1

Introduction
Most natural gas streams leaving the reservoir contain
water (vapor or free water)
It is very important to reduce the water content in the gas
stream to below limit of 6-7lb / MMSCFD

Natural gas cools as it travels up the well bore to the surface

due to
➢ Pressure reduction and
➢ Conduction of heat through the pipe to cooler formation walls .
Produced natural gas is nearly always saturated with water
vapor when it reaches the surface.
2
Additional cooling of saturated gas will cause

free water to form

If the gas is further cooled

hydrates will form

The result

➢ Corrosion causes pitting and damage in pipelines.

➢ Hydrates deposit on pipeline interiors and restrict the flow of gas

This is why it is so important to remove water vapor from natural gas.

3
Definitions
Dehydration
The process of removing water from a substance
Although there are several methods for removing water from gas,
the most commonly used dehydration method utilizes a substance
known as Triethylene Glycol (TEG) or simply glycol.

Two major types of dehydration equipment are in use

1. Liquid Desiccant Dehydration (Absorption)

2. Solid Desiccant Dehydration (Adsorption)

4
Absorption
Is the removal of water vapor by bubbling (mixing) the
gas counter-currently through certain liquids that have
a special attraction (affinity) for water

Adsorption
Is the removal of water vapor by making the flow
through a bed of granular solids that have an affinity
for water
Contactor
Is the vessel in witch either Absorption or Adsorption takes place
5
Distillation
Where : water is separated and removed from glycol by boiling

➢ Glycol boil at approximately 435º F (224 ºC)

➢ Water boils at 212 ºF (I00ºC)

Distillation of water from glycol involves heating the glycol-

water mixture to a temperature between

212º F (100º C) and 400 ºF (204ºC)

6
Desiccant
Is the liquid or solid having affinity for water and used in contactor

• Liquid Desiccant
Is liquid that possess the ability to absorb (attract) water from gas
Has the following criteria

1. Highly hygroscopic

2. Doesn't not solidify in a concentrated solution

3. Non corrosive

7
 4. Doesn’t form precipitates with gas constituents

5. Easily regenerated to a high concentration

6. Can be separated easily

7. Essentially non soluble in liquid hydrocarbons

8. Relatively stable in the presence of sulfur compounds and

carbon dioxide under normal operating conditions.

8
common liquid desiccants used in the oil and gas industry
to dehydrate natural gas are:

Methanol
Ethylene glycol
Di ethylene glycol
Triethylene glycol
Tetra ethylene glycol

Methanol, ethylene glycol, and Di ethylene glycol are

commonly used in injection systems as hydrate inhibitors
9
common liquid desiccants used in the oil and gas industry
to dehydrate natural gas are:

Ethylene glycol
Ethylene glycol is produced from ethylene (ethene),
via the intermediate ethylene oxide.
Ethylene oxide reacts with water to
produce ethylene glycol according to
the chemical equation:

C2H4O + H2O → HO–CH2CH2–OH

10
Triethylene )TEG) is preferred for use in dehydration units because:

1. It is more easily regenerated due to its high boiling point and

other physical properties.

2. It has a high decomposition temperature of 404ºF (207ºC)

3. It has lower vaporization losses than other glycols

4. It has lower capital and operating costs than other glycol systems

11
 Tetra ethylene (TREG) is
➢ more viscous and
➢ more expensive than the other processes.

The only real advantage is its lower vapor pressure which

reduces absorber carryover loss.

It may be used in those relatively rare cases where glycol

dehydration will be efficient to treat gas whose temperature
exceeds about 50ºC )122ºF)

12
 Basic Process
There are two basic purposes of a glycol dehydration unit

1. To dry natural gas before putting it into a pipeline

1. To remove water from glycol so that it can be used

over and over again in the dehydration process

13
Basic Process
DRY GAS

DRY GLYCOL
WATER VAPOR

HEAT

WET GAS WET GLYCOL

14
 Water Hydrocarbon System Behavior

15
Water Content in Natural Gas

All gases have the capacity to hold water in the vapor

state .
This is true for
Air
Natural gas (Hydrocarbon mixture)
Nitrogen
Carbon dioxide
Hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen

16
 This capacity to hold water is a function of

➢ Gas Composition Itself

➢ Pressure
➢ Temperature Of The Gas

Salts dissolved in liquid water in equilibrium with

natural gas reduce the water content in the gas

17
The presence of water vapor in natural gas has a very little effect
on the hydrocarbon phase behavior but involves many troubles
1. Liquid water and natural gas can form solid hydrates
(ice- like) which plug equipment

2. Natural gas containing CO2 or H2S (acid gas) in the

presence of free water can cause corrosion
3. Water vapor in natural gas may condense in pipeline which
potentially causes slugging flow conditions

4. Water vapor increases the volume (which leads to reduced

line capacity) and decreases the heating value of natural gas

18
Solubility of Water in Natural Gas
The solubility of water
• Increases with increasing temperature
• Decreases as increasing pressure

Consequently , equilibrium is established when

• The partial pressure of water in the gas phase is equal to

the vapor pressure of water at the temperature of the
system
• The dew point of water will therefore be different from
the hydrocarbon dew point.
19
 in Lbs./ 100 Lbs of Hydrocarbons

0.04
0.03

0.02

0.01

0.006
Solubility of Water

0.005
0.004
0.003

0.002
Solubility of Water in Natural Gas

Temperature F0
40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140
 EXAMPLES
Water Content in Natural Gas

