method according to the invention leads only to insignificant additional costs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A method for separation of a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream is disclosed, comprising the following steps: a) depressurisation (a) of the liquefied natural gas stream (1) and separation (D) of a helium-rich fraction (3), b) heating (E) the helium-rich fraction (3) by exchange with a natural gas stream (9) for cooling and liquefaction, c) introduction of the natural gas stream (1), liquefied by heat exchange (E) with the helium-rich fraction (3) for heating, to the depressurised liquefied natural gas stream (1), before and/or in the separation (D) of the helium-rich fraction (3) and d) whereby the total enthalpy of the mixture (2) of both natural gas streams introduced into the separation (D) of the helium-rich fraction can be varied.

Description

Beschreibung description
Helium-Gewinnung bei LNG-AnlaqenHelium recovery in LNG plants
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Abtrennen einer Helium-reichen Fraktion aus einem verflüssigten Erdgasstrom.The invention relates to a method for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream.
Helium wird in großen Mengen im Regelfall aus Erdgas oder aus Erdgasfraktionen - wie sie bspw. in den sog. LNG-Baseload-Anlagen anfallen - gewonnen, also aus einem Gasgemisch, bestehend im Wesentlichen aus Methan, einem hohen Anteil an Stickstoff und Kohlenwasserstoffen.Helium is usually obtained in large quantities from natural gas or from natural gas fractions, such as those found in the so-called LNG baseload plants, ie from a gas mixture consisting essentially of methane, a high proportion of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.
Kleinere Mengen Helium können auch in kryogenen Luftzerlegungsanlagen mittels der sog. Tieftemperaturluftzerlegung aus der Luft abgetrennt und so gewonnen werden. Helium kommt in bekannten Ergasvorkommen in einer Größenordnung bis etwa 0,2 Mol-% vor. Aus diesem Grund macht eine technische Gewinnung nur im Rahmen der vorerwähnten LNG-Baseload-Aniagen Sinn, da bei ihnen das inerte Helium imSmaller quantities of helium can also be separated from the air in cryogenic air separation plants by means of the so-called cryogenic air separation and thus obtained. Helium occurs in known natural gas deposits in the order of about 0.2 mol%. For this reason, a technical extraction makes sense only in the context of the aforementioned LNG Baseload Aniagen, since with them the inert helium in the
Flashgas des LNG-Speichertanks aufkonzentriert ist. Bei der Helium-Gewinnung am sog1, "kalten Ende" von LNG-Baseload-Anlagen ist es daher wünschenswert, auch bei unterschiedlichen Erdgaszusammensetzungen eine gleich bleibende Heliummenge zu gewinnen, obwohl vor allem die unterschiedlichen Stickstoffkonzentrationen des Erdgases zu unterschiedlichen Flashbedingungen für den Helium-reichen Flash führen. Üblicherweise wird das unter hohem Druck vorliegende verflüssigte Erdgas, dessen Temperatur aufgrund des bzw. der Kältemittel der LNG-Baseload-Anlage nahezu festliegt, zunächst auf einen Mitteldruck zwischen 3 und 10 bar gedrosselt, das dabei gewonnene Helium-reiche Flashgas - das typischerweise einen Heliumgehalt zwischen 5 % und 20 % aufweist - angewärmt und einer Helium-Gewinnungsanlage als Einsatzfraktion zugeführt wird.Flash gas of the LNG storage tank is concentrated. In the case of helium mining at the so-called 1 , "cold end" of LNG baseload plants, it is therefore desirable to obtain a constant amount of helium even with different natural gas compositions, although above all the different nitrogen concentrations of the natural gas lead to different flash conditions for the helium rich flash lead. Usually, the high pressure liquefied natural gas, whose temperature is almost fixed due to the refrigerant of the LNG baseload plant, initially throttled to a mean pressure between 3 and 10 bar, the resulting helium-rich flash gas - typically a helium content between 5% and 20% - warmed up and fed to a helium recovery plant as a feed fraction.
