CYNARA

How CYNARA systems support industry carbon intensity reduction goals

In FPSO applications, operators require a lighter topside structure to accommodate the skid-mounted CYNARA system. The large surface area of the hollow fibers results in a smaller overall system footprint, reducing the embodied carbon by up to 50%. Additionally, the lower quantity of hydrocarbons in the permeate stream decreases environmental impact.

Replacing or reducing amine solvents usage for acid gas removal eliminates or decreases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with pumping and heating solvents; CYNARA systems require no external energy or chemical storage and disposal facilities. When combining membranes for bulk removal of acid gas with solvents for the final stage, a 30%–50% reduction in emissions can be achieved. Capturing and reinjecting the acid gas into the subsurface leads to a 100% emissions reduction.

CO2 and H2S removal with field-proven 99% average uptime

Industry-leading CYNARA acid gas removal membrane systems are based on selective permeation. When a natural gas stream containing acid gas (CO2 or H2S) passes through the membrane, the acid gas permeates at a faster rate than the natural gas components. The feed stream therefore separates into an acid-gas-rich, low-pressure permeated stream and a hydrocarbon-rich natural gas stream at sales-pipeline pressure.

CYNARA system membranes consist of hundreds of thousands of hollow asymmetric fibers grouped in bundles, with epoxy tube sheets on each end. Pressurized gas flows into the membrane case, where it contacts the fiber bundles and flows radially inward. As the gas traverses the bundle, acid gas selectively permeates into the low-pressure lumen of the fiber. The residual gas continues across the bundle into a central perforated tube.

Hollow-fiber membrane maximizes acid gas separation

Inherent advantages of CYNARA systems' unique membrane element design include the following:

• Hollow fiber technology maximizes surface area per unit volume compared with competing membrane technology.
• Double-ended permeate flow minimizes pressure drop down the lumen of the fiber, maximizing acid gas capacity as well as separation performance.
• Vertical orientation of the hollow fibers combined with the central collection tube enables recovery of hydrocarbon liquids—a valuable product for many operators.

The proprietary processing mechanism of our hollow fiber membrane enhances acid gas removal capabilities in EOR and natural gas applications.