Helium Recovery from Natural Gas

Helium is a strategically critical gas with applications in healthcare (MRI systems), semiconductor manufacturing, space research, defense, cryogenics, and advanced scientific research. India currently meets its entire helium demand — approximately 70 million Nm³ per year (≈2.3% of global consumption) — through imports. This heavy import dependence makes helium a strategically sensitive material for the country. Natural gas containing 0.02–0.10 vol% helium (200–1000 ppm) represents a viable indigenous source for helium recovery in India. To address this gap, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) has developed an indigenous Cryogenic and PSA-based Hybrid Process for recovery of Grade ‘A’ Helium (99.995 mol% purity) in collaboration with ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT).This initiative represents a significant step toward self-reliance in helium production under India’s strategic materials mission.

CSIR-IIP has developed a Technology Information Package (TIP) based on optimized operating conditions of the Cryogenic and PSA processes using experimental and simulation data for recovery of Helium from low-concentration Natural Gas. CSIR-IIP’s Hybrid Process is designed for production of Grade ‘A’ Helium (99.995% purity) with ~95% recovery from Natural Gas. CSIR-IIP-EIL and OECT are working on the project to install and commission a demonstration pilot plant at ONGC site to process 750 Nm3/hr Natural gas to produce Helium. This ‘Helium’ recovery demonstration pilot plant will help to optimize the process conditions and to generate data for scaling up of commercial Helium Recovery Plant

• This Cryogenic-PSA Hybrid Process is designed for recovery of Helium from Natural Gas containing a very low concentration of Helium (400 ppm) suitable for Indian gas fields with low helium content
• This process is for production of Grade ‘A’ Helium having purity 99.995% with recovery to the tune of ~95%.
• Further technology development is being done by CSIR-IIP, OECT and EIL and it is completely indigenous.
• Helium is strategically important material such development will help to make India self reliance in Helium production.