Process: Gas Dehydration

PROCESS
GAS DEHYDRATION
TRAINING MANUAL
COURSE EXP-PR-PR130
Rev. 0.1
Exploration & Production
Process
Gas Dehydration
PROCESS
GAS DEHYDRATION
CONTENTS
1. OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................4
2. PURPOSE OF DEHYDRATION ......................................................................................5
2.1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................5
2.2. HYDRATES...............................................................................................................7
2.3. GAS COMPOSITION ................................................................................................9
2.3.1. Composition of a natural gas.............................................................................9
2.4. Commercial gas ......................................................................................................10
2.5. EXERCISES............................................................................................................11
3. HOW DEHYDRATION WORKS ....................................................................................12
3.1. BASIC THEORY......................................................................................................12
3.1.1. Some definitions..............................................................................................12
3.1.2. Dew point curve...............................................................................................13
3.1.3. Determining the water content of a gas ...........................................................14
3.1.4. Hydrate formation range..................................................................................17
3.2. THE DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS ..............................................................................18
3.2.1. Displacing the operating range........................................................................18
3.2.2. Displacement of the water dew point curve .....................................................19
3.2.3. Displacement of the hydrate curve ..................................................................20
3.3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS .......21
3.3.1. Displacement of the operating range...............................................................21
3.3.2. Displacement of the water dew point curve .....................................................21
3.3.3. Displacement of the hydrate formation curve ..................................................22
4. THE DIFFERENT DEHYDRATION PROCESSES ........................................................23
4.1. DEHYDRATION BY ABSORPTION WITH T.E.G....................................................23
4.1.1. Principle of dehydration by glycol absorption (essentially T.E.G.) ...................23
4.1.2. Treatment cycle...............................................................................................24
4.1.3. Glycol dehydration...........................................................................................28
4.2. DEHYDRATION BY PHYSICAL ADSORPTION IN MICROPOROUS SOLD
ELEMENTS....................................................................................................................31
4.2.1. Principle of dehydration by adsorption ............................................................31
4.2.2. Treatment cycle...............................................................................................34
4.3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT PROCESSES .....35
4.3.1. Inhibition of hydrates by M.E.G. or D.E.G. (recovered by regeneration)..........35
4.3.2. Inhibition of hydrates by methanol (not recovered)..........................................35
4.3.3. Inhibition by of hydrates methanol (recovered and regenerated) ....................36
4.3.4. M.E.G. / D.E.G. - Methanol comparison ..........................................................37
4.4. EXERCISES............................................................................................................37
5. DEHYDRATION REPRESENTATION AND DATA ........................................................38
5.1. REPRESENTATION ON PFD (PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM) ...............................38
5.2. REPRESENTATION ON P&ID (PIPING & INSTRUMENTATION DIAGRAM)........40
5.3. EXERCISES............................................................................................................43
Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN
Last revised: 27/04/2007 Page 2 of 58
Process
Gas Dehydration
6. DEHYDRATION AND THE PROCESS..........................................................................44

6.1. LOCATION AND CRITICALITY ..............................................................................44
6.2. EXERCISES............................................................................................................45
7. OPERATING PARAMETERS ........................................................................................46
7.1. DEHYDRATION BY GLYCOL.................................................................................46
7.2. Regeneration section: DRIZO process....................................................................46
7.3. EXERCISES............................................................................................................46
8. CONTROLLING DEHYDRATION ..................................................................................47
8.1. ABSORPTION SECTION........................................................................................47
8.1.1. Parameters controlling the absorption .............................................................47
8.1.2. Normal operation .............................................................................................48
8.1.3. Downgraded operation ....................................................................................49
8.2. REGENERATION SECTION...................................................................................50
8.3. RECIRCULATION SYSTEM SECTION ..................................................................51
8.3.1. Pumps .............................................................................................................51
8.3.2. Filtration...........................................................................................................51
8.3.3. pH neutralisation equipment............................................................................52
9. TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................................................................53
9.1. IF, WHY? THEN! .....................................................................................................53
9.1.1. Operating problems in the regeneration section..............................................53
9.2. FEEDBACK.............................................................................................................55
10. GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................56
11. LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................57
12. LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................58

Process
Gas Dehydration
1. OBJECTIVES

Process
Gas Dehydration
2. PURPOSE OF DEHYDRATION
2.1. INTRODUCTION
When the gas is at reservoir temperature and pressure, it is generally saturated with
condensed water.
Under certain pressure & temperature conditions, water is responsible for the formation of
hydrates by combustion with certain components in the gas.
Figure 1: Simplified diagram of a dehydration unit
The purpose of dehydration is to:
Eliminate the water vapour from the gas
Prevent corrosion of equipment, especially if the separation gas contains CO2, as

CO2 + H2O = carbonic acid (which is present only in ionic form)
Eliminate the risk of droplets arriving in centrifugal compressor rotors
Decrease pressure loss in pipelines and accumulation of free water in the low
parts of the system
Process
Gas Dehydration
Make possible downstream processing such as gasoline stripping and LPG

recovery
Decrease the work load of molecular sieve dryers upstream of the turbo-
expanders
Prevent corrosion problems in the lift gas or injection gas systems.
Figure 2: Dehydration unit

