ASSIGNMENT

GAS SWEETENING AND DEHYDRATION

Module: Petroleum Production & Hydrocarbon Operations
CBE4008-N-CF1-2011

SUBMITTED TO:

Dr. Hussain Ahmed

SUBMITTED BY:
Muhammad Kashif Choudhary
MSc. Petroleum Technology
Student ID: 10324891
Submission Jan10, 2012

Table of contents.

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Content Page
1. Abstract 4
2. Introduction 4
3. Gas Dehydration Methods 4
3.1Direct Cooling 5
3.2 Absorption of water in Glycols 5
3.3 Adsorption of water by a solid 6
3.3.1 Alumina 7
3.3.2Silica Gel and silica-Alumina Gel 7
3.3.3 Molecular Sieves 8
3.4 Glycol dehydration Process Description 8
3.4.1 Inlet Cooler 9
3.4.2 Inlet scrubber 9
3.4.3 Contractor 10
3.4.4 Flash valve 11
3.4.5 Flash separator 12
3.4.6 Filters 12
3.4.7 Heat Exchangers 12
3.4.8 Regenerator 13
3.4.9 Glycol storage tank 14
3.4.10 Glycol circulation pump 14
4.0 Gas Sweetening 14
4.1 Process Description 15
4.1.1 Sour gas filter coalesce 15
4.1.2 CO2/H2S absorber 15
4.1.3 Treated gas cooler 16
4.1.4 Treated Gas Drum 16

4.1.5 Amine Flash Vessel 16

4.1.6 H2S /Co2 StripperH2S Stripper Reboiler 17
4.1.7 Reflux Condenser 18
4.1.8 Reflux Drum 18
4.1.9 Reflux Pumps 18
4.1.10 Lean Amine Cooler 19
4.1.11 Lean Amine Filters 19
4.1.12 Lean Amine Trim Cooler 19
4.1.13 Lean Amine Pump 19
5.0 Conclusion 19
6.0 References 20

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 1. Abstract:

The purpose of this report is to address problems related with associated gas
having content of water vapour and acidic gases. This report includes
different methods available for gas dehydration and sweetening it also
addresses the comparison of different methods available for gas dehydration
and sweetening. It includes the description of practical or commercially
applied process with parameters constraints or operational problems.

2. Introduction:

Natural gases either obtained from natural production or storage reservoirs

contain water, H2S and CO2.This water condenses and form solid gas
hydrates. These Gas hydrates cause blockage of transportation pipe lines,
control systems and corrosion problems. Similarly H2S and CO2 present in
the associated gas leads to two potential threats .Firstly, an increased
potential for corrosion and secondly, increased possibility for the formation of
hydrates at elevated pressures. Before making natural gas to be marketable
water content and sour /acidic gases H 2S and CO2 should be removed to
avoid the potential hazards associated with the water and sour gasses. The

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process of removing water form natural gas is called gas dehydration and
Gas sweetening involves removal of sour and acidic gases.

3. GAS DEHYDRATION METHODS

Most of the liquid, free water associated with extracted natural gas is
removed by simple separation methods at or near the well head. The
removal of the water vapor that is existing in solution form requires complex
treatment methods.

Dehydration of natural gas is the process of removal of the water that is

associated with natural gases in vapor form. Following are the potential
problem caused by the associated water in natural gas.

1. hydrate formation that lead to the blockage of transpotrtaion pipe lines

or increasing pressure drops of te pipe line that lead to increase in the
energy required for transportation.

2. Corrosion problems in the pipe line.

3. Liquid water that condenses in the gas transmission lines condenses

and accumulate at low points in the circuit reduces in the flow capacity
of pipe lines.

4. Condensed water in gas transmission lines can cause erosion in in

bends due to water hammering phenomenon.

5. Condensed water in gas transmission can cause breaking if the

compression system main element the compressor.

There are several methods to dehydrate gases on industrial scale. The three
major methods of dehydration are

I. Direct cooling

II. Adsorption

III. Absorption
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3.1 Direct Cooling

Decrease in temperature or increase in pressure cause a decrease in vapor

content of natural gas. Direct cooling of natural gas causes a decrease in
saturated water vapor content of natural gas. The saturated vapor content of
natural gas decreases with increased pressure or decreased temperature.
Gases subjected to compression are normally "after cooled", and this cooling
may well remove water from the gas.

3.2 Absorption of Water in Glycols

This absorption technique involves by use of liquid desiccant to remove water

vapor from the gas. There are many liquid desiccants available for the
absorption, but for commercial purposes following characteristic are required
for the liquid desiccants.

