Troubleshooting of Glycol Dehydration PDF

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Troubleshooting
Glycol Dehydration Systems
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
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employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Process For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: CHE20603 R.A. Al-Husseini on 874-2792
Engineering Encyclopedia Process
Troubleshooting Glycol dehydration Systems
CONTENTS PAGES
INFORMATION
DESCRIBING THE GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PROCESS 1
DETERMINING APPROPRIATE GLYCOL TYPES AND LEAN

GLYCOL CONCENTRATIONS FOR THE DEHYDRATION
OF NATURAL GAS STREAMS 14
CALCULATING THE REQUIRED DIAMETERS OF INLET

SCRUBBERS 15
DETERMINING GLYCOL CIRCULATION AND WATER

REMOVAL RATES 18
DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF CONTACTOR

COLUMNS 20
CALCULATING THE HEAT LOAD ON A REBOILER 25
DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF A FLASH

DRUM SEPARATOR 27
DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF A STRIPPING COLUMN 27
RECOMMENDING ACTIONS TO CORRECT FAULTY GLYCOL

DEHYDRATION SYSTEMS 30
WORK AID
Work Aid 1: Procedures and Resources for Determining Appropriate 38

Glycol Types and Lean Glycol Concentrations for the
Dehydration of Natural Gas Streams
Work Aid 2: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the 42

Required Diameters of Inlet Scrubbers
Work Aid 3: Procedures and Resources for Determining 45

Glycol Circulation and Water Removal Rates

Work Aid 4: Procedures and Resources for Determining the 64

Required Size of Contactor Columns
Work Aid 5: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the 73

Heat Load on a Reboiler

Required Size of a Flash Drum Separator

Required Size of a Stripping Column
Work Aid 8: Procedures and Resources for Recommending 84

Actions to Correct Faulty Glycol Dehydration Systems
GLOSSARY 95
ADDENDA
Addendum A Symbols Used in ChE 206.03 100
Addendum B Equations Used in ChE 206.03 102
Addendum C Physical Properties of Glycols 105

DESCRIBING THE GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PROCESS
In general, the process of dehydrating natural gas streams with glycol is similar to using
glycol injection to inhibit hydrate formation. However, because the glycol must not only
absorb, but also remove the water from the gas stream, dehydration systems absorb the water
in contactors (also called absorbers) instead of by injection. Glycol dehydration systems also
require higher and more precisely regulated temperatures in their reboilers.
Figure 1 shows a typical glycol dehydration system.
FIGURE 1: GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 1

Glycol Dehydration Process
Figure 2 shows the simplified process flow of a glycol dehydration system. Wet inlet gas
enters the bottom of the contactor while lean glycol enters the top. As the wet gas stream
flows upward, it contacts the downward flowing lean glycol. During this contact, the glycol
absorbs water from the gas stream. Dry outlet gas leaves the top of the contactor and rich
glycol exits the bottom.
The rich glycol enters the top of the stripping column and countercurrently contacts steam
rising from the reboiler. The rich glycol then enters the reboiler, which boils the water out of
the glycol. The lean glycol leaves the bottom of the reboiler and enters the surge tank for
storage. The pump raises the glycol to system pressure, preparing it for another dehydration
cycle.
Source: Rosen, Ward, Glycol Dehydration. Petroleum Learning Programs Ltd., Houston. ©
1990. With permission of Petroleum Learning Programs, Ltd.
FIGURE 2: SIMPLIFIED PROCESS FLOW OF A GLYCOL DEHYDRATION

SYSTEM

Glycol Dehydration Process (Cont’d)
Most glycol dehydration systems are much more complex than the one shown in Figure 2. In
addition to the contactor, reboiler, still column, surge tank, and glycol pump in Figure 2, most
glycol dehydration systems use:
• A flash tank separator

• A heat exchanger: lean gas/glycol and glycol/glycol
• An inlet scrubber
• Filters
• Stripping column
This additional equipment improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the simplified system
shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the flow of glycol in a more complete dehydration system
than that shown in Figure 2.
Gas
Rich
glycol
Glycol-gas
exchanger
Filter
Glycol-
glycol
heat exchanger
Lean Glycol
Source: Rosen, p. 5.
FIGURE 3: PROCESS FLOW OF A GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM

Glycol Dehydration System Components
This section describes the major components in a glycol dehydration system and how they
function. The following components are covered in this section:
• Inlet scrubber
• Contactor
• Flash tank separator
• Filters
• Glycol pump
• Heat exchangers
• Still column
• Reboiler
Inlet Scrubber
Inadequate scrubbing causes about half of all glycol dehydration system problems. Inlet
scrubbers remove free water and many contaminants from the inlet gas stream. In addition to
free water, these contaminants include:
• Oils or hydrocarbons
• Entrained brine
• Downhole additives
• Solids, such as sand and corrosion products
Figure 4 summarizes the problems caused by these contaminants if not removed by the inlet
scrubber.

Glycol Dehydration System Components (Cont’d)
CONTAMINAN PROBLEMS
T
Free Water Increases glycol recirculation, reboiler heat duty, and fuel
costs
If the dehydration system becomes overloaded with water,
glycol can carry over from the contactor and/or still
Sales gas specification may not be achieved
Oils or Reduce the drying capacity of the glycol

Hydrocarbons
With water present, can cause foaming
Undissolved oils can:
• Plug absorber trays
• Foul heat transfer surfaces in the reboiler
• Increase the viscosity of the glycol
• Light hydrocarbons can flash in the stripping column
and cause loss of glycol and/or damage to the
packing
Entrained Brine Dissolves into glycol

Corrodes steel, especially stainless steel
Deposits on reboiler fire tubes, causing hot spots and fire-
tube burnout
Downhole Cause foaming, corrosion, and, if they deposit on fire tubes,

Additives hot spots
Solids Promote foaming

Erode valves and pumps
Eventually plug trays and packing
Source: Manning, Francis S. and Richard E. Thompson, Oilfield Processing of Petroleum,

Volume One, Natural Gas, Pennwell Books, „ 1991, p. 141.
FIGURE 4: PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CONTAMINANTS

Contactor
Contactor towers contact the lean glycol with the wet gas stream. As Figure 5 shows,
contactor towers consist of three sections:
• Scrubbing section in the bottom

• Drying (mass transfer) section in the middle
• Glycol cooler and mist extractor in the top
Note: The scrubber section in the glycol contactor’s base and the glycol cooling coil are
optional items (restricted to small field units) which are not currently used by Saudi
Aramco.
Source: Manning and Thompson, p. 143, Figure 8-3.

FIGURE 5: CONTACTOR TOWER

Scrubbing Section - The gas stream enters the bottom section of the contactor and then
enters a second scrubber integrated into the contactor and a wire mesh mist extractor. These
remove any contaminants and entrained liquids not removed by the inlet scrubber. This
second stage of scrubbing further minimizes the contamination of the glycol and helps
prevent the free water from overloading the system.
Drying Section - In the middle section of the contactor, the gas stream flows upward and
thoroughly contacts the downward flowing lean glycol through valve trays, bubble caps, or
packing.
Mist Extractor - A mesh or woven mist extractor reduces carryover to less than 1 lb liquid
glycol/MMSCF. For the mist extractor, 4 to 8 inches of stainless steel mesh and 4 inches of
Dacron are generally recommended.
Flash Drum Separator
The flash tank separates hydrocarbon liquid and vapor from the glycol. TEG absorbs 1
SCF/gal glycol at 1,000 psig and 100°F, but glycol absorbs heavier hydrocarbons much more
readily. Flash tanks separate gas condensate and glycol best between 100°F to 150°F and
between 50 psig and 75 psig.
A two-phase separator with a 5 to 10 minute liquid retention time prevents excess

hydrocarbon vapor from entering the stripping column. If hydrocarbons enter the stripping
column, they can flash, increase glycol losses, and possibly break the ceramic packing. If the
specific gravity of the gas stream is high, then a three-phase separator (containing vapor,
aqueous, and liquid hydrocarbon phases) with a 20 to 30 minute residence time is preferred.
Filters
Keeping the solids content in glycol below 0.01 wt % helps prevent the wearing of pumps,
plugging of heat exchangers, foaming, fouling of contactor trays and still packing, cell
corrosion, and hot spots on reboiler fire tubes. Placing a filter after the glycol-glycol heat
exchanger takes advantage of the reduced viscosity of the heated glycol.
Two types of filters are typically used for the glycol solution. Cartridge filters remove solids,
that is, corrosion products. Activated carbon filters remove hydrocarbon impurities, for
example, well treating chemicals and compressor oils. The placement of a rich glycol filter
after the lean/rich glycol exchange has the advantage of a lower glycol viscosity, but the
lower viscosity is at the expense of a potential increase to the fouling rate of the rich side of
the lean/rich glycol exchanger.

Glycol Pump
Glycol circulation pumps contain the only moving parts in a glycol dehydration system. The
three types of pumps used in dehydration systems are:
• Electric-motor driven
• High-pressure gas-operated
• High-pressure liquid-operated
Larger dehydration systems generally use electric-motor driven pumps. Smaller dehydration
systems and those remotely located generally use high-pressure gas-operated or high-pressure
liquid-operated pumps.
Installing a second (spare) pump capable of providing full glycol circulation ensures
continuous dehydration if the primary glycol circulation pump fails.
Heat Exchangers
Glycol dehydration systems often use three heat exchangers:
• Lean gas/glycol
• Glycol/glycol
• Reflux coil located in still column
Lean Gas/Glycol Heat Exchangers use lean gas to further cool the glycol to 5°F to 15°F
above the exit temperature of the gas stream before the glycol enters the top of the contactor.
Generally, glycol dehydration systems use double-pipe or shell-and-tube heat exchangers for
lean gas/glycol heat exchangers.
Glycol/Glycol Heat Exchangers preheat the rich glycol leaving the bottom of the contactor
before it enters the reboiler and cools the lean glycol leaving the reboiler before it goes to the
lean gas/glycol heat exchanger and the top of the contactor.
The reflux coil (using cool, rich glycol) or the cooling fins on the still column (whichever is
applicable) maintains the temperature at the top of the still column. The glycol/glycol heat
exchangers essentially increase the energy efficiency of the system. The large difference
between the exit temperatures of the lean and rich glycol from these heat exchangers requires
counter current flow to prevent temperature cross. Therefore, larger glycol dehydration
systems generally use two double-pipe or plate-and-frame heat exchangers in series.

Still Column
Reflux Coil - The top of the still column contains a cooling coil that condenses some of the
steam rising from the reboiler, providing reflux for the column. This cooling coil controls
condensation and reduces glycol losses.
In addition to the reboiler, the still column also reconcentrates glycol. Still columns
countercurrently contact rich glycol with steam rising from the reboiler. This steam strips
water from the liquid glycol. Still columns usually contain 4 to 8 ft of ceramic packing
although some large units use trays.
Reboiler
Reboilers provide enough heat to boil the water out of the glycol. Glycol dehydration systems
often use direct-fired heaters, but not when the fire hazard they present poses too much of a
threat. In such locations, for example, offshore platforms, fire codes and safety require the
use of indirect-fired heaters.
The bulk temperature of TEG must be kept below 400°F and the maximum fire-tube skin
temperature below 430°F to help prevent thermal decomposition of the TEG. The U-shaped
fire tube in a TEG reboiler must be sized for an average heat flux of 6,000 to 8,000 Btu/hr-ft2
to keep the TEG and the reboiler below these temperatures.
Surge Tank (Accumulator)
The surge tank (accumulator) holds glycol to compensate for fluctuations in the load on the
glycol dehydration systems. During normal operation, surge tanks are only about half full of
glycol. During shutdown, however, they need to hold all of the glycol that drains down from
the trays, vessels, and piping. Contact with air can result in degradation of the glycol. A gas
blanket usually protects the glycol from air contamination.