Process
Gas Dehydration
2.2. HYDRATES
The hydrate formation phenomenon is the major problem in natural gas production and
transport.
Hydrates are formed when the following conditions are present simultaneously:
Presence of liquid water
A natural gas, whether saturated or not with water, does not give rise to the
formation of hydrates. This can only take place in the presence of liquid water e.g.
released by the gas during a change in the pressure or temperature conditions.
Presence of light hydrocarbons
Only the first four hydrocarbons (methane, ethane, propane, butane) are likely to
form hydrates in presence of liquid water.
Other substances such as carbon dioxide or hydrogen sulphide may also form
hydrates with water.
Favourable temperature and pressure conditions for hydrate formation
In addition to the conditions mentioned above, for the hydrates to be able to form,
the pressure of a given gas must be sufficiently high and its temperature
sufficiently low.
A number of factors contribute to hydrate formation:
Vortices
Gas velocity
Bends, orifices, φ changes
Self-amplifying effects
High pressure
Low temperature
Note:
When a hydrate plug begins to form, the pressure drop in the pipe increases, thus
expanding more gas, which lowers the temperature thereby maintaining and
accelerating hydrate formation.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 3: Hydrate
extracted from a pig
trap
Hydrates block pipe

and equipment
causing production
shutdown and risks of
overpressure in the
installations.
The water deposition due to condensation in the pipes or free water from the reservoir may
cause large pressure drops with risks of erosion and "water hammer" effects due to the
liquid slugs.
The transport problems arising from the presence of water in the gas are the following:
Free water (in liquid form) is responsible for most types of corrosion when it is
associated with acid gases (CO2) or salts (calcium carbonates).
Risks of hydrate formation
NB H2S does not require the presence of water to be highly corrosive.
Each natural gas has its own specific hydrate formation range, which depends on:
the density of the gas in relation to air (KATZ method)
its composition and solid-vapour equilibrium factors at P and T for the most
precise methods (CARSON and KATZ method).
If a pipe becomes blocked by hydrates, the hydrate block adheres so strongly to the pipe
walls and is so hard that it cannot be removed by any normal mechanical means.

Process
Gas Dehydration
2.3. GAS COMPOSITION
2.3.1. Composition of a natural gas
Here are a few examples of different compositions:
Composition San Salvo Hassi

Lacq Parentis Groningue Frigg
(% volume) Cupelio R’Mel
N2 1,50 - 0,01 21,62 0,40 5,84
He - - - - - 0,19
H2S 15,30 - - 0,06 - -
CO2 9,30 - 0,89 8,40 0,30 0,21
C1 69,00 73,60 81,30 60,18 95,59 83,72
C2 3,00 10,20 2,85 5,49 3,60 6,76
C3 0,90 7,60 0,37 2,78 0,04 2,09
C4 0,50 5,00 0,14 0,94 0,01 0,82
C5 0,20 1,70 0,04 0,33 - 0,22
C6+ 0,30 1,90 0,05 0,20 0,06 0,15
Table 1: Exemples de compositions de gaz

Process
Gas Dehydration
2.4. Commercial gas
Country France USA (Florida) England Japan (Osaka)
Methane C1 Min 80 mol %
Nitrogen N2 Max 3 mol % Max 5 mol % Max 1 mol %
Carbon dioxide CO2 Max 3 mol % Max 2 mol % Max 0.5 mol %
Oxygen O2 Max 0.5 mol % Max 0.25 mol % Max 10 ppm Max 0.01 mol %
Water H2O 0.005 mg/(n)m³ Max 7 ppm Max 50 mg/(s)m³
Hydrogen Sulphide Max 7 mg/(n)m³ Max ¼ grains /

Max 3.3 ppm Max 10 mg/(n)m³
H2S (6 for Lacq) 100 scf
Mercaptan sulphur Max 16.9 mg/(n)m³
Max 10 grains /
Total sulphur Max 75 mg/(n)m³ Max 15 ppm Max 50 mg/(n)m³
100 scf
Mercury Max 10 mg/(n)m³
High Heating Value 10.7 – 12.7 45.53 – 46.47

Normal Conditions kWh/(n)m³ MJ/(n)m³
High Heating Value 38.52 – 45.72 1000 – 1075 35.90 – 42.30

Standard Conditions MJ/(n)m³ Btu/scf MJ/(s)m³
Index Wobbe 13.4 – 15.65 52.7 – 57.8

Normal Conditions kWh/(n)m³ MJ/(n)m³
Index Wobbe 48.24 – 56.34 48.14 – 51.41

Standard Conditions MJ/(s)m³ MJ/(s)m³
Temperature -10°C at any

-10°C (at 80 bar) Max 120°F
Water Dew Point pressure
Hydrocarbon Dew
-2°C at 75 bar
Point Pressure
Table 2: Several gas specifications in different markets

