Dehydration with glycol Ala natural gas is fully saturated with water vapor whe produced from an underground reservoir. Because most ofthe water vapor has tobe removed from natura gas before it canbe commercially marketed, ll natural as is subjected toa dehydration proces. One ofthe most oramon methods for removing the wate from produced gas leo. Ths page ‘dacurses the types of glycol hat may be ved, the process used o remove water with glycol, ad he conical of wt emissons from gical debyrtion nis Contents 1 L Water vapor contents 1 2 Process deseinion 1 3 Fuseton ofthe ilt separator 14 Funeton ofthe contactor o absorber 1S Function ofthe reboiler #6 Waterdewpoint depression 1 7 Glycol regeneration 1 § Glycol punts enhancement mathods + 9 Components ofthe glyco ieuating system 19.1 The glycol eueaating pump 1 92 Heatexchange 1 93 Fiters 19.4 Surge rum 195 Strainer 86 Glycol Mash tak * 9.7 Giyeo piping +o Instumettton sd contols +101 Contol of as How * 102.Lean pyeo cieuation rate #103 Rebolertempecatre 4 104 Liguid evel conrols 1105 Pressure and temperature indicators 11 Contractor design considerations 12 Water dewpeint determination 13 Normal operation checklist, 11 Trouble diagnose 21 Foaming 112 Comoro + 143 Notmesting water dewpoint + 18 Favronmenialconcems + L6Giyeo!debydrator BTEX and VOC emission contol 1 17 Nomenclauee 1 UkReferenes 19 Noteworthy papers in OvePetso 120 Extemal line 21 Seealso Water vapor contents "The water vapor content of natural gas at equlbrium saturation is shown in Fig 1, which is based onthe wellAnown MeKetta and Wehe char and expanded 40°F onthe basis of daa of Olds, Sage, and Lacy PP] As can be seen, the water content inreases with neeasing emperatre and decresing presse + For gs cles in coer aces of North America, the specification lim for water content in he sale gsi Ibm MMsct 1 For gas sales in warmer, souteen areas, the int for wate eaten generally 7Tbav MMseT in sales ps. |—Eauiirivm water vapor content of amet natural gas (after MeKetta ana Wehe and as erat 101 ‘When natural gas ia feedstock to a turboexpander plan or high natural gas Liquids (NGL) recovery, vcwally all the water must be removed before ching the gas 0 very low tempecaturs.‘There are four lycols shat are usd in emoving water vapor from natural gas or in depressing the hydate formation temperature Table I lists thes lycos apd shows some ofthe properties ofthe pure material") Eiylene glycol (EG) is wot wsod in aconveasional glyco! dehydrator, as deseribed below. Te main us of EG in the dehydration of matwal gas is Acprestng the hydrate temperature in oigsration units. OF ae the thee glycol, tithylene glycol (TEG) ithe most commonly wed glycol for dskyrsion of tral gas because ofthe advantages relative o diethylene glyeol (DEG): TEG is more cay segeneratd to a higher depree of purty ‘Vapor loses ae lower 1 opening este are lower (ile%aVol3_Poge_201_kmage, 6001 poe) Table ‘Tetaenylene elyoal would have tobe regenersted at higher temperatre than TEG to reach the required pity for pplication ina glycol dehydrson unit!) Thus, of the four icols, TEG isthe bes suited for dehydration of natal gas. In glycol dehydration, TEG is sully refered to only as “iyo.” Unless there specified, that convention is used Inthe rest ofthis pags Process description ig. 2 is schematic drawing ofthe peal proces equipment for lycal dehydration, While he overall process equipment issue fr al lycol deyraton unis, there can be considerable variation among nsalltons, (le SAVOI3_Page_202_Image_O001 pg) ig. 2—Schematc drawing of typical glycol dehydration eulpmen. ‘The gus ows through a separator to remove condensed liquids or any solids that might bein the gus Some absorbers incorporate te separator in a bottom section ofthe vesel, in which case the gas then lows upward trough echimmey tay it he glycol absorber portion ofthe vessel. Te glyeol contactor absorber can contain: + Tays Random packing * Strutured packing Wit va eayed vente, it will contin several bubblesap tay. Lean glycols pumped nt the upper potion ofthe contactor, above the tp tray bt Below the mist eliminator. The tray re looded with plyco hat flows down fom tay to ay in downeomer sections. The gates trough the bubble eps andi dispersed as badles through the glyco on the trays. Thi provides the inimate conse hetween the gas and he glycol The pyeol is highly hyprossopi, and most ofthe wate vapor in the gas is absorbed by the gyeo. The rich ‘#360, consinng the absotbed wate, is withdrawn fom the contactor nea the bot of the vesel ove the chimney tay thug a Ligid level contol valve ad passes tothe rogeacrtin sertion, The uested gas leaves the coutatr a the op through emis eliminator and usually meets the specified water coutent ‘The ich ycol can be outed though a heat exchange colin the top ofthe reboiler column cae the sil. The het exchange generle some reflux forthe separation ofthe water ‘fom the glycol inte top of the sil and also heat the ich lye somewat. In some installations, the rich solution passes oa ash tank operating at about 15 to 50 psig, which Allows absorsed hydrocarbon ge to separate forthe giao. The yc! ten lows nto the sil trough iter anda