Products & Services

Medal Nitrogen Membrane

Nitrogen membranes separate gases by the principle of selective permeation across the nitrogen membranes wall. For nitrogen polymeric membranes, the rate of permeation of each gas is determined by its solubility in the nitrogen membrane material, and the rate of diffusion through the molecular free volume in the nitrogen membrane wall. Gases that exhibit high solubility in the nitrogen membranes, and gases that are small in molecular size, permeate faster than larger, less soluble gases.

MEDAL™’s (MEmbrane Separation Systems DuPont Air Liquide) hollow fiber nitrogen membranes are the most advanced in the world. The superior performance of MEDAL™’s nitrogen membranes is derived from their high selectivity and high productivity, which are a result of the ability to produce nitrogen membranes with an extremely thin, defect –free separating layer.

"Fast" gases permeate through the nitrogen membrane wall more readily than "slow" gases, thus separating the original gas mixture into two streams. The purity of the desired streams can be adjusted by changing the operating conditions.

The ability of a nitrogen membranes to separate two gases is determined by their "selectivity", the ratio of permeabilities of the two gases. The higher the selectivity, the more efficient the separation and less energy is needed to run the system.

Nitrogen gas is used primarily to ensure safe processes and maintain product quality.

Nitrogen gas is typically used for blanketing storage tanks. During shutdown periods, compressors, pipelines and reactors may be inerted to prevent equipment degradation.

Nitrogen gas can also be used for pressure transfer of products between storage vessels.

Nitrogen gas is also used to inert MD (transport vessels).

Onsite nitrogen membrane units and especially NPU and NPIU Units best fit these applications.

The oil and gas industry’s capacity to find, extract and distribute hydrocarbon products to meet energy needs is continually improving. The application of seismic imagery has led to the development of new fields, often at depths that were inconceivable only a decade ago. As a result, the oil and gas industry has been able to reduce its costs, which has in turn benefited the energy consumer.

At Tianjin Hi-Tech (THT), we have developted a range of unique technologies to help the upstream processing of oil and gas.

They include:

– Nitrogen production using membrane for under-balanced drilling:
High pressure nitrogen provides a low down-hole hydrostatic pressure. Mobile nitrogen membrane production units safely provide inert gas (95% N2) at 12 bar-35 bar which can be boosted to the required pressure.

– Nitrogen production using membrane for enhanced oil recovery applications:
Nitrogen can be injected into existing wells to increase oil and/or gas recovery. Depending on the volumes and type of nitrogen required, it can be supplied either by large high pressure nitrogen production units (cryogenic technology)or by membrane modules using NPU or NPIU units. These units can also be used for coal bed methane production.

– Nitrogen membrane for offshore platforms:
MEDAL™ nitrogen membrane can be used to provide inerting nitrogen for use on offshore platforms. These membranes are highly selective in reducing power requirements, and since they can be very compact, they need only minimal plot space.