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CHAPTER 4

HYDRATE & GAS DEHYDRATION

Prof. Dr. Ariffin Samsuri

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Hydrate & Gas Dehydration
Estimate of Water Content
TOPIC Hydrate Formation in Pipe
Hydrate Inhibition Method
Dehydration Processes

Expected Outcomes
Students should be able to
Explain the water content in the pipe at various pressure
and temperature conditions
Determine the formation of hydrate in pipe at various
pressure & temperature conditions
Explain hydrate inhibition methods such as chemical
injection and temperature control
Explain dehydration processes such as absorption,
adsorption and other processes

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NEEDS FOR GAS DEHYDRATIONs
Water in natural gas can create problems during transportation and processing, such as:
Gas hydrates or ice that may block pipelines, process equipment, and instruments.
Corrosion of materials in contact with natural gas and condensed water
Sources of water content:
Natural gas reservoirs always have water associated and water saturated when gas is produced, water is
produced as well.
Produced water from the reservoir directly.
Water condensation formed because of pressure and temperature change during production.
In natural gas sweetening, removal of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, aqueous solvents are usually used.
Sweetened gas, with H2S and CO2 removed, is saturated with water.
Acid gas by product of sweetening is also saturated with water disposing of acid gas injecting into suitable
reservoiracid gas injection faced water content problem.
In natural gas transmission, further water condensation is problematic
increase line pressure drop and often leads to corrosion problems
water should be removed from natural gas before sold to pipeline company.
Dehydration is process used to remove water from natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs)
Dehydration required to:
prevent hydrate formation and free water condensation in processing and transportation facilities,
meet water content specification,
prevent corrosion.

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GAS DEHYDRATOR

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Hydrates & gas dehydration

Most produced natural gas contains substantial amounts of water vapor


(400-500 lb water vapor/MMSCF gas)

Water vapor must be removed from gas stream because it will condense
into liquid hydrate formation (ice-like) as gas is cooled from high
reservoir temperature to cooler surface temperature

Liquid water accelerates corrosion, and solid hydrates may pack solidly in
gas gathering system, resulting in partial or complete blocking of flow lines

Water vapor reduces gas heating values

Natural gas pipeline specification < 6-8 lbm/MMSCF

Since most gas sweeting processes in aqueous solution dehydration


after desulfurization/sweeting but sometimes partial dehydration/ hydrate
inhibition necessary @ wellsite.

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Hydrate
Water can combine with low-molecular weight natural gases to form solid, hydrate, even if temperature is above
water freezing point.

Hydrates are solid, semi-stable compounds, ice-like solids that form as crystals and resemble snow in appearance

Product of reaction @ natural gas with water, at high P & low T, and when formed contains10% hydrocarbon and
90% water

Hydrates SG ~ 0.98 and usually float in water and sink in hydrocarbon liquids

Location & intensity depend on:

operation regime,

design,

geothermal gradient,

fluid composition, etc.

Problems?
Plugging natural gas transmission pipelines and other gas handling equipment such as nozzles, valves, separation equipment,
etc.block transmission lines, plug blowout preventers, jeopardize foundation of deep-water platforms and pipelines, cause tubing
and casing collapses,foul process heat exchangers, valves, and expanders.

Reduces gas capacity due to excessive pressure drop

Cause corrosion in presence of H2S or CO2 and water

Hydrates act to concentrate hydrocarbons; one cuft hydrates may contain as much as 180 scf gas.

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Terminology

Hydrate point:
T and P at which hydrates form in a gas mixtures
Dew point:
T at which NG is saturated with water vapor at a
given P.
At DP, NG is in equilibrium with liquid water; a
decrease in T or an increase in P will cause the
water vapor to begin condensing

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Conditions for Hydrate Formation

NG at or below its water DP with liquid water present


T below the hydrate fm T for P and gas composition
considered
High operating P that increase the hydrate fm T
High velocity or agitation through piping or equipment
Introduction of small seed crystal of hydrate
Presence of H2S or CO2 is conductive to hydrate formation
since these acid gases are more soluble in water than
hydrocarbons accelerate hydrate formation
Molecules larger than n-butane tend to inhibit hydrate
formation but participates in association with lighter gases

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Conditions Promote Hydrate Formation

Primary Conditions:
Gas must be at or below its water dew point with free water present
Low temperature
High pressure
Secondary Conditions:
High velocities
Pressure pulsations
Any agitation types
Introduction of small hydrate crystal

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NATURAL GASES WATER CONTENT
A number of different water dew point specifications exist for natural gas.
Water dew point specification specified in sales gas contracts or given by requirements for transport, processing, or
storage.
For example, water dew point specification for gas transported through pipelines to Europe typically 8 C at 70 bar.
For LNG production, water specification needs to be more stringent, and specification of <0.1 ppm (mole) water in
gas is normally used.
Due to low solubility of water in hydrocarbon liquids, water specification for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products
need to be low.
Online dew point analyzers normally calibrated to report ppm (mole) of water in natural gas.
Several methods have been developed for estimation of water content and water dew point of natural gas.
Simple methods, such as generalized charts for direct reading of water content to advanced numerical
demanding thermodynamic models (e.g., modern models based on equations of state).
Simple methods have limited range of validity when it comes to gas compositions, P, and T range.
More advanced models generally more accurate and be applicable for a larger span of variables, such as gas
composition, P, and T.
Most simple methods based on charts and empirical correlations are only developed to predict the water dew
point, and not be able to predict hydrate precipitation, ice, or the aqueous dew point.
Some more recently developed models based on fundamental thermodynamics are developed to predict all
mentioned dew points.

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TYPICAL SPECIFICATION FOR WATER IN NATURAL GAS PRODUCTSs

Natural Gas Types Water Dew Point/Content


Spec.
Pipeline sales gas -8 oC at 70 bar
LNG 0.1 ppm (mole)
Propane No free
LPG No free

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Water content of natural gas streams
All natural gas contain water vapor to some degree, usually expressed in lb/MMSCF

Solubility of water increases as T increases and decreases as P increases

Salts dissolved in liquid water in equilibrium with natural gas reduce gas water content

Can be estimated by:

Partial pressure approach : PYw = PvXw

P = gas absolute pressure

Yw = water mole fraction in vapor (gas) phase

Pv = water vapor pressure @ system temperature

Xw = water mole fraction in aqueous (liquid water) phase @ equilibrium

Empirical plots, such as:

McKetta & Wehe correlation for sweet gases

Robinson et al correlation for sour gases

Campbells correlation for sweet & sour gases

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Gas water content prediction - charts
Chart generally based on experimental data or thermodynamic models and common method used
McKetta and Wehe diagrams most used in gas industry (based on experimental data measured in 1940s.), especially
for sweet natural gas and not applicable to sour gas.
Natural gas water content:
Increases with T increases
Decreases with P decreases
Decreases with molecular weight increases
Decreases with water salinity increases
Saturated water content of gas depends on pressure, temperature, and composition.
Composition effect increases with pressure and particularly important if gas contains CO2 and/or H2S.
Limitation:
Accuracy limitations in water content of natural gasses is generally dependent on gas composition, and
compositional dependency normally handled by developing charts for various types of gas mixtures (e.g.,
sweet gas and sour gas).
It cannot be used to estimate hydrate, ice, or the aqueous dew point
Acid gas components, such as CO2 and H2S, can have large influence of water solubility in gas phase, and
generalized charts for such gas mixtures are difficult to develop.