best exchanger, exchanging best with te regenera glycol It frops through a packodsction inthe sil into the pycol reboler vessel, whee itis heated tothe necessary high regenratio temperature at near atmosphere pressure. At the high temperature, the gleol loses its ability to hold wate; the waters vaporized and leaves through the top ofthe sil. The regenerated glycol flows ote srg tank, rom which its routed through the leanrch heat exchaner tothe pscol pump. The pump boosts the pres of the lean glycol othe costar pressire. Proto enerng the contacto, exchanges heat withthe dry pus leaving the contactor or sme ober het exchange medium Funetion of the inlet separator ‘The ist and foremost piece of equipment that the gas ows tough isthe it separator. This vessel canbe ether a separate, detached vessel, or on smaller units, builtin tthe boom ofthe contactors function ito separate any condense lig fromthe gas beove the gas enters the contactor. Ifthe gas does ao contain condensate (gui hydrocarbon), the vessel isa two-phase separator. Ifthe gas i sch gas, with some condensate as well 5 iguld wate forming atthe inlet conditions of pressure and temperature inthe separator,‘hen a hee-phase separators insalled It i absolutely essential that none ofthe following enters the absorber setion + Liguid 1 Condensate Water ‘The separtor sway equipped with a mit climinaor section in the lop ofthe vse. As the gat moves through the mist iminator tection, small droplet hat might bein he gas will eotese on the fine wire mest ad form large dope that drop dow through the gas it the liqud section below: ‘The net separator quipped with Hud level conto alloing the acernalaed guid to ei the vessel trough level contol valve for sme reason the lig level nthe ‘ese should rise owe a certain imi high-level alarm or shutdown alomatialy occurs Function of the contractor or absorber ‘The contactors the vesel in which the mass anafer of the water oceur from the ast the glyeol. Most ofthe water vapors extracted om the gas phase ito the Liquid glycol hace. For this to ocr, ite necessary to eee lng srface area between the gas andthe guid glyco. This is ceomplished with specie lateral espment configurations, sch though the installation of: = Tay * Structured packing Random packing ‘The most common tays used in this pplication are bubble cp ays, as illusated in Fig. 3. The gas flows from below each say trough she buble cap and forms smal bubbles of 1s inthe glyco liquid that flows across and on tp of each tray. Aer lowing across oe tay, the wlyeol lows down othe nex tay below through a dowacomer, which ensues tha he gas cant bypass ante. The gs bubbles provide te age surface ea needed to effec the transfer of the wate rom the gas tothe glyco, Because ofthe short contacting time on each ray, equilibrium in mass transfers not reached—several ays are neded ina contactor to bring about the necessary dehydration of he eas. Inthe design of detydrators the calculations make use of theoreti egliram stages Tor deterning how many Gimes the gas and lyeol mast be contacted, Bestse ofthe dynamic conitons, ulin in ase tafe is not reached-approximately four acta trays ate used foreach theoretical equlivium sage practice, shout 6 to 10 ays ae inal in 2 contacto, wsaly spaced 2 i, apr. In ore recent designs, 12014 tays are installed in glycol absorbers to inimize glycol circulation. (SEN Cah, + ») (Filex3AVo13_Page 203 Image 0001 png) ig. 3$—tastrat tray in contractor (afer Engineering eta Book of Gas Processors Suppliers Assocation and Gas Procestors Asocaton\ 51 Stuctured packing consis of arangemns of conugned scl internals, over which the glycol lows dowawards as thin film. Elements of suuctured packing are iustated in Fig. 4. The gs flows upward through the structured packing and isin intimate contact wa the age surface area ofthe glycol that ows downvard asa im on the packing. This creates 1 vey efficent model for mass transfer to occur The design fr te eight ofthe packing required is related othe mmber of theoretical stages required, The suppliers of strctred packing have developed the relationship of packing height per theoretical equim stage, When wsng strated packing, its essential thatthe lyol be evenly sisibuted across the op ofthe packing To easre tat the are surfice areas provided by the downoad lowing geo, ts also essential ta the sel be thoroughly clean, so that all ofthe stele weed bythe geo (FlevsaVols_Poge_204_Image_0001 pag) Fig ¢—Iltratin of structured packing ements (courtesy of Kock-isch). Similary random packing of varius types can also be used in glycol contactors to cca the surface ara for mass transfer. Various types of random packing are illustrated in Fig, § ‘Agus, the total height ofthe packing in the vessel is lated to the qumber of theoretical stages used inthe design ad the heght of packing pe theoretical stage. The supplies ofthe packing have corzlations for packing height per thersical tage»@ (Fe SAVOL3_Page_ 208 Image, 0001p) ig. S_tutration of types of random packing {after Engineering Data Book of Gas Processors Suppliers Associaton and Gas Processors “Asseciaton) 1 Function of the reboil ‘The ich glyco leaving the