Inert gas sequestrationn unit allowing the efficient use of a low heating value fuel

摘要

A power plant 8 comprises a fuel supply comprising a fuel having a low heating value, an inert gas sequestration unit 32 in fluid communication with the fuel supply having a membrane to separate N2 from CO and a gas turbine assembly located downstream of and in fluid communication with the inert gas sequestration unit and an oxidant supply 78. The inert gas sequestration unit separates N2 from CO to form a retentate stream having a heating value greater than the fuel supply. A method for operating such a power plant comprises passing a fuel stream through an inert gas sequestration unit to remove N2 from the fuel stream forming a retentate stream, and then combusting the retentate stream together with an oxidant stream to form a combustion stream.