Vor dieser Zuführung wird das Helium-reiche Flashgas z. B. gegen einen gereinigten, unter hohem Druck vorliegenden Erdgasstrom - der vor dem eigentlichen Verflüssigungsteil des Verflüssigungsprozesses abgezogen wird und damit aus dem sog. "warmen Bereich" der LNG-Baseload-Anlage stammt - angewärmt, um die Kälte des Helium-reichen Flashgases zur Abkühlung und Verflüssigung dieses zusätzlichen Erdgasstromes nutzen zu können. Die Menge dieses zusätzlichen Erdgasstromes ist hierbei so zu wählen, dass keine merkliche Veränderung der Verflüssigungsleistung der LNG-Baseloäd-Anlage erfolgt, was in einem weiten Mengenstrombereich der Fall ist.Before this feed, the helium-rich flash gas z. B. against a purified, high pressure natural gas stream - which is withdrawn before the actual liquefaction part of the liquefaction process and thus from the so-called. "Warm area" of the LNG Baseload plant - warmed to the cold of the helium-rich flash gas for Use cooling and liquefaction of this additional natural gas stream. The amount of this additional natural gas flow is in such a way that no noticeable change in the liquefaction capacity of the LNG baseload plant takes place, which is the case in a wide volume flow range.
Mittels dieser Verfahrensweise können jedoch im Hinblick auf den Gehalt an Helium und Stickstoff unterschiedliche Erdgasqualitäten, die wiederum große Unterschiede im Hinblick auf den Helium- sowie den Stickstoff-Gehalt in dem aus dem verflüssigten Erdgas abgetrennten Flashgas zur Folge haben, nicht berücksichtigt werden. Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein gattungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Abtrennen einer Helium-reichen Fraktion aus einem verflüssigten Erdgasstrom anzugeben, das die vorgenannten Nachteile vermeidet.However, by virtue of this approach, with regard to the helium and nitrogen content, different qualities of natural gas, which in turn result in large differences in helium and nitrogen content in the flash gas separated from the liquefied natural gas, can not be taken into account. Object of the present invention is to provide a generic method for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages.
Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird ein gattungsgemäßes Verfahren vorgeschlagen, das folgende Verfahrensschritte umfasst a) Entspannen des verflüssigten Erdgasstromes und Abtrennen einer Helium-reichen Fraktion, b) Anwärmen der Helium-reichen Fraktion gegen einen abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom und c) Zuspeisen des im Wärmetausch gegen die anzuwärmende Helium-reiche Fraktion verflüssigten Erdgasstromes zu dem entspannten verflüssigtenTo solve this problem, a generic method is proposed which comprises the following method steps: a) decompression of the liquefied natural gas stream and separation of a helium-rich fraction, b) heating of the helium-rich fraction against a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied and c) feeding in heat exchange against the helium-rich fraction to be liquefied liquefied natural gas stream to the liquefied liquefied
Erdgasstrom vor und/oder in der Abtrennung der Helium-reichen Fraktion, d) wobei die Gesamtenthalpie der der Abtrennung der Helium-reichen Fraktion zugeführten Mischung der beiden vorgenannten Erdgasströme variiert werden kann.Natural gas flow before and / or in the separation of the helium-rich fraction, d) wherein the total enthalpy of the separation of the helium-rich fraction supplied mixture of the two aforementioned natural gas streams can be varied.
Hierbei ist der Mengenstrom des vorgenannten, abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstromes vorzugsweise so eingestellt, dass keine wesentliche Änderung der Verflüssigungsleistung der LNG-Baseload-Anlage erfolgt.Here, the flow rate of the aforementioned natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied is preferably adjusted so that there is no significant change in the liquefaction capacity of the LNG baseload plant.