abwotber must be regsnerted toa high purty so that can be reiculted to the absorber to continue its dehydration function, The generation ie sscomplished inthe reboiler andthe sil coum above the reba ‘The ich elyelis preheated trough heat exchange with he regenerated plycol and caters the op ofthe sill at atmosphere pressure. By heating the glyco in the still and eboiler to ea its oiling pont, the glyeol else vitally all af the absorbed water and anyother sompounds andi then cooled for reuse. The hee wvaly supplied through fie tbe a the reboiler in which natural gs is burned. The fre tbe s always submerged inte glycol by having the lycol owing fom the reboiler over a wei or pipe, whichis higher than the lop ofthe ire tube Water dewpoint depression. ‘Witerdewpaint is the temperature aay piven pesure at which the natural pase satrated with water, Beease sales gas generally has simu water content speciation in ss pr unt volume ep 4 Iu MMe necessary to determine from Hig 1 the down lemperature a he cotacior pressure. For example, she tealng prssute were "1000 psa then the dewpoin temperature for 4TbmiMMscf woul be about IF, Ifthe tating reste were SOO psi, the dempit temperature woud be aout °F ‘The overall objective of debydation so remove asucintamoust of wate fom the nwa gas so tat he specification fr maximum allowable watr content inthe ueated gas ret Ifthe ga hs nt been processed the the gas entering the glycol contactor is fly saturated with wate a the pessre and temperature othe separator ahead of he conatoe. ‘The dewpont depression to achiev isthe lowering ofthe dewpeint emperatre fom the separator temperature to a temperate a the separtor pressure wee the wate content rece the specifies imi for the dehydrated gat. The net example shows the difference in dewpoint depression andthe emoant of water foe removed per Mic, ithe goss tering the glycol contictor at 90°F anda ,000 pata or 300 psi, The water content speciation inthis example Tbm per MMs forthe rested as examples of water depoint depression fr two operating presse ae shown at 90°F ‘Water content 1,000 psa and 90°F = 45 Thm/MMcf (Fig, 1 Dewpoint temperature ford IbMMacf and 100 psia= 10°F (lg 1, Water to remove = 45 =.= 4 Ibm MMs Dowpoit depression = 90°F — 18°F = 72°F ‘Water conto t 500 psa and 90°F = 78 ma Msc Dewpoint temperate ford Ibm/MMseF and S00 psia= SF Water tobe removed = 78474 mM Dewpoint depression = 90°F —S°F = 85°F Fig. 6 proves coreation of the equilibrium water dewpoint when gas sn contct with ethylene plycol of various putes at ifferet contacting temperatures 6 In acta ‘pertions, equilibrium i not achieved an any tray. To enhance the transfer rate ofthe water fromthe gs tothe glo, an approach temperate To equim of 1010 20°F used in designing glyco! dehydration unis. For example, assuring a 10"F approach i realistic, t achieve the dewpoit temperature of 1°F at 1,00 psia contacting pressure, an quiibrum dexpoint of °F (18°F minut 10°F sppeosch) is sein the design ofthe glycol dehydration unit Ata 90°F contacting tempera, the elyeol pur mast be about 8.8 achieve this equilibrium dewpoit, according to Fi. 6. At contacting peesute of SO paar 90°F of te other and, the geo purity must be about 9.3% to depress the water dewpoin ta with an spproch of 10°, The lower the water dewpoint enperstreruirement is forthe tated gas, the higher the glycol purity hast be. ((FSAVOL_Page_ 206 Tage 0001-pog) ig. (qari water dewpoin vs. temperature at various TEG concentrations {afte Emplncering Data Book of Gas Procenors Supliers Associaton and Gas Processors Associations)Glycol regeneration ‘The degree of water removal om natural gas by glycol or the depression ofthe water dewpoit ofthe gas, depends on cena conditions: + Gyo! purty 1 Giyeolsretlation ae (up 1 cetin Fini) 1 Numer of contacting sages ays) oepackng eight + Amount of water inthe inlet gas, which depends onthe pressure andfeperatre of the gas ‘These parameters must be considered at the design stage of the contactor, in edition othe maximum rt, presse, and temperate ofthe gu. The higher he goo! puriy, the more effective isthe dewpoint temperature depression the glycol purity isinsuficien, nceasing the glycol cizclatio ate will ot necessarily achieve he desired dehydration of the as Glycol purity enhancement methods Jn some operating stations, «high elycl purty is required that cannot be achieve by the temperature inthe glycol reboler alone. There ae several ways of enhancing the party of the glyolbeyord whats achieved inthe reboier!51 One such method isthe application ofa small aout of siping gas in the rgenerating section. Fig. 7 shows the effet of ‘sing stripping ps to enhance the pty of the ean geo! soltion 1 Stripping ge is simply small steam of marl gs his flowed into he hot yoo. The Now ofthis asi ‘sully replated marly with a mall needle valve and it measted by means ofa small ameter, (texsaVols_Page_207_Image_0001 pre) Fig. 7Etect of stepping gas on TEG concentration (after Engineering Data Book of (Gar Processors Supplier: Ascciaton and Gat Processors Assoeation, 5) ‘There are cule of ways of flowing hiss nt the hat glycol. One way is simpy to low the gaint the glycol below