LNG research wins Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year

Professor Eric May, Chevron Chair in Gas Process Engineering at the University of Western Australia, has been awarded one of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. May received the Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year for his work towards making liquid natural gas (LNG) a cleaner resource.

May is using his analytical understanding of the behaviour of gases and liquids to find ways of producing LNG from Australia’s vast offshore reserves more efficiently and safely.

Professor Eric May.

As well as using the most accurate measurements of the thermodynamic properties of fluids to increase the efficiency of extraction and processing, he is also investigating ways of capturing waste carbon dioxide from the process and injecting it back into the gas reservoirs underground.

Currently, May is involved in studies to determine the feasibility of various geosequestration options, such as extracting CO₂ from raw natural gas and reinjecting it back into the gas field. This has a potential double advantage of squeezing out any residual gas and entrapping the CO₂ so that it does not add to what is already in the atmosphere. He also continues to work at ensuring the smooth flow of gas from well to production facility and its efficient conversion to a safe and usable product that can be traded internationally and easily delivered to customers.

“Adopting natural gas will have a profound impact on raising the living standards of people in Asia and Africa in particular, without the environmental impact that our past wealth has been built on,” May said. “That’s what drives me.”

After completing an honours degree in physics at UWA in 2000, May embarked on a PhD jointly in physics and oil and gas engineering. He is also deputy director of UWA’s Centre for Energy, which brings together all UWA academics with a focus on energy.

The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science were presented by the Prime Minister and Senator Chris Evans on 31 October at the Prize Dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House.