Process
Gas Dehydration
2.5. EXERCISES

Process
Gas Dehydration
3. HOW DEHYDRATION WORKS
3.1. BASIC THEORY
3.1.1. Some definitions
Bubble point temperature of a liquid which is heated at constant pressure: temperature

at which the first bubble of vapour appears.
Bubble point pressure of a liquid from which gas is released at constant temperature:
pressure at which the first bubble of vapour appears.
Dew point temperature of a gas which is cooled at constant pressure: temperature at

which the first bubble of liquid appears.
NB 1: In the common case of a wet gas, two dew points must be distinguished for a given
pressure:
The hydrocarbon dew point
The water dew point
Obviously, they do not occur at the same temperature, even though in a few specific
cases they may be very close to one another (e.g. in a butane-water mixture at P0,
one dew point occurs at 0°C whereas the C4 dew point occurs around -1°C,
depending on the purity).
This is obviously valid for:

Hydrocarbon and H2O bubble points
Hydrocarbon and H2O dew curves
Hydrocarbon and H2O bubble curves
Dew point curve: set of dew points.
Bubble point curve: set of bubble points.
Critical point C: point common to the two curves (corresponds to the critical pressure).

Process
Gas Dehydration
Important comment on the critical point:
When the fluid reaches this point it is at its critical temperature. The particularity of this
temperature is that above this value the fluid cannot be liquefied, no matter what the
pressure is (it remains in the vapour phase).
E.G.: the critical temperature of pure methane is ─ 82.5°C but that of nC4 is + 152°C!
3.1.2. Dew point curve
For a given gas, the set of dew points in the conditions (Pd, Td) which correspond to the
same water content form this gas's dew point curve.
Pressure - temperature diagram
We can draw this curve in the pressure-temperature diagram.
The curve is easily obtained, when the initial saturation conditions are known.
Using the MacKetta chart shown below, we obtain the coordinates (pressure and
temperature values) which correspond to the same initial water content.
We define the temperatures associated with each isobar by drawing vertical lines at the
points where the curves intersect the horizontal line corresponding to the initial water
content with the isobars.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Principle of the MacKetta chart
3.1.3. Determining the water content of a gas
3.1.3.1. Units
Water contents are generally expressed in:
Anglo-Saxon units: lbs / MMSCF (million standard cubic feet)
SI units: kg / MMSm3 (15°C / 1 atm.) (million standard cubic metres)
kg / MMNm3 (0°C /1 atm.) (million N cubic metres)

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.1.3.2. Determining the water content of a gas from a graph
The MacKetta chart is

the simplest practical
method of obtaining a
relatively precise
estimation of the water
content of a gas.
Figure 4:
Determining the
water content of a
gas from a graph
(MacKetta chart)
This diagram applies

for natural gases with
densities < 0.8.
A correction factor is
applied for gases with
an acid content > 2 %

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.1.3.3. Determining the water content of a gas by calculation
The water content of a gas is determined by simulation programmes which use equations
of state.
Or by applying BUKACEK’s correlation, which is used to determine the water vapour

content in the most accurate, easy way.
In this method, the water content is calculated using an ideal contribution and a deviation
factor. In equation form the correlation is as follows:
sat
Pwater
W = 47484 +B
Ptotal
− 3083.87
log B = + 6.69449
459.6 + t (° F )
Where w is H2O in lb/MMCF and t is temperature in °F.
This correlation is reported to be accurate for temperatures between 60° and 460°F and
for pressure from 15 to 10,000 psia. Again, it is only applicable to sweet gas.
The pair of equations in this correlation is simple in appearance. The added complexity
that is missing is that it requires an accurate estimate of the vapour pressure of pure water.

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.1.4. Hydrate formation range
Hydrate formation range
The zone where the temperature is less than T1 is governed by the hydrate formation
curve.
The zone where the temperature is greater than T1 is governed by the dew point curve
because condensed water is necessary.

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.2. THE DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS
3.2.1. Displacing the operating range
On a gas treatment or gas transport installation, the temperature must not be lowered, if
possible.
The operating range is displaced by installing reheaters upstream (and/or heat insulation
for the short pipes).
Operating ranges
Scope of application
short onshore gas gathering systems
heating upstream of the expansion nozzles (in certain cases)
acid gases or gases with non-negligible CO2 content
Not recommended in the following cases
offshore (safety problems on platforms and very fast temperature losses in subsea
lines)
long distances
high heating power (investments, cost of fuel gas).

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.2.2. Displacement of the water dew point curve
Hydrate formation in the facility can also be prevented by ensuring that there is no water
condensation in the operating range of the facility to be protected.
This can be obtained by dehydrating the gas sufficiently at the facility's inlet, which is
equivalent to displacing the gas's initial dew point curve to the left (see following diagram).
Figure 5: Dehydration analysis
Scope of application
long distance transport of gas at commercial specifications

offshore: large subsea lines carrying gas containing CO2 (corrosion)
upstream of the cooler units
Not recommended in the following cases
short gas gathering lines.

short offshore inter-platform links.