the overflow line fom the ebiler to the sre drum diet ito the glycol in the reboiler vse through perforate pipe Below the fire tae, The oer way so installa smal packed column between the reboier and the sure du ‘nd admit the gs a the base ofthis column. By cotseting the ha glycol with natal gas an addtional small amount of water is "stipes rom the elycol int thea, erasing ‘he puny of the lea pyeol. Ife packed column is used as contacting mews between the gol andthe sipping pas, the stspping eliieey is considerably inpeoved, x seen a Fig 7 ‘The supping gas that is add othe glycol in he regeneration socio is cited int the smogpere with the released water vapor, unless the vapors fom the til columns a routed to eater oF en incinerator or are captured by a compressor and rcompresod Components of the glycol circulating system The glycol circulating pump ‘The circulation of geo is done with a recprocting pump. The pump is driven by An cleric motor Natural gos pressure 1 High-peetsut, rh yoo turing fom the contactor leetimotr-hiven pumps are usally employed in central dehydration ftilites where electric power is available In eld installstions, «natural gas powered pun oa gyeol powered pomp canbe used. I the later case the high preset, ich yoo, withthe assistance of mall amount of igh pseu gas, lowing ou ofthe contactor, is sed fo provide the power nosdod to stoke the pump. The eguted pump racine dchydaton uni is wually small. Therefore, single plunger pump ie normally sod. Whea the gat ates Jnrge, duplex or tplex pumps ae used. ‘The main problems with glyco! pumps are leak through the packing around the plunge, as wel as sticking check valves. the packing gland nut i tghtened too much, the rod may get scored Usoaly small pa spaced under the pump or he plunges portion of the pump to contain the leaked glycol Because glyco! must be relatively cool when entering the absorber andi heated o near is boiling temperature for regeneration the lguid is continuously subjected to eating nd cooling To minimize the we of energy inthe regeneration ofthe geo a hh temperate, several heatexchange opportunites are ult no most yea eelaing systems est xchange usually occurs in eran ations! + Colin the top ofthe reboie sil + Gailinthe urge tank or separate heat exchanger between rch and lea yoo} + Pipecingip heat exchanger aed of the glycol absorber ra cil inthe top ofthe absotber1 some casos, an atonal heat exchanger is necessary to exchange heat with i,t cool the lean lyool dead ofthe contacto. It is necessary to limit the temperature ofthe ean veo! to only afew degrees above the temperature of the gus to merase the absorption of the water by glyco. Too high a glycol temperature reduces the transfer of wate rom the 15 tothe glycol, and te water dewpoit may not be me. Ths is frequently the problem in summer operation, in which the gas is debated alr compresion, On hot day, the col aswell 3 he ga, might be above normal temperatures Usually, by exchanging het wit the dried gas through a double pipe exchanger or hrougha coils the top of he ontactor i small units the temperature ofthe glycols adjusted to afew degrees above the temperature of the gas leaving the contacto. Fitters sve npn oan se yan ean asondon pose Friston, ers aways ironed in ol sang stam Ths ptculate fers and earbon fiers. ‘The psticlate Stes are intend to remove olds downto a Sum diameter. Solids ean goour fom corosion ia the glycol system. Caron fillers ae designed to remove dissolved impurities, such as compressor olor condensate frm the glycol solution, Particulate fiers are usally installed onthe ich lye side and are in operational the tine. Cabon ies may be bypassed most a the ine, if thee suo dissolved hydrocarbon inthe peo Impurities ia the glyel Solution might promot foaming ia the coactor or sil, Surge drum Because the plycol thats being circulated might na alvays Now evenly al the same rte rouhout he sytem, vese, he surge rum, it equited tha cn handle any surges in the tirculaion sate The reboleralways contain a hguid level above the ire tube. Glycol levels in the absorber or Nash ank are esenialy constant but ight facta sigh. Thus, thee is anced fr a vessel that can absorb slight temporary dferences in eiculation flow between the vasious vessel, s well athe Dermal expatsion ofthe glycol upon tarup. ‘The surge drum is sully located below the reboler oat leas a eel below the yea is the reer. The lea level inthe surge drum is itmportant because in some instances these ga heat exchange col nthe suige drum, as explained eae. The level of lol in the suge dram shouldbe about atthe two-thids fl level. The liquid level inthe surge rum ian item that is usually checked bythe operators, Ihe level is ower than nora this ight be the fst indication of trouble, sucha 1 High peo! losses with the tated pat * Losses with the vapors leaving the reboiler still * Holdup in one ofthe vessels 1 Leaks athe piping Strainer A sizer should always be installed upsteam ofthe suction ofthe glycol pump. The glycol staner ensures that no sold particles ener ino the glycol pump. The main problem with Solis entering the pump i tht they might lodge in the suction or discharge