If gas content H2S & CO2 need to consider water content ratio :
% H2S equivalent = (H2S mole percent + RCO2 mole percent
R ratio of water content sour gas over water content of sweet gas from chart @ P & T

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Water Content Estimation
Partial pressure approach:
PYw = PvXw
P = gas absolute pressure
Yw = water mole fraction in vapor (gas) phase
Pv = water vapor pressure at system temperature
Xw = water mole fraction in aqueous (liquid water) phase associated with gas @ equilibrium conditions

Robinson et al. correlation:


Gas hc portion is assumed to be pure methane.
Under same conditions; CO2 carries only about 75% as much water as H2S
Need to get effective H2S content by:
Effective H2S content = 0.75(% CO2) + % H2S content in gas
Campbells correlation:
Need correction for large acid gas content weighted average content (W):
W = (YHC)(WHC) + (YCO2)(WCO2) + (YH2S)(WH2S)
YHC = HC + N2 gas mole fraction in gas
WHC = water content of HC & N2 portion
YCO2 = CO2 mole fraction in gas
WCO2 = CO2 water content
YH2S = H2S mole fraction in gas
WH2S = H2S water content

14
Natural Gas Water Content Estimation (McKetta-Wehe Correlation)
Natural gas dew point

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HYDROCARBON GAS WATER CONTENTs

Note:
Reading error <4%
Molecular weight &
water salinity
corrections needed

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Ratio of water content sour gas over water content of sweet gases -charts

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Gas water content prediction Empirical methods
Simplest models are based on functions fitted to experimental data for vapor pressure of pure water and generally
invalid for pressures higher than typically 10 bar. The maximum pressure will depend on how ideal the gas mixture
behaves.
In an ideal gas, water content directly given by water vapor pressure and the total pressure.
For gases with high solubility in water (e.g., gases with high CO2 or H2S content), ideal method
is not valid even at low pressures.
Some empirical models correct for gas non-ideality by fitting the model to high pressure experimental data. Such
models can give reasonable results at higher pressures, but limited to gases with similar composition
A popular empirical correlation used in natural gas industry was developed by Bukacek. This method is published as
a standard for defining the relation between water content and water dew point of natural gas (ASTM D1142-95).
Some empirical methods:
Ideal model
Bukacek method
Maddox correlation
Sloan correlation

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IDEAL MODELs
Gas water content assumed equal to ratio of pure water vapor pressure divided by system total pressure
water mole fraction in gas in(pounds per MMscf)

W = 47484(Pv/P)
where;
Pv = pure water vapor pressure
P = system total pressure

Reasonably good at very low pressures.


Reasonable accuracy for sweet natural gas and P up to 200 psia

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BUKACEKS METHODs
Can be used for pressures up to 10,000 psia and for temperature ranged from-40 to 230 oF.

W = (A/P) + B
where;
W = water content, lb/MMSCF
A = coefficient equal to water content of ideal gas (table)
B = coefficient dependent on gas composition (table)
P = total pressure,psia
For sweet gas:
W = 47484(Psat.water /P total) + B

log B = [-3083.87/(459.6 + T)] + 6.69449


where:
W = water content, lb/MMSCF
P = total pressure, psia
A = constant proportional to water vapor pressure
B = constant depending on T & gas composition

Accurate for temperatures = 60 - 460 oF and P = 15 - 10,000 psia.


Gas composition effect indirect corrected by multiplying B factor with term dependent on gas gravity.
Fitted to water content in natural gas in equilibrium with liquid water not able to estimate water content in equilibrium
with hydrate or ice.
Accuracy less than more advanced thermodynamic models.
Due to their simplicity and low numerical requirements, widely used in industry.

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COEFFICIENT FOR BUKACEK METHODs

T oF A B ToF A B
-40 0.1451 0.00347 104 56.25 0.263
-22 0.393 0.0071 122 94 0.391
-4 0.966 0.0134 140 152 0.562
14 2.188 0.0229 158 238 0.793
32 4.67 0.0418 176 363 1.083
50 9.39 0.0696 194 537.5 1.327
68 17.87 0.112 212 776 1.53
86 32.3 0.174 230 1093 2.62

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MADDOX CORRELATIONs
Method for calculating water content of sour gas.
Correlation assumes that sour gas water content = sum of three terms: (1) sweet gas contribution, (2) contribution
from CO2, and (3) contribution from H2S. charts
Water content of CO2 and H2S were correlated as function of pressure using:
log(W) = a0 + a1 log P + a2(log P)2
where;
W = water content, lb/MMscf and a set of coefficients,
a0, a1, and a2 = coefficient obtained for each isotherm (Table)

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MADDOX CORRELATION - Coefficients

CO2 - ToF a0 a1 a2
80 6.0901 -2.5396 0.3427
100 6.1870 -2.3779 0.3103
130 6.1925 -2.0280 0.2400
160 6.1850 -1.8492 0.2139
H2S - ToF a0 a1 a2
80 5.1647 -1.9772 0.3004
100 5.4896 -2.0210 0.3046
130 6.1694 -2.2342 0.3319
160 6.8834 -2.4731 0.3646
220 7.9773 -2.8597 0.4232
280 9.2783 -3.3723 0.4897

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MADDOX CORRELATION FOR H2S WATER CONTENTs

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MADDOX CORRELATION FOR CO2 WATER CONTENTs

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SLOAN CORRELATIONs
Sloan fitted the water content of natural gas versus both temperature and pressure. His equation is valid
for temperatures between 40 and 120 oF and for pressures from 200 to 2000 psia.
W = EXP{c1 + (c2/T) + c3ln(P) + (c4/T2) + c5[ln(P)/T ]+ c6[ln(P)]2}

where:
T = Temperature, oR
c1c6 = Constants (Table )

c1 28.910758
c2 -9.668146x103
c3 -1.663358
c4 -1.308235x105
c5 2.035324x102
c6 3.8508508x10-2

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THERMODYNAMICS MODELs
Thermodynamic models based on EOS for calculating water dew point and water content of natural
gas can be relatively complex and computers utilization.
More accurate predictions of water dew point for a large number of gas compositions and total pressures.
Some of the popular classic EOS, like SRK- and PR-EOS often used in oil and gas industry, especially with water and
wax problems.
Ability:
To overcome polar component problem
Converting between water content and water dew point of natural gas.
To predict mixture properties based on knowledge of only pure component properties.
To predict hydrate and ice precipitation from natural gas,
To estimate aqueous dew point in gases with traces of production chemicals. This model is
Normally referred to as CPA-EOS
Advantage : cover a larger range of gas compositions, temperatures, and pressures.