I. High efficiency for absorption

II. Economic and ease of regeneration

III. Non-corrosivity and non-toxicity characteristic

IV. Trouble free operation

V. Least and no interaction with the hydrocarbon present in the gas

and resistant to sour environment.

The glycols used for this purpose are ethylene glycol , di-ethylene glycol
, tri-ethylene glycol , and tetra-ethylene glycol.

3.3 Adsorption of Water by a Solid

In Adsorption (or solid bed) dehydration process a solid desiccant is used for
the removal of water vapor from a gas stream. The solid desiccants used for
gas dehydration are those that can be regenerated as per requirement for

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continuity in operation. The mechanisms of adsorption on a surface are
of two types.

I. Physical adsorption

II. Chemisorption

Following physical properties are required for Physical adsorption.

1. High mass transfer rate

2. Ease and economic regeneratability

3. Good activity for the components to be removed3. .

4. High capacity and large surface area. Some Commercial adsorbents

might have a surface area of 500-800 m

5. Small pressure drop for the gas flow.

6. Very High mechanical strength for both in dry and wet form. This is
in order to avoid crushing or dust formation.

7. Easy availability, non-corrosivity, non-toxicity, chemically inertness.

The example of adsorbents is following.

 Alumina (Al 2 O 3 . x H 2 O)

 Silica gel Alumina-silica gels

 Molecular sieves

3.3.1 Alumina

Alumina is hydrated form of Aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), IT is one of the

least expensive adsorbent. It produces an excellent dew point depression
values as low as -100 °F, but requires much more heat for regeneration.
There are some limitation of using alumina it is alkaline and cannot be used
in the presence of acid gases, or acidic environment Also Alumina has a

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tendency for adsorbing higher hydrocarbons which cannot be regeneratable.
It has good resistance to liquids, but little resistance to disintegration due to
mechanical agitation by the flowing gas.

3.3.2 Silica Gel and Silica-Alumina Gel

These adsorbent Gels are granular and amorphous in shape and are made by
chemical reaction. Silica gels are made from sulphuric acid and sodium
silicate combination and constitute solely of silicon dioxide (SiO2. Silica-
alumina gels are a combination of silica and alumina gel .Silica alumina gels
have capability of reducing water vapor content to approximate 10 ppm.
These gels are easily regenrable with characteristic of removing
hydrocarbons that are adsorbed with the water vapor.

3.3.3 Molecular Sieves

Molecular sieves are crystalline form of alkali metal and are very similar to
natural clays. Molecular sieves are porous with varying range of their pores
classification. Molecular sieves are very active for water adsorption and H 2S
adsorption .They are alkaline in nature and they are subject ot attcksby
acidic components. For operation of sour gases special acid resisitant
molecular sieves are used.are highly porous, with a very narrow range of
pore sizes, and very high surface area. Manufactured by ion-exchange,
molecular sieves are the most expensive adsorbents. They possess highly
localized polar charges on their surface that act as extremely effective
adsorption sites for polar compounds such as water and hydrogen sulfide.
Molecular sieves are alkaline and subject to attack by acids. Special acid-
resistant sieves are available for very sour gases. They act as an effective
reagent for removal of water as well as H 2S.So they provide a dual fumction
of dehydration a nd desulfurization

Molecular sieves are selective in absorption and they do not adsorb heavy
hydrocarbons. They are easily regeneretable and have high efficiency rate
they can reduce the water content of the gas up to approximate 1 ppm.

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3.4 Glycol Dehydration

One example of absorption dehydration method is known as Glycol

Dehydration. In Glycol dehydration liquid desiccant dehydrator is used to
absorb water vapor from the natural gas stream. Glycol possesses a chemical
affinity for water. When natural gas containing water comes in to contact
with glycol it will extract water from the natural gas. Glycol dehydration
involves using a glycol solution for water absorption. Two types of glycol
solution can be used. Either di-ethylene glycol or tri-ethylene glycol .which is
brought into contact with the wet gas stream in what is called the 'contactor'.
When glycol will come into contract with natural gas associated water will
absorb the water, after absorbing water glycol solution will become heavier
and sink in the bottom of contacting equipment. Glycol solution that
absorbed water will be regenerated using reboiler .since there exist
difference in boiling point temperature between water and glycol so water
will be evaporate in the reboiler and glycol will be recovered.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

3.4.1 Inlet cooler

First the associated gas is sent to inlet cooler. Inlet cooler is used because
dehydration is more efficient at low temperatures. Function of this cooling is
to condense some water and hydrocarbons to remove in the inlet scrubber
before contactor. Inlet cooler is used in the circumstances when gas
temperature is higher than the process temperature in the contactor. It is
also a helpful tool in simulation if the temperature in the contactor needs to
be optimized.