valves ad prevent he pump fom pumping a maximum eficincy Glycol flash tank ‘Whenever ga is in contact with igi at clvated pressures, such a natural gs and lycl inthe contactor, some ofthe gas physieally dissolves inthe guid. The greater the contacting pressure, the move gas solves inthe lid. Thus, some natural gas dissolve inthe glycol inthe absorber i adtian to the water vapor. When the glycol reaches the ‘ash aa, ts temperature has Dea raised trough the colin the reboier sil, andthe pressure in the lash tank is at « much lower level, generally between 15 to $0 psig, than the pressure ithe comtactr In ight oF these changed conditions of pressure and temperature between the absorber and Mash tank, most of ihe dissolved gases evolve fom the yea in the fas ak (on larger systems, te lye as tank canbe designed asa three-phase separator to belp remove any condensate that becomes entrine in the glycol. This bulk separator increases the operating life ofthe downstream fers. Glycol piping Allshe veses though which glyeoleeirulted are iterconnected wih steel piping, Glycol substance hati prove to leak through threaded connections in piping, as well 8 though the packing on veo! pump plingers. For this reason, tome operators preter welded piping rather than threaded piping forthe geo system, There ae, however, may threaded glycol ystems that have provided leal-fe serve. ‘Because the pump rate usually mall the piping in most field installations eof sal diameter is important to check the piping fo leks and to rep them a soon as possi Instrumentation and controls “Most gycol dey dation units are sufcently automated tha they can operate unattended. The degre af automatic conto ofthe equipment can vary considerably and depends largely on the specifications by the owner company. The discussion inthis Section highlights he mais contol pont, which may be considered asthe minimum conta of detydtation unit The eonzols relate mainly to + Gas ow f Tempertires 1 Pressures 1 Glycol erculation 1 Lean peo! consentation Pressure gauges shouldbe installed + onal vessels into the reboiler * on the discharge sie ofthe pump Similar, shermometers should be installed om all esels as well as ahead and afer all hee-exchange equipment on both cold and et lines. Control of gas flow (as low is waly controled with flow contro valve upstream ofthe inlet separator. The opertor ean set the How to a certain ref the sat te snot met, then the valve opens fly ap allows the availble ys Now ty enter the separator and the contactor Dowstaum ofthe contactor, thee may bea mete, which meter the yas low, othe meer ma also be located upatream ofthe apaatr. Atsmte pont downstream ofthe contactor, tere usualy aback pressure valve This valve ensies thatthe presi inthe contactor i steady without abnup changes. The prestue is et above the downsets line pressure to ensut steady operation ofthe contactor,Lean glycol circulation rate ‘To achieve the required water dewpoint depression, its neestary fo culate certain amount of ean glycol per pound of water tobe removed fom the gn. The rate of eyo citulation depend on several onions, which are all nterelated, These conditions ae + ean lyeo purity, air regeneration, which depends onthe bole temperature and wheter oF nt stripping gas is used, with eo or one stage comactng forthe sipping 25 1 Water const ofthe gs, which depends on gs temperature and pressure inte inlet Separator 1 Numer of actual bays (equivalent packing eight) nthe contactor + Design aproach temperature in the contactor In genera irclaton rate of 3 t 5 gal of ean glycol per poof water abe removed from the gas ie resuired. Ihe glycol puy isnt sfc high, any larger ciation rate might at give the necesary dewpoint depression. ‘nual there an allem to match the eircula mateo nea the minimum required rate o achieve the necessary drying. Overctclation has disadvantages: * Heat oad onthe regenerator is increased requiring tore fel gus consumption * Lean glycol returning othe contactor i a a higher temperature because o Tess efficient heat wansfer 1 moreidiocirbons ae absorbed, especialy compounds such a benzene, aluane yl benzene, and xylene (BET, if these compounds ate present inthe ga 1 ional seid pa is aorbed, sour pas i being dehy dred cause there i concer about the absorption of ther compounds besides wale, a walla for energy eiciency, the gyool circulation rte shouldbe et renove the required ‘water oy eld nstallaons, using gas driven pumps, the pumps are set wo the equted pur ate by a gas conto valve, This usually a manvaly operated needle valve, The ‘manufacturer ofthe pump provides achat for the pump hat shows the pun rate ia volumetric ul per ime vs the nurber of stokes a the plunger pet minut Reboiter temperature ‘The temperature ofthe glycol inthe reboter determines largely te purity to which te glycol is regenerated. However, thet is a imit onthe temperate to which the glycol can be heated. This limit ia few degrees below the decomposition temperate, a shown in Table I, bocaure above this femperatre, the glycol molecule Breaks down, I ig of thi, the ‘normal temperature in which TEG is heated inthe reboiier is about 380 0 90°F. This temperature