Specialized Glycol Reconcentration Systems
Some specialized glycol dehydration systems can achieve large dew-point depressions of
natural gas streams. These systems include using a stripping gas, Drizo, and the Cold Finger
processes.
Stripping Gas
Adding a stripping gas to the still column increases the glycol purity produced by the glycol
reconcentrator from about 98.5% to 99.9%. Glycol dehydration systems using stripping gas
generally inject dry, sales gas into the top of the reboiler. The stripping gas flows up
countercurrently to the glycol, further stripping water from the glycol. Using sales gas
increases the cost of the system because of the loss of revenue. Figure 6 shows a glycol
dehydration system that uses a stripping gas.
Regenerator Overhead
Lean Stripping
TEG column
Rich
TEG
Glycol-glycol
heat exchanger
Lean glycol
pump
Source: Fontenot, C.E. and others, Economic Comparison of Two Enhanced Glycol
Dehydration Processes, 1986 Gas Conditioning Conference, p. F-10, Figure 3-86.
FIGURE 6: GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM USING A STRIPPING GAS

Drizo
The Drizo (Dow WT-2 Technology) process developed by Dow Chemical achieves glycol
purities of 99.99+ % and dew points as low as -100°F. Drizo competes best with other
regeneration systems in applications requiring dew points of -40F to -80°F. Drizo uses a
hydrocarbon solvent, usually isooctane, to form an azeotrope and lower the boiling
temperature of the water-hydrocarbon mixture.
Figure 7 shows a schematic of a Drizo regeneration system.
Overhead
condenser
Vent
Gas
Stripping
Column
Flash
drum
Glycol-glycol
heat exchanger
Lean glycol Solvent

pump pump
Source: Fontenot, C.E. and others, p. F-10, Figure 3-86.
FIGURE 7: SCHEMATIC OF DRIZO REGENERATION SYSTEM

Drizo Process Flow - The rich glycol from the contactor flows into the top of the still
column.
• The reboiler conventionally reconcentrates the glycol to about 98.5% purity.

• In the stripping still, the partially reconcentrated glycol countercurrently contacts the
hydrocarbon solvent at 400°F.
• The overhead condenser condenses the water-hydrocarbon mixture.
• The separator separates the water and the hydrocarbon solvent. The system recycles
the hydrocarbon solvent.
Cold Finger Process - This process achieves high glycol purity by taking advantage of TEG
vapor's higher equilibrium water content than TEG liquid. At any given temperature, the
water content of the vapor phase is higher than the liquid phase.
Figure 8 is a vapor/liquid equilibrium diagram for TEG-water. At the normal reboiler
temperature of 400°F, TEG-water vapor contains 60% H2O but a liquid TEG-water solution
contains only 2% H2O.
Pressure = 20 psia
60
Source: Gas Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition, Version 1, Production Operations Division,
Exxon Production Research Co., June 1992, p. 75, Figure 29.
FIGURE 8: GRAPH OF TEG-WATER SOLUTIONS

The Cold Finger process uses a closed vessel kept at 400°F. Figure 9 shows a cross section of
a Cold Finger vessel. A “cold finger” or condenser is provided in the vapor space. Vapor
condenses on the condenser tube bundle drains into the trough underneath. As the trough
removes the condensate (mostly water) from the vessel, the TEG-water solution tries to
restore equilibrium by releasing more water, further increasing the concentration of TEG in
liquid.
The Cold Finger process is more fuel efficient than a conventional TEG dehydration system,
but it is more complex and its effectiveness is not as well proven.
Cold Finger Condenser
Vapor
Glycol Condensate
Solution
Product
Source: Gas Dehydration and Hydrate Inhibition, p. 76, Figure 30.
FIGURE 9: CROSS SECTION OF COLD FINGER VESSEL
Vacuum Stripping
Glycol dehydration systems operated with a vacuum obtain glycol purities approaching
99.99%. These systems, however, are rarely used because of their high operating costs and
the problems caused by achieving and maintaining vacuums.

DETERMINING APPROPRIATE GLYCOL TYPES AND LEAN GLYCOL

CONCENTRATIONS FOR THE DEHYDRATION OF NATURAL GAS STREAMS
Glycol Type
Figure 17 in Work Aid 1 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using the four
glycol types—MEG, DEG, TEG, and TREG—for dehydration. MEG is used only for hydrate
inhibition. Although DEG was the first glycol used to dehydrate natural gas, TEG is now the
glycol most commonly used for dehydration. TREG is used to dehydrate gases with drying
requirements beyond TEG's capability, but not requiring a stripping gas.
TEG can reach higher levels of purity, 98% to 99.5%, in an atmospheric stripper because of
its relatively high decomposition temperature of 404°F. DEG, in comparison, decomposes at
328°F. Reboilers regenerating TEG, therefore, can operate at much higher temperatures and
boil off more water than those regenerating DEG.
Dehydration systems not requiring a stripping gas, but with operating conditions beyond those
of normal TEG operations, generally use TREG.
Lean Glycol Concentration
To help you determine an appropriate glycol concentration, Work Aid 1 contains two graphs,
Figure 16 and Figure 18. You can use Figure 16 for any glycol, but Figure 18 is only for
TEG. Because industry uses TEG much more than any other glycol, the graph in Figure 18 is
much more common. For example, the Gas Processors Suppliers Association (GPSA)
publishes only this graph in its Engineering Data Book.
Figure 16 in Work Aid 1 plots aqueous glycol concentrations against gas inlet temperatures.
Figure 18 in Work Aid 1 plots water equilibrium dew points against various aqueous
concentrations of TEG. For both plots, given the inlet temperature of the gas stream and the
required dew point of the exit gas stream, you can determine the TEG concentration.
However, Figure 18 plots actual equilibrium temperatures that are uneconomical for
contactors to achieve. To use this graph, assume that typical contactors only approach within
20°F of equilibrium temperature. GPSA advises that it is seldom economical to approach
equilibrium dew points more closely.

CALCULATING THE REQUIRED DIAMETERS OF INLET SCRUBBERS
Properly sized inlet scrubbers help prevent:
• Excessive dilution of glycol

• Excessive heat load on the reboiler
• Higher than normal glycol circulation rates
• High glycol losses
• Salt contamination
• Still column flooding
• Wet sales gas
This section briefly covers the operation of inlet scrubbers and then covers the sizing of inlet
scrubbers.
Operation
Inlet scrubbers are vertically oriented gas-liquid separators. The American Petroleum
Institute (API) requires inlet scrubbers to have wire mesh mist extractors. The following list
summarizes the operation of an inlet scrubber:
• The gas stream enters the inlet opening.

• The inlet diverter forces the flow of the gas stream downward.
• The gas stream moves upward into the mist extractor.
• The entrained liquids coalesce on the mist extractor.
• The coalesced liquids settle in the bottom of the scrubber, flowing out through the
outlet opening.
Figure 10 shows a schematic of an inlet scrubber.

Operation (Cont’d)
Source: GPSA, p. 7-5, Figure 7-6.
FIGURE 10: INLET SCRUBBER
Wire Mesh Mist Extractors
Wire mesh mist extractors are generally pads of wire mesh and are often capable of removing
liquid droplets of 10 mm or smaller. Wire mesh pads perform efficiently when oriented
perpendicular to the gas flow (horizontally in a vertical separator).

Determining Inlet Scrubber Size
Sizing an inlet scrubber for a new installation requires balancing many factors involving the
other components in the glycol dehydration system. When troubleshooting an existing
system, however, the inlet scrubber can be isolated for sizing.
Sizing inlet scrubbers involves fairly complex calculations. Fortunately, vendors greatly
simplify the sizing process by graphing the results of these calculations.
GPSA Equations for Sizing Inlet Scrubbers
The Souders-Brown correlation (Eqn. 1) estimates inlet scrubber diameters. In addition to

Eqn. 1, manufacturers provide charts and API publishes tables that compile the results of the
Souders-Brown correlation.
V= K
(ρL − ρ v )
ρv (Eqn. 1)
where: V = Allowable gas velocity, ft/s

K = Souders-Brown coefficient
rL = Hydrocarbon liquid density at conditions, lb/ft3
rv = Hydrocarbon gas density at column conditions, lb/ft3
Once V is calculated and knowing the gas rate, the cross-sectional area is calculated. This
area can then be used to determine the inlet scrubber diameter.
Figure 26 in Work Aid 2 tabulates the results of Eqn. 1. Using this figure or other charts
produced by manufacturers simplifies calculating inlet scrubber diameters.

DETERMINING GLYCOL CIRCULATION AND WATER REMOVAL RATES
When the other variables in contactor design are fixed, the dew point depression achieved by
a contactor is a function of the glycol circulation rate (rate of lean glycol circulated to water
removed).
Standard Glycol Circulation Rates
Glycol dehydration systems use glycol circulation rates of 1.5 to 4 gal glycol/lb H2O
removed. In smaller units with four to six trays, designers generally specify a glycol
circulation rate of 3 gal glycol/lb H2O removed. In larger units with eight or more trays,
designers generally specify a more economical glycol circulation rate of 2 gal glycol/lb H2O
removed.
Glycol circulation rates below 2 gal glycol/lb H2O removed do not provide adequate glycol-
gas contact in trayed contactors. In contactors using structured packing, however, glycol
circulation rates of 1 gal glycol/lb H2O removed provide good glycol-gas contact.
Although glycol circulation rates as high as 7 gal glycol/lb H2O removed can be used,
increasing TEG circulation rates much above 3 gal glycol/lb H2O removed achieves very
little increase in dew point depression. Higher circulation rates also:
• Can increase glycol losses

• Increase glycol pump maintenance problems
• Increase the temperature on the top tray of the contactor
• Overload the reboiler
• Prevent good glycol regeneration

Graphs Plotting Glycol Circulation Rates and Dew Point Depressions
Work Aid 3 contains several graphs developed by Olbrich and Manning that plot dew point
depressions against TEG circulation rates. Olbrich and Manning claim that these graphs,
unlike the graphs published by GPSA, predict dew point depressions that are 2°F to 15°F
more conservative. Each graph plots dew point depressions for the following conditions:
• A contact temperature, 80°F or 100°F

• A number of theoretical trays (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5)
• One operating pressure, 600 psia
When the number of contactor trays and the glycol concentration are known or already
established, use these graphs to determine glycol circulation rates.
Other Glycol Circulation Rate Calculations
In addition to determining the amount of glycol circulated per pound of water removed, the
following glycol circulation rates are also calculated:
• Volume/weight of lean glycol circulated per hour

• Volume/weight of pure glycol circulated
• Volume of rich glycol circulated
These other rates are required for sizing system components.

DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF CONTACTOR COLUMNS
Sizing contactors involves determining the following variables of a contactor:
• Type of trays or packing

• Number of trays
• Column diameter
To help troubleshoot glycol dehydration systems, the following sections discuss the principles
involved in determining these three variables. The last section summarizes API Specification
12GDU (SPEC 12GDU).
Type of Trays or Packing Used for Glycol Dehydration
Contactors use both trays (bubble caps and valve trays) and packing (random and structured)
to achieve contact between the glycol and the gas stream.
Trays
Although valve trays more efficiently contact the gas stream with the glycol than bubble caps,
most trayed contactors use bubble caps.
Bubble cap and valve tray efficiency measures how closely the glycol and water approach
equilibrium. Vapor and liquid leaving a tray only approach equilibrium (rather than reach
equilibrium) because the closer the vapor and liquid approach equilibrium, the smaller the
driving force for further mass transfer. Generally, valve trays have a 33% tray efficiency and
bubble caps have a 25% tray efficiency. Contactors typically use bubble caps because they:
• Are suitable for viscous liquids

• Can operate effectively down to 20% of design gas flow rates
• Do not drain the trays
• Do not weep at low gas flow rates
To handle glycol foaming, designers space trays in contactor columns at least 18 in. apart,
typically 24 in. to 30 in. apart.

Packing
In addition to bubble caps and valve trays, contactors also use packing. Packed columns
usually produce lower pressure drops per theoretical tray and have more liquid loading
capacity for a given column diameter.
Trayed columns force the glycol to flow across a tray surface and fully contact the gas, but in
packed columns the glycol and gas stream can channel. When this occurs, the glycol and
vapor seek their own flow paths and do not contact each other. Therefore, the packed
contactors must properly distribute glycol at the top of the column.
Types of Packing
Contactors may also use random and structured packing. Random packing uses many
discrete pieces of packing dumped into the column shell resulting in a random orientation.
Random packing is effective for applications with column diameters of 24 in. OD and
smaller.
Structured packing uses knitted mesh or closely spaced corrugated sheet metal stacked
vertically with the corrugations typically oriented 45° from the horizontal. These
arrangements result in additional efficiency and capacity compared to trayed columns. Also,
while the height of an equilibrium stage (theoretical tray) in a trayed contactor is 8 ft (4 trays
x 24 in./tray), it is only about 3 ft for structured packing.
These advantages make structured packing a good alternative to trays for both new contactor
designs and for upgrading the capacity of existing contactors.
Number of Trays
As a general rule, you can estimate that the first four trays result in a dew point depression of
60°F and that each additional tray increases the dew point depression by 7°F. Given this
depression, most contactors only require one or two theoretical trays. Because bubble caps
are only about 25% efficient, each theoretical tray equals 4 actual trays.
This module covers two methods for determining the number of trays required by a contactor.
The first method uses graphs plotting glycol circulation rates and dew-point depressions. The
second method uses modified McCabe-Thiele diagrams.