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HYDRATE IN NATURAL GAS SYSTEMs
Natural gases hydrate formation conditions estimation by using K-value and correlations developed with gravity
method classified into four major methods:
Vaporsolid equilibrium ratio method,
Modified K-factor method
Gas gravity method
Empirical correlations method
Some correlations:
Kobayashi et al. correlation
Berge correlation
Motiee correlation
Hammerschmidt correlation

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Estimating Initial Hydrate Formation Conditions

Two methods can be used :


1. Sweet natural gas system method
2. Vapor/solid equilibrium ratios method

Sweet Natural Gas System Method:


Can be used for natural gas system (in absence of H2S and/or CO2)
by using P, T and SG P-T curves for predicting hydrate formation.

Vapor/Solid Equilibrium Ratios Method:


Can be used if gas composition available
Involves development & application of vapor/solid equilibrium ratios for
gas/liquid/hydrate equilibrium vapor/solid equilibrium constants
curves for gases.
HC heavier than butane are ignored due to these molecules are too
large to form hydrates.

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Calculation of pressure at which hydrate formed

Figures 15-1 through 15-6 may be used for approximations only


Sweet natural gas system method.
For more accurate determination, the vapor-solid equilibrium constant
should be used Vapor/solid equilibrium ratios method
This method is based upon the condition that gases evolved during the
decomposition of natural gas hydrates increase in density and therefore
resemble solid solutions
Vapor-solid equilibrium constants behave as follows:

kv-s y xs
where:
y = mol fraction of HC in gas on a water free basis
xs = mol fraction of HC in solid on a water free basis

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Vapor-solid equilibrium constant determination
Figures 15-7 through 15-12 may be use to find the vapor-solid equilibrium
constant (k) for C1, C2, C3, i-C4, CO2 and H2S at various P and T
conditions
In the presence of lighter hydrocarbons with low concentrations (< 5 mole
%) of n-C4, the k value for n-C4 may be taken as those of C2 (actually, n-C4,
is not known to form hydrates by itself, but it does participate in the
formation of hydrates with lighter gases)
For hydrocarbons heavier than C4, the k values are taken as infinity
because these molecules are too large to form hydrates
Hydrate equilibrium constants are assumed to be functions of temperature
and pressure only
Conditions for initial formation of hydrates are obtained by satisfying the
relationship:
y
k 1.0
v-s

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Water/HC/hydrate System Schematic Phase Diagram
Natural Gas Hydrate Equilibrium

Equilibrium

Hydrate
formation

No
hydrate
formation
Effect of Inhibitors on Hydrate Prevention Phase Diagram
P-T Curve for Hydrate Formation Prediction

Can be
Hydrate used for
hydrate
formation in
flow string
& surface
lines.

No hydrate

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Initial hydrate-formation estimation for natural gases based on gas gravitys

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Hydrate Formation Prediction -Example

What would be the pressure above which hydrates could be expected to


form if the following gas is at 50oF?

Mole fraction in
Component
gas
C1 0.810
C2 0.052
C3 0.019
iC4 0.004
nC4 0.020
N2 0.093
CO2 0.002
Total 1.000

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Possible Location of Hydrate Formation

Possible problems:
Completely plugging
Temporarily plugging with great pressure buildup
behind it (pipeline or valves)
If solid hydrate slug dislodges with pressure
buildup behind it pipe may rupture,
especially at bends

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Permissible Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation

Figures 15-2 through 15-6 are used to estimate permissible


expansion of natural gases (various SG 0.6 1.0) without the
formation of hydrates, especially in flow provers, orifices &
back-pressure regulators, where sudden expansion
accompanied by temperature drop occurred.

Strictly applicable to sweet natural gases

For sour gases, H2S & CO2 will increase hydrate T and
reduce P above which hydrates will form presence of H2S
or CO2 will increase hydrate formation possibility.

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Natural Gas Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation SG 0.6

Fig. 15.2 Permissible expansion of a 0.6-gravity natural gas without hydrate formation.

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Natural Gas Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation SG 0.7

Fig. 15.3 Permissible expansion of a 0.7-gravity natural gas without hydrate formation.

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Natural Gas Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation SG 0.8

Fig. 15.4 Permissible expansion of a 0.8-gravity natural gas without hydrate formation.

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Natural Gas Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation SG 0.9

Fig. 15.5 Permissible expansion of a 0.9-gravity natural gas without hydrate formation.

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Natural Gas Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation SG 1.0

Fig. 15.6 Permissible expansion of a 1.0-gravity natural gas without hydrate formation.

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Natural Gas Expansion w/o Hydrate Formation Example

1. The 0.65 gravity gas is to be expanded from 2,000 psia to 800 psia. What is the
minimum initial temperature that will permit the expansion without hydrate
formation?

2. How far may a 0.8 gravity gas at 1,500 psia and 120oF be expanded without
hydrate formation?

3. How far may a 0.9 gravity gas at 1,500 psia and 160oF be expanded without
hydrate formation?

4. A 1.0 gravity gas is to be expanded from 2,000 to 400 psia. What is the minimum
initial temperature that will permit expansion without danger of hydrates?

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Figure 15-7 Vapor-Solid Equilibrium Constants for Methane

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Figure 15-8 Vapor-Solid Equilibrium Constants for Ethane

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Figure 15-9 Vapor-Solid Equilibrium Constants for Propane

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Figure 15-10 Vapor-Solid Equilibrium Constants for Iso-Butane

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Figure 15-11 Vapor-Solid Equilibrium Constants for Carbon Dioxide

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Figure 15-12 Vapor-Solid Equilibrium Constants for Hydrogen Sulfide

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Example

Using the gas compositions, calculate the pressure at which the hydrate
will be formed at 50oF.

