Feasibility Study of Cryogenic Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) Innovation for Acid Gas Removal in LNG Processing – Design Perspective

Abstract The global demand for gas production is rising rapidly due to economic growth, with the Asia Pacific region among the highest contributors. To meet this demand, innovative technology like the Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) operated at cryogenic conditions is being explored and studied for application focusing on acid gas removal in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing on floater topside. This study delves on 30% CO2 gas field with high H2S and ethane composition via cryogenic technologies with comparable separation capability as conventional amine-based technologies. The main methodology involves detailed process simulations and benchmarking with conventional commercial floater design as basis for technology scale up. Amongst key challenges regarding cryogenic RPB design on a floater are non-conventional acid gas removal process, plot space constraint, energy intensity, and technology scale-up. This study also highlights the potential improvement of cryogenic RPB design in optimized refrigeration schemes and careful evaluation of heavy hydrocarbon recovery. Overall, the successful implementation of cryogenic RPB design optimization for acid gas removal is crucial to unlock monetization of high CO2 gas field(s).