Modified McCabe-Thiele Diagrams
Modified McCabe-Thiele diagrams plot water content against glycol concentration and can be
used to calculate the number of theoretical trays required by a contactor. Figure 11 shows an
example of a modified McCabe-Thiele diagram.
FIGURE 11: EXAMPLE OF MODIFIED McCABE-THIELE DIAGRAM

Reading Modified McCabe-Thiele Diagrams - In the modified McCabe-Thiele diagram

shown in Figure 11, line BD plots equilibrium water contents against various concentrations
of TEG at the inlet temperature of the gas stream plotted, 89°F. Note that 100 wt % TEG
implies no water in either the gas or liquid phases of the TEG.
Point A plots the conditions at the bottom of the contactor, and point F plots the conditions at
the top of the contactor. The line connecting them, line AF, plots the operating conditions of
the gas stream in the contactor. This line represents a material balance of the water lost by the
natural gas and the water gained by the glycol. Because any curvature of the operating line
can be ignored, you can construct this by connecting point A and point F.
Using Modified McCabe-Thiele Diagrams - McCabe-Thiele diagrams determine the

number of equilibrium stages by graphing each equilibrium stage required. In Figure 11 for
example, line AB represents the amount of water absorbed by one theoretical tray. Similarly,
line CD also represents the amount of water absorbed by one theoretical tray. This system
does not require a whole second tray. It only requires the removal of the water represented by
line CE. Therefore, the ratio of CE to CD represents the fraction of theoretical trays required
by this system.
Column Diameter
The Souders-Brown correlation (Eqn. 1) also estimates contactor column diameters. In

addition to Eqn. 1, manufacturers provide charts and API publishes tables that compile the
results of the Souders-Brown correlation.
ρL − ρ V
V =K
ρV
(Eqn. 1)
where: V = Allowable gas velocity, ft/s

rL = Glycol density, lb/ft3
rv = Gas density at column conditions, lb/ft3
After V has been calculated, the cross-sectional area can be calculated using this area to
determine the column diameter.
Figure 33 in Work Aid 4 tabulates results of Eqn. 1. Using this Figure or other charts
produced by manufacturers greatly simplifies calculating column diameters.

API Specification 12GDU (SPEC 12GDU)
API Specification 12GDU covers the minimum requirements for materials, design, fabrication
and testing of conventional glycol type gas dehydrator systems using TEG. This specification
encompasses equipment which includes inlet separators, contactors, glycol heat
exchangers/reboilers, surge tanks, pumps, filters, and separators. Special requirements for
offshore units are not included.
API Specified Calculations and Resources
API specifies using the Souders-Brown correlation and publishes tables compiling the results
of this correlation as well as other tables required to size contactors. Work Aid 5 uses many
of these resources.

CALCULATING THE HEAT LOAD ON A REBOILER
Methods for sizing reboilers range from very rough estimates to more precise methods that
account for the
• Sensible heat required to raise the temperature of the glycol
• Heat required to vaporize the water absorbed by the glycol
• Heat required to revaporize the reflux water
Reboiler Operation
Figure 12 shows the flow diagram of a glycol reconcentrator. The rich glycol enters the
reflux coil and condenses some of the steam rising out of the reboiler. This condensed water
returns to the reboiler. The glycol-glycol heat exchanger pre-heats the rich glycol before it
enters the reboiler and cools the lean glycol leaving the reboiler. The reboiler burns fuel gas
in its U-tube and conducts the heat through the U-tube to the glycol.
Rich glycol
from flash tank
FIGURE 12: FLOW DIAGRAM OF GLYCOL RECONCENTRATOR

Reboiler Heat Loads
Reboilers must provide heat to raise the temperature of the rich glycol, vaporize the water in
the rich glycol, and vaporize the water condensed by the reflux coil.
Sensible Heat
TEG enters the reboiler at a temperature of about 275°F. The reboiler must then heat the TEG
and water to about 390°F. Sensible heat is the energy required to make this temperature
change. It does not include the energy required to change the water from liquid to vapor.
Heat Required to Vaporize Water Absorbed by Glycol
The reboiler must not only raise the temperature of the water absorbed by the glycol, it must
also impart enough heat to the water to change its phase from liquid to vapor. This heat load
depends on the water's heat of vaporization, the amount of energy required to change the
water from liquid to vapor without an increase in temperature.
Heat Required to Revaporize Reflux Water
The reflux coil uses rich glycol to condense some of the steam rising from the reboiler. This
reflux water descends the still column into the reboiler and helps to reduce glycol losses.
However, it also adds to the heat load on the reboiler because it must revaporize the steam
condensed by the reflux coil.
The amount of reflux is generally expressed as a fraction or percentage of water evaporated in

the reboiler. This module assumes that 25% of the water evaporated by the reboiler is
condensed by the reflux coil and returned to the reboiler. This reflux effectively increases the
heat load required to vaporize the water that the glycol absorbs out of the gas stream by 25%.

DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF A FLASH DRUM SEPARATOR
The size of a flash drum separator depends on the amount of liquid that it must retain. Two-
phase flash drums separate hydrocarbon vapor from the glycol. Three-phase flash drums
separate both hydrocarbon vapor and hydrocarbon liquid from the glycol. Glycol dehydration
systems processing gas streams with high specific gravities require three-phase separators.
DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF A STRIPPING COLUMN
Using stripping gas in still columns generates glycol purities as high as 99.9 wt %.
Troubleshooting a glycol dehydration system involves determining both the ratio of stripping
gas used to the glycol circulation rate and the size of the stripping column.
Terminology
Stripping columns are also called still columns, strippers, rectifier columns, and reflux
columns. Frequently, the name of the still column does not reflect whether or not it uses
stripping gas. API, however, does distinguish between columns with and without stripping
gas. API defines columns mounted to the top of the reboiler and not using stripping gas as
still columns. It defines packed columns using stripping gas as stripping columns. For
clarity, this module uses API’s definitions.
Stripping Gas
To achieve glycol purities up to 99.9 wt %, a stripping gas can be used in the still column.
Figure 13 shows a glycol dehydration system using a stripping gas. The system diverts some
of the fuel gas into the glycol in the reboiler. The gas rises up through the glycol in the
reboiler. It then rises through the stripping column contacting the glycol flowing down.
Adding stripping gas to the still column has a similar effect as generating a vacuum in the
stripping column (the partial pressure of the water is lowered).

Stripping Gas (Cont’d)
FIGURE 13: GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM USING A STRIPPING GAS
Stripping-Gas-to-TEG Ratio
The amount of stripping gas used in stripping columns ranges from 2 SCF/gal of glycol
circulated to 10 SCF/gal of glycol circulated. Using stripping gas at a rate greater than 10
SCF/gal of glycol circulated does not result in significant increases in glycol purity.

Size of a Stripping Column
The diameter of a still column or stripping still depends on the vapor and liquid load at the
base of the still. The vapor load consists of the water vapor rising from the reboiler and, if
used, the stripping gas. The liquid load consists of the rich glycol and the reflux, both flowing
downward.
Most TEG stripping columns require one theoretical tray or, conservatively, a minimum of 4
ft. of packing. Test data and conservative design also show that this height should be
gradually raised to 8 ft. for a 1 MM Btu/hr unit.

RECOMMENDING ACTIONS TO CORRECT FAULTY GLYCOL DEHYDRATION

SYSTEMS
Operating problems can be identified by the following tests:
• Measuring the water content of both the lean and rich glycols
• Measuring the pH of the glycol
• Inspecting the glycol visually
• Odor (aromatic odor usually indicates glycol degradation)
• Using gas chromatography to analyze the glycol
• Using distillation to analyze the glycol for hydrocarbon contamination
• Testing the glycol for foaming tendencies
• Performing other tests to detect specific impurities
High Outlet Gas Dew Point
The following conditions may cause the dew point of the outlet gas to be too high:
• Change in gas flow rate, temperature, or pressure

• Insufficient glycol circulation rate (should be 1.5 to 3 gal TEG/lb H2O removed)
• Poor glycol reconcentration
• Current operating conditions differ from design
• Malfunction of inlet scrubber
As covered in ChE 206.01, the dew point of the gas exiting from the glycol dehydration
system can be measured using many methods. The measured dew point reflects the
performance of the system. If the dew point is below the specified level, then the system is
removing too much water from the gas stream and wasting fuel. If the dew point is above
specification, then the system is not removing enough water and requires attention.
The problems detected by these tests can be caused by changing gas conditions, glycol
foaming, incorrect system temperatures, and contaminated glycol.

Gas Conditions
Changes in the operating conditions of the inlet gas can cause problems in glycol dehydration
systems. Increasing the inlet gas temperature or flow rate can overload the glycol dehydration
system.
Inlet Gas Temperature
The performance of glycol dehydration systems depends greatly on the conditions of the inlet
gas, especially its temperature. TEG can dehydrate natural gas streams at operating
temperatures from 50°F to 130°F, but it dehydrates best at operating temperatures between
80°F to 100°F. Below 70°F, TEG is too viscous. High viscosity of TEG reduces tray
efficiency, promotes foaming, and increases glycol losses. Because small increases in
temperature result in large increases of water content in the inlet gas, above 110°F the inlet
gas contains too much water.
For example, a saturated gas at 120°F and 1,000 psia holds about three times the water as the
same gas at 80°F and 1,000 psia. Tripling the water content of the inlet gas stream triples the
load on the reboiler. If the reboiler cannot compensate, then the purity of the lean glycol
decreases, resulting in a lower dew point of the outlet gas.
The lean glycol supplied to the top of the contactor should be 5°F to 15°F warmer than the
dried gas exiting the contactor. If the glycol is too warm, the top tray in the contactor acts as
a heat exchanger and raises the temperature of the glycol. This higher temperature increases
the partial pressure of the water vapor, which decreases the contactor’s drying efficiency,
increases glycol vaporization losses, and increases the dew point of the outlet gas.
If the inlet gas is too warm, the cooler glycol condenses hydrocarbons, which promotes
foaming.
Flow Rate of Inlet Gas Stream
In addition to increasing the load on the glycol dehydration system, increasing the inlet gas
flow rate can cause a blowing flood condition. Normally, the contactor trays operate in
severe spray regime—very little liquid glycol compared to the gas flow rate. Increasing the
gas flow rate without increasing the glycol circulation rate can upset this balance.

Foaming
Foaming affects dehydration and causes excessive glycol losses. Glycol can also foam out of
the contactor, go down stream with the outlet gas stream, flood downstream equipment, create
liquid plugs, and contaminate downstream processing systems. Contaminants, such as solid
particles, salts, corrosion inhibitors, and hydrocarbon liquids, cause foaming.
Since foaming dramatically increases liquid-gas contact area, in theory, foaming should
enhance glycol’s removing of water from the gas stream. However, the glycol cannot
separate itself from the gas. The glycol remains in contact with the same gas molecules,
causing the system to quickly reach a gas-glycol-water equilibrium.
Monitoring the pressure drop across the contactor is the best method for detecting foaming.
The following conditions indicate that the glycol may be foaming:
• Erratic pressure readings followed by a rapid increase of 2 psi to 5 psi.

• A drop in the glycol level in the surge tank can also indicate foaming.
• A visual inspection of the lean glycol shows that it has foreign material in it. The
color of the glycol does not necessarily show that the glycol is dirty, but if it appears
milky or hazy, then it contains foreign material and may be foaming.
• Foaming can be detected by bubbling air through a sample of glycol for 5 min. and
observing the resulting foam height and stability.
• Pressure increases of 5 psi to 10 psi across the contactor and a negative foam test
indicate foaming.
The most effective defoamers include silicone emulsion breakers, higher molecular weight
alcohols, and block polymers of ethylene and propylene. Defoamers, however, only treat the
symptom and can cause other problems.

Reconcentrator Temperatures
Temperatures in the reconcentrator, the still column, and the reboiler reflect performance of
the glycol dehydration system and can indicate problems. Figure 14 tabulates recommended
temperatures for glycol dehydration components.
PROCESS LOCATION TEMPERATURE, °F

Inlet gas 80°F to 100°F
Glycol into contactor 5°F to 15°F higher than dry gas
Glycol in flash separator or skimmer 100°F to 150°F (150°F preferred)
Glycol into filters 100°F to 150°F (150°F preferred)
Glycol into still column 300°F to 350°F
Top of still column 210°F
With stripping gas, 190°F
Reboiler 380°F to 400°F (380°F preferred)
350°F yields ~98.5 wt % TEG
400°F yields ~99.0 wt % TEG
TEG entering pump Less than 200°F
Source: Manning and Thompson, p. 147, Table 8-2.
FIGURE 14: RECOMMENDED GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM OPERATING

TEMPERATURES
Still Column or Stripping Column Temperatures
The temperature at the top of the still column should be kept at 210°F, preferably by adjusting
the flow of rich glycol into the reflux coil. If this temperature drops much below 200°F, the
reflux coil may condense too much water vapor. This may flood the column, overfill the
reboiler, increase column pressure, and blow liquids out of the vent. However, the
temperature at the top of a stripping column can be reduced to as low as 190°F because it uses
stripping gas.