Mole fraction in
Component
gas
C1 0.810
C2 0.052
C3 0.019
iC4 0.004
nC4 0.020
N2 0.093
CO2 0.002
Total 1.000

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Fig. 15-13 show solubility of water in hydrocarbons

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Hydrate prediction for high CO2/H2S content gasess
Katz method of predicting hydrate formation temperature gives reasonable results for sweet normal paraffin
hydrocarbon gases.
Katz method should not be used for gases containing significant quantities of CO2 and/or H2S
Hydrate formation conditions for high CO2/H2S gases can vary significantly from those composed only of
hydrocarbons.
Addition of H2S to a sweet natural gas mixture will generally increase hydrate formation temperature at fixed
pressure.
Baille & Wichert can be used for high CO2/H2S content gases chart

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HYDRATE CHART FOR GASES CONTAINING H2S

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Methods of hydrate control/prevention

Three general concepts:


1. Keep gas temperature above hydrate
formation temperature (heater)
2. Injecting inhibitor to the gas to lower
water freezing point
3. Remove water vapor or content from
the gas (dehydration unit)

There are 3 basic systems of


hydrate control:
A. Changes to system T and P.
B. Use of hydrate inhibitors to
suppress hydrate formation
C. Actual water removal from gas
or gas dehydration
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Methods of hydrate control

First method (Change system T & P)


The control of P is of not practical
The use of T to prevent hydrate formation will be better choice (will be
discuss under flow line heaters and downhole regulators)

Second method: (Inhibitor)


Involves inhibitors (e.g. methanol and ethylene) to selectively dissolve
in the water phase, altering the availability of water for hydrate
crystal growth (will be discuss under chemical injection)

Third method (gas dehydration)


Includes the actual removal of water vapor from the gas phase by
Absorption method by physical counter-current contact with glycol or
Dry desiccant adsorption with alumina, silica gel or molecular sieves

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Hydrate Prevention - Methods

1. Chemicals Injection
a. Methanol injection
b. Glycol injection
2. Temperature Control
a. Lowering hydrate formation temperature by chemicals
b. Maintaining temperature of flowing gas above hydrate formation
temperature
Flow string in a well heating accomplished by circulating hot oil
in casing-tubing annulus prevent free water formation &
hydrates.
Effective only when treating small amounts of gas or for a
temporary conditions (i.e., well startup or shut-down)
3. Use bottomhole chokes in flow string
4. Proper surface facilities design
1. Minimizing obstruction in flow strings
2. Use of proper valve sizes at surface
3. Minimizing sharp bends in surface flowlines
4. Proper placement of chokes in surface lines

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Process Summary
A
Indirect Temp. Downhole
heater control regulator

Hydrate
absorption Glycol
(liquid desiccant)
Gas
dehydration
Actual
Hydrate B
C water inhibition
removal (chemical
injection)

Hydrate adsorption Methanol


(solid desiccant)
Definition of terms

Absorption:
water vapor is removed from natural gas by bubbling the gas counter
currently through certain liquid that have a special attraction or affinity for
water
Adsorption:
water vapor is removed from natural gas by flowing them through granular
solids bed that have an affinity for water, and water is retained on the solid
particles surface
Contactor/sorber:
vessel in which either absorption or adsorption take place
Desiccant:
liquid or solid having affinity for water and used in the
contactor
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Gas Dehydration?

Gas dehydration means removal of water from gas


(water can be associated with natural gas in vapor
form)

Reasons for dehydration


To prevent hydrate formation that plug/block pipelines and
other equipment
To prevent corrosion of facilities from acid gases (H2S, CO2)
To meet certain requirement , I,e water dew point (sales gas,
contract specification*)
* Water content is normally reduced to about 6 8 lb of water per
MMSCF of gas

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NATURAL GAS DEHYDRATION METHODSs
Three most common methods for natural gas dehydration:
physical absorption using glycols,
adsorption on solids (e.g., molecular sieve/silica gel), and
condensation by a combination of cooling and chemical injection (ethylene glycol/methanol)
Triethylene glycol (TEG) dehydration - most frequent method used to meet pipeline sales specifications.
Adsorption processes used to obtain very low water vapor concentration (0.1 ppm or less) required in low
temperature processing, such as deep NGL extraction and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants.
Some relatively new dehydration processes involve applying isentropic cooling and separation using high centrifugal
forces in supersonic gas flow.
To estimate limits of dehydration techniques -> needs models to calculate water vapor concentration in equilibrium
with hydrate, ice, and water in natural gas at operational temperature and pressure.
Distinct difference between chemical based (e.g., glycol absorption) and nonchemical based (e.g., adsorption)
dehydration techniques:
Chemical based techniques will saturate gas with chemicals at operational conditions.
Both techniques can, in principle, remove almost all water from gas, but phase behavior of natural gas leaving
processes will be different.
Even though chemicals used for absorption have low vapor pressure and relatively small amounts will
condense per cubic meter gas, condensation effect has to be considered in design of pipelines and process
equipment.

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NATURAL GAS DEHYDRATIONs
Removal of water that is associated with natural gases in vapor form.
Necessary to ensure smooth operationof gas transmission lines.
Prevents gas hydrates formation and reduces corrosion.
Unless gases are dehydrated, liquid water may condense in pipelines and accumulate at low points along the line,
reducing its flow capacity.
Three major methods of dehydration are:
1. direct cooling,
2. adsorption,
3. absorption.
Adsorption process used desiccants such as :Molecular sieves (zeolites), silica gel, and bauxite
Absorption processes, most frequently used desiccants : diethylene and TEGs.
Usually, absorption/stripping cycle is used for removing large amounts of water,
Adsorption is used for cryogenic systems to reach low moisture contents.
Natural gas usually contains water, in liquid or vapor form, at source or as a result of sweetening with an aqueous
solution.
Necessary to reduce and control gas water content to ensure safe processing and transmission.
Removal of water vapor that exists in solution in natural gas requires more complex treatment.
This treatment consists of natural gas dehydrating , which is accomplished by lowering gas dew point
temperature at which vapor will condense from gas.

