SECTION 20

Dehydration
Natural gas and associated condensate are often produced
from the reservoir saturated (in equilibrium) with water. In
addition, the gas and condensate often contain CO2 and H2S
which might require removal. This is frequently accomplished
with aqueous solutions such as amines, potassium carbonate,
etc. which saturate the gas or condensate with water. Liquid
hydrocarbons may also contain water downstream of product
treaters or upon removal from underground storage.
Dehydration is the process used to remove water from natu-
ral gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), and is required to:
• prevent formation of hydrates and condensation of free
water in processing and transportation facilities,
• meet a water content specification, and
• prevent corrosion

FIG. 20-1
Nomenclature

A = area, ft2 Qtr = total regeneration heat duty, Btu

B = constant in Equation 20-11 Qv = vaporization of water heat duty, Btu/gal.
C = constant in Equation 20-11 Qw = desorption of water heat duty, Btu
Cp = heat capacity, Btu/(lb • °F) Ss = amount molecular sieve req’d in saturation zone, lb
Cg = gravity correction factor for water content t = thickness of the vessel wall, in.
Cs = salinity correction factor for water content T = temperature, °F
Css = saturation correction factor for sieve Trg = regeneration temperature, °F
CT = temperature correction factor v = vapor velocity, ft/sec
D = diameter, ft V = superficial vapor velocity, ft/min
.
d = depression of the water dewpoint or the gas hy- w = water rate, lb/hr
drate freezing point, °F W = water content of gas, lb/MMscf
EOS = Equation of State Wbbl = water content of gas, bbl/MMSCF
Fs = sizing parameter for packed towers, √ 
lb / (ft • sec)
 Wr = water removed per cycle, lb
2
G = mass velocity, lb /(ft • hr) x = mole fraction in the liquid phase
H = enthalpy, BTU/lb X = mass fraction in the liquid phase
∆H = latent heat of vaporization, Btu/lb y = mole fraction in the gas phase
Kvs = vapor/solid equilibrium K-value z = compressibility factor
L = length of packed bed, ft γ = specific gravity
Lg = glycol flow rate, U.S. gal./hr µ = viscosity, cp
LMTZ = length of packed bed mass transfer zone, ft ρ = density, lb/ft3
Ls = length of packed bed saturation zone, ft Subscripts
.
m = mass flow rate, lb/hr i = inlet
MTZ = mass transfer zone o = outlet
MW = molecular weight l = liquid
MWI = molecular weight of inhibitor0 v = vapor
N = number of theoretical stages t = total
P = pressure, psia CO2 = carbon dioxide
∆P = pressure drop, psi H2S = hydrogen sulfide
q = actual gas flow rate, ft3/min HC = hydrocarbon
Q = heat duty, Btu/hr s = solid phase
Qc = reflux condensing heat duty, Btu/gal. L = lean inhibitor
Qhl = regeneration heat loss duty, Btu R = rich inhibitor
Qr = total regeneration heat duty, Btu/gal. I = inhibitor
Qs = sensible heat, Btu/gal. H2O = water
Qsi = duty required to heat mole sieve to regeneration H = hydrate
temperature, Btu rg = regeneration
Qst = duty required to heat vessel and piping to regen- f = feed
eration temperature, Btu p = permeate

20-1