Results from field tests of GRI's liquid redox and scavenging processes, designed for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from high-pressure natural gas, have been used by the natural gas industry as the basis for process selection. The savings are expected to be even higher with higher acid gas concentrations. Field experiments have recently been completed with high CO2 concentrations and the data are being analyzed in detail. Early results predict the potential savings will be even greater than anticipated. Based on the extensive pilot data, Krupp Wilputte Inc., has agreed to design and engineer the process with commercial guarantees for most applications.
Testing is still under way.
Texaco Research and GRI are bringing new carbon dioxide removal membranes to commercial readiness. Nitrotec has now commercialized the technology and installed eight facilities for helium recovery and nitrogen rejection. GRI's current program in nitrogen removal focuses on a solvent-based process that has the potential to cut nitrogen removal costs in half. Under GRI's direction, Bend Research is developing a process based on a family of soluble phosphate compounds that will reversibly bind nitrogen. Bench-scale testing is currently under way and a field experiment is planned for 1998.