Prinzipiell kann die Gesamtenthalpie der der Abtrennung der Helium-reichen Fraktion zugeführten Mischung der beiden vorgenannten Erdgasströme - hierbei handelt es sich um einen Zweiphasenstrom - erfolgen, indemIn principle, the total enthalpy of the separation of the helium-rich fraction supplied mixture of the two aforementioned natural gas flows - this is a two-phase current - take place by
die Unterkühl-Bedingungen des verflüssigten Erdgases am so genannten "kalten Ende" des Verflüssigungsprozesses variiert werden; dies würde jedoch einen Eingriff in den Betrieb der LNG-Baseload-Anlage erfordern, der üblicherweise nicht erwünscht ist,the subcooling conditions of the liquefied natural gas are varied at the so-called "cold end" of the liquefaction process; this would, however require intervention in the operation of the LNG baseload plant, which is usually undesirable;
der unterkühlte Erdgasstrom vom "kalten Ende" der LNG-Baseload-Anlage gegen einen oder mehrere Kältemittelströme des LNG-Baseload-Prozesses angewärmt wird; auch diese Variante hätte einen üblicherweise unerwünschten Eingriff in den Betrieb der LNG-Baseload-Anlage zur Folge, oderthe supercooled natural gas stream from the "cold end" of the LNG baseload plant is heated against one or more refrigerant flows from the LNG baseload process; This variant would also result in a usually undesirable intervention in the operation of the LNG baseload system, or
der unterkühlte Erdgasstrom vom "kalten Ende" der LNG-Baseload-Anlage durch Zumischung eines wärmeren Erdgasstromes vom "warmen Ende" derthe supercooled natural gas stream from the "cold end" of the LNG baseload plant by adding a warmer natural gas stream from the "warm end" of the
LNG-Baseload-Anlage angewärmt wird; diese Alternative hat eine Erhöhung des Durchsatzes durch die LNG-Baseload-Anlage zur Folge, weswegen diese Alternative bevorzugt wird.LNG baseload plant is warmed up; this alternative results in an increase in throughput through the LNG baseload facility, which is why this alternative is preferred.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ermöglicht es nunmehr, unterschiedlichsten Helium- und Stickstoff-Gehalten in dem zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom und dem verflüssigten Erdgasstrom gerecht zu werden. Die Helium-reiche Fraktion sowie der abzukühlende und zu verflüssigende Erdgasstrom, die miteinander in Wärmetausch gebracht werden, können nun gezielt temperaturkontrolliert gegeneinander angewärmt bzw. abgekühlt werden. Damit lassen sich die Bedingungen für die Entspannung des verflüssigtenThe inventive method now makes it possible to meet a wide variety of helium and nitrogen contents in the liquefied natural gas stream and the liquefied natural gas stream. The helium-rich fraction as well as the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied, which are brought into heat exchange with each other, can now be heated or cooled against each other in a targeted temperature-controlled manner. This allows the conditions for the relaxation of the liquefied
Erdgasstromes und das Abtrennen der Helium-reichen Fraktion gezielt regeln, so dass für unterschiedliche Zusammensetzungen von verflüssigten Erdgasströmen eine maximale Abtrennung bzw. Ausbeute des Heliums über die Entspannung und Abtrennung der Helium-reichen Fraktion möglich wird.Control natural gas flow and the separation of the helium-rich fraction targeted, so that for different compositions of liquefied natural gas streams maximum separation or yield of helium on the relaxation and separation of the helium-rich fraction is possible.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren weiterbildend wird vorgeschlagen, dass - entsprechend der Zusammensetzung der Erdgasströme - der Mengenstrom der dem Wärmetausch zugeführten Helium-reichen Fraktion und/oder der Mengenstrom des dem Wärmetausch zugeführten, abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstromes derart variiert wird, dass die Helium-Ausbeute' der Helium-reichen Fraktion im Wesentlichen konstant bleibt und/oder maximiert wird.Further developing the method according to the invention, it is proposed that, according to the composition of the natural gas streams, the mass flow of the helium-rich fraction fed to the heat exchange and / or the mass flow of the natural gas flow supplied, cooled and liquefied be varied such that the helium yield is increased . the helium-rich fraction remains substantially constant and / or maximized.
Weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens sind dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der an Helium-abgereicherte, verflüssigte Erdgasstromes entspannt und einer Fuelgas-Abtrennung unterworfen wird,Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are characterized in that the helium-depleted, liquefied natural gas stream is expanded and subjected to a fuel gas separation,
die in der Fuelgas-Abtrennung gewonnene Fuelgas-Fraktion gegen den abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom angewärmt wird,the fuel gas fraction obtained in the fuel gas separation is heated against the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied,
zumindest ein Teilstrom des abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstromes, zumindest ein Teilstrom der anzuwärmenden Helium-reichen Fraktion und/oder zumindest ein Teilstrom der anzuwärmenden Fuelgas- Fraktion an dem Wärmetausch zwischen der anzuwärmenden Helium-reichenat least a partial flow of the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied, at least a partial flow of the helium-rich fraction to be heated and / or at least a partial flow of the fuel gas fraction to be heated on the heat exchange between the helium-rich to be heated
Fraktion und dem abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom vorbeigeführt wird,Fraction and the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied,
der Wärmetausch zwischen der anzuwärmenden Helium-reichen Fraktion und dem abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom in wenigstens einem gewickelten Wärmetauscher und/oder wenigstens einem TEMA- Wärmetauscher erfolgt,the heat exchange between the helium-rich fraction to be heated and the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied takes place in at least one wound heat exchanger and / or at least one TEMA heat exchanger,
die Abtrennung der Helium-reichen Fraktion in einem Abscheider oder einer Waschkolonne realisiert wird.the separation of the helium-rich fraction in a separator or a wash column is realized.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren sowie weitere Ausgestaltungen desselben, die Gegenstände von Unteransprüchen darstellen, seien im Folgenden anhand der in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert. ■ .The method according to the invention as well as further embodiments thereof, which represent objects of subclaims, will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. ■ .