If the temperature of the rich glycol entering the still column is too high, the rich glycol
solution will flash, resulting in a two-phase flow. Also, if the temperature at the top of the
still column exceeds 200°F, the system may lose excessive amounts of glycol vapor from the
still column.
Reboiler Temperature
Hot spots on the fire tube or too hot reboiler temperatures cause thermal degradation of the
glycol. Glycol is typically regenerated at temperatures as high as 400°F. Because
decomposition of glycol starts at 404°F, temperature control in the reboiler can be critical for
glycol life.
Glycol Contamination
With careful monitoring, elimination of contaminants, carbon filtration, use of three-phase

separators, and maintenance of pH between 7 and 8, glycol can last 5 to 10 years. Without an
upstream filter-coalescer, the glycol may only last 1 year. This sections covers the ways
glycol can become contaminated. If glycol becomes contaminated, vacuum distillation can
recover about 90% of it.
Salt
Salt dissolves into the glycol, making it corrosive to steel, particularly stainless steel. Salt
also alters specific gravity readings, reduces heat transfer in the reboiler, and deposits on
reboiler fire tubes. These deposits create hot spots in the fire tubes, and these hot spots can
lead to glycol dehydration and/or tube failure. Glycol with salt levels above 2,500 ppm(wt)
should be drained and, if economical, reclaimed. After it is drained, the glycol dehydration
unit should be cleaned.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbon liquids enter the glycol dehydration system and contaminate the glycol by being
as follows:
• Entrained in the inlet gas and not removed by the inlet scrubber
• Condensed at the top of the contactor by the lean glycol entering the contactor at a
colder temperature than the outlet gas
• Absorbed from the gas stream by the glycol
Oils dissolved in glycol reduce the drying capacity of the glycol. Mixed with water, dissolved
oils cause foaming. If permitted to enter the still column, hydrocarbon liquids flow down the
column and flash rapidly in the reboiler. This flashing can blow liquids out the top of the still
column.

Entrained or Free Water
Entrained or free water in the inlet gas increases glycol circulation, reboiler heat duty, and
fuel costs. If free water overloads the system, glycol can be carried over from the contactor
and/or still.
Downhole Additives
Downhole additives, such as acidizing and fracturing fluids, and corrosion inhibitors cause
foaming, corrosion, and, if they deposit on fire tubes, hot spots.
Solids
Solids, such as sand and corrosion products, promote foaming, erode valves and pumps, and
eventually plug trays and packing.
Glycol picks up dust, sand, pipeline sludge, reservoir fines, and corrosion products when they
are not removed by the inlet scrubber. These solids eventually settle out of the glycol and
form an abrasive, sticky, black gum. This substance erodes glycol pumps and other
equipment, plugs trays and packing, and deposits on fire tubes. Glycol dehydration systems
should be filtered to keep the concentration of solids below 0.01 wt %. The filters should be
designed to remove all particles over 5 microns in size.
Solids in the lean glycol or drive fluid can restrict small passages in the glycol pump,
reducing the glycol circulation rate and increasing the outlet gas dew point.
Oxygen in System
Oxygen can get into glycol dehydration systems through leaking pumps, storage tanks
without inert-gas blankets, and, rarely, the inlet gas. A gas blanket consisting of a very small
flow of fuel gas into the vapor space at the top of liquid storage tanks keeps air from entering
the tank. Pump packing glands that leak excessively should be repaired promptly.

Methanol
Methanol may be injected into upstream pipelines. Methanol in the feed gas to a dehydrator
will be absorbed by the glycol. This results in the following problems:
• Methanol will add to the heat duty on the reboiler and to the vapor load on the
regenerator.
• Aqueous methanol causes rust in carbon steel, so accelerated corrosion may occur in
the regenerator and reboiler vapor space.
Most of the methanol absorbed in the rich solution can be removed by flashing in the
regenerator. Activated carbon filters are used to adsorb methanol from the lean glycol
solution to avoid these problems.
Other Glycols
Lower molecular weight glycols, such as EG and DEG, can be injected into upstream
pipelines and may create problems in a glycol dehydration system. When EG and DEG come
in with the feed gas, they decompose readily at the reboiler temperatures used for TEG and
TREG and contribute to coke and sludge formation. Such formations result in a low pH
corrosive solution and consequent fouling.
Thermal Degradation
The following actions can help prevent thermal degradation:

• Keeping the temperature of TEG reboilers below 400°F
• Keeping reboiler heat fluxes below 8,000 Btu/hr-ft2
• Regularly inspecting reboiler fire tubes for hot spots. Because hot spots continue to
glow red after the flame is shut off, inspection is best done after dark.
Shutdown - Using improper shutdown procedures can cause the system to overheat the
glycol. To avoid thermal decomposition, glycol dehydration systems should be shut down in
the following order:
• Shut off the inlet gas.
• Shut off the heat to the reboiler.
• Circulate the glycol until the reboiler temperature drops to 175°F.
• Stop the glycol pumps and slowly bleed off system pressure.

Low pH
The pH of glycol should be checked frequently. The optimum pH for glycol is 7.0 to 7.5. A
pH above 8 promotes foaming. New glycol has a neutral pH of 7. Solutions in glycol
dehydration systems not located downstream from an amine unit become acidic and
corrosive, especially if the inlet gas contains H2S or CO2.
Adding a base, such as borax or triethanolamine, neutralizes the corrosive acids formed by
glycol decomposition, glycol oxidation, or dissolved H2S or CO2.
Glycol Reclamation
Sometimes it is economical to reclaim contaminated glycol. In addition to the cost of the

reclaiming service, the costs of transportation, handling, storage, and supervision should be
computed and compared with the cost of replacing the contaminated glycol. Also, glycol
reclamation does not remove all of the contaminants, so its quality is not as good as new
glycol.
Reclaiming services use fractional distillation to remove most impurities and then use vacuum
distillation to further purify the glycol. Reclaimed glycol usually contains small amounts of
water and oil. These impurities are not detrimental because the dehydration system contains
them anyway.
Activated Carbon Filters
Glycol dehydration systems use activated carbon filters to clean glycols contaminated with
hydrocarbon liquids, surfactants, well-treating chemicals, and compressor lube oils.
High Glycol Losses
In large, well-monitored glycol dehydration systems, many manufacturers consider the

maximum allowable glycol loss to be 1 lb/MMSCF (0.1 gal/MMSCF). Except for
immediately downstream from compressors, this maximum loss can be expected to be as low
as 0.5 lb/MMSCF. Improper operation can increase glycol losses to as much as 100
gal/MMSCF. For example, a leaking pump can waste 35 gallons of glycol per day.

WORK AID 1: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR DETERMINING

APPROPRIATE GLYCOL TYPES AND LEAN GLYCOL
CONCENTRATIONS FOR THE DEHYDRATION OF NATURAL
GAS STREAMS
Work Aid 1A: Procedures for Determining Appropriate Glycol Type and
Concentration
1. To determine the glycol concentration required to achieve the required dew point at the
specified inlet gas temperature, use Figure 16.
2. To determine the appropriate glycol type to use to achieve this glycol concentration, use
Figure 17.
3. If TEG is determined to be the appropriate glycol type, use Figure 18 to determine a
more precise concentration. To use Figure 18, read an equilibrium dew point on the y-
axis that is 20°F lower than the equilibrium dew point required.

Work Aid 1B: Resources for Determining Appropriate Glycol Type and
Concentration
FIGURE 16: AQUEOUS GLYCOL CONCENTRATIONS VS. GAS INLET

TEMPERATURE

Work Aid 1B (Cont’d)
GLYCOL USES/
TYPES APPLICATIONS ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
MEG Hydrate inhibition -- --
only
First glycol used Provides reasonable dew Can be regenerated to
DEG commercially point control only 95% MAX
Low thermal
degradation temperature
Glycol most Requires lower circulation High viscosity (not used
TEG commonly used for rates than DEG when gas temperature is
dehydration less than 50°F)
More easily regenerated to
98.5% purity without a
stripping gas
Can reach lower dew points
than DEG (down to -20°F in
special applications)
Can be regenerated to about
99.95% purity
Not too viscous above 70°F
Vapor losses lower than
DEG
When a stripping -- High viscosity
TREG gas or vacuum
regeneration is
required
FIGURE 17: COMPARISON OF GLYCOLS FOR DEHYDRATION

FIGURE 18: EQUILIBRIUM WATER DEW POINTS VS.

VARIOUS AQUEOUS TEG CONCENTRATIONS

WORK AID 2: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR CALCULATING THE

REQUIRED DIAMETERS OF INLET SCRUBBERS
The following steps summarize the procedure for calculating the diameter of a inlet scrubber
column:
1. Calculate maximum allowable gas flow rate.

2. Calculate cross-sectional area of column.
3. Determine column diameter.
The following steps describe the procedure for calculating the diameter of an inlet scrubber
column:
1. To determine the maximum allowable gas flow rate in a contactor, use Figure 19.

WORK AID 2 (Cont’d)
Figure 19 expresses its results (GA) in MMSCF/D-ft2 for use in Step 2.

TEMPERA
SPECIFIC -TURE, OPERATING PRESSURE, psig
GRAVITY °F 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100
60 5.12 5.72 6.28 6.79 7.28 7.73 8.16 8.57
70 5.04 5.63 6.18 6.68 7.15 7.60 8.01 8.41
80 4.97 5.55 6.08 6.57 7.03 7.47 7.88 8.26
0.6 90 4.90 5.47 5.99 6.47 6.92 7.34 7.74 8.12
100 4.83 5.39 5.90 6.37 6.81 7.23 7.62 7.99
110 4.76 5.31 5.82 6.28 6.71 7.12 7.50 7.86
120 4.70 5.24 5.73 6.19 6.61 7.01 7.38 7.74
60 4.79 5.37 5.90 6.41 6.88 7.33 7.76 8.17
70 4.71 5.28 5.80 6.29 6.75 7.19 7.60 7.99
80 4.64 5.19 5.70 6.18 6.63 7.05 7.45 7.83
0.7 90 4.57 5.11 5.61 6.08 6.51 6.92 7.31 7.68
100 4.50 5.04 5.52 5.98 6.40 6.80 7.18 7.54
110 4.44 4.96 5.44 5.88 6.30 6.69 7.05 7.40
120 4.38 4.89 5.36 5.79 6.20 6.58 6.94 7.28
60 4.54 5.11 5.64 6.15 6.64 7.11 7.56 7.99
70 4 .46 5.02 5.53 6.02 6.49 6.94 7.37 7.78
80 4.39 4.93 5.43 5.91 6.36 6.79 7.20 7.59
0.8 90 4.32 4.85 5.34 5.79 6.23 6.64 7.04 7.41
100 4.25 4.77 5.24 5.69 6.11 6.51 6.89 7.25
110 4.19 4.69 5.16 5.59 6.00 6.39 6.75 7.10
120 4.13 4.62 5.07 5.50 5.89 6.27 6.62 6.96
60 4.35 4.93 5.49 6.04 6.58 7.13 7.66 8.14
70 4.27 4.83 5.36 5.88 6.39 6.89 7.38 7.83
80 4.20 4.74 5.25 5.74 6.22 6.69 7.14 7.56
0.9 90 4.13 4.65 5.14 5.62 6.07 6.51 6.93 7.33
100 4.06 4.57 5.05 5.50 5.93 6.35 6.75 7.13
110 3.99 4.49 4.95 5.39 5.81 6.21 6.59 6.95
120 3.93 4.42 4.87 5.29 5.69 6.07 6.44 6.78
NOTE: K = 0.35
Source: API, p. 28, Table D.1.
FIGURE 19: INLET SCRUBBER RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM

GAS FLOW RATES (GA), MMSCF/D-ft2

WORK AID 2 (Cont’d)
2. To calculate the cross-sectional area of an inlet scrubber, use Eqn. 2.

