Before taking methane and converting it into energy, it should be noted that this compound is found in Kraken Mare only in combination with other various hydrocarbons, for example ethane. Thus, before using refined methane, the composition will be subjected to a pruification and filtration system. Before the hydrocarbon mixture reaches the storage station through the pipe system, it will go through 4 processes to ensure a purified chemical compound as a result:
The first step will be the initial filtration, through which we ensure that no impurities, such as dust, that can affect the entire operating system and that can affect the purity of the final
compound. To avoid this scenario, we will use micron filters. This type of filter will help us separate the solid impurities from the liquid compound. The filter change will be carried out periodically and this process will not impose logistical problems, beca
use the filter station will be located in the storage station, where the workers will have access. A nanofilter can be added to this process, in order to ensure that all solid impurities are separated by liquid hydrocarbons
The second step is distillation, through which we want to separate the hydrocarbons, remaining with methane. This process is based on the large differences in boiling points, that of methane being -160°C, while that of ethane is -88.5°C. Once the methane evaporates, it will be separated from the other hydrocarbons, remaining in a gaseous state.
The third step is purification. This process is the most important when it comes to filtration, since it is necessary to separate methane in the form of gas from other gaseous substances , such as nitrogen, which can alter liquid methane. Purification will be done by a method called pressure swing adsorption(PSA). It works by using high pressure together with a material such as zeolite, with which nitrogen is captured. Once the methane is released from this chamber, the pressure will decrease rapidly. Thus, nitrogen will be released
. Finally, the chamber is opened and the nitrogen is discarded or used in other processes.
The fourth step is the compression of the methane and the final filtration. At this stage, the methane will be compressed into liquid form to prepare it for final filtration. Final filtration is a necessary precautionary measure, because we want to obtain a product without impurities that could attenuate the process of translation into energy.
Note: distillation is used to separate methane from other hydrocarbons, while adsorption by pressure fluctuation is necessary for the removal of other gases, e.g. nitrogen.
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