Über Leitung 1 wird - wie in der Figur 1 dargestellt - ein verflüssigter Erdgasstrom, der in einem beliebigen Erdgas-Verflüssigungsprozess gewonnen wurde, herangeführt, im Ventil a auf einen Druck zwischen 3 und 10 bar entspannt und anschließend über Leitung 2 einem Abscheider D zugeführt. Am Kopf dieses Abscheiders D wird über Leitung 3 eine Helium-reiche Gasfraktion abgezogen.Via line 1 is - as shown in Figure 1 - a liquefied natural gas stream, which was obtained in any natural gas liquefaction process, introduced, relaxed in the valve a to a pressure between 3 and 10 bar and then fed via line 2 to a separator D. At the top of this separator D, a helium-rich gas fraction is withdrawn via line 3.
Die Helium-reiche Gasfraktion wird im Wärmetauscher E, bei dem es sich vorzugsweise um einen gewickelten Wärmetauscher oder einen TEMA- Wärmetauscher handelt, gegen einen abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom, auf den im Folgenden noch näher eingegangen werden wird, angewärmt und anschließend über Leitung 4 ihrer weiteren Verwendung, wie beispielsweise einem Prozess, in dem eine Rein-Helium-Fraktion gewonnen wird, zugeführt.The helium-rich gas fraction is heated in the heat exchanger E, which is preferably a wound heat exchanger or a TEMA heat exchanger, against a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied, which will be discussed in more detail below and then fed via line 4 for further use, such as a process in which a pure-helium fraction is recovered.
Aus dem Sumpf des Abscheiders D wird über Leitung 5 eine an Helium abgereicherte Flüssigfraktion abgezogen, im Ventil b auf einen Druck zwischen 1 und 5 bar entspannt und über Leitung 6 ihrer weiteren Verwendung - ggf. nach vorheriger Förderung mittels Pumpe und Zwischenspeicherung in einem Lagertank bei Atmosphärendruck - zugeführt.From the bottom of the separator D, a helium-depleted liquid fraction is withdrawn via line 5, expanded in the valve b to a pressure between 1 and 5 bar and via line 6 their further use - possibly after prior promotion by means of pump and caching in a storage tank at Atmospheric pressure - fed.
Über Leitung 9 wird dem Wärmetauscher E der erwähnte abzukühlende und zu verflüssigende Erdgasstrom zugeführt. Dieser gasförmige Erdgasstrom wird dem Erdgas-Verflüssigungsprozess beispielsweise nach der im Regelfall erforderlichen Abtrennung schwerer Kohlenwasserstoff abgezogen. Die Menge dieses Erdgasstromes wird vorzugsweise so eingestellt, dass sich durch die Helium- Abtrennung D keine merkliche Änderung der Verflüssigungsleistung der LNG- Baseload-Anlage ergibt.Via line 9, the heat exchanger E is supplied with the mentioned natural gas flow to be cooled and liquefied. This gaseous natural gas stream is withdrawn from the natural gas liquefaction process, for example after the separation of heavy hydrocarbon which is normally required. The amount of this natural gas stream is preferably adjusted so that the helium separation D does not result in a noticeable change in the liquefaction capacity of the LNG baseload plant.