G
As =
GA (Eqn. 2)
where: As = Cross-sectional area of the inlet scrubber, ft2
G = Gas flow rate, MMSCFD
GA = Allowable gas flow rate, MMSCFD-ft2 (from Figure 19)
3. To determine the diameter of a inlet scrubber, use Figure 20. Find the area calculated in
Step 2 under the specified MAWP. Instead of interpolating, choose the next largest
diameter.
WORKING PRESSURE, psig

OD, in. 720 1,000 1,200 1,440
6-5/8 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
8-5/8 0.36 0.35 0.33 0.32
10-3/4 0.56 0.52 0.52 0.50
12-3/4 0.79 0.75 0.71 0.71
14 0.94 0.90 0.85 0.85
16 1.23 1.18 1.12 1.06
18 1.58 1.48 1.42 1.34
20 1.93 1.84 1.75 1.66
24 2.79 2.65 2.54 2.40
30 4.51 4.35 4.24 4.12
36 6.49 6.26 6.12 5.98
42 8.84 8.56 8.35 8.14
48 11.54 11.17 10.92 10.62
54 14.61 14.12 13.84 13.43
60 18.03 17.49 17.03 16.57
Source: API, p. 29. Table D.3.
FIGURE 20: VESSEL OUTSIDE DIAMETERS, in. AND VESSEL

CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA, ft2

WORK AID 3: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR DETERMINING

GLYCOL CIRCULATION AND WATER REMOVAL RATES
This Work Aid describes the procedures and provides resources to calculate the following:
• Ratio of lean glycol circulated to water removed, Lw

• Weight of water removed per MMSCF, Wremoved
• Weight of water removed per hour, Wremoved(hr)
• Volume of lean glycol circulated per hour, L
• Weight of lean glycol circulated per hour, L(wt)
• Weight of pure glycol circulated per hour, Lpure(wt)
• Volume of pure glycol circulated, Lpure
• Concentration of rich glycol, wt rich
• Volume of rich glycol circulated, Lrich

Work Aid 3A: Resources for Determining the Ratio of Lean Glycol Circulated to
Water Removed
To determine the ratio of lean glycol circulated to water removed, choose the appropriate
Figure based on the number of theoretical trays and contact temperature.
FIGURE 21: DEW POINT DEPRESSION VS. TEG CIRCULATION RATE

(1.5 THEORETICAL TRAYS, 80°F, AND 600 psia)

Work Aid 3A (Cont’d)










Work Aid 3B: Procedures and Resources for Calulating the Weight Of Water
Removed Per MMSCF, Wremoved
To determine the weight of water removed per MMSCF, use Eqn. 3. To determine Winlet,
use Figure 27 and the methods covered in ChE 206.01.
Wremoved = Winlet - Woutlet (Eqn. 3)
where: Wremoved = Rate of water removed from gas stream by glycol, lb H2O/MMSCF
Winlet = Amount of water in inlet gas stream, lb H2O/MMSCF
Woutlet = Amount of water in outlet gas stream, lb H2O/MMSCF

Source: GPSA, p. 20-4, Fig. 20-3
FIGURE 27: WATER CONTENT OF NATURAL GAS

Work Aid 3C: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Weight Of Water
Removed Per Hour, Wremoved(hr)
To calculate the weight of water removed per hour, use Eqn. 4.
 1 day 
Wremoved(hr) = (Wremoved) (G)  24 hr  (Eqn. 4)
where: Wremoved(hr) = Rate of water removed from gas stream by glycol, lb

H2O/hr
Wremoved = Rate of water removed from gas stream by glycol, lb
H2O/MMSCF

Work Aid 3D: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Volume Of Lean
Glycol Circulated Per Hour, L
To calculate the volume of lean glycol (usually TEG) circulated per hour, use Eqn. 5.
L = (Lw) (Wremoved) (Eqn. 5)
where: L = Lean glycol circulation rate, gph

Lw = Glycol to water ratio, gal glycol/lb H2O removed
Wremoved(hr) = Weight of water removed from gas stream by glycol per hour, lb
H2O/hr

Work Aid 3E: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Weight Of Lean Glycol
Circulated Per Hour, L(wt)
To calculate the weight of lean glycol circulated per hour, L(wt), use Eqn. 6. To determine
the specific gravity of the glycol (SGglycol), use Figure 28, Figure 29, or Figure 30.
L(wt) = L (SGglycol) (8.33) (Eqn. 6)

where: L(wt) = Weight of lean glycol circulated per hour, lb/hr
L = Volume of lean glycol circulated per hour, gph
SGglycol = Specific gravity of glycol

Work Aid 3E (Cont’d)
Source: EPRCO, p. 42, Fig. 16.
FIGURE 28: DENSITIES OF AQUEOUS MEG SOLUTIONS

FIGURE 29: DENSITIES OF AQUEOUS DEG SOLUTIONS

FIGURE 30: DENSITIES OF AQUEOUS TEG SOLUTIONS

Work Aid 3F: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Weight of Pure Glycol
Circulated Per Hour, Lpure(wt)
To calculate the weight of pure glycol circulated per hour, Lpure(wt), use Eqn. 7.
Lpure(wt) = L(wt) (wt lean) (Eqn. 7)
where: Lpure(wt) = Weight of pure glycol circulated per hour

L(wt) = Weight of lean glycol circualted per hour, lb/hr
wt lean = Concentration of lean glycol, wt fraction

Work Aid 3G: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Volume Of Pure
Glycol Circulated Per Hour, Lpure
To calculate the volume of pure glycol circulated per hour, Lpure, use Eqn. 8. To determine
Lpure(wt)
Lpure =
(SGglycol )(8.33) (Eqn. 8)
where: Lpure = Volume of pure glycol circulated per hour, gph

Lpure(wt) = Weight of pure glycol circulated per hour

Work Aid 3H: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Concentration Of Rich
Glycol, wt rich
To calculate the concentration of rich glycol, use Eqn. 9.
Lpure(wt)
L + W removed(hr)
wt rich = (wt) (Eqn. 9)
where: wt rich = Concentration of rich glycol, wt fraction

Lpure(wt) = Circulation rate of pure glycol, lb pure glycol/hr
Wremoved(hr) = Rate of water removed from gas stream by glycol, lb H2O/hr

Work Aid 3I: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Volume Of Rich
Glycol Circulated Per Hour, Lrich
To calculate the volume of rich glycol circulated per hour, Lrich, use Eqn. 10. To determine
Lpure(wt )
Lrich =
(wt rich )(SGglycol )(8. 33) (Eqn. 10)
where: Lrich = Volume of rich glycol circulated per hour, gph

wt rich = Concentration of rich glycol, wt fraction

WORK AID 4: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR DETERMINING THE

REQUIRED SIZE OF CONTACTOR COLUMNS
This Work Aid divides the procedure for sizing contactors into the following groups:
• Determining the type of tray or packing to use

• Determining the number of trays
• Calculating the diameter of the column
Because this module covers the troubleshooting of existing glycol dehydration systems, some
of these variables may be given or set by circumstances.
Whether to use trays or packing is generally determined at the design stage. In

troubleshooting, this variable is generally already established. However, if an existing glycol
dehydration system is to undergo a major overhaul or if its capacity is to be increased, then
the troubleshooter may need to consider this. For this module, if an exercise does not specify
a type of tray or packing, assume the contactor uses trays (bubble caps) with 25% efficiency
(4 actual trays per theoretical tray).
Work Aid 4A: Procedure and Resources for Determining Number of Trays
The following summarizes the procedure for determining the number of trays required:
1. Calculate the dew point depression required.

2. Estimate the number of trays required.
3. Check estimate of number trays.
4. Add a tray as a safety margin.
The following describes the procedure for determining the number of trays required in detail:
1. To calculate the dew point depression required, use Eqn. 11. To determine DPinlet,
assume the inlet gas stream is saturated and that the temperature of the gas stream at the
inlet equals the dew point. To determine DPoutlet, use Figure 27.
DPDEP = DPinlet - DPoutlet (Eqn. 11)
where: DPDEP = Dew point depression, °F
DPinlet = Dew point of gas at the inlet, °F
DPoutlet = Dew point of gas at the outlet, °F

2. To estimate the number of trays, use Eqn. 12. It is based on the general rule that the first
four actual trays result in a dew point depression of 60°F and that each additional tray
increases the dew point depression by 7°F. Equation 12 only estimates the number of
trays required. Because Figure 21 through Figure 26 are conservative, you may need to
start with a higher number of trays.
DPDEP − 32
Estimated number of actual trays required = 7 (Eqn. 12)
where: DPDEP = Dew point depression, °F.

If the contactor uses valve trays or packing, use Figure 31 to estimate the number of
trays or feet of packing required.

LW DPDEP OPERATING PRESSURE (PSIG)

(GAL/LB) (°F) 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200
55 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
60 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
65 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6
2 70 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
75 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
80 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9
85 9
55 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4
60 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
65 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
3 70 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
75 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
80 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
85 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9
55 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
60 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4
65 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
4 70 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
75 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
80 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
85 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8
90 9
NOTES: 1. This table is based on 33.3% tray efficiency or 3 ft of packing per
theoretical tray required.
2. The above values were obtained using an outlet gas dew point at 7 lb of
water per MMSCF, a lean glycol solution concentration of 99.1 wt %, a
400°F reboiler temperature, and at an elevation of 1,200 ft.
3. Greater dew point depressions or parameters different from those given
above require additional design considerations.
Source: API, p.31, Table D.5.
FIGURE 31: ACTUAL TRAYS OR FEET OF PACKING REQUIRED FOR

DEW POINT DEPRESSION

3. To check your estimate of the number of trays required, use Figure 28 and Figure 22,
Figure 23 and Figure 24, or Figure 25 and Figure 26 in Work Aid 4. These Figures plot
dew point depressions and TEG circulation rates for gas streams at 600 psia. Each pair
of Figures plots dew point depressions and TEG circulation rates for a specific number
of trays at either 80°F or 100°F.
To use these figures:
• Choose the pair of Figures based on a number of trays equal to or greater than
calculated in Step 2.
• Determine the dew point depression at the specified TEG concentration and TEG
circulation rate in each Figure.
• If the inlet temperature does not equal 80°F or 100°F, determine a dew point
depression by interpolating between the two Figures.
• Adjust the dew point depression to compensate for pressure by adding 0.9°F to the
dew point depression for each 100 psi over 600 psia.
• Compare this dew point depression with the dew point depression calculated in
Step 1 to ensure that this dew point depression is greater. If this dew point
depression is not greater, repeat this process with a larger estimate of the number
of trays required.
4. Add one tray as a safety margin.

Work Aid 4B: Procedure and Resources for Determining the Number of Trays
(Modified McCabe-Thiele Diagram)
The following summarizes the procedure for using McCabe-Thiele diagrams to determine the
number of trays required by a contactor:
1. Plot equilibrium gas dew point depressions (°F) against TEG concentrations (wt
%).
2. Plot the operating conditions of the contactor.
3. Plot the McCabe-Thiele diagram.
4. Calculate the number of theoretical trays.
5. Calculate the number of actual trays.
The following describes the procedure for using McCabe-Thiele diagrams to determine the
number of trays required by a contactor.
1. To plot the equilibrium gas dew points against TEG concentrations, use Figure 18 in
Work Aid 1.
• From Figure 18, record the equilibrium dew point temperature for TEG solutions at
several concentrations ranging from about 90 wt % up to 100 wt %.
• Using Figure 27, determine the water content of a gas at the equilibrium dew point
found for each TEG concentration.
• Plot these water contents and TEG concentrations on a graph (Exercise 5B
provides a blank graph).
2. To plot the operating conditions of the contactor, plot one point representing the
operating conditions at the top of the contactor and one point representing those at the
bottom of the contactor on the graph provided. Connect these two points with a straight
line.
• To plot the point representing the operating conditions at the top of the contactor
(Point F):
x-axis: water content of outlet gas (Woutlet), lb H2O/MMSCF
y-axis: lean glycol concentration, wt % glycol
• To plot the point representing the operating conditions at the bottom of the
contactor (Point A):
x-axis: water content of inlet gas (Winlet), lb H2O/MMSCF
y-axis: rich glycol concentration (wt rich), wt % glycol

3. To plot the McCabe-Thiele diagram:

a. From Point A, draw a descending vertical line until it intersects the equilibrium
dew point curve, Point B.
b. Draw a horizontal line from this intersection (Point B) until it intersects the
operating curve, Point C.
c. From this intersection (Point C), draw a descending vertical line until it intersects
the equilibrium dew point curve, Point D.
d. Repeat Step b and Step c until the horizontal line drawn from the equilibrium dew
point curve does not intersect the operating curve.
4. To calculate the number of theoretical trays:
• Count the number of complete triangles formed by the operating curve and the
vertical and horizontal lines drawn (DABC, for example). Each triangle equals one
full theoretical stage.
• From Point F, draw a horizontal line until it intersects the last vertical line drawn
(line CD, for example), Point E. DCEF represents the fraction of theoretical trays
required.
• To calculate the number of partial theoretical trays remaining, calculate the ratio of
CE to CD.
• To calculate the total number of theoretical trays required, add the number of
complete and partial theoretical trays.
5. To calculate the number of actual trays, multiply the number of theoretical trays by the
number of actual trays per theoretical tray.

