Automatic filtering and reodorization of adsorbed natural gas storage systems

The presence of high molecular weight hydrocarbons and sulphur-based odorants in natural gas has a negative impact on the storage of this fuel using adsorption technology. The reason for this is the deterioration of the adsorbent capacity on extended cyclic operation. Although a good adsorbent is key to the success of ANG, its potential will be limited if it is not integrated into a well-designed system which compensates for the weakness inherent in the adsorption process, deleterious poisoning and heat effects. Although there appears to be a consensus on the use of a especially tailored carbon-based filter or guard-bed to prevent the contamination of the storage tank, this system has not yet been studied or evaluated in real depth. In this work, it is demonstrated for the fist time that it is indeed possible to filter and reodorize the delivered natural gas using a properly operated carbon-based filter.