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.2.3. Displacement of the hydrate curve
This solution consists of moving the hydrate formation curve outside the facility's operating
range.
Chemicals such as glycols and methanol have hydrate inhibiting properties.
Figure 6: Hydrate curve displacement
(1) Hydrate formation curve before treatment

(2) Formation curve with injection of inhibitor
The following cases will be envisaged:
inhibition by non-recoverable methanol (without regeneration)
inhibition by methanol, regenerated for re-use
inhibiting with regenerated Mono Ethylene Glycol (M.E.G.) or of Di-Ethylene Glycol

(D..E.G.)

Process
Gas Dehydration
3.3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT

SOLUTIONS
3.3.1. Displacement of the operating range
Advantages
simple to install and implement.
no water condensation in the facility, hence single-phase flow (if no condensate

present).
no corrosion when there is H2S and/or CO2 present in the gas.
low investment costs when no major heat insulation on the downstream line.
moderate operating costs.
Disadvantages
safety problems if bare flame equipment is used on gas installations
footprint and weight not negligible (offshore)
high costs when heat insulation is necessary, and costs similar to those of
dehydration at the head of the pipeline for distances of 10 to 20 km and longer
need for a reliable fuel gas supply or another source of heat
gas does not meet commercial standards with respect to water content
3.3.2. Displacement of the water dew point curve
Advantages
no water condensation in the transport pipe, hence single-phase flows if no

condensate present.
no corrosion when there is H2S and/or CO2 present due to the absence of water.
good reliability (particularly on glycol contactors).
dew points obtained at commercial sales standards (-15 / -20°C at 70 bar).

Process
Gas Dehydration
Disadvantages
relatively complex to install (investment)
safety problems if bare flame glycol reboiler used
footprint not negligible (offshore)
continuous monitoring preferable.
3.3.3. Displacement of the hydrate formation curve
Advantages:
Can be done by injection of methanol or M.E.G. / D.E.G.
Injection can be carried out periodically in view of the content analyses, up at the
gas inlet in the pipeline
No risk of hydrate formation in the High Pressure zone and temperatures lower
than 15°C
Disadvantages
Installation of high back pressure and resulting flowrates
Methanol is less expensive than M.E.G / D.E.G but is less recoverable at the other
end of the pipe (boiling point at 65°C)
M.E.G / D.E.G more expensive but can be recovered at other end of the pipe

Process
Gas Dehydration
4. THE DIFFERENT DEHYDRATION PROCESSES

The most commonly used dehydration processes are:
Absorption units for the different glycols (D.E.G., T.E.G.)
Methanol absorption units
Adsorption units
Molecular sieves
4.1. DEHYDRATION BY ABSORPTION WITH T.E.G.
4.1.1. Principle of dehydration by glycol absorption (essentially T.E.G.)
Absorption section
Glycols have the

property to absorb
water
affinity for water

> than for the gas
The physical
phenomenon =
absorption
Regeneration section
The glycol regeneration

section is based on the
distillation principle (see
figure below).
Figure 7: Glycol
regenerator

Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 8: Dehydration by T.E.G. absorption
4.1.2. Treatment cycle
4.1.2.1. Absorption section
wet gas in a separator

--> free water
the gas flows upwards

through the column
o packing
o perforated plates
Figure 9: Internals of an absorption

column

Process
Gas Dehydration
the regenerated T.E.G. is injected at the top of the absorber
the gas leaves the column through a demister
the gas flows into a head exchanger (depending on the manufacturer)
Figure 10:Absorption column (also called a Contactor) with a head cooler
4.1.2.2. Regeneration section
hydrated T.E.G. is drawn off from the flash drum
series of filters
distillation column
T.E.G. flows down through the column
it exits the column towards the reboiler for regeneration
the water vapour exits the distillation column in the reverse direction
the re-concentrated T.E.G. (to beyond 99%) exits the reboiler via a weir

Process
Gas Dehydration
The regeneration recirculation system consists of:
adjustable stroke piston pumps

o absorber outlet
o adjustable flow positive-displacement pumps
filtration
o removal of solid particles
o removal of hydrocarbons (activated charcoal & CO2)
o Particle filter to trap charcoal debris which may come loose from the
activated charcoal filter
pH neutraliser
o pH to be kept between 6 and 7
NB: The T.E.G. intake temperature in the contactor must be higher by a few degrees
(usually +5°C) to optimise absorption and prevent foaming.
4.1.2.3. Performance and use
Performance:
This is the most used process in production centres which do not have LPG or LNG units,
or units for gasoline stripping by cooling.
the most commonly used process
dew point -15 to -20 °C at 70 bars with a lean T.E.G. at 99%
The T.E.G. is sampled and analysed periodically to detect the presence of

undesirable substances adversely affecting the effectiveness of the T.E.G., such
as:
o Iron
o Salts
o C5+ hydrocarbons
o Solid particles in suspension
o colour
o C5+ liquids in particular, which increase foaming with T.E.G.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Scope of application:
protection of treatment units by cooling
protection of collection systems when there is no salt water ingress or when there
are WKOs at the well head.
protection on medium distance pipes.
subsea wells when there is no salt water ingress.
upstream of long-distance gas lines
protection of downstream lines
upstream of the turboexpander
presence of CO2 --> corrosion
Not recommended in the following cases:
long lines subject to corrosion, sea lines.
production of salt water (contamination by salts from the T.E.G. at regeneration).
The diagram below illustrates the T.E.G. dehydration principle