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NATURAL GAS DEHYDRATION METHODSs
Most common natural gas dehydration methods: liquid desiccant (glycol) dehydration and solid desiccant dehydration.
Techniques for dehydrating natural gas, associated gas condensate, and NGLs include:
Absorption using liquid desiccants,
Adsorption using solid desiccants,
Dehydration with CaCl2,
Dehydration by refrigeration,
Dehydration by membrane permeation,
Dehydration by gas stripping, and
Dehydration by distillation.
Absorption is most common technique, where water vapor in gas stream becomes absorbed in liquid solvent stream.
Glycols - most widely used absorption liquids with TEG - most common liquid desiccant used in natural gas dehydration
Absorption dehydration involves use of liquid desiccant to remove water vapor from gas.
For commercial dehydration purposes liquid should possess the following properties:
1. High absorption efficiency.
2. Easy and economic regeneration.
3. Non-corrosive and non-toxic.
4. No operational problems when used in high concentrations.
5. No interaction with hydrocarbon portion of gas, and no contamination by acid gases.
Glycols, particularly EG, DEG, TEG, and tetraethylene glycol come closest to satisfying these criteria. Water and glycols show
complete mutual solubility in liquid phase due to hydrogen-oxygen bonds, and their water vapor pressures very low.
Economics frequently favor liquid desiccant dehydration
Liquid desiccant dehydration equipment is simple to operate and maintain, easily be automated for unattended operation;
can be used for sour gases, but additional precautions in design needed due to acid gases solubility in desiccant solution. At
very high acid gas content and relatively higher pressures, glycols can also be soluble in gas.
Glycols typically used for applications where dew point depressions of the order of 1549 oC are required.
Good practice dictates installing an inlet gas scrubber to prevent accidental dumping large quantities water (fresh or salty),
hydrocarbons, treating chemicals, or corrosion inhibitors into glycol contactor. These materials can result in excessive glycol
losses due to foaming, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance. Integral separators at bottom of contactor are
common.

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A. Temperature control

1. Downhole regulators

Used to eliminate surface hydration problem


Device that contains a spring-loaded valve and stem and is set by
wireline in tubing string
Spring compression is adjusted before regulator is run in the well so
that any specified pressure drop can be obtained
Pressure drop across the regulator is constant and does not depend
on the flow rate
Tubing string above regulator then acts as a sub-surface heater,
transferring heat into the gas

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A. Temperature control

2. Indirect heaters

Commonly used to heat gas to maintain temperatures above the


hydrate formation temperature
Most widely used type of heaters because it is simple, economical,
and trouble-free
Heater consists of 3 basic parts:
Heater shell: thin-wall horizontal vessel having removal flanged
covers at both ends
Removable fire tube and burner assembly mounted on the lower
portion of one of the end cover
Removable coil assembly mounted on the upper portion of the
opposite end cover
Shell and fire tube are design to withstand only atmospheric pressure,
whereas coil assembly is usually designed to withstand shut-in
wellhead pressure

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Indirect heater

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Operation of indirect heater

High pressure fluid passed through heater inlet into coils


It is heated to suitable outlet temperature
Heater shell is filled with liquid (usually water) completely
covering fire tube and coil assembly
Water bath is heated by fire tube (usually fired by gas) and
coil is heated by the water
Coil is located above fire tube (for water circulation)
Water current direction is controlled by thermo siphon baffle

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B. Hydrate inhibition (chemical injection)

Ammonia, brines, methanol and glycols have been used to lower water freeing
point and thus reduce or prevent hydrate formation in gas lines
Methanol and ethylene glycol are mostly used inhibitors
Injection of hydrate inhibitors may be applied for:
Gas pipeline systems in which hydrate trouble is of short duration
Gas pipelines which operate at a few degree below hydrate formation temperature
Gas gathering systems in pressure declining fields
Gas line in which hydrates form at localized points

When hydrate inhibitors are injected in gas flow lines or gathering systems,
installation of a high pressure water knockout at well head will prove to be
economical
Removing free water from gas stream will reduce considerably the amount of
inhibitor required
Inhibitor remains as a mist
in the gas stream

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1. Methanol injection
When injected into gas stream, methanol will lowered hydrate formation T of free water present.
Methanol is well suited for use as hydrate inhibitor because it is:
Non-corrosive
Does not react chemically with any constituent of gas
Soluble in all proportion in water
Volatiles under pipeline conditions
Reasonable in cost
Vapor pressure is greater than water
If methanol injection is being utilized to prevent freezing in regulators, chokes or at localized points in the
line, it is desirable to locate the injection point some distance upstream of critical point in order to allow
time for methanol to completely vaporize before reaching critical point in the line
Frequently used for intermittent or continuous injection in natural gas field gathering systems or
transmission lines when gas environmentally cooled.
Major disadvantages : expensive to recover & part is lost in gas & hc liquid streams.
Minimum methanol injection rate : TH = 2335W/(100M MW)
where; TH = lowering gas hydrate freezing point, deg.F
M = injected methanol molecular weight
W = weight percent of methanol in liquid phase.

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1. Methanol injection - Operational
If methanol injection is being utilized to prevent freezing in regulators, chokes or at localized points in the
line, it is desirable to locate injection point some distance upstream of critical point in order to allow time for
methanol to completely vaporize before reaching critical point in the line
Methanol is injected by a gas driven pump (3) into flow line upstream of choke or pressure control valve (2)
Temperature controller (5) measures temperature of gas in low pressure flow line (7) and adjust methanol
rate accordingly
Methanol injection rate controlled by amount of power gas that is allowed to flow through power gas control
valve (4) to drive the pump

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2. Glycol injection

Injection of glycol into a gas stream has the same effect as methanol injection i.e. lowering hydrate
formation point or lowering freezing point of free water present.
Glycol has a relatively low vapor pressure and does not evaporate into vapor phase as readily as
methanol
For these reasons, glycol can be more economically recovered, therefore reducing operating cost
compared to methanol system, particularly where continuous inhibition required as it may be recovered
from water & little lost in gas stream.
Injection parts of the system (item 1-5) is similar to methanol
Additional equipment in the glycol system is for recovering the glycol
A 3-phase separator (6) separates water and glycol form HC phases
Water-glycol solution in separator is sent to reboiler (7) while gas is delivered to sales line and HC
condensate is dumped to condensate tanks
In reboiler, excess water is boiled away from glycol
Reconcentrated glycol in boiler is then available again
for injection into gas stream

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2. Glycol injection
Allows continuous hydrate control in plants @ suitable regeneration & recycle equipment.
Material used:
Ethylene glycol - most popular (lower cost & relatively superior operating characteristics), preferred
for -5 to -40 deg.F (lower viscosity)
Diethylene glycol above -5 deg.F
triethylene glycol
Glycols not recommended below -40 deg.F
Separation of glycol-water phase from HC liquid phase is more difficult than separation of liquids from
vapors
Glycol-HC mixture will separate more readily if T > 60 70oF
At lower temperatures, emulsions can be form, especially in the presence of some well-treating
compounds
The following steps can be taken:
10-15 min. residence time will normally allow separation of the glycol and HC
Where emulsions are a problem, a large separator with a longer residence time is required
Heat the emulsion in the separator the emulsion
Lowering the glycol concentration in the injected fluid (the injection rate will have to be increased)
Add anti-emulsion agents

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Glycol Injection System

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Glycol selection

There are 3 glycols normally


used to prevent the formation
of hydrates:

1. Ethylene glycol (EG)


2. Diethylene glycol (DEG)
3. Triethylene glycol (TEG)

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Comparison of the physical properties of methanol and glycols