3.4.2 Inlet scrubber

From inlet cooler gas is sent to the inlet scrubber. Function of inlet scrubber
is to remove free liquid and liquid droplets in the gas, both water and
hydrocarbons. Scrubber is used to decrease some duty of the contactor by

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removing some water that has to be removed by the contactor. The use of
inlet scrubber decreases the size of contactor and consumption of glycol
required for absorption process. If liquid hydrocarbons are not removed in
the scrubber they will create a problem in the contactor. Main problem will be
foaming which will cause a decrease in the efficiency of contactor and
increase in the loss of glycol absorbent.

3.4.3 Contactor

The third process in the gas dehydration process is contactor. The contactor
is the absorption column where the gas is dried by the glycol. The wet Gas is
fed from the bottom of contactor and dry gas leave from the top. Lean glycol
enters at the top of the contactor while the rich glycol is collected from the
bottom of the contactor. This rich glycol is sent to regeneration.

The temperature required for the glycol and its purity depends on the
required water dew-point of the dry gas. This is shown in fig.1 below. The
glycol temperature in the contactor should be 3 to 10 °C higher than the gas
entering the contactor. This Delta in temperature is to avoid or minimize
hydro-carbon condensation into the glycol. If the temperature of contactor
temperatures is below 10 °C absorbent (TEG) becomes too viscous, this will
reduce column efficiency. The contactor is operated at temperature at 66 °C,
but glycol loss due to vaporization is often unacceptably high above 38 °C
operating temperature. The flow rate of glycol is determined by water
content present in the associated gas and number of trays in contactor
column. A rule of thumb for glycol flow is 0.017 to 0.042 m 3 Lean glycol
(TEG) per kg water in the gas . For a Contactor columns with four to six
trays is operated with 0.025 m3 TEG/kg Water (approximate 3 gal/ lb of
water).

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 Water Dew point ,After dehydration with TEG.

Fig.1

3.4.4 Flash valve

After contactor column the pressure of gas is reduced is reduced to the

regeneration pressure by a flash valve. Since regeneration is operated at
low pressure than the contactor. The drop in pressure across the flash valve
depends on the pressure of the contactor and the pressure loss in the

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associated pipes and equipment upstream of regeneration column. Unwanted
gas is vented off the system in the flash separator and regenerator. To
prevent blowback the pressure in these units must be higher than
where they vent to. The slightly higher pressure difference is used to drive
the gas through dehydration system.

3.4.5 Flash separator

The function of flash separator is to release hydrocarbons absorbed in the

glycol. This is done by reduction in pressure in the flash separator compared
with the back system pressure. It is of important concern that pressure in
the flash separator should be greater the pressure in the system so that the
gas can be vented to the downstream system

3.4.6Filters

Filters are used in those plants where the of presence of solid particles or
liquid hydrocarbons in the glycol are existing .If solid particles are existing in
the glycol they will leads increase in wear and tear of equipment plugging of
equipment .solid particles are removed using sock filters made of fibre glass
or paper whereas liquid hydrocarbons line condensate are removed by
activated carbon filters.

3.4.7 Heat exchangers

Heat exchangers are used to for heating of rich glycol and cooling of lean
glycol. These heat exchangers are used for energy conservation purpose.Rich
glycol may be heated before or after the flash separator. Heating before will
increase hydrocarbon recovery along with glycol loss. If hydrocarbon
contents of rich glycol after the separator is too high ,before heating will be
preferred.

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3.4.8 Regenerator

After heat exchanging gas is sent to the regenerator. Regenerator is used to

separate the glycol and water. The rich glycol is heated by using heat
exchangers before sending to the regenerator column. Partial condenser is
provided at the top of the column and water vapors are vented from this
condenser top. The temperature in condenser is maintained at 98.9 OC. The
energy required for this separation is provided by the rebolier at the bottom
of regenerator. Reboiler temperature is maintained about 204 °C for the
case of Triethylene glycol. The lean glycol is taken from the reboiler and
transferred to the storage tank or directly used from reboiler. The
regenerator is operated at pressure above atmospheric about 20 psia .this is
to avoid any air entering from atmospheric vent. It is important that

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operating conditions of the regenerator has significant impact on the purity
of glycol .At 204oC tri-ethylene glycol yields a lean amine with concentration
98.6 wt%.

