Gas Separation Membrane Element for Natural Gas Sweetening

Gas separation membrane technology features a pressure-driven process that relies on the pressure difference between raw material inlet and product outlet. Membranes function via the principle of selective surface permeation: — the specific permeation rate depends on the gas's diffusion rate and solubility in the membranes.

In many cases, the natural gas will contain contaminants such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water that can impact process performance and damage equipment. Implementing gas sweetening can often help with the removal of H2S & CO2 from natural gas.

Fujifilm offers Apura™, an innovative gas membrane designed for natural gas treatment. Apura™ is an efficient, cost-effective gas sweetening solution that performs well for fine and bulk acid gas removal. 

The Apura™ gas membrane line consists of two products:

• 1.5XF: This option is ideally suited for bulk CO2 removal from natural gas.
• 2.0C: Apura™ 2.0C is the best choice for optimizing hydrocarbon recovery.

You can combine these modules in stages to optimize natural gas separation performance and efficiency.

Apura™ advanced natural gas purification equipment offers a host of valuable features and benefits, including:

• Operation at pressures approaching 83 bar (8,300 kPa)
• Works at temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius
• Effective for natural gas water removal while eliminating carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide
• Provides tolerance for BTX and hydrocarbons and features low plasticization
• Ideal for off-grid or stand-alone operating environments or as a hybrid system
• Delivers higher production flexibility and debottlenecking capabilities
• Helps to mitigate CO2 emissions

Apura™ natural gas purification solutions use pressure applied by spiral wound membrane elements that remove hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and water. 

We utilize proprietary technology featuring highly functional and cost-effective gas sweetening components featuring exceptional carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon selectivity. When combined with Fujifilm's high-quality multilayer composite membranes, the result is a robust module effective against aromatics and water. 

Amine gas treating, also known as amine scrubbing, is another commonly used natural gas processing solution. This technique relies on solvents for acid gas removal and eliminating carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from process streams. 

Gas sweetening via separation membranes offers several advantages over amine processes. 

All Apura™ products feature a simple design that makes installing the natural gas separation membrane a fast and easy process. You can also start, commission and operate the equipment quickly and without hassles. Maximize job site or facility productivity and complete the process effectively in less time. 

Our equipment has fewer moving parts than amine products. You'll spend less time and money on maintaining your gas membranes and have fewer concerns about unexpected mechanical failures. The increased uptime will allow you to keep your projects on schedule and give your company a competitive edge. 

If your facility has limited floor space, making the most of that area is essential for productivity. Our equipment has a footprint up to 60% smaller than amine products, giving you more room for other machinery while acting as a compact acid gas removal solution that won't hinder your other operational processes. 

Every business is looking for ways to lower costs and streamline its operations. Apura™ equipment will have a positive impact on your company's long-term capital expenditures (CAPEX) and day-to-day operating expenditures (OPEX), resulting in a healthier bottom line. 

Since gas separation membranes don't need chemicals or solvents to function, they are safer than amine solutions. You'll maintain cleaner, healthier air, and your company will demonstrate better environmental stewardship. Moreover, you'll reduce the risk of non-compliance with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations. 

Is your company trying to find ways to reduce costs by conserving energy? Apura™ products run more efficiently than amine equipment due to their pressure-driven operating method and no need for a boiler to regenerate the acid gas-rich amine solution. You'll save money on your utility bills and CO2 emissions. 

Fujifilm's cost-effective gas sweetening solutions can provide reliable results in various applications. They're ideal for fostering development in new and currently operating gas fields and at remote job sites in deserts, arctic regions and offshore drilling projects. 

Other typical applications include:

• Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects
• Onshore and offshore wellhead natural gas conditioning
• Pipeline conditioning solutions
• Landfill gas (LFG) and biogas upgrading operations

Our combination of high-quality gas sweetening equipment and unparalleled expertise can benefit businesses in many situations. Are you an oilfield equipment and service company considering or in the process of planning a new facility or job site? We'll provide market-leading natural gas processing solutions that will serve your company well for many years. 

If you're planning to replace outdated membrane technology, our equipment will provide a significant upgrade over your current gas sweetening methods. Apura™­­ enables you to improve productivity, reduce costs and operate more efficiently.

Gas sweetening refers to the processes used to purify natural gas by removing H2S and other contaminants. Sweetened gas contains only traces of these substances, unlike acidic or sour gas.

Implementing this natural gas purification process is important for several reasons:

• Gas sweetening methods prevent and control corrosion that can cause extensive equipment damage.
• Midstream natural gas processing solutions help ensure the final product adheres to all applicable performance and safety standards.
• Pipeline conditioning solutions eliminate the risk of catalyst poisoning in downstream facilities.
• Natural gas CO2 removal optimizes the natural gas heating value and performance.
• Gas sweetening membranes promote compliance with environmental laws and guidelines.

Fujifilm has grown from a photographic film manufacturing company founded in 1934 to a multifaceted leader and a wide range of industries. Our mission is to deliver the easiest, most robust and most productive solutions for acid gas processing and removal and fuel gas treatment via our proprietary membrane technology. 

We also offer advanced solutions for businesses in healthcare, graphic systems and inkjets, recording media, optical device and electronic imaging and other fields. Our continuing focus on research and development enables us to remain at the forefront of innovation.

Discover how Fujifilm Apura™ gas separation membranes can add value to your business's natural gas sweetening processes. Contact us for more product information and to find out whether this innovative technology is a good match for your company. Take the next step by submitting our online contact form today.