Methanol EG DEG TEG


MW 32 62 106 150
Boiling point @ 760 mm Hg, oF 148 387 473 533
Vapor pressure @ 77 oF, mm Hg 94 0.12 < 0.01 0.01
SG @ 77 oF (25 oC) 0.787 1.11 1.113 1.119
SG @ 140 oF (60 oC) - 1.085 1.088 1.092
Pounds per gallon @ 77 oF (25 oC) 6.55 9.26 9.29 9.34
Freezing point, oF -144 8 17 19
Pour point, oF - < -75 -65 -73
Absolute viscosity in cp @ 77 oF 0.55 16.5 28.2 37.3
Absolute viscosity in cp @ 140 oF 0.36 5.1 7.6 9.6
Surface tension @ 77 oF, dynes/cm 22 47 44 45
Specific heat @ 77 oF, Btu/lb/oF 0.27 0.58 0.55 0.53
Flash point, oF - 240 280 320
Fire point, oF - 245 290 330
Decomposition temperature, oF - 329 328 404
Heat of vaporization @ 14.65 psi, Btu/lb 473 - 150 179
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General guidelines for glycol selection

If glycol is to be injected into a natural gas transmission line


where glycol recovery is less importance than hydrate
protection, EG would be the best choice because it produces
the greatest hydrate depression and has the highest vapor
pressure of any of the glycols
If glycol is to be injected into a unit where it will contact HC
liquids, EG is the best choice since it has the lowest solubility
in high MW hydrocarbons
If vaporization losses are severe, DEG or TEG would be
better to use because they have a lower vapor pressure.
Sometimes DEG is used where there is a combination of
both gas vaporization loss and liquid solubility loss factor

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Comparison of hydrate prevention methods
4 methods of hydrate prevention discussed earlier

downhole regulators, indirect heaters, methanol injection and glycol injection are proven methods that can be design for
safe and reliable operation

Other combinations of systems offer the best results, but overall evaluations should include development of:

Capital cost

Operating expense (including chemical and fuel requirement)

Space (especially offshore operation)

Potential operating problems and hazards

Downhole regulators
No routine service is required, but a wireline service company must be used each time the pressure drop has to be
changed and when the regulator is finally removed
Even in a well with downhole regulator, injection of methanol and glycol may be required when a well is brought on line
after shut-in period until the flow and temperature stabilized
After the well declines to less than allowable production, the downhole regulator will have to be removed and another
form of hydrate prevention might be necessary
Downhole regulators do not present any special safety hazards, but, since work with regulators involves working in the
well, there is always the risk of losing the well
Heaters

Capital cost and fuel expense of heaters are relatively high

Pressurized fire boxes an flame have minimized the hazards, but only with proper attention to detailed design

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Comparison of hydrate prevention methods (ctd)

Chemical injection (methanol and glycols)


Advantages and disadvantages are as follows:
Inhibitor Advantages Disadvantages

Methanol Relatively low initial cost High operating cost


Little equipment involved Hauling methanol
Simple system & little gas
consumption
High initial cost
Lower operating cost Hauling glycol
Glycol Simple system & little gas Large loss if line breaks
consumption Potential glycol contamination

For special equipment, use of methanol requires only a free water


separator and suitable injection, whereas use of glycol requires a
free water separator plus a gas-liquid separator and glycol re-
concentration unit at the point of recovery stream

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C. Actual water removal
1. Absorption process (liquid desiccant dehydration)
In absorption process, water in gas stream is dissolved in a relatively pure
liquid solvent stream
Reverse process, in which water in solvent is transferred into gas phase is
known as stripping
Regeneration, reconcentration and reclaiming are also used to describe the
stripping and purification process because solvent is usually recovered for
reuse in absorption step
Most common liquid used in absorption process is TEG (DEG may also be used)
because:
It is more easily regenerated to 90 - 98% concentration
It has a higher decomposition temperature (40oF)
Lower vaporization losses than DEG & EG
Transfer from gas phase to liquid phase (absorption) is more favorable at lower T
and higher P
Transfer to gas phase (stripping) is more favorable at higher T and lower P

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Definition of terms (for absorption process)

Wet gas: Gas containing water vapor prior to contacting


glycol in absorber

Dry gas: Gas leaving the absorber after contacting glycol

Desiccant: A drying or dehydrating medium (e.g. TEG)

Lean solution: A glycol-water solution whose glycol concentration


ranges from 95 99% by weight (a lean solution
can be the solution passing from the reboiler via
the pump or TEG supplied in sealed drums)

Rich solution: A water-rich solution whose glycol content < 95%


by weight or glycol solution that has contacted wet
gas in the sorber
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Horizontal Contactor Flow Diagram

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Contactor

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How the process works?
Glycol dehydration process can be divided into 2 parts; gas system and glycol system

Flow diagram of a liquid-desiccant unit


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Gas Field Dehydration Unit

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a. Gas system
a. Gas system
Wet gas enters the unit through a scrubber or
3- phase separator to remove liquid and solid
impurities
Gas from scrubber (or separator) passes into
the bottom of vertical glycol-gas absorber and
flows upward through valve trays in column
countercurrent to glycol flow
As wet gas contacts drier and drier glycol,
more and more water is absorbed from gas
Leaving top tray, gas passes through mist-
extractor elements, sweep glycol-cooling coils
located in upper end of absorber, and passes
to pipeline
Small quantity of this dry gas is withdrawn
from absorber discharge for use as fuel and
instrument gas
Glycol absorber

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b. Glycol system

b. Glycol system

Dry concentrated glycol


is pumped from surge
tank by glycol pump
through glycol-gas heat
exchanger into top of
contactor

It then flows downward


the column, absorbing
more water as it passes
across each tray
Wet (or rich) glycol from
the base of contactor
passes through a filter
before flowing through Typical Flow Diagram for a Tri-Ethylene Glycol Dehydration Unit
heat exchanger

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b. Glycol system
Wet glycol is then sent to a lower pressure separator, where most entrained
gas and liquid HCs are removed
Wet glycol then flows to reboiler where most of water and some of glycol are
vaporized
From boiler, the lean (dry) glycol flows to surge tank to start another cycle

TEG dehydration flow diagram

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Glycol Dehydration Operating Variables
5 operating variables which can have an important effect on the operation of a glycol dehydration system:

1. Temperature
a. Incoming gas
At constant pressure, inlet gas water content increases as T increases
At higher T, glycol will have to remove about 3 times as much water to meet pipeline
specification
Glycol vaporization losses are also increased at the higher T
Losses typical range: 0.05 gal/MMSCF for high P low T gases to 0.30 gal/MMSCF for low P
high T gases.
To minimized glycol decomposition, pH maintained 6 7 measured at 50-50 glycol dilution in
distilled water.
b. Lean glycol
T of lean glycol entering reboiler has significant effect on gas dew point depression and should
be held to minimum for best operation, however, it should be kept above inlet gas T to
minimized HC condensation in absorber
c. Glycol reboiler
Reboiler T controls concentration of the water in the glycol
With constant P, glycol concentration increases with higher reboiler temperatures
d. Top of stripping still
High T in top of the still column can increase glycol losses due to excessive vaporization
If T too low, too much water can be condensed and washed back into regenerator to flood still
column and fill reboiler with excessive liquids
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Glycol Dehydration Operating Variables
2. Pressure
a. Contactor
At a constant T, water content of inlet gas decreases with increasing P. Therefore, less
glycol circulation required at higher pressures
b. Reconcentrator
P above atmospheric in reboiler can significantly reduce glycol concentration and
dehydration efficiency

3. Glycol concentration
Dry gas leaves contactor in equilibrium with lean glycol
The leaner the glycol going to absorber, more efficient its dehydrating power will be
Glycol consumption = 15 to 0.5 gal/MMSCF of gas treated.

4. Glycol concentration rate


Glycol rate controls total amount of water that can be removed
2 to 5 gal/lb of water to be removed

5. Number of absorber trays


Few additional trays in contactor is much more effective than increasing glycol circulation rate

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TYPICAL TEG NATURAL GAS DEHYDRATION SYSTEMs

Dry gas Flash gas Water vapor

Lean Still
glycol

Glycol
Flash
contactor
drum

Reboiler

Rich
Surge drum
glycol

Wet gas

Filter

Inlet scrubber
Free liquid

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TYPICAL TEG NATURAL GAS DEHYDRATION SYSTEMs
Wet natural gas enters inlet separator to remove all liquid hydrocarbons from gas stream.
Then gas flows to absorber (contactor) where it is contacted counter-currently and dried by lean TEG. TEG also
absorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that vaporize with water in reboiler.
Dry natural gas existing absorber passes through gas/glycol heat exchanger and then into sales line.
Wet or rich glycol exiting absorber flows through coil in accumulator where it is preheated by hot lean glycol.
After glycolglycol heat exchanger, rich glycol enters stripping column and flows down packed bed section into
reboiler. Steam generated in reboiler strips absorbed water and VOCs out of glycol as it rises up packed bed
Water vapor and desorbed natural gas vented from top of stripper.
Hot regenerated lean glycol flows out of reboiler into accumulator (surge tank) where it is cooled via cross exchange
with returning rich glycol; it is pumped to a glycol/gas heat exchanger and back to top of absorber.
Glycols are very good absorbers for water because hydroxyl groups in glycols form similar associations with water
molecules.
Wet gas dehydrated in absorber, and stripping column regenerates water-free TEG.
Glycol stream should be recharged constantly because some TEG may react and form heavy molecules, which
should be removed by filter or by distillation of slip stream.
TEG system evaluation involves first establishing minimum TEG concentration required to meet outlet gas water
dew point specification. Water dew point of a natural gas stream in equilibrium with TEG solution at various
temperatures and TEG concentrations chart can be used to estimate required TEG concentration or theoretical dew
point depression for a given TEG concentration and contactor temperature.
Actual outlet dew points depend on TEG circulation rate and number of equilibrium stages, but typical approaches
to equilibrium are 611 oC.
Equilibrium dew points relatively insensitive to pressure and chart may be used up to 10 300 kPa (abs) with little
error.

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TEG dehydration unit

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2. Adsorption process (solid desiccant dehydration)

Where highest possible dew point depression is required, solid- or dry


desiccant dehydration system is the most effective type
Adsorption of water vapor achieved by contacting it with solid desiccant.
Adsorption is a physical phenomenon which occurs when molecules of
gas are brought into contact with a solid surface and some of them
condense on the surface
Dehydration of gas (or liquid HC) with a dry desiccant is an adsorption
process in which water molecules are preferentially held by the desiccant
and removed from the gas stream
Commonly used desiccants are alumina, silica gel*, silica-alumina
beads*, fluorite and molecular sieves (sodium aluminasilicate crystalline)
Adsorption is encourage by low T and high P
Desorption (its reverse) is encourage by high T and low P

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Solid Desiccant Dehydration Installation Components

Essential components of a solid-desiccant


dehydration installation are:
Inlet gas stream separator
Two or more adsorption towers filled
with solid desiccant
High T heater to provide hot
regeneration gas for drying the
desiccant in the towers
Regeneration gas cooler for condensing
water from the hot regeneration gas Two tower solid desiccant dehydration unit
Regeneration-gas separator to remove
water from the regeneration-gas stream
Piping, manifolds, switching valves and
controls to direct and control the flow of
gases

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SOLID WATER ADSORPTION
Water adsorbed by solid desiccant such as on a mole sieve, on a silica gel, or on alumina.
Adsorption (or solid bed) dehydration is process where solid desiccant used for water vapor removal from gas
stream.
Solid desiccant generally used in dehydration systems consisting two or more towers and associated regeneration
equipment.
Simple two-tower system:
One tower is on-stream adsorbing water from gas
2nd tower is being regenerated and cooled.
Hot gas used to drive off adsorbed water from desiccant, after which tower is cooled with an unheated gas
stream. I
Part of the dried gas is used for regeneration and cooling, and is recycled to inlet separator.
Solid desiccant units generally cost more (capital and operational) than glycol units limited applications such as
high H2S content gases, very low water dew point requirements, simultaneous control of water and hydrocarbon
dew points, and special cases such as oxygen containing gases, etc.
In processes where cryogenic temperatures are encountered, solid desiccant dehydration usually is preferred over
conventional methanol injection to prevent hydrate and ice formation.
Solid desiccants are also often used for the drying and sweetening of NGL liquids.
Solid desiccants commonly used for gas dehydration can be regenerated and, used over several adsorption
desorption cycles.

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Water Adsorption by Solid
Surface adsorption mechanisms type: physical and chemical.
Chemical process, involving chemical reaction, is termed chemisorptions.
Chemical adsorbents find very limited application in gas processing.
Physical adsorbents allow physical adsorption hold adsorbate on their surface by surface forces.
Properties required for physical adsorbents to be used in gas dehydration:
1. Large surface area for high capacity. Commercial adsorbents have surface area of 500800 m2/g
2. Good activity for components to be removed, and good activity retention with time/use
3. High mass transfer rate(i.e., a high rate of removal)
4. Easy, economic regeneration
5. Small resistance to gas flow small pressure drop through dehydration system
6. High mechanical strength to resist crushing and dust formation and must retain enough strength when wet.
7. Cheap, non-corrosive, non-toxic, chemically inert, high bulk density, and small volume changes upon adsorption
and desorption of water.
Some physical adsorbents:
bauxite ore, consisting primarily of alumina (Al2O3$xH2O) - not used much because it contains iron unsuitable
for sour gases.
alumina
silica gels
silica-alumina gels
molecular sieves.