Process
Gas Dehydration
4.1.3. Glycol dehydration
Figure 11 : Example of a regeneration section
Particularity of a derived process, in the Stripping column (DRIZO):
Instead of using dry gas as the Stripping Gas, hexane is vaporised in an electric super-
heater at a temperature adjusted by thyristors, before being fed into the column as the
stripping gas.
Because:
first, the hexane is present in the reservoir gas, therefore available for
consumption,
second, and foremost, it forms with the water vapour an azeotropic mixture, with
the result that the water vapour has a greater affinity (at a temperature of 205 –
210°C) for Hexane than for T.E.G., which makes it possible to adjust the
concentration of the T.E.G. to 99.6%.
The hexane is then:
Recovered at the head of the stripping column

Process
Gas Dehydration
Condensed in a water exchanger
Recovered in a drum where it is pumped to the electric super-heater.
The stripping loop is thereby complete.
Advantages of the DRIZO process:
very low dew point (from –60°C to –100°C)
glycol losses reduced due to the presence of a head condenser
low risk of foaming
no bottleneck in the glycol regenerator
safer (190 °C)
easier to automate (no foaming)
great flexibility in meeting the dew point specification for the treated gas
lower glycol contactor
slight energy savings (10 to 20% less)

Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 12: Comparison of absorption and adsorption processes

Process
Gas Dehydration
4.2. DEHYDRATION BY PHYSICAL ADSORPTION IN MICROPOROUS

SOLD ELEMENTS
4.2.1. Principle of dehydration by adsorption
property of certain solids (= desiccants) to fix certain molecules on their surface
Figure 13: Dehydration by adsorption
The main desiccants are:
Alumina
Good activity but becomes deteriorated by absorbing the heavy hydrocarbons
which are not eliminated by heating.
Silicagels
These are highly active amorphous substances, which are easy to regenerate and
which adsorb the heavy hydrocarbons to a lesser degree. They are sensitive to
liquid water.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Molecular sieves
These consist of zeolite crystals (calcium and sodium aluminosilicates) whose
pores have crystalline structures of well-defined dimensions, depending on the
type chosen.
Figure 14: Differences between the different desiccants
The polar molecules like water are trapped in these pores.
Other substances such as H2S can be adsorbed.
These are the most active desiccants but they require more regeneration heat. They are
fairly fragile and very expensive, but their efficiency:cost ratio justifies their use in many
gas drying sections upstream of the fractionation and liquefaction processes.
They are sensitive to heavy hydrocarbons, lubrication oil or glycol deposits and therefore
require the installation of very fine filters upstream of the turbo-expanders (e.g. incident on
the LPG Rotoflow in Karstoe, Norway, due to abrasion of the rotor by “fines” from three
drying columns).
All these products deteriorate little by little due to the presence of "poisons". Therefore
these poisonous substances must be removed from the gas, where possible, upstream of
the adsorbers, to prolong their life (1 to 3 years approx.).

Process
Gas Dehydration
Characteristics of the desiccants:
Adsorption capacity (% by weight)

o alumina = 4-7
o silicagel = 7-9
o molecular sieves = 9 - 12
Density:
o alumina = 0.80 - 0.88
o silicagel = 0.69 - 0.72
o molecular sieves = 0.69 - 0.72
Figure 15: Diagram of a molecular sieve adsorber

Process
Gas Dehydration
4.2.2. Treatment cycle
Total cycle time
This is very variable. A classic example: 8 h adsorption, 6 h regeneration, 2 h

cooling i.e. a total of 16 hours. (These times are well-suited to operation in 8-h
shifts).
Regeneration
Temperature from 175 to 280°C (350 to 450°F) with a flow rate from 5 to 15% of
the inlet gas flow rate.
Scope of application:
large contact area with the gas
great affinity for water
saturation of the substance
obligation to desorb water
Performance:
Very low percentage of residual water, used upstream of the cryogenic processes.

Process
Gas Dehydration
4.3. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF THE DIFFERENT

PROCESSES
4.3.1. Inhibition of hydrates by M.E.G. or D.E.G. (recovered by regeneration)
Advantages:
low M.E.G. or D.E.G consumption (little vaporisation in the gas)
easy to regenerate
no pollution problem (water eliminated during the vapour phase)
safe storage (low volatility product).
Disadvantages:
presence of liquid in the transport facility (injection flow rate higher than that of the
methanol)
corrosion if H2S or CO2 present
difficulties (or impossibility) to regenerate if salt water present
gas does not meet the specifications
4.3.2. Inhibition of hydrates by methanol (not recovered)
Advantages:
simple to install
low investments
small equipment size
good reliability