Work Aid 4C: Procedure and Resources for Determining the Diameter of a
Contactor Column
The following summarizes the procedure for calculating the diameter of a contactor column:
1. Calculate the maximum gas flow rate.

2. Calculate the cross-sectional area of column.
3. Determine the column diameter.
The following describes the procedure for calculating the diameter of a contactor column:
1. To calculate the maximum gas flow rate in a contactor, use Figure 32. Use Figure 32 for
gas and glycol conditions similar to those used to construct Figure 32.

Work Aid 4C (Cont’d)

Figure 32 expresses its results (GA) in MMSCF/D-ft2 for use in Step 2.
TEMPERA
SPECIFIC OPERATING PRESSURE, PSIG
-TURE,
GRAVITY °F 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200
60 2.95 3.30 3.63 3.94 4.22 4.49 4.75 5.00 5.24
70 2.91 3.26 3.58 3.88 4.16 4.42 4.68 4.92 5.15
80 2.87 3.22 3.53 3.82 4.10 4.36 4.60 4.84 5.06
0.6 90 2.84 3.17 3.48 3.77 4.04 4.29 4.53 4.76 4.98
100 2.80 3.13 3.43 3.71 3.98 4.23 4.46 4.69 4.90
110 2.77 3.09 3.39 3.66 3.92 4.16 4.40 4.62 4.83
120 2.73 3.05 3.34 3.61 3.87 4.11 4.33 4.55 4.75
60 2.76 3.10 3.42 3.72 4.01 4.28 4.54 4.79 5.04
70 2.72 3.06 3.37 3.66 3.93 4.20 4.45 4.70 4.93
80 2.69 3.01 3.32 3.60 3.87 4.13 4.37 4.61 4.83
0.7 90 2.65 2.97 3.27 3.54 3.81 4.06 4.29 4.52 4.74
100 2.61 2.93 3.22 3.49 3.75 3.99 4.22 4.44 4.65
110 2.58 2.89 3.17 3.44 3.69 3.93 4.15 4.37 4.57
120 2.55 2.85 3.13 3.39 3.63 3.87 4.09 4.29 4.50
60 2.62 2.96 3.28 3.58 3.88 4.17 4.46 4.73 4.99
70 2.58 2.91 3.22 3.51 3.80 4.08 4.34 4.60 4.85
80 2.54 2.87 3.17 3.45 3.73 3.99 4.25 4.49 4.73
0.8 90 2.51 2.82 3.11 3.39 3.65 3.91 4.15 4.39 4.62
100 2.47 2.78 3.06 3.33 3.59 3.83 4.07 4.30 4.51
110 2.44 2.74 3.02 3.28 3.53 3.76 3.99 4.21 4.42
120 2.41 2.70 2.97 3.23 3.47 3.70 3.92 4.13 4.33
60 2.52 2.86 3.20 3.53 3.87 4.22 4.57 4.90 5.18
70 2.48 2.81 3.13 3.45 3.76 4.08 4.39 4.69 4.97
80 2.44 2.76 3.07 3.37 3.66 3.96 4.25 4.53 4.79
0.9 90 2.40 2.71 3.01 3.30 3.58 3.85 4.12 4.39 4.63
100 2.36 2.67 2.95 3.23 3.50 3.76 4.01 4.26 4.49
110 2.33 2.62 2.90 3.17 3.43 3.68 3.92 4.15 4.37
120 2.29 2.58 2.86 3.11 3.36 3.60 3.83 4.05 4.26
NOTE: The above values are obtained using a K = 0.16 empirical factor.
NOTE: Figure 32 tabulates the results derived from using Eqn. 1 for a 99.1% TEG solution,
with a specific gravity of 1.132 at 60°F, and K = 0.16.
Source: API, p. 29. Table D.2.
FIGURE 32: CONTACTOR RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM GAS FLOW

RATES (GA), MMSCF/D-ft2

2. To calculate the cross-sectional area of a contactor, use Eqn. 2.

G
AC =
GA (Eqn. 2)
where: AC = Cross sectional area of the contactor, ft2

GA = Allowable gas flow rate, MMSCFD-ft2 (from Figure 32)
3. To determine the diameter of a contactor column, use Figure 20 in Work Aid 2.

WORK AID 5: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR CALCULATING THE

HEAT LOAD ON A REBOILER
Work Aid 5A: Procedures and Resources for Estimating the Heat Load on a
Reboiler
To estimate the size of reboiler required, use Eqn. 13.
Qestimated = (L) (QC) (Eqn. 13)
where: Qestimated = Estimated heat load on reboiler, Btu/hr

L = Volume of lean glycol circulated per hour, gal/hr
QC = Empirical estimate of heat duty required for each gallon of
glycol circulated, Btu/ gal
To determine Qc, use Figure 33. It tabulates empirical factors that estimate the heat load on a
reboiler based on the ratio of glycol to the weight of water removed, Lw.
GLYCOL-TO-WATER RATIO, Lw
CONTACTOR 2 gal glycol 4
gal glycol lb H2O removed gal glycol
TEMPERATURE, °F 3
lb H2O removed lb H2O removed
60 1,770 1,470 1,320,
80 1,640 1,340 1,200
100 1,510 1,220 1,070

120 1,370 1,080 940
NOTE: The above calculated values are based on 99.1 wt % lean glycol, 400°F reboiler
temperature, 10% atmospheric heat loss, and a lean glycol from the heat exchanger
of 200°F.
FIGURE 33: EMPIRICAL FACTORS FOR ESTIMATING REBOILER HEAT DUTY

Work Aid 5B: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Sensible Heat Load
To calculate the heat load required to raise the temperature of the glycol, use Eqn. 14.
Qs = (L) (SGglycol • 8.33) (Cp) (Tout -Tin) (Eqn. 14)
where: Qs = Heat duty required to raise the temperature of the glycol, Btu/hr
L = Lean glycol circulation rate, gal lean glycol/hr
= 1.10 for TEG
Cp = Heat capacity, Btu/(lb-°F)
Tout = Temperature of glycol at reboiler outlet, °F
Tin = Temperature of glycol at reboiler inlet, °F
To determine Cp, use Figure 34.

FIGURE 34: HEAT CAPACITY OF GLYCOLS

Work Aid 5C: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Heat Duty Required to
Vaporize Absorbed Water
To calculate the heat duty required to vaporize the water absorbed by the glycol, use Eqn. 15.
Qv = DHvapor Wremoved(hr) (Eqn. 15)
where: Qv = Heat duty required to vaporize the water absorbed by the glycol,
Btu/hr
DHvapor = Latent heat of vaporization of water
= 970 Btu/lb H2O

Work Aid 5D: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Heat Duty Required to
Vaporize Reflux
To calculate the heat duty required to vaporize the reflux water returned from the reflux coil
in the still column, use Eqn. 16.
Qreflux = 0.25 Qv (Eqn. 16)
where: Qreflux = Heat duty required to vaporize the reflux water, Btu/hr
Qv = Heat duty required to vaporize the water absorbed by the glycol,
Btu/hr

Work Aid 5E: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Total Heat Load on a
Reboiler (10% Loss)
To calculate the total heat load on the reboiler assuming a 10% loss of heat, use Eqn. 17.
Qtotal = 1.1 (Qs + Qv + Qreflux) (Eqn. 17)
where: Qtotal = Total heat load on reboiler, Btu/hr

Qs = Heat duty required to raise the temperature of the glycol, Btu/hr
Qv = Heat duty required to vaporize the water absorbed by the glycol,
Btu/hr
Qreflux = Heat duty required to vaporize the reflux water, Btu/hr

Work Aid 5F: Procedures and Resources for Selecting a Reboiler Size
To select a reboiler for a calculated heat duty, use Figure 35. Generally, choose a reboiler
with a fire tube heat flux of 6,000 Btu/hr-ft2 or 8,000 Btu/hr-ft2.
REQUIRED FIRE TUBE SURFACE AREA, ft2

NOMINAL
RATING Btu/hr 6,000 Btu/hr-ft2 8,000 Btu/hr-ft2 10,000 Btu/hr-ft2
75,000 12.5 9.4 7.5

125,000 20.8 15.6 12.5
175,000 29.2 21.9 17.5
250,000 41.7 31.3 25.0
350,000 58.3 43.8 35.0
500,000 83.3 62.5 50.0
750,000 125.0 93.8 75.0
850,000 141.7 106.3 85.0
1,000,000 166.7 125.0 100.0
Efficiency1, 2 78% to 80% 73% to 76% 68% to 72%
NOTES:
1. The above calculated efficiencies are based on 0% excess air and no fouling factors
applied. As given above, including these factors causes a reduction in the overall
efficiencies.
2. McAdams, W. H., Heat Transmission, 3rd Ed., McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 1954.
FIGURE 35: TYPICAL REBOILER SIZES


REQUIRED SIZE OF A FLASH DRUM SEPARATOR
To size a flash drum separator, calculate the volume of liquid retained by the separator and
then determine the size of separator capable of holding that volume.
Work Aid 6A: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the Volume of Retained
Liquid, U
Flash tank separators (gas-condensate-glycol separators) are sized based on liquid retention
time. To calculate the liquid retention time, use Eqn. 18.
(L )(t )
U=
60 (Eqn. 18)
where: U = The required settling volume in the separator, gallons

t = Liquid retention time, minutes
= 5 min. to 10 min. for two-phase separator
= 10 min. to 30 min. for three-phase separator

Work Aid 6B: Procedures and Resources for Determining the Size of a Separator
To determine the size of a two-phase separator, use Figure 36.
SETTLING VOLUME, U
DIAMETER (in.) LENGTH (in.) (gallons)
12-3/4 48 8.2
16 48 13.5
20 48 22.3
24 48 33.6
NOTE: Settling volume is based on the level being 12 in. above the bottom head seam.
Source: API Specification 12GDU, December 15, 1990, p. 32, Table D.6.
FIGURE 36: TYPICAL VERTICAL TWO-PHASE GLYCOL FLASH SEPARATOR SIZES
To determine the size of a three-phase separator, use Figure 37.
SETTLING VOLUME, U ( gal)

DIAMETER (in.) LENGTH (in.) 1/2 diameter 2/3 diameter
24 42 39.3 56.0
24 60 56.2 79.9
30 60 90.1 128.3
36 60 132.6 188.9
36 90 196.9 279.9
NOTE: The settling volume is based on the vertical spill over baffle being 6 in. from the
outlet end head seam.
Source: API Specification 12GDU, December 15, 1990, p. 32, Table D.7.
FIGURE 37: TYPICAL HORIZONTAL THREE-PHASE GLYCOL FLASH

SEPARATOR SIZES


REQUIRED SIZE OF A STRIPPING COLUMN
Work Aid 7A: Procedures and Resources for Determining Stripping-Gas-to-TEG

Ratio
To determine the ratio of stripping gas to TEG required to achieve a given TEG concentration,
use Figure 38.
NOTE: Based on 98.4 wt % TEG entering the stripping column, 380°F reboiler temperature,
and 760 mm Hg reboiler pressure.
Source: EPRCO, p. 65, Figure 27.
FIGURE 38: STRIPPING-GAS-TO-TEG RATIO vs. TEG CONCENTRATION

Work Aid 7B: Procedures and Resources for Sizing a Stripping Column
To determine the size of stripping column required for a given glycol circulation rate, use
Figure 39.
Source: EPRCO, p. 64, Figure 26.
FIGURE 39: STRIPPING STILL AREA vs. GLYCOL CIRCULATION RATE

WORK AID 8: PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES FOR RECOMMENDING

ACTIONS TO CORRECT FAULTY GLYCOL DEHYDRATION
SYSTEMS
Work Aid 8A: High Outlet Gas Dew Point
If the dew point of the outlet gas is too high, recommend the following actions:
• Compare current operating conditions with the operating conditions where the
system was designed.
• If the current operating load on the system is greater than when it was designed,
size the major components of the system.
• Inspect the operation of the inlet scrubber for malfunctions.
• Inspect for poor reconcentration of glycol (exit dew point is 5°F to 15°F higher
than dew point in equilibrium with the lean glycol).
If the above actions do not correct the dew point of the outlet gas, recommend the following
actions:
1. Check the glycol circulation rate. If it is below specifications, check the glycol pump
for blockage.
2. Check the reboiler temperature and, if necessary, raise it.
3. If applicable, adjust the flow rate of the stripping gas.
4. If performing Step 1 through Step 3 does not correct the dew point of the outlet gas,
recommend the following corrective actions:
• Inspect the contactor trays for an accumulation of dirt or corrosion products.
• Inspect the packing in the still column to see if it is broken or has been carried out
the top of the still.
• Check for a leak in the glycol-glycol exchanger. If the exchanger leaks, the higher
pressure rich glycol will leak into the lean glycol.
• Analyze the glycol for decomposition or contamination.

