Objective In order to meet the demand of crude helium purification process that is needed to produce liquid helium products, an innovative process of helium purification by medium pressure and low temperature condensation closing by medium pressure and pressure swing adsorption(PSA) at room temperature on the basis of investigation of helium purification technology at home and abroad is proposed in this paper.

Methods Using HYSYS simulation method, the characteristics and adaptability of the three processes are compared and analyzed.The influences of condensation temperature, condensation pressure, the change of main component yield of PSA and the change of feed gas composition on the process performance are also analyzed.

Results Compared with traditional crude helium purification technology, the combination technology not only improved the yield of helium, but also obviously decreased the energy consumption and the liquid nitrogen consumption of the unit. It has characteristics of high automation, continuous technological process, strong operability, etc. and is suitable for liquid helium production.

Conclusions This process can provide a guidance and data support for the process selection and application of domestic natural gas helium extraction unit construction.