Process
Gas Dehydration
Disadvantages:
formation of a two-phase regime (if the gas transported in the pipeline is

accompanied by a liquid hydrocarbon phase owing to the high solubility of the
methanol in liquid hydrocarbons, its injection rate may become prohibitive).
corrosion if H2S or CO2 present
high operating costs
methanol supply?
storage (safety)
gas does not meet the commercial standards with respect to water content.
4.3.3. Inhibition by of hydrates methanol (recovered and regenerated)
Advantages:
good reliability
no water discharge
Disadvantages:
presence of liquid in the lines
corrosion if H2S / CO2 present (if there is no more free water the presence of CO2
is not a problem), but the presence of H2S always leads to corrosion.
excessive loss of methanol (50%)
complex to install
gas does not meet specifications

Process
Gas Dehydration
4.3.4. M.E.G. / D.E.G. - Methanol comparison
Methanol M.E.G. / D.E.G.
Long distances
Very low solubility
Advantages 10 times cheaper
Low losses
More efficient inhibitor
Hazardous product Expensive product

Disadvantages
High loss High viscosity
Seasonal use
Field of use Upstream of the cooler unit
Backup solution
Table 3: MEG/DEG - Methanol comparison
4.4. EXERCISES

Process
Gas Dehydration
5. DEHYDRATION REPRESENTATION AND DATA
5.1. REPRESENTATION ON PFD (PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM)
Process Flow Diagram (PFD): this document, which is issued during the project phase,
shows the main process lines and tanks and their main operating parameters in a
simplified format.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 16: Example of a gas dehydration and TEG regeneration unit PDF
Last Revision: 27/04/2007 Page 39 de 58
Process
Gas Dehydration
5.2. REPRESENTATION ON P&ID (PIPING & INSTRUMENTATION

DIAGRAM)
This document, which is issued during the project phase, shows all the process lines and
tanks and their main operating parameters in a much more complex format than the PFD.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 17: Example of a gas dehydration unit P&ID

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-FR
Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 18: Example of a glycol regeneration P&ID

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-FR
Process
Gas Dehydration
5.3. EXERCISES
1. What does the English abbreviation PFD stand for?
2. What does the English abbreviation PID stand for?
Training Manuel: EXP-PR-EQ070-FR

Process
Gas Dehydration
6. DEHYDRATION AND THE PROCESS
6.1. LOCATION AND CRITICALITY
Figure 19: Location of dehydration in the process

Process
Gas Dehydration
Figure 20: Example of a dehydration unit’s architecture - Girassol
If the dehydration unit (TEG) shuts down, the methanol injection is automatically opened at
the column outlet.
If methanol injection is impossible, the gas-lift and gas injection must then be stopped,
which generates a loss of production.
6.2. EXERCISES

Process
Gas Dehydration
7. OPERATING PARAMETERS
7.1. DEHYDRATION BY GLYCOL
glycol concentration:
o reboiler temperature
o distillation column pressure
o use of stripping with dry gas
gas T° at absorber inlet
Glycol circulation rate

o 15 l/kg of water to be removed --> 25
o hydrated glycol return: 92% max.
7.2. Regeneration section: DRIZO process
regeneration solvent loop
purity = 99.99%
operating T° = 190 °C
cooling system at flash drum outlet
Applications
o very low dew point (--> - 100 ° C)
o dehydration of gases with aromatics --> recovery in the liquid state
o preservation of the environment
7.3. EXERCISES

Process
Gas Dehydration
8. CONTROLLING DEHYDRATION
8.1. ABSORPTION SECTION
8.1.1. Parameters controlling the absorption
Although a large number of parameters are involved in the T.E.G. dehydration unit
(number of plates or total surface area of the various types of packing in the absorber,
T.E.G. circulation flow rate, gas flow rate, saturation condition, etc.), the concentration of
the regenerated T.E.G. is the most significant parameter.
Therefore the following control parameters are used:
Regenerated T.E.G. concentration
Gas temperature in the absorber
T.E.G. circulation flow rate
T.E.G. intake temperature in the absorber
8.1.1.1. Concentration of the regenerated T.E.G.
The concentration of the T.E.G. entering the upper part of the absorber is the control factor
for the last dew point obtained, whatever the number of plates.
The T.E.G.’s purity level depends on:
The temperature of the bath in the reboiler
The higher the temperature, the more water is released by the TEG
The limit is set at 204°C (TSH at 210°C) because the TEG deteriorates above
220 C.
The operating pressure of the distillation column.
Operating below atmospheric pressure generates higher concentrations at

equivalent temperatures.
The use of a dry gas stripping column.
We cannot exceed 98.7% in a conventional unit at atmospheric pressure.