Work Aid 8B: High Glycol Losses
Determine where the glycol dehydration system is losing glycol.
• Contactor
• Still
• Separator
• Leaks, spills, etc.
If the Loss Is from the Contactor
Figure 40 tabulates possible causes and actions to determine the cause of glycol losses from
the contactor.
POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTIONS

Lean glycol entering contactor too hot Check temperature of lean glycol leaving lean gas-
glycol heat exchanger.
Check temperature of lean glycol leaving the
lean/rich glycol exchanger.
Gas velocity in contactor is too high Check inlet gas flow rate.
Size the contactor.
Carryover due to excessive foaming See Work Aid 8L: Foaming.
Inlet scrubber passing liquids Inspect glycol for contamination, see Work Aid 8C:
Glycol Contamination.
Check size (capacity) of inlet scrubber.
Check operation of scrubber dump valver and level
controllers.
Check the mist extractor.
Plugged trays in contactor or mist Inspect trays.
extractor plugged or missing
Check glycol for contamination. See Work Aid
8C.
Tray spacing too close (less than 24 Inspect and check design specifications.
in.) or mist pad too close to top tray
FIGURE 40: POSSIBLE CAUSES AND ACTIONS TO CORRECT GLYCOL LOSS

FROM CONTACTOR

If the Loss is from the Still Column or Stripping Still
Figure 41 tabulates possible causes of and actions to determine the cause of glycol loss from a
still column.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF LOSS

ACTIONS TO RECOMMEND
Stripping gas flow rate too high Calculate stripping gas rate and size stripping still.
Flash separator passing condensate Inspect separator.
Check size (capacity) of separator.
Check operation of dump valves and level
controllers.
Incorrect temperature at the top of the See Work Aid 8G: High Still Column
still Temperature.
Packing in still column is broken, Inspect packing.
dirty, or plugged
FIGURE 41: POSSIBLE CAUSES AND ACTIONS TO CORRECT GLYCOL LOSS

FROM STILL COLUMN
Losses From Separator
Glycol losses from the separator may be caused by the separator dumping the separated
glycol with the hydrocarbon liquids and vapor.
If Glycol is Lost From Leaks, Spills, Etc.
If the glycol is being lost through leaks or spills, check for glycol loss from faulty or
improperly connected piping, fittings, valves, or gaskets. Check for glycol losses from the
pumps, especially the packings.

Work Aid 8C: Glycol Contamination
Figure 42 tabulates some common signs of contamination in a glycol sample and their
probable causes.
SYMPTOM PROBABLE PROBLEM(S)

Fine black particles that settle after the Ongoing corrosion.
sample has been shaken (FeS and/or
Fe3O4 precipitate). Potential failure of filters.
The glycol gives off a sweet, aromatic Thermal degradation.

odor like burnt sugar or overripe
bananas.
The glycol sample is a black, thick, Glycol has absorbed heavy hydrocarbons from
viscous solution. gas stream.
An oily layer is floating on top of the The system is condensing heavy, nonvolatile
glycol. hydrocarbons.
Source: Manning and Thompson, p. 153.
FIGURE 42: SYMPTOMS OF GLYCOL CONTAMINATION

If an inspection of glycol indicates contamination, then recommend a complete analysis of the

glycol. Next compare analyses of both the lean and the rich glycol with optimum values,
such as those shown in Figure 43.
PARAMETER RICH GLYCOL LEAN GLYCOL
pH 7.0 to 8.6 7.0 to 8.6

Chlorides Less than 600 mg/L Less than 600 mg/L
Hydrocarbon Less than 0.3% Less than 0.3%
Iron Less than 15 mg/L Less than 15 mg/L
Water 3.5 wt % to 7.5 wt % Less than 1.5 wt %
Suspended solids Less than 200 mg/L Less than 200 mg/L
Foaming tendency Foam height: 10 mL to 20 mL
Break time: 5 sec
Color and appearance Clear and light-colored to medium amber
NOTES:
1. The pH is usually lower in rich glycol because of its acid-gas content.
2. Depending on filter placement, the content of hydrocarbon, iron, and suspended
solids may be different for lean and rich glycols.
3. The difference between the lean and rich glycol water contents should be 2 wt % to 6
wt %.
Source: Fremin, 1988, in Manning and Thompson, p. 154, Table 8-3.
FIGURE 43: OPTIMUM VALUES FOR GLYCOL ANALYSIS

POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTIONS

Carryover of contaminants from inlet Inspect inlet scrubber.
scrubber (for example, compressor lube
oils, brine, corrosion inhibitors, well- Check the size (capacity) of the inlet
treating chemicals, sand, corrosion scrubber. If scrubber is too small, reduce
inhibitors, corrosion scales) feed gas flow. If not, check other
possible causes
Oxygen leaks into glycol storage tanks If it exists, check gas blanket.
If not, install gas blanket.
Overheating of glycol in reboiler due to See Work Aid 8I: Fire Tube Fouling,
excessive temperature or hot spots on fire Hot Spots, and Burnout.
tube
Inadequate pH control, low pH causes Add amine or borax to neutalize acidity.
increased corrosion
If necessary, change or reclaim glycol.
Improper filtration, plugged filters, Inspect filters.
bypassing of filters
Replace as required.
If necessary, install activated carbon
filters.
Improper cleaning of glycol unit, use of Evaluate cleaning procedures and change
soaps as necessary.
FIGURE 44: OTHER POSSIBLE CAUSES AND ACTIONS TO CORRECT

CONTAMINATED GLYCOL

Work Aid 8D: Poor Glycol Reconcentration
POSSIBLE CAUSE ACTION(S)

Low reboiler temperature See Work Aid 8J: Low Reboiler
Temperature.
Insufficient stripping gas Determine required stripping gas flow
and compare to actual stripping gas flow.
Rich glycol leaking into lean glycol in the Inspect and repair or replace.
glycol/glycol heat exchanger or in the
glycol pump
Overloading capacity of reboiler Check flow rate, temperature, and
pressure of inlet gas stream.
Size reboiler.
See Work Aid 8J.
Fouling of fire tubes in reboiler Check glycol for contamination. See
Work Aid 8C.
Check flow rate of fuel to reboiler.
Test fuel.
Glycol foaming in still column See Work Aid 8L: Foaming.
Flooding of still column Check the size (capacity) of the still
column. See Work Aid 8L: Foaming
High still pressure See Work Aid 8H: High Reboiler
Pressure.
FIGURE 45: POSSIBLE CAUSES AND ACTIONS TO CORRECT POOR

GLYCOL RECONCENTRATION

Work Aid 8E: Low Glycol Circulation Rate
If the glycol circulation rate is too low, the glycol pump is the most likely cause, so
recommend that the operation of the pump and its components be checked.
1. Use the following methods to check the operation of the pump:

• If it is a glycol-powered pump, close the lean glycol discharge valve. If the pump
keeps running, it needs repair.
• If it is a gas or electric pump, check the circulation of the glycol by stopping the
glycol discharge from the contactor and timing the fill rate of the gauge column on
the chimney tray section.
2. Check the following pump components:
• Check pump for worn or broken valves.
• Check for vapor lock in lines or pump.
• Check for excessive packing gland leakage.
3. Check if the level of glycol in the surge tank is too low.
4. Check if the contactor pressure is too high.

Work Aid 8F: High Pressure Drop Across Contactor
Figure 46 tabulates possible causes and actions to determine the cause of a high pressure drop
across the contactor.
POSSIBLE CAUSES ACTION(S)

Gas flow rate is too high. Size the inlet scrubber.
Size the contactor.
Operating pressures is below design. Check operating pressure.
Trays and/or demister pads are plugged. Inspect glycol for contamination.
See Work Aid 8C.
Measure differential pressure across the
contactor column and demister pads.
Glycol is foaming. See Work Aid 8L.
FIGURE 46: POSSIBLE CAUSES AND ACTIONS TO CORRECT A HIGH

PRESSURE DROP ACROSS THE CONTACTOR
Work Aid 8G: High Still Column Temperature
If the temperature in the still column is too high, recommend the following actions:
• Check for inadequate reflux.

• Check the still column for flooding.
• Check for glycol foaming. See Work Aid 9L.
• Check for carryover of light hydrocarbon in the rich glycol.
• Check for a leaking reflux coil.

Work Aid 8H: High Reboiler Pressure
If the temperature in the reboiler is too high, recommend the following actions:
• Inspect the still column for damaged packing and/or if the trays are plugged with tar,
dirt, etc.
• Check the vent line for restrictions.
• Check the still column for flooding caused by excessive boil-up rates and/or
excessive reflux cooling.
• Check for hydrocarbon slugs in the still column. A slug of hydrocarbon liquid in the
glycol can enter the top of the still column, vaporize when it reaches the reboiler, and
blow liquids out of the still.
Work Aid 8I: Fire Tube Fouling, Hot Spots, and Burnout
• Check for buildup of salt, dust, scales, etc., on the fire tube. Check inlet separator.
• Check for deposits of coke and tar, formed by glycol overheating and/or
hydrocarbon decomposition.
• Check the glycol level in the reboiler. Its level can drop, exposing the fire tube,
which can lead to hot spots. Consider providing low level shutdown
instrumentation.
Work Aid 8J: Low Reboiler Temperature
If the temperature in the reboiler is too low, recommend the following actions:
• Check for an inadequately sized fire tube and/or burner.

• Check if the temperature controller is set too low.
• Check if the temperature controller is not operating correctly.
• Check if there is more water in the inlet gas because its pressure is low or its
temperature is high.
• Check for carryover of water from the inlet scrubber. Check the size (capacity) of
the inlet scrubber.
• Check for an inaccurate reboiler thermometer.
• Check for a low fuel rate or for a low Btu content in the fuel gas.

Work Aid 8K: Flash Separator Failure
If the flash separator appears to have failed, recommend the following actions:
• Check the level controllers.

• Check the dump valves.
• Check for an excessive glycol circulation rate. Measure the actual glycol circulation
rate and compare the rate against the design glycol circulation rate. Calculate the
glycol circulation rate.
Work Aid 8L: Foaming
If foaming is indicated as a possible source of a problem, recommend the following actions:
• Inspect the pressure drop across the contactor. Erratic pressure readings followed by
a rapid increase of 2 psi to 5 psi indicates foaming.
• Inspect the level of glycol in the surge tank. A drop in the glycol level in the surge
tank can also indicate foaming.
• Visually inspect the lean glycol for foreign material. The color of the glycol does
not necessarily show that the glycol is dirty, but if it appears milky or hazy, then it
contains foreign material and may be foaming.
• Remove a sample of lean glycol and test for chemical foaming. Bubble air through
the sample of glycol for 5 min. and observe the resulting foam’s height and stability.
• Inspect the pressure drop across the contactor. Differential pressure increases of 5
psi to 10 psi across the contactor and a negative foam test indicate flooding or some
other problem.