range resus in lean plyeol punt of just under 99% ona mas basis the other Me being wae. Tha, ts very mmportnt o conto she blr temperate othe range of 3H to 390°F or some other range tha provides adesuate regeneration of the rich pve. In most yoo) Ackydration unis, the heat for reeneraton is supplied by burning a small amount ofthe gas ina fe tbe the ebiler vessel. The sizeof hs vessels determined by the maxim ‘design ate of glyco eveulation, andthe sie ofthe fete sli designed for limit onthe heat Tax om te ie hough the steel tue othe glyco on the sel seo the fire tuber The lager the ire abe, th lower is the het trlr rate per unit aes, Ths ame should be baring slang mast ofthe ube, a opposed to an intense Name at he ot ofthe burner. The fire tbe shouldbe designed fora heal transfer rate per sguaefoat of fie ube no greater than 7,000 Biwi © ‘A thermovell oat in the shel of the eben immersed in the glo s equipped with a tempoatire regulator that contols the istament gas supply to contol valve on the ‘uel gas supply in othe bum. By sting the regulator a the dsied temperature, the 335 low othe Bure s automatically contolled,esaing in a artow operating temperture ange forthe ebilr plot light ignites the ga othe main bumer when te conllerllows the gat low. The ebiler contol also ache a high-temperature shutdown and shutdowa ofthe fel supply in case of pilot ight failure Most geo reboilers ae eauippe with aflame eresor athe sir inlet othe bum. The lame aretor consis ofa ighly wound metal hoc, with suficin space between the ‘wound mstal to allow sufiient rth the arestr into the brne. If nextel source of fimmable vapor is susked in wit he ar through the flame arestr, ca vapors will ot git utside ofthe lame aesor, a5 the temperature ofthe gas is cooled below the ignition pont, thus preventing a backslash or explosion Liquid level controls, ‘The main gui level of concen isthe level ofthe condense liquids in the inlet separator. This vessel canbe a two-phase ra tncephase Separator. It is ety important that no condense liquid flows with the gas into the contactor. I condensate o alt ater ets into the contact, the rest could be foaming o deposits of salt ceasing onthe fie tbe. Heavy hydocarbons wil eventually gum up the packing inthe reboier column or plug theft. Flashing of hydrocarbons inthe stil could damage the packing i the ill column. [alight ofthis, most gicol units are equipped with bigh-level slams end shutdown, which activate when the gu level i easteded i the inet sxpestor, ‘The gyeo evel in the contactor als important, as any increase in level above he gas inlet pipe can result in iterption of ezculation of glycol because of insufficient piyeol returns Bot gui levels, nthe let separator andthe contacter, are controlled by conventional ligud level oats nd ote valves ‘Wher lash tank is employed its agua potas to ensue thatthe level ofthe ecole mantned steve, The ligule valve mat be te thot ps 8 oppose to sup acting, to ensure a smth and steady flow frch glycol tothe regenerator. The glycol level in he surge rum should beat bout 2 034 fll I small uns, the eat sxchanger ci iin he sage rum nd has tobe tally submersed ts be efective in heat raster Pressure and temperature indicators All vessels ae usually equipped with presure gauges, as wel a pressure eli valves. An operator checking the operation ofthe glycol unit can quickly sue the resute at which cach vese is operating. The same eto, i may instanecs, be Sid about the temperature, especialy in the seal ines upstcam and downsteam of ech heat exchange. Ample Insllaton of da thermonstes on the elyca ines is help but ackng in many eases. Thermometers are usually insted in th inlet separator and the sboler. Asa mini, ‘ddtonal thermometers shoud e inalied on he geo ine abead ofthe contactor afer the het exchanger end ahead ofthe reboile sil eal, dal thermometer are installed on al nes entering ed eaving the heat exchange equipment Contractor design considerations While the contactor provides the irate contact between the gs andthe glyco also must have a diameter suficemty large that thee is separation between the ga and iguid phases, The a flows upward, and any gud glycol ropes that might frm mist be ale ofall dow through the ga ream. The baie equation requires the determination ofthe tmaximam speriial gus velocity inthe tower: The contactor wer te equipped wih ist extractor iad al he tp of the tower. The suppliers of packing have the orlations for packing heiet po heoraial te ‘The allowable spericil pa velocity inthe tower using bubble cap tas is determined by) yrlen<3AValS_page_211_e9_001.2NG). 