Process
Gas Dehydration
With the stripping column, a level of 99.9% can be reached.
8.1.1.2. Gas temperature in the absorber
The dew point at the top of the absorber depends on the temperature there. A reduction in
the gas temperature at the inlet to the unit reduces the dew point at the outlet.
8.1.1.3. T.E.G. circulation rate
Since the number of absorber plates and the concentration are fixed, the quality of the gas
dew point depends on the T.E.G. circulation rate.
The minimum glycol circulation rate for a good T.E.G.-gas contact is approximately
15 litres per kg of water to be removed from the gas and with an average flow rate of
25 l/kg of water to be removed, for a conventional installation.
8.1.2. Normal operation
Figure 21: Normal operation of the absorption section

Process
Gas Dehydration
8.1.3. Downgraded operation
If the dehydration column is bypassed, the methanol pumps inject methanol into the
absorber outlet gas line.
Figure 22: Downgraded operation of the absorption section

Process
Gas Dehydration
8.2. REGENERATION SECTION
Regeneration makes use of the distillation principle by heating the T.E.G.-water solution in
a reboiler whose energy is normally supplied either by a fire tube, or by electric heating
elements.
The water-laden T.E.G. is drawn from the flash drum and passed through a series
of filters.
The T.E.G. then enters the distillation column, normally located on the reboiler.
Lean T.E.G. / rich T.E.G. exchangers are used to ensure that the temperature of the
T.E.G. entering the column is as high as possible so as to limit the heating power required
for the regeneration.
The temperature of the T.E.G. bath in the reboiler must be maintained at 204°C, for
example, for the TEG:
The T.E.G. descends through the distillation column to the reboiler to be heated to
its regeneration temperature and thus evaporate a maximum amount of water.
The flow of water vapour created by the reboiler rises through a packing bed or
plates located in the distillation column, in the opposite direction to the water-laden
glycol
The re-concentrated glycol exits the reboiler through a weir to a surge tank.
A dry gas stripping column is often used between the weir and the surge tank to obtain
higher T.E.G. concentrations (up to 99.9% weight).
The maximum concentration which can be obtained without stripping gas is approx. 98.7%
weight if the unit is operating at atmospheric pressure.

Process
Gas Dehydration
8.3. RECIRCULATION SYSTEM SECTION
Figure 23: Recirculation system
8.3.1. Pumps
Positive displacement piston pumps are used to circulate the T.E.G. through the system…
The T.E.G. exiting the surge tank is pumped at the absorber pressure by adjustable flow
rate positive-displacement piston pumps.
It passes through the gas/ T.E.G. or water/ T.E.G. exchanger before entering the top of the
absorber for a new cycle.
8.3.2. Filtration
The solid particles entrained by the T.E.G. are stopped by the filters, which prevents them
being drawn into and deposited in the regeneration equipment.
The hydrocarbons present in the T.E.G. are removed with an activated charcoal filter.

Process
Gas Dehydration
Due to the usually small quantity of the activated charcoal in the filter, the latter gets
saturated rapidly and becomes completely inoperative, making it necessary to replace it
quite often.
NB Activated charcoal usually has CO2 absorbing properties (according to well informed
sources in the USA) which would appear to be more useful than filtering of C6+. In fact, the
combination of CO2 and water vapour, moreover heated upstream of the stripping column,
is an important cause of hot corrosion.
It is true that its “foaming agent properties” are incontestable.
8.3.3. pH neutralisation equipment
A chemical injection unit is used to neutralise the pH of the T.E.G., which must be
maintained at 6 -7 to prevent foaming.

Process
Gas Dehydration
9. TROUBLESHOOTING
9.1. IF, WHY? THEN!
9.1.1. Operating problems in the regeneration section
T.E.G. oxidation
thermal breakdown
pH check
scale
foaming
presence of condensates
salt contamination
loss of T.E.G.
9.1.1.1. Oxidation
The oxygen, which penetrates into the system through the atmospheric storage tanks and
pump seals, can oxidise the T.E.G. and form corrosive acids.
The use of a gas atmosphere is recommended in the storage tanks.
9.1.1.2. Thermal breakdown
An excessive temperature in the reboiler can break down the T.E.G. and form corrosive
products (the TEG decomposition temperature is 220°C).
Local overheating may be caused by salt or bitumen deposits on the fire tubes or heating
tubes.

Process
Gas Dehydration
9.1.1.3. Controlling the pH
The acidity of the T.E.G. is due to the two points mentioned above and to the presence of
acid compounds in the gas to be treated (H2S, CO2) which increase the equipment
corrosion rate.
The T.E.G. must be maintained at a level of pH = 7 - 8 by injecting a pH neutraliser.
9.1.1.4. Deposits
Good filtration and activated charcoal treatment prevents the solid particles and
bituminous hydrocarbons from being deposited.
9.1.1.5. Foaming
Foaming may increase T.E.G. losses and reduce its absorption capacity, resulting in an
increase in the dew point of the treated gas.
The causes of foaming are related to the presence of the following in the T.E.G.:
liquid hydrocarbons,
corrosion inhibitors,
salts,
fine particles in suspension.
The parameter to be monitored, the foaming indicator, is the ∆P through the absorber; a
sudden increase in this parameter is a sure sign of foaming.