GLOSSARY
absorber See contactor.
absorption The assimilation of one material into another. In natural gas

dehydration, the use of an absorptive liquid to selectively
remove water vapor from a gas stream.
actual tray A tray in a trayed column with an actual equilibrium efficiency

of less than 100%.
adsorption Adhesion of molecules of gases, liquids, or dissolved

substances to a solid surface, resulting in a relatively high
concentration of the molecules at the place of contact.
amine Any of several compounds, such as monoethanolamine, used to

treat natural gas. Amines are generally used in water solutions
to remove H2S and CO2 from hydrocarbon gas and liquid
streams.
amine unit A natural gas treatment unit that uses amines to remove
contaminants (H2S, COS, CO2). Gas containing H2S and other
impurities must be cleaned up before it is transferred to gas
transmission lines.
API American Petroleum Institute
azeotrope A solution of two or more liquids, the composition of which

does not change upon distillation.
blowing flood Flooding at low liquid rates in which trays operate in the spray
regime, where most of the liquid on the tray is in the form of
liquid drops. As vapor velocity is raised, a condition is reached
where the bulk of these drops is entrained (blown) up to the tray
above. The liquid accumulates on the tray above instead of
flowing to the tray below.
borax A white, yellow, blue, green, or gray mineral that is added to

glycol solution to neutralize corrosive acids.

bubble-cap trays Trays covered with small, umbrella-like caps called bubble
caps, whose purpose is to force the rising vapors to bubble
through the several inches of liquid standing on each tray
before the vapors rise to the next tray.
channeling A condition that occurs in packed columns. The rising gas and
the descending glycol each form its own paths or channels.
The glycol and gas, therefore, do not properly contact each
other.
chromatography A technique for sample analysis where individual components

of a batch sample, carried by an inert gas stream, are selectively
adsorbed and desorbed on an adsorbent column at different
rates in relation to equilibrium coefficients. Separated
components are quantitatively detected as they leave the
sorbent column.
coalesce To come together or to form a whole.
contactor A tower or column that provides contact between natural gas

being processed and glycol.
DEG Diethylene glycol
desorption The process of removing a sorbed substance by the reverse of

adsorption or absorption.
dew point (DP) The temperature and pressure at which liquid initially
condenses from a gas or vapor.
Drizo process A process developed by Dow Chemical that uses a stripping

liquid to reconcentrate glycol to very high purities.
equilibrium stage See theoretical tray.
fines Fine material which passes through a standard screen that

retains coarser fragments.
fire point The temperature at which a hydrocarbon ignites and burns

continuously when a small flame is held near to the surface.

flash drum separator A vessel used to separate the gas evolved from liquid flashed
from a higher pressure to a lower pressure. Also called a gas-
condensate-glycol separator.
flashing The result when cold liquids are introduced into a hot stream or
when the pressure on a stream is reduced below the stream’s
vapor pressure.
flash point The lowest temperature at which, under specified conditions, a

hydrocarbon vaporizes rapidly enough to form above its surface
an air and vapor mixture which gives a flash when ignited by a
small flame.
gas blanket A gas phase above a liquid phase in a vessel. A gas blanket
may be used to protect the liquid from air contamination, to
reduce the hazard of detonation, or to pressurize the liquid. The
source of the gas is external to the vessel. Also known as
blanket gas.
glycol Generic name given to a number of alcohol-based liquids that

are used to absorb water vapor from gas or inhibit the formation
of hydrates.
GPSA Gas Processors Suppliers Association
heat of vaporization The heat required to change a substance from a liquid to a

vapor state.
inlet scrubber A separator placed at the inlet of the contactor.
integral scrubber A separator integrated into the contactor.
maximum allowable The maximum gauge pressure permissible at the top of a vessel
working pressure for a designated temperature. This pressure is based on
(MAWP) calculations for every element of the vessel using nominal
thicknesses less allowances for corrosion and thickness
required for loads other than pressure. It is the basis for setting
the pressure-relieving devices protecting the vessel.
MEG Monoethylene glycol

packed column A fractionation or absorption column filled with packing

designed to have a relatively large surface area per unit volume,
which promotes contact between the rising vapors and the
descending liquid.
reboiler An auxiliary of a distillation tower designed to supply

additional heat to the lower portion. Liquid is usually
withdrawn (or pumped) from the side or bottom of the tower; is
reheated by means of heat exchange and the vapors and
residual liquid, separately or together, are reintroduced to the
tower. In glycol dehydration, the reboiler heats the still
column.
reconcentrator The part of a dehydration system that reconcentrates the glycol.

Includes the reboiler and the still column.
reflux In the distillation process, that part of the condensed overhead

stream returned to the fractionating column. In glycol
dehydration, it is the portion of water condensed in the still
column from the vapor rising from the reboiler.
sales gas Natural gas with water and other impurities removed.
scrubber A vessel designed to handle hydrocarbon streams with high

gas-to-liquid ratios. The liquid is generally entrained as mist in
the gas. These vessels usually have a small liquid collection
section. Also called knockout drums.
sensible heat The heat absorbed or evolved by a substance during a change in

temperature that is not accompanied by a change in phase.
separator A vessel used to split a multiphase stream into a gas stream and
one or more liquid streams.
still column Vertically mounted fractionation column on top of the reboiler.
stripping column Packed column where glycol from the reboiler flows downward
while stripping gas flows upward. Also called a stripper.
stripping gas The gas, usually fuel gas, fed into a stripping column to
reconcentrate glycol to very high purities.

surfactant A soluble compound that reduces the surface tension of liquids,

reduces interfacial tension between two liquids, or between a
liquid and a solid. Also known as a surface-active agent.
surge tank A vessel on a flow line whose function is to receive and

neutralize sudden, transient rises or surges in the stream of
liquid.
TEG Triethylene glycol
theoretical tray A tray with an equilibrium efficiency of 100%.
three-phase separator A vessel used to separate gas and two immiscible liquids.
trayed column Any of several kinds of vertical, cylindrical refining or

processing columns fitted with internal horizontal trays for
fractionation.
TREG Tetraethylene glycol
triethanolamine A viscous, hygroscopic liquid with and ammonia aroma,

soluble in water, and which boils at 335°C. It is added to
glycol solution to neutralize corrosive acids.
turndown An operating condition in which the flow rate of a hydrocarbon

stream is below normal.
water dew point The temperature at which water vapor in a gas mixture starts to
condense.

ADDENDUM A: SYMBOLS USED IN ChE 206.03
A = Cross-sectional area of the contactor, ft2

Cp = Heat capacity, Btu/(lb•°F)
DHvapor = Latent heat of vaporization of water, Btu/lb
DPDEP = Dew point depression, °F
DPinlet = Dew point of gas at the inlet, °F
DPoutlet = Dew point of gas at the outlet, °F
GA = Allowable gas flow rate, MMSCFD-ft2 (from Figure 19 or
32)
Lpure = Volume of pure glycol circulated per hour, gph
Lpure(wt) = Weight of pure glycol (usually TEG) circulated per hour, lb
/hr
Lrich = Volume of rich glycol circulated per hour, gph
Lw = Glycol-to-water-removed ratio, gal lean glycol/lb H2O
removed
QC = Empirical estimate of heat duty required for each gallon of
glycol circulated, Btu/gal
Qestimated = Estimated heat load on reboiler, Btu/hr
Qreflux = Heat duty required to vaporize the reflux water, Btu/hr
Qs = Heat duty required to raise the temperature of the glycol,
Btu/hr
Qtotal = Total heat duty on reboiler, Btu/hr
Qv = Heat duty required to vaporize the water absorbed by the
glycol
rL = Liquid density at operating conditions, lb/ft3
rv = Gas density at operating conditions, lb/ft3
t = Liquid retention time, minutes
Tin = Temperature of glycol at reboiler inlet, °F
Tout = Temperature of glycol at reboiler outlet, °F
U = Required settling volume in the separator, gallons
V = Allowable gas velocity, ft/s

ADDENDUM A (Cont’d)
Winlet = Amount of water in the inlet gas stream, lb H2O/MMSCF

Woutlet = Amount of water in the outlet gas stream, lb H2O/MMSCF
Wremoved = Rate of water removed from gas stream by glycol, lb
H2O/MMSCF
wt lean = Concentration of lean glycol, wt fraction
wt rich = Concentration of rich glycol, wt fraction

ADDENDUM B: EQUATIONS USED IN ChE 206.03
V =K
(ρL − ρv )
ρv (Eqn. 1)
G
A c or As =
GA (Eqn. 2)
Wremoved = Winlet - Woutlet (Eqn. 3)
 1 day 
Wremoved(hr) = (Wremoved) (G)  24 hr  (Eqn. 4)
L = (Lw) (Wremoved(hr)) (Eqn. 5)
L(wt) = L (SGglycol) (8.33) (Eqn. 6)
Lpure(wt) = L(wt) (wt lean) (Eqn. 7)
Lpure = (SGglycol) (8.33) (Eqn. 8)

ADDENDUM B (Cont’d)
Lpure(wt)
L + W removed(hr)
wt rich = (wt) (Eqn. 9)
Lpure(wt )
Lrich =
(wt rich )(SGglycol )(8. 33) (Eqn. 10)
DPDEP = DPinlet - DPoutlet (Eqn. 11)
DPDEP − 32
Estimated number of trays required = 7 (Eqn. 12)
Qestimated = (L) (QC) (Eqn. 13)
Qs = (L) (SGglycol * 8.33) (Cp) (Tout -Tin) (Eqn. 14)
Qv = DHvapor Wremoved(hr) (Eqn. 15)

Qreflux = 0.25 Qv (Eqn. 16)
Qtotal = 1.1 (Qs + Qv + Qreflux) (Eqn. 17)
(L )(t )
U=
60 (Eqn. 18)

ADDENDUM C: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GLYCOLS
PROPERTY MEG DEG TEG TREG

Molecular Weight 62.10 106.10 150.20 194.23
Boiling Point at 760mm 387.10 427.60 532.90 597.2
Hg, °F
Vapor Pressure at 77°F, 0.12 <0.01 < 0.01 < 0.01
mm Hg
Specific Gravity at 77°F 1.110 1.113 1.119 1.120
Specific Gravity at 140°F 1.085 1.088 1.092 1.092
Density at 77°F, lb/gal 9.26 9.29 9.34 9.34
Freezing Point, °F 8 17 19 22
Pour Point, °F < -75 -65 -73 -42
Absolute Viscosity at 16.5 28.2 37.3 39.9
77°F, Centipoise (cP)
Absolute Viscosity at 5.1 7.6 9.6 10.2
140°F, Centipoise (cP)
Surface Tension at 77°F, 47 44 45 45
Dynes/cm
Specific Heat at 77°F, 0.58 0.55 0.53 0.52
Btu/lb/°F
Flash Point, °F 240 280 320 365
Fire Point, °F 245 290 330 375
Decomposition 329 328 404 460
Temperature, °F
Heat of Vaporization at 364 232 179 --
14.7 psi, Btu/lb
Source: Exxon, p12, Table 3.
FIGURE 47: PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GLYCOLS

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Chapter : Process For additional information on this subject, contact

DESCRIBING THE GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PROCESS 1

DETERMINING APPROPRIATE GLYCOL TYPES AND LEAN

CALCULATING THE REQUIRED DIAMETERS OF INLET

DETERMINING GLYCOL CIRCULATION AND WATER

DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF CONTACTOR

CALCULATING THE HEAT LOAD ON A REBOILER 25

DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF A FLASH

DETERMINING THE REQUIRED SIZE OF A STRIPPING COLUMN 27

RECOMMENDING ACTIONS TO CORRECT FAULTY GLYCOL

Work Aid 1: Procedures and Resources for Determining Appropriate 38

Work Aid 2: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the 42

Work Aid 3: Procedures and Resources for Determining 45

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Work Aid 4: Procedures and Resources for Determining the 64

Work Aid 5: Procedures and Resources for Calculating the 73

Work Aid 6: Procedures and Resources for Determining the 80

Work Aid 7: Procedures and Resources for Determining the 82

Work Aid 8: Procedures and Resources for Recommending 84

Addendum A Symbols Used in ChE 206.03 100

Addendum B Equations Used in ChE 206.03 102

Addendum C Physical Properties of Glycols 105

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

DESCRIBING THE GLYCOL DEHYDRATION PROCESS

Figure 1 shows a typical glycol dehydration system.

FIGURE 1: GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 1

Glycol Dehydration Process

FIGURE 2: SIMPLIFIED PROCESS FLOW OF A GLYCOL DEHYDRATION

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 2

Glycol Dehydration Process (Cont’d)

• A flash tank separator

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 3

Glycol Dehydration System Components

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 4

Glycol Dehydration System Components (Cont’d)

Oils or Reduce the drying capacity of the glycol

Entrained Brine Dissolves into glycol

Downhole Cause foaming, corrosion, and, if they deposit on fire tubes,

Solids Promote foaming

Source: Manning, Francis S. and Richard E. Thompson, Oilfield Processing of Petroleum,

FIGURE 4: PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CONTAMINANTS

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 5

• Scrubbing section in the bottom

Source: Manning and Thompson, p. 143, Figure 8-3.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 6

Flash Drum Separator

A two-phase separator with a 5 to 10 minute liquid retention time prevents excess

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 7

Glycol dehydration systems often use three heat exchangers:

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 8

Surge Tank (Accumulator)

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 9

Specialized Glycol Reconcentration Systems

FIGURE 6: GLYCOL DEHYDRATION SYSTEM USING A STRIPPING GAS

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 10