1) The density ofthe gs at contactor condition of pressure and temperature is determined by9, = 27022 e%SAVOI page 2114 002.9NG) ay The internal diameter ofthe vessel it approximated by Bq 3, on the basis of the allowable gas velocity in the vase, as determined by Eg 1 af BY * (ilerosAVo13_poge_211_s0_003.PNG) eo Design engineers make use of these formulas, with propcctary adjustments, to determine the diameter for maximum gss flow though the absorber, The eight ofthe vesel is determined by + Number of theoretical stages uted inthe dsien * Spacing between the tays ' Relmonship between the theoretical stages andthe number of actual ays or packing height, Additionally, there is space provided below the bottom tay and above he tp tray for disengaging between the gas andthe glyco. stiles ste mesh mist eliminator is installed ear the op ofthe vessel. The contactor ate also designe to very sringcar codes, with respect bel thickness roqirment ated tothe maximum operating pressure rating These items are stamped on a plate tacked to each contacto, Water dewpoint determination Iti lays finterest to know tha he dehy ration ni is performing as required and thatthe exit as mess the necessary dewpoin specification Ifthe gs as to meet sles gas requirements or wate content, the dewpoint emperatre that has tobe met a he opeating pressure ofthe eatator ean be obtained from Big 1, This merely allo the operator to ‘leermine the appropriate dewpoint temperature, To determine te actual dewpuint temperate, dewpoin ater instrament is stall ued Before electronic instruments were communpise, the water devin of natura gas was usally determined with US Buea of Mines dewpoint eter, Camently, there are several disfret types of elecwoni instruments onthe market hat deermine the amos of Water inthe as, 5 opposed to determining the condensation temperature ofthe Wate Such instruments ood very clean gas to function propery. slipsveam i taken of the gs tobe tested andi usually fileted to remove any tpurtis. (One brand of eleconicdewpoint testers makes use ofa mesa oxide layer tet adsorbs water molecules. By measuring te electrical impedance across the adsorbed metal oxide surface, eading ofthe amon of adsorbed wate i obtained. The amount of adsorbed water ein balance with te mall amount of water i the srronding gs. Thus, a direct reat x obtained of the mostre content ofthe es being ested, Normal operation checklist ‘While pyeol dehydration units redesigned to operate unatende, periodic inspection ofthe equipment and is operation ie necessary, Al items bed mex shouldbe checked. + Chock the sil ofumn vent. Wa vapors shouldbe visible. There shouldbe no pressure on the reboiler. Ensure that there sno ie buildup in winter 1 Check the lean veo! temperatures actos al heat exchangers and in the rebole, 1 Check the pump operation, stokes per minut, and lubes * Check the operation ofthe peo! iter for presse drop. Change the filter if necessary + Check the glyco! level in he surge drum. Add makeup gly! iFnecessary 1 Check the suipping pas at. Adjust ate as required 1 Check the liga levels inthe ine separator, contr, nd Mash tank 1 Dram any Ma rom tefl gas sober (Check the operation of the bumer i the fie tube. Check sight las to cuswe it isnt broken and gasket isin good shape; lean if mcessary 1 Check equlpenent for Kaui leas, and repair if vequied. Trouble diagnosis yo! dehydrate wally oper troble fe However, the ae ome problem reas th an ocasinlly osc Foaming ‘One ofthe more serious problems is ouming. The cause of foaming is sual dificult to determine. However ifthe soluon is not cominuously cleaned by ation, cerain ‘materials can cause foaming. One of tie more common causes of fosming is entsined hydrocarbon liquids. Is esetial thatthe inlet separator provide good separation between ‘condensed liquids and gas going othe conactor, Anifoam agents usualy a temporary solution, andthe el problem must be iene and corrected Corrosion CCorovon is sally cased by dagraditon produes i the elyco, which in be genre by too high askin temperature f the ite abe in the robo, Not meeting water dewpoint ‘Tere canbe many ratons for not meeting the rquied water dewpitt depression. The fi sep ito check the water dewpoint empertue witha dewpoiat tse. high water ddewpoint canbe caused by + Gas inlet temperature higher than design, (Gs net pressure lower than design, combined with normal or higher emperatre 1 Insufficient gly! circulation owing t oo low» pump rae or ow glyeal level nthe surge drum, check valves on suction or discharge of pump not holding orton stsiner plugged. + Inlet glycol regeneration because ofa to0 low reboiler temperate, high water in net separator caring wale ilo absorber, a leak in the ihean plyeol exchanger, insufficient Spping ga, o fooled stripping colar packing 1 Foaming in sbsorbr chock liquid level n lt seperate, pace charcoal ier service, o temporary out back throughput, ifnecestary Environmental concerns Upon he regeneration ofthe rch glycol to lea glyco, the water hat was absorbed inthe contactors relensod in he rogeerstor, and in the past was vented int the stosphers Unfortunatly the glycol nt only absorbs water inthe contactor. it als physically absorbs hydrocarbons and acid gas. The absorsvty of prflnic hydrocarbons, soc a methane, ‘thane eis bot great However, the aromatic hydrocarbons such s benzene, toluene, etbylbenzene and xylene (TEX) ae more easily absurd. The problem with hese vapors isthat they are considered carcinogenic, and all combue to atmospheric pllaton Glycol dehydrator BTEX and VOC emission control ‘The quantity of BTEX and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emite fom natural gas processing fillies has become a major environmental concen verte