Process
Gas Dehydration
9.1.1.6. Presence of condensates
The liquid hydrocarbons cause the T.E.G. to foam.
They can be eliminated in the flash drum and in the activated charcoal filters.
9.1.1.7. Contamination by salt
The salt deposits increase the equipment corrosion rate, and reduce the heating tube heat
transfers.
This salt is transported by a fine water vapour mist, which can be trapped by demister at
the separator.
9.1.1.8. T.E.G. losses
The T.E.G. losses increase the operating costs of this type of unit.
They can be caused by:
Vaporisation at too high a temperature in the reboiler (prevention by TSH & TSHH
of the reboiler heating method)
Entrainment
The high points in the column are generally equipped with internal systems
(separator, demister, coalescer) designed to prevent the glycol being mechanically
entrained through the system.
Mechanical leaks
Mechanical leaks can be reduced by keeping the pumps, valves and other
equipment on the lines correctly maintained
9.2. FEEDBACK

Process
Gas Dehydration
10. GLOSSARY

Process
Gas Dehydration
11. LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1:...............................................................................................................................5
Figure 2: Dehydration unit....................................................................................................6
Figure 3: Hydrate extracted from a pig trap .........................................................................8
Figure 4: Determining the water content of a gas from a graph (MacKetta chart)..............15
Figure 5: Dehydration analysis ..........................................................................................19
Figure 6: Hydrate curve displacement ...............................................................................20
Figure 7: Glycol regenerator ..............................................................................................23
Figure 8: Dehydration by T.E.G. absorption.......................................................................24
Figure 9: Internals of an absorption column.......................................................................24
Figure 10:Absorption column (also called a Contactor) with a head cooler .......................25
Figure 11 : Example of a regeneration section .................................................................28
Figure 12: Comparison of absorption and adsorption processes ......................................30
Figure 13: Dehydration by adsorption ................................................................................31
Figure 14: Differences between the different desiccants ...................................................32
Figure 15: Diagram of a molecular sieve adsorber ............................................................33
Figure 16: Example of a gas dehydration and TEG regeneration unit PDF .......................39
Figure 17: Example of a gas dehydration unit P&ID ..........................................................41
Figure 18: Example of a glycol regeneration P&ID ............................................................42
Figure 19: Location of dehydration in the process .............................................................44
Figure 20: Example of a dehydration unit’s architecture - Girassol....................................45
Figure 21: Normal operation of the absorption section ......................................................48
Figure 22: Downgraded operation of the absorption section..............................................49
Figure 23: Recirculation system.........................................................................................51

Process
Gas Dehydration
12. LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Exemples de compositions de gaz.........................................................................9
Table 2: Several gas specifications in different markets ....................................................10
Table 3: MEG/DEG - Methanol comparison.......................................................................37


Process: Gas Dehydration

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PROCESS

6. DEHYDRATION AND THE PROCESS..........................................................................44

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

Figure 1: Simplified diagram of a dehydration unit

The purpose of dehydration is to:

Eliminate the water vapour from the gas

Prevent corrosion of equipment, especially if the separation gas contains CO2, as

Eliminate the risk of droplets arriving in centrifugal compressor rotors

Make possible downstream processing such as gasoline stripping and LPG

Prevent corrosion problems in the lift gas or injection gas systems.

Figure 2: Dehydration unit

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

Presence of liquid water

Presence of light hydrocarbons

Favourable temperature and pressure conditions for hydrate formation

A number of factors contribute to hydrate formation:

Bends, orifices, φ changes

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

Hydrates block pipe

Risks of hydrate formation

NB H2S does not require the presence of water to be highly corrosive.

the density of the gas in relation to air (KATZ method)

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

2.3. GAS COMPOSITION

2.3.1. Composition of a natural gas

Here are a few examples of different compositions:

Composition San Salvo Hassi

N2 1,50 - 0,01 21,62 0,40 5,84

H2S 15,30 - - 0,06 - -

CO2 9,30 - 0,89 8,40 0,30 0,21

C1 69,00 73,60 81,30 60,18 95,59 83,72

C2 3,00 10,20 2,85 5,49 3,60 6,76

C3 0,90 7,60 0,37 2,78 0,04 2,09

C4 0,50 5,00 0,14 0,94 0,01 0,82

C5 0,20 1,70 0,04 0,33 - 0,22

C6+ 0,30 1,90 0,05 0,20 0,06 0,15

Table 1: Exemples de compositions de gaz

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

2.4. Commercial gas

Country France USA (Florida) England Japan (Osaka)

Methane C1 Min 80 mol %

Nitrogen N2 Max 3 mol % Max 5 mol % Max 1 mol %

Water H2O 0.005 mg/(n)m³ Max 7 ppm Max 50 mg/(s)m³

Hydrogen Sulphide Max 7 mg/(n)m³ Max ¼ grains /

Mercaptan sulphur Max 16.9 mg/(n)m³

Mercury Max 10 mg/(n)m³

High Heating Value 10.7 – 12.7 45.53 – 46.47

High Heating Value 38.52 – 45.72 1000 – 1075 35.90 – 42.30

Index Wobbe 13.4 – 15.65 52.7 – 57.8

Index Wobbe 48.24 – 56.34 48.14 – 51.41

Temperature -10°C at any

Table 2: Several gas specifications in different markets

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

Training Manuel: EXP-PR-PR130-EN

3. HOW DEHYDRATION WORKS

3.1. BASIC THEORY

3.1.1. Some definitions

Bubble point temperature of a liquid which is heated at constant pressure: temperature

Dew point temperature of a gas which is cooled at constant pressure: temperature at

The hydrocarbon dew point

The water dew point

This is obviously valid for: