PhD Title: Efficient ILZ Adsorbent Synthesis for Improved CH₄/N₂ Separations
Ghadir’s PhD research is focused on improving the production of a novel adsorbent (ILZ) used for gaseous methane–nitrogen separation. This separation is often critical to efficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, particularly when the source gas contains significant amounts of N2, because there are strict limits on its allowable concentration in LNG. Conventional methods of CH₄/N₂ separation are expensive and/or inefficient relative to the use of ILZ. Ghadir has investigated several new approaches to ILZ production which lower its cost and reduce the amount of wastewater it generates. These include membrane-based separations and a novel cascade ion-exchange method.
Ghadir is also working on the demonstration of a novel technology for recovering of helium and/or hydrogen from natural gas. This technology combines membrane separation with a patented Cascade Dual Reflux Pressure Swing Adsorption process to enable low-cost recovery of helium and/or hydrogen from smaller or remote gas reservoirs without the need for cryogenic temperatures.