Unter Ausnutzung der Kälte der über Leitung 3 dem Wärmetauscher E zugeführten Helium-reichen Fraktion wird der über Leitung 9 dem Wärmetauscher E zugeführte Erdgasstrom nunmehr abgekühlt und verflüssigt. Er wird anschließend über Leitung 10, in der ein Entspannungsventil c vorgesehen ist, dem verflüssigten Erdgasstrom in der Leitung 2 vor der Zuführung in den Abscheider D beigemischt.Taking advantage of the cold of the line 3 to the heat exchanger E supplied helium-rich fraction of the line 9 to the heat exchanger E supplied natural gas stream is now cooled and liquefied. He is then mixed via line 10, in which a relaxation valve c is provided, the liquefied natural gas stream in the conduit 2 before being fed into the separator D.
Je nach Mischungstemperatur und Druck ergeben sich nun unterschiedliche Helium- Konzentrationen und -Mengen in der am Kopf des Abscheiders D abgezogenen Helium-reichen Gasfraktion 3.Depending on the mixing temperature and pressure, different helium concentrations and amounts now result in the helium-rich gas fraction 3 drawn off at the top of the separator D.
In der Figur dargestellt sind ferner zwei Bypass-Leitungen, in denen jeweils ein Regelventil d und e angeordnet ist. Über diese Bypass-Leitungen 7 und 11 können die in den Leitungen 3 und 9 geführten Fraktionen zur Gänze oder zumindest teilweise an dem Wärmetauscher E vorbeigeführt werden.Also shown in the figure are two bypass lines, in each of which a control valve d and e is arranged. About this bypass lines 7 and 11, the guided in the lines 3 and 9 fractions can be passed completely or at least partially to the heat exchanger E.
Erfindungsgemäß kann nunmehr der Mengenstrom des dem Wärmetauscher E über Leitung 9 zugeführten Erdgasstromes mittels des Entspannungsventils c und/oder der Bypass-Leitung 11 variiert werden. Gleiches trifft für die dem Wärmetauscher E über Leitung 3 zugeführte Helium-reiche Fraktion zu, da deren Mengenstrom durch den Wärmetauscher E mittels der Bypass-Leitung 7 geregelt werden kann.According to the invention, the mass flow of the natural gas stream supplied to the heat exchanger E via line 9 can now be varied by means of the expansion valve c and / or the bypass line 11. The same applies to the heat exchanger E over Line 3 fed helium-rich fraction, since the flow rate through the heat exchanger E by means of the bypass line 7 can be controlled.
Mittels der vorgenannten Regelungsmöglichkeiten können auch für unterschiedliche Zusammensetzungen des verflüssigten Erdgasstromes maximale Helium-Ausbeuten bzw. -Mengen in der am Kopf des Abscheiders D abgezogenen Helium-reichen Fraktion 3 eingestellt bzw. erzielt werden.By means of the abovementioned control possibilities, maximum helium yields or quantities in the helium-rich fraction 3 withdrawn at the top of the separator D can be set or achieved for different compositions of the liquefied natural gas stream.
Entsprechend der Menge, der Zusammensetzung, dem Grad der Unterkühlung sowie dem Vordruck und damit der Gesamtenthalpie des über die Leitungsabschnitte 1 und 2 herangeführten verflüssigten Erdgasstromes sowie der Menge, der Zusammensetzung, dem Druck sowie der Temperatur und damit der Gesamtenthalpie des über die Leitungsabschnitte 9 und 10 herangeführten Erdgasstromes wird die Unterkühltemperatur des letztgenannten Stromes nach dem Wärmeaustausch E eingestellt, um die Helium-Ausbeute in der Helium-reichen Fraktion 3 zu maximieren.According to the amount, the composition, the degree of supercooling and the form and thus the total enthalpy of the brought about the line sections 1 and 2 liquefied natural gas stream and the amount, the composition, the pressure and the temperature and thus the total enthalpy of the line sections 9 and 10 introduced natural gas flow, the subcooling temperature of the latter stream is adjusted after the heat exchange E to maximize the helium yield in the helium-rich fraction 3.
