E.S. Sanders, NATCO Group
Although membrane separation is perceived as new technology, membrane based CO, removal has been commercially practiced for more than 15 years. The first commercial membrane based CO, removai system was the SACROC facility in west Texas. The system was commissioned in 1983. Over several expansions, the capacity of the facility has quadrupled and continues to provide a cost effective solution. This installation represents a true success story for membranes. Slowly but surely, membranes are becoming the preferred technology for CO, recovery in EOR applications and for bulk removal of CO, for offshore natural gas treating,. This is largely because of their operational simplicity, lower capital cost, and environmental benefits relative to competitive technologies for acid gas removal.