Nnadikwe Johnson
Centre For Gas Refining And Petrochemical Engineering, University of Port-Harcourt,Rivers State Nigeria

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Implementing Eco-Efficient Mercury Mitigation Strategies in Natural Gas Operations for Enhanced Sustainability Onuoha Fidelis Wopara; Nnadikwe Johnson
Journal Majelis Paspama Vol. 4 No. 02 (2026): Journal Majelis Paspama, 2026, inpres
Publisher : Journal Majelis Paspama

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Mercury contamination in natural gas fields poses significant environmental and operational risks, particularly to brazed aluminum heat exchangers in LNG facilities and nitrogen rejection units. To address these concerns, this research evaluates eco-efficient mercury mitigation strategies for natural gas operations. Various mercury removal technologies are assessed, including metal sulfide adsorbents and activated carbons, with a focus on a gas project containing up to 70 µg/Sm3 of mercury. Technical and economic analysis reveals that sulfur-impregnated metallic oxide technology is the most suitable option for mercury removal. Key findings indicate that installing the mercury removal unit after the inlet separator and before CO2 removal minimizes mercury venting and pipe contamination. The bed's lifespan depends on feed gas pretreatment, and filtration is required regardless of location. Cost analysis shows metal oxide technology has the lowest CAPEX due to smaller vessel size and lowest overall cost over 25 years. Activated carbon beds have the cheapest single bed cost and OPEX, but similar lifespan to metal oxide beds. The proposed location works well with water-saturated gas below 95°C. Implementing these strategies enhances sustainability and protects equipment
Efficient Propane-Ethane Fractionation within Petrochemical Plant Operations Nnadikwe Johnson; Onuoha Fidelis Wopara
Journal Majelis Paspama Vol. 4 No. 02 (2026): Journal Majelis Paspama, 2026, inpres
Publisher : Journal Majelis Paspama

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Efficient propane-ethane fractionation is crucial in petrochemical complexes, enabling the production of high-purity products. This paper focuses on the treatment of ethane-propane mixtures recovered from natural gas, highlighting the interplay between key units: Gas Sweetening Unit (GSU), C2/C3 Recovery Unit, and Gas Cracker Unit (GCU). In the GSU, acid gases like CO2 are removed via chemical absorption using solvents like DEA, preventing freezing issues in downstream cryogenic processes. The 'sweetened' gas feeds into the C2/C3 Recovery Unit, where cryogenic conditions enable efficient ethane-propane separation. Optimizing fractionation in this unit enhances GCU performance, boosting ethylene and propylene yields. Process integration and energy efficiency are critical considerations. This study explores efficient propane-ethane fractionation strategies, aiming to improve overall petrochemical complex performance. Key aspects of this process include effective CO2 removal in the GSU, ensuring process reliability. Cryogenic separation in the C2/C3 Recovery Unit enables high-purity product recovery. The impact on GCU performance is significant, as efficient fractionation boosts downstream yields. Energy-efficient fractionation strategies are also crucial for reducing operating costs and environmental impact. By optimizing these aspects, petrochemical complexes can improve product yields, reduce energy consumption, and enhance overall efficiency. This research contributes to the development of efficient propane-ethane fractionation technologies, supporting the growth of the petrochemical industry.