Ziel dieser Vorgehensweise ist, die Bedingungen im Abscheider D, also die Gesamtenthalpie der Mischung so einzustellen, dass auch bei unterschiedlichen Zusammensetzungen der Erdgasströme 1 und 9 eine maximale Helium-Ausbeute in dem Helium-reichen Flashgas 3 und 4 erreicht wird und gleichzeitig die Produktion des LNG-Baseload-Prozesses nicht oder nur unwesentlich beeinflusst wird. Auf diese Weise kann für einen nachgeschalteten Prozess zur Rein-Helium- ' Gewinnung eine optimale Einsatzfraktion bereitgestellt werden.The aim of this procedure is to adjust the conditions in the separator D, so the total enthalpy of the mixture so that even with different compositions of the natural gas streams 1 and 9, a maximum helium yield in the helium-rich flash gas 3 and 4 is achieved and simultaneously the production of LNG Baseload process is not or only insignificantly affected. In this way an optimal feed fraction can be provided for a downstream process for pure helium 'recovery.
Treten im Wärmetauscher E vergleichsweise geringe Temperaturdifferenzen zwischen 5 und 30 K auf, so wird dieser vorzugsweise als Plattentauscher ausgelegt sein. Im Falle größerer Temperaturdifferenzen ist es von Vorteil, den Wärmetauscher E als gewickelten Wärmetauscher und/oder TEMA-Wärmetauscher zu realisieren.If comparatively small temperature differences between 5 and 30 K occur in the heat exchanger E, then this will preferably be designed as a plate exchanger. In the case of larger temperature differences, it is advantageous to realize the heat exchanger E as a wound heat exchanger and / or TEMA heat exchanger.
Insbesondere dann, wenn die Mengen der über die Leitungsabschnitte 1 und 2 bzw. 9 und 10 herangeführten Ströme über die Zeit annähernd konstant bleiben, ihr Helium- und Stickstoff-Anteil jedoch variiert, kann mittels der Bypass-Leitung 11 die für eine maximale Helium-Ausbeute erforderliche Unterkühltemperatur des über die Leitungsabschnitte 9 und 10 herangeführten Erdgasstromes am Ausgang des Wärmetauschers E eingestellt und geregelt werden. Mit der in der Figur 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens lassen sich jedoch höchstens 97 % des' in dem zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom enthaltenen Heliums gewinnen.In particular, when the quantities of the streams brought in via the line sections 1 and 2 or 9 and 10 remain approximately constant over time, but their proportion of helium and nitrogen varies, the bypass line 11 can be used for a maximum helium flow rate. Yield required subcooling temperature of the guided over the line sections 9 and 10 natural gas stream at the output of the heat exchanger E can be adjusted and regulated. However, with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 embodiment of the method more than 97% can be the win 'in the present to be liquefied natural gas stream helium.
Wird .- wie dies in der Figur 2 dargestellt ist - der Abscheider D durch eine Waschkolonne (K) ersetzt, lässt sich eine Helium-Ausbeute bis zu 99.9 % realisieren.If, as shown in FIG. 2, the separator D is replaced by a wash column (K), a helium yield of up to 99.9% can be achieved.
Hierzu ist es erforderlich, den im Wärmetauscher E' verflüssigten Erdgasstrom - der gegen die anzuwärmende Helium-reiche Gasfraktion 31 abgekühlt wird - über Leitung 10' der Waschkolonne (K) als Strippstrom zuzuführen, während der im Ventil a' entspannte, verflüssigte Erdgasstrom über Leitung 2' der Waschkolonne (K) als Rücklauf aufgegeben wird.For this purpose, it is necessary to feed the liquefied in the heat exchanger E 'natural gas stream - which is cooled against the helium-rich gas fraction 3 1 - fed via line 10' of the scrubbing column (K) as a stripping, while in the valve a 'relaxed, liquefied natural gas over Line 2 'of the scrubbing column (K) is charged as reflux.