past evade] With passage ofthe 1990 amendments tothe Clean Ait Actin the United States and similar regulations i the rest ofthe word, several epuatry programs were established contol BYEX and VOC emission rom te sill vent of glycol dehydration systems, “Most environmental regultions that were promulgated have Facsed on two min areas that affected theo nd gs indus. The fr are was the reduction of VOC and mous oxide (NO) emission, which were known to reast together inthe presence of winlight and create what commonly refered to as emog. The second aren was ist of hazards ir pollutants (HAP) that were tobe conrlled, most of which wer found o be carcinogenic compounds, Armong thelist of HAP were the fur BTEX compounds, which are commen Fond in natal pas reams, ‘To minimize emissions of thete vapors to the almosphers, several emission canta procesis have been develope by the gs instr? One such meth ist recover condenable compounds and to ue the raining vapors a pact ofthe fel pa supply to the reboiler, Fig lst the process equipment The vapors eit rm the peel rebel sill alum ae cooled ina atl of forced data cole to temperatures below 120°F. The condensed gus are collected in a small two-phase separator and pumped back tt the process system fr recovery of salable hydrocarbon quis. Noneoadensale gas fom the two-phase separator is bummed in the yea ebilerTusbox to vduce fuel 38 ‘Consumption and to achive an overall minimum destruction efiieney of 9.76 (eH SAVOIS_Page_2 lima 001 pr) Fig. 5_Schematie drawing of reboler vapor conservation equpment Iti important that al miso contol devices be engineered with proper contls for ste operation Safety contol should he used as a minimum. level safety high (LSH shoud hese onthe wosphae separator to prevent condensed hydeoarbon igus fam going ina the ese Trebox, ithe condensed gui pup als. An nine lash arestor shoud be installed inthe noncondensable gs piping io prevent Mame pronation frm the reboier Seco back io tke BTEX system. A pressure safely valve (PSV) should be ‘installed onthe glycol reboilero emission contol devise to protest the system fom overpressure Blok and heed valves shouldbe isalled isthe noncoadersale gas piping to potet te glycol reboller during a high-temperature situation. CGTIbss sponsored esearch in the ares of emasion controls om glycol units. "112 4 computer program has been developed that is designed in part to estimate the amount of TEX abyorbed in a conventional eljeal unit. The program is aed GLYCale™ andi avaliable fom GTI ata aominal cost Nomenclature intemal diameter, inches soeticient| Kk P ~ pressure, sia (0 gat ae, MMetd absolute temperature, 238 velocity, Rise gas compressibility ctor, dimensionless 7 ~ eas specific gravity (it~ 1) » > density, ow References 1. 119M MeKeta, 1 and Webe, AH. 1988, Use This Char for Water Conta of Natural Gass, Petroleum Reiner (Aus) 183. 2. 1392122 Olds, RIL, Sons, I, and Lacey, WIN, 1982, Phase Equi in Ilykocarbon System Composition ofthe Dew-Point Gas ofthe Metbane- Water Syste Ind, Eng. Chem 3410); 122341327, do nT 1021 eSO3940018 Cy St or10.1021 4803944018), 3. 1 Gas Condtoning Fact Book 1962. Torti! Dow Chesca of Capa Li 4. Balan .1956 Low o Operate yea Plant Hyarocarton Processing one 18 5. 198513253345338 peayesation, 198. In Engineering Dat Bok, 1th ition, Ses. 19,2 end 21. Tl, Okishoms: Gas Procesors Supplies AssociasonGas Tresor Asocation (6. {Kean J1A, Tuc, 11M. and Price, B.C, 199, How Packing Work in Debyhators, Hhdvecarbon Processing (Apri 47 7. told, MUR. 1996 Porrmanee Troubleshooting ona TEG Dehydation Uni wit Srstred Packing ro. Laurence Reed Gas Conditioning Confrence, Noman, Others. 100-112, 8 1 Grosso, 81978, Glycol Choice For Gas Dehydration Merits Close Stuy. il & Gas J 76 (13 February): 106 9. True, WR. 1993, Feder, State Effons Fore Re-xarinaton a Glyeol ReboilerEminios. Oil & Gas J 91 (20) 28,89. 10. } Siais, CR. 1995, US. Wil Regu Glyol Detydator Emission Control. World Ol (Novembe) 75 11, 7 Rasher, KS. etal 1995. seal Dehydator Emission Conta Improved. Oi € Gat J 99 (9) a 12,7 Thomson, PA, al, 1993 PC Progam Estimates BTEX, VOC Emissions. Oi Gas (14 Sue 36.Noteworthy papers in OnePetro ‘Usethis section ist pape in OnePeto tha reader who watt Ir more shoul iil ead External links ‘Use this ston provide Tinks to eleva aerial on weber than PetoWiki ad OncPto See also astra nd processing (a resting and posesing) Detyéation with deiquscing dessins (Detain with delquscing escent) Denytion with refigeation and hydrate suppression (Dehydration with reigsration_and Aydt suppression) ay dessa debydton (/Dry_dssicant_ dehy ation) Sour ga sweetening (Sour gus sweccing) es aciy (Gas fst) PEH-Gas Treating and Processing UPEBMSAGas_Treaing_and_Procesing) 7m Ze comrnenmanny ins iste eration oyna) GS (bp: ww wordcat org searchtg- Dehydration with lye title Specilt6SSearchredie~1&fltexSeatehdnsl-1net~1 neSO0-T rire |tle-Sposial 3 AScarchdadvances with yeod| bp iki seg oreindex php? fltextAdvanced sarchdscarhDehy ation pit ape ogfindex php? tite-SpeciltsaScarchitprofile-advancedfiltxt-Senrch&oe-1as4~1 en 02-1 ns 4-1 ns 106 1&8 ON dss 201 des¥DK Leroi Lepraile-advancodscarch-D: ‘wit iyo)