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ALUMINA
Hydrated form of aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
Least expensive physical adsorbent.
Activated by driving off some water associated with it in its hydrated form (Al2O3.3H2O) by heating.
It produces an excellent dew point depression values as low as -100 oF, but requires much more heat for
regeneration.
It is alkaline and cannot be used in the presence of acid gases, or acidic chemicals used for well treating.
High tendency to adsorb heavy hydrocarbons and difficult to remove them during regeneration.
Has good resistance to liquids, but little resistance to disintegration due to mechanical agitation by flowing gas.

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SILICA GEL AND SILICA-ALUMINA GEL
Gels : granular, amorphous solids manufactured by chemical reaction.
Gels manufactured from sulfuric acid and sodium silicate reaction silica gels, and consist almost solely of silicon
dioxide (SiO2).
Alumina gels consist primarily of some hydrated form of Al2O3.
Silica-alumina gels: silica and alumina gel.
Gels can dehydrate gas to as low as 10 ppm, and easier for regeneration
They adsorb heavy hydrocarbons, but release them relatively more easily during regeneration.
Acidic can handle sour gases, but not alkaline materials such as caustic or ammonia.
No reaction with H2S, but sulfur can deposit and block their surface.
Gels useful if the H2S content is less than 56%.

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Adsorber Tower

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Definition of terms (for adsorption process)

Wet gas: gas containing water vapor prior to flowing through the
adsorber towers

Dry gas: gas that has been dehydrated by flowing through the
adsorber towers

Regeneration gas: wet gas that has been heated in the regeneration gas
heater to T of 400 460 oF. This gas is passed
through a saturated adsorber tower to dry the tower
and remove the previously adsorb water

Desiccant: is a solid, granulated drying or dehydrating medium that


has an extremely large effective surface area per unit
weight because of multitude of microscopic pores and
capillary openings

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Adsorption Process Principles
Adsorption processes, as opposed to absorption
processes, do not involve chemical reactions
Adsorption is purely a surface phenomenon

All solids adsorb water to some extent, but their


efficiency varies primarily with :
nature of the material,
its internal connected porosity and
its effective surface area

Sponge is good example of adsorption. If water


is spilled on the floor, sponge can be placed in
the water, and it will soak up (adsorb) the water

If a lot of water has been spilled and only a small


sponge is available, the sponge can only adsorb
so much water before it become saturated.
Therefore, water must be squeeze out
(regenerated) before it can be used again
Enlargement of molecular sieves particles

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Requirements for solid desiccants

Desirable characteristics of a solid desiccant are:

High adsorptive capacity which reduces contactor size


Easily regenerated for simplicity and economic of operation
High rate of adsorption which allows higher gas velocities and thereby
reduces contactor size
High adsorptive capacity retained after repeated regeneration allowing
longer usage before replacement
Low resistance to gas flow to minimize gas P drop
High mechanical strength to resist crushing and dust formation
Chemically inert to prevent chemical reactions
No change in volume when wet which would necessitate costly allowance
for expansion
Non-corrosive and non-toxic for safety
Low cost to reduce initial and replacement costs

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Adsorption Process (solid desiccants) Working Mechanism

Adsorption process is a batch procedure, with multiple desiccant beds used cyclic operation
to dry the gas on a continuous basis
Number and arrangement of the desiccant beds may vary from two towers, adsorbing
alternately to many towers
Three separate functions or cycles
must be alternately be performed in
each dehydrator:
1. Adsorbing or gas drying cycle
2. Heating or regeneration cycle
3. Cooling cycle to prepare the
regenerated bed for another
adsorbing or gas drying cycle
Wet inlet gas stream first passes
through an efficient inlet separator
where free liquids, entrained mist
and solid particles are removed

Dry bed dehydration unit

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Adsorption Process (solid desiccants) Working Mechanism
This is important since free liquid may damage or destroy the desiccant bed and solid may plug it

At any given time, one of the towers will be on stream in the adsorbing or drying cycle and the other tower
will be in the process of being regenerated and cooled

Several automatically operated switching valves and a controller route the inlet gas and regeneration gas
to the proper tower at the proper time

Typically, a tower will be on adsorb cycle for 4 12 hours with 8 hours being the average

Tower being regenerated would be heated for about 6 hours and cooled during remaining 2 hours

Large volume system may have 3 towers:

One adsorption cycle


One heating cycle
One cooling cycle

All the regeneration gas used in the heating and cooling cycle is passed through a heat exchanger,
normally an aerial cooler, where it is cooled in order to condense the water removed from the regenerated
tower

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Effect of Adsorption Process Variables

Quality of inlet gas


Temperature
Pressure
Cycle time
Gas velocities
Sources of regeneration gas
Direction of gas flow
Desiccant selection
Effect of regeneration gas on outlet gas quality

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Liquid desiccant dehydrations (glycol dehydration)

Advantages Disadvantages
Initial investment for a standard High dew point depressions cannot
unit is relatively inexpensive be obtained with standard
equipment. Consequently, high inlet
P drop through the contactor is gas T cannot be tolerated
low. This may result in reducing
compressor HP requirement Glycol may become contaminated
causing foaming and other
Effective dehydration can be operating difficulties
obtained over a wide range of Pump packing leaks may be a
operating conditions nuisance and expense
Corrosion due to glycol
decomposition products and/or acid
gases is frequently a problem

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Solid desiccant dehydrations

Advantages Disadvantages
High dew point depression can Initial investment is relatively
be obtained expensive
Effective dehydration can be P drop through the contactor is
obtained over a wide range of greater that of a glycol unit
operating conditions
Desiccant can be poisoned,
The nominal capacity of a unit especially by heavy lube oils
may be increased by bypassing which may come into the unit
some wet gas around the unit so with compressed gas
that the combined stream will
At low flow rates, the heat
meets the dew point requirement
required for regeneration is high
relative to the amount of gas
dehydrated

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Other methods of dehydration

Other methods of dehydration or hydrate inhibition that are less frequently


used are:

Dehydration (Expansion Refrigeration):


by expansion refrigeration (Joule-Thomson)
using of calcium chlorite

Hydrate inhibition:
by alcohol or glycol*
by use of flow line heaters

* These methods are not dehydration methods, but rather preventive methods that
result in eliminating the hydrate problem, without removing the water from the gas

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THANK YOU

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