3.4.9 Glycol storage tank

Glycol storage tank are optional instalment for ensuring continuous

operation. Because of some glycol is lost in dehydration system therefore
storage tank will help for sufficient pool of glycol for system inventory.

3.4.10 Glycol circulation pump

Glycol circulating pumps are used to increase the pressure of glycol because
of the pressure difference between the regenerator and the contactor .The
pump inlet temperature of glycol is maintained at 80oC.

4.0 GAS SWEETENING:

Natural gas is termed “sour Natural gas” if hydrogen sulfide (H 2S) is

present in amounts greater than 5.7 milligrams per normal cubic meters
(mg/Nm). The H2S from the gas is removed before the gas can be utilized. If
H2S is present, the gas is usually sweetened by absorption of the H 2S in an
amine solution . The natural gas industry faces problem from sour natural
gas in two ways. Firstly an increased potential for corrosion secondly,
increased possibility for the formation of hydrates at elevated pressures. Gas
sweetening system is designed to remove acid gases H 2S and CO2 from sour
gas using a contact with circulating flow of amine .A 40 wt % solution of
MDEA is used for this purpose. The main components the system are
absorber and regenerator. Following is the process description of gas
sweetening process.

4.1 PROCESS DESCRIPTION:

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4.1.1 SOUR GAS FILTER COALESCERS:

Sour gas from the separator is filtered in one of the sour gas coalsecer to
ensure there is no liquid carried in to the absorber .The liquid are removed to
minimize the tendency of hydrocarbon condensation with the absorber, which
can subsequently lead to foaming .The gas is directed upward through
cartridge style filter element where liquid droplets are coalesced in to larger
droplets that collect above the separation plate. Each filter is fitted with a
differential pressure indicator .The filters should be cleaned when the
differential pressure drop increases up to 50kpa approximate.

4.1.2 CO2 H2S ABSORBER:

Sour gas at normal operating temperature of about 43 oC and enters near the
base of absorber, and is counter-current contacted against the lean solution
of MDEA which enters in to the column at normal operating temperature of
53oC.The lean amine temperature is normally controlled 10 oC above the gas
temperature to provide a margin between hydrocarbon dew point of the feed
gas, and the operating temperature of the gas at any point in the absorber
column, This is done to avoid the chances of hydrocarbon condensation will
cause of foaming in the column.

Amine to the top of the absorber is referred to as lean amine, as it has been
stripped of CO2 and H2s.Amine leaving the absorber is referred to as the rich
amine as it has picked up the co2 and h2s from the sour gas feed.

Rich amine from the absorber flows to the amine flash vessel and
approximate 600mm bed of dumped packing is provided at the base of the
absorber. This act to minimize any vapour carried under from the column, by
coalescing any entrained gas bubbles in to larger bubbles that are able to
rise out the amine liquid at the base of the column.

4.1.3 TREATED GAS COOLER:

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Sweet gas exits the absorber at approximately 55 oC under normal operation.
The gas must be cooled to below 45oC.prior to entering the absorber to
reduce the water content, and to improve the efficiency of the absorption
process. The primary concern is that the temperature of vapour exiting the
cooler should not exceed 45 oC.

4.1.4TREATED GAS DRUM:

Treated gas drum provides bulk liquid separation from the sweet gas stream.
This vessel is fitted with the inlet separator and a mesh pad for the further
separation efficiency. A blow down valve is also fitted on this vessel .This
blow down valve provides for the blow down of the plant from immediately
downstream.

4.1.5 AMINE FLASH VESSEL:

Rich amine from the absorber and liquid knocked out in the treated gas
drum, flow under level control to the amine flash vessel. At design flows, the
rich amine will operate at approximately 74oC. The amine flash vessel
operates at 400 kpag. At the reduced pressure, most of the gas (methane)
will flash from the rich amine solution, as well as a proportion of CO 2 and
other components. Any liquid hydrocarbons condensed in the treated gas
drum are revaporized at the lower operating pressure, and higher
temperature of Amine flash vessel.

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 GAS SEETENING PFD

4.1.5 H2S/CO2 STRIPPER AND H2S STRIPPER REBOILER:

The two phase rich amine stream at temperature of approximately 86 oC

enters the stripper above feed designed tray through nozzle that provides
vapour liquid separation as well as distribution of the feed stream across the
cross section of the column.