Diese Erhöhung der Helium-Ausbeute erfordert zwar einen apparativen und verfahrenstechnischen Mehraufwand, der aber angesichts des Wertes von Helium akzeptabel erscheint.Although this increase in the helium yield requires an additional technical and procedural effort, which appears acceptable in view of the value of helium.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Abtrennen einer Helium-reichen Fraktion aus einem verflüssigten Erdgasstrom ermöglicht es somit, die Helium-Ausbeuten auch unterschiedlichster verflüssigter Erdgasströme zu maximieren. Der hierfür erforderliche regelungstechnische Aufwand hält sich in Grenzen, so dass die Realisierung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens nur zu unwesentlichen zusätzlichen Kosten führt. The inventive method for separating a helium-rich fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream thus makes it possible to maximize the helium yields of even the most varied liquefied natural gas streams. The required regulatory effort is limited, so that the realization of the method according to the invention leads only to insignificant additional costs.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Verfahren zum Abtrennen einer Heiium-reichen Fraktion aus einem verflüssigten Erdgasstrom, umfassend folgende Verfahrensschritte: a) Entspannen (a, a1) des verflüssigten Erdgasstromes (1 , 1') und Abtrennen (D, K) einer Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3'), b) Anwärmen (E, E') der Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3') gegen einen abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom (9, 9') und c) Zuspeisen des im Wärmetausch (E, E') gegen die anzuwärmende Heliumreiche Fraktion (3, 3') verflüssigten Erdgasstromes (10, 10') zu dem entspannten verflüssigten Erdgasstrom (1 , 11) vor und/oder in der AbtrennungA process for separating a high-HCl fraction from a liquefied natural gas stream, comprising the following steps: a) decompression (a, a 1 ) of the liquefied natural gas stream (1, 1 ') and separation (D, K) of a helium-rich fraction ( 3, 3 '), b) heating (E, E') of the helium-rich fraction (3, 3 ') against a natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied (9, 9') and c) feeding in heat exchange (E, E ') against the heated helium-rich fraction (3, 3') liquefied natural gas stream (10, 10 ') to the relaxed liquefied natural gas stream (1, 1 1 ) before and / or in the separation
(D, K) der Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3'), d) wobei die Gesamtenthalpie der der Abtrennung (D, K) der Helium-reichen Fraktion zugeführten Mischung (2, 2') der beiden vorgenannten Erdgasströme variiert werden kann.(D, K) of the helium-rich fraction (3, 3 '), d) wherein the total enthalpy of the separation (D, K) of the helium-rich fraction supplied mixture (2, 2') of the two aforementioned natural gas streams can be varied ,
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Temperatur des im Wärmetausch (E, E') gegen die anzuwärmende Helium-reiche Fraktion (3, 3') verflüssigten Erdgasstromes (10, 10') variiert werden kann.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the temperature of the heat exchange (E, E ') against the helium-rich fraction to be heated (3, 3') liquefied natural gas stream (10, 10 ') can be varied.
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Mengenstrom der dem Wärmetausch (E, E') zugeführten Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3') und/oder der Mengenstrom des dem Wärmetausch (E, E') zugeführten, abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstromes (9, 9') derart variiert wird, dass die Helium-Ausbeute der Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3', 4, 4') im3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow rate of the heat exchange (E, E ') supplied helium-rich fraction (3, 3') and / or the flow rate of the heat exchange (E, E ') supplied , to be cooled and liquefied natural gas stream (9, 9 ') is varied such that the helium yield of the helium-rich fraction (3, 3', 4, 4 ') in
Wesentlichen konstant bleibt und/oder maximiert wird.Remains substantially constant and / or maximized.
4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest ein Teilstrom (11 , 11') des abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstromes (9, 9') und/oder zumindest ein Teilstrom (7, 7') der anzuwärmenden Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3') an dem Wärmetausch (E, E') zwischen der anzuwärmenden Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3') und dem abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom (9, 9') vorbeigeführt wird. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least a partial stream (11, 11 ') of the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied (9, 9') and / or at least a partial stream (7, 7 ') to be heated Helium-rich fraction (3, 3 ') on the heat exchange (E, E') between the heated helium-rich fraction (3, 3 ') and the cooled and liquefied natural gas stream (9, 9') is passed.
5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Wärmetausch (E, E') zwischen der anzuwärmenden Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3') und dem abzukühlenden und zu verflüssigenden Erdgasstrom (9, 9') in wenigstens einem gewickelten Wärmetauscher und/oder wenigstens einem TEMA- Wärmetauscher erfolgt.5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the heat exchange (E, E ') between the heated helium-rich fraction (3, 3') and the natural gas stream to be cooled and liquefied (9, 9 ') in at least one wound heat exchanger and / or at least one TEMA heat exchanger takes place.
6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abtrennung der Helium-reichen Fraktion (3, 3') in einem Abscheider (D) oder einer Waschkolonne (K) realisiert wird. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the separation of the helium-rich fraction (3, 3 ') in a separator (D) or a wash column (K) is realized.
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