The stripper utilises steam from the reboiler to regenerate the amine
solution. The process of stripping the acid gases from the amine is best
achieved at low pressure and high temperature, hence the stripper operates
as close to the atmosphere pressure as practical.

The amine from the stripper flows to the stripper reboiler via a total draw-off
tray. Hot oil is used to provide stripping steam as the amine is heated from
approximate 114 o C to 119 o C . The lean amine then overflows a wier and is
returned to the base of the stripper. Stream exits the reboiler via the vapour
outlet nozzles and is returned to the column.
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4.1.6 REFLUX CONDENSER:

Acid gas exits the stripper column at approximate 93 oC. And is cooled to 60oC
maximum in the reflux condenser, forced draft air cooler .It is preferable to
operate with temperature as low as practical downstream of the condenser.

4.1.7 REFLUX DRUM:

Two phase fluid from the reflux condenser enters the reflux drum for liquid
gas separation. The reflux drum also contains a mesh pad style mist
eliminator for further liquid separation efficiency. Acid gas exiting the reflux
drum is normally directed to the acid gas incinerator.

4.1.8 REFLUX PUMPS:

Water with very small amount of dissolved co 2 and H2s exiting the reflux
drum is returned to the top of the stripper column via the reflux pumps. Anti-
foam injection point is provided around the reflux pumps.

4.1.9 AMINE BOOSTER PUMPS:

Lean amine exiting the stripper first passes through the lean amine
exchangers, where it is cooled from 119 oC to less than 88 o
C followed by the
Amine booster pumps. The purpose of theses pumps is increasing the
pressure for driving to the downstream system.

4.1.10 LEAN AMINE COOLER:

Lean amine from the booster pump is about 88oC and is cooled to 61oC in the
lean amine cooler.

4.1.11 LEAN AMINE FILTRATION:

It is important to remove solids from the circulating amine solution. If these

solids are not removed they will cause foaming problem .Each filter is
provided to retain the particle size greater than 10 micron. The intention of
the solid filtration is to maintain solid loading below 10 ppmw.

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Downstream of the lean amine filters ,a 10% slipstream flows through to the
carbon filter, followed by the mechanical filtration in carbon bed after filters.
The activated carbon filter is provided to remove hydrocarbon and surface
active contaminants from the lean Amine.

The lean amine exiting the carbon filter is mechanically filtered any carbon
particles that may be carried over the carbon filter .Usually two carbon filters
are provided with only one online other is standby. When differential
pressure across the filter reaches the 50KPa it is required to be clean.

4.1.12 LEAN AMINE TRIM COOLER:

After recombining, the lean amine is routed to the lean amine trim cooler. Air
cooled shell and tube heat exchanger. The lean amine is normally cooled to
53oC.or 10oC above the temperature of gas feed to the absorber.

4.1.13 LEAN AMINE PUMP:

Lean amine pumps are used to increase the pressure of the lean amine and
route it to Co2 H2s absorber.

5.0 CONCLUSION:

Gas dehydration and sweetening are important processes for making

associating gas to be marketable. All around the globe these methods are in
use in connection with the composition of associated gas. Untreated gas has
potential threats for transportation as well as utilization. Gas treatment
methods not only required for safe gas transportation and handling but it
also make it marketable .Since end used will be using gas for different
purposes and if contains the water or sour/acidic geses.it will be a threat to
the customer processing system. Demand of gas is increasing all around the
world ,so these methods requires continuous improvement for making them
more efficient and trouble free operation.

6.0 REFERENCES:

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 1. D. K. Katz, et al. (1959), Handbook Of Natural Gas
Engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company
2. Kalka ,P. (2008) ,Natural gas processing engineering. First
edition. USA: Penn Well Corporation
3. Natural gas processing. Available at :
http://www.naturalgas.org/naturalgas/processing_ng.asp (Acessed:01
January 2012)
4. Chapter 7 .Available at:
http://www.ipt.ntnu.no/~jsg/undervisning/naturgass/parlaktuna/Chap7.pdf
(Accessed :02 January 2012)
5 Gas sweetening .Available at:
http://www.gassweetening.com/ (Accessed :03,January 2012)
6 Gas dehydration.htm. Available at :http://igs-global.com/gas-
dehydration.htm (Accessed: January 06 2012)
7. Natural Gas dehydration. Available at:
http://www.gasdrillingtechnotes.org/uploads/7/5/7/4/7574658/natural_gas_deh
ydration.pdf (Accessed: 08 January 2012)

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