1. At 100 psia and 60 degree F

Water content = 130 Ib water / MMscf gas

2. At 100 psia and 20 degree F

Water content = 30 Ib water / MM scf gas

3. At 100 psia and 0 degree F

Water content = 13 Ib water / MM scf gas

21
22
Macketta Chart

lb water / MMscf
Wet N Gas at 60 F0 and 14.7 psia

Temperature F0
23
lb water / MMscf
lb water / MMscf
Wet Gas at 60 F0 and0 14.7 psia
Wet N Gas at 60 F and 14.7 psia

0
F0
20
F0
HYDRATE FORMATION LINE

60 F0

Temperature F0
Macketta Chart

130 Ib

13 Ib
30 Ib
 Water Content in Natural Gas

Water content is a function of

1. Gas composition
2. Pressure and
3. Temperature

The water content of gas is expressed as

Kg water per million m3 of gas or
Ib water per million scf of gas

24
 EXAMPLES

1. At 2000 psia

Hydrate will form at: 70 degree F

2. At 200 psia

Hydrate will form at: 38 degree F

25
26
lb water / MMscf
lb water / MMscf
Wet Gas at 60 F0 and0 14.7 psia
Wet N Gas at 60 F and 14.7 psia

HYDRATE FORMATION LINE

38 F0
70 F0
Macketta Chart
200 PSIA

Temperature F0
2000 PSIA
Water Dew Point
When a gas has absorbed the volume of its water holding
capacity at specific pressure and temperature , it is said to be
saturated up to that point

Any additional water added at the saturation point will not

vaporize , but will fall out as free liquid.

Also at this point if

The pressure is increased and
The temperature decreased
The capacity of the gas to hold water will decrease and some
water vapor will condense and drop out
27
 This point is known as the

water dew point

Which may be defined as

The temperature at which the natural gas is

saturated with water vapor at a given pressure.

At the dew point, natural gas is in equilibrium with

liquid water.

28
Dew Point Depression

The difference between the dew point temperature of water in

saturated gas stream and the stream after it has been dehydrated is
known as the dew point depression.

To illustrate the concept of dew point depression, suppose that the

natural gas at 500 psia and 60 ºF, at the saturation point contains 30 lbs
of water per million cubic feet.
The dew point of this gas is 60 ºF. Suppose this natural gas is going to
be transported in pipeline at 20 ºF. The saturation point will then be 7
lbs of water / MM cf, the original 30 lbs of water, if left in the gas, will
exist in the form of 7 lbs of water vapor and 23 lbs of free water per
million cf, if the pressure remains the same.
29
Dew Point Depression

This free water is a potential source of hydrates to form and plug the
line. Suppose the natural gas is processed in a dehydration unit and
the dew point is depressed 50º F.

This means that no free water will exist in the gas until the temp goes
to 10 ºF or lower.

Gas at 500 psia and 10 ºF contains about 5 lbs of water vapor /MMcf;
the dehydration unit must remove 25 lbs of water from each 1 million
cf, of gas in order to achieve the 50 ºF dew point depression.

30
 Dew Point Depression
Is the difference between the dew point temperature of
Water in saturated gas stream and the gas stream after it has
been dehydrated

Raw Gas Sales Gas

Dehydration Unit
P =500 psia P =500 psia
T = 60 degree F T =20 degree F
Water content = Water content =
30 Ib w / MM scf g Free water removed
7 Ib w / MM scf g
23 Ib w / MM scf g

DPD = 60 – 20 = 40 Degree F
31
Hydrates form when free water combines with the
following gases
• Butane (C4)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Ethane (C2)
• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
• Methane (C1)
• Nitrogen (N2)
• Propane (C3)
Composition

• Hydrocarbons with five or more

carbon atoms (C5+) do not fit into
these lattice vacancies Hydrocarbon

• hydrates float on water, but sink in

hydrocarbon liquids. Hydrate

Water
Hydrates

Hydrates are solid components that form as crystals and

resemble snow in appearance. They are created by a reaction
of natural gas with water.

When formed they contain about 10% hydrocarbon and 90%

water.

Hydrates have specific gravity of about 0.98 and will usually

float in water and sink in hydrocarbon liquids.

Water is always necessary for hydrates formation as well as

some turbulence in the flowing gas stream.
Hydrate Structures

A hydrate is a water lattice with a series of open spaces in the

interstices. It can only be a stable solid if enough of these spaces are
filled by the gas molecules.

These spaces are of two sizes:

a. Smaller molecules (CH4, C2H6, H2S and CO2) form body centered
cubic structure.

a. Larger molecules (C3H8, iC4H10) form diamond lattice structure

with 17 molecules H2O per gas molecule.
Gas Hydrates:

One cubic foot of hydrate can hold 170 standard cubic feet of gas.

How it forms:

When the natural gas components (CH4 , C2H6 , C3H8 , I-C4H10 ,

H2S , CO2 , N2) enter the water lattice and occupy the vacant
lattice positions, causing the water to solidify at Temp > freezing
point of water.
 The chemical formulas for natural gas hydrates are
Methane CH4 – 7 H2O
Ethane C2H6 – 8 H2O
Propane C3H8 – 18H2O
Carbon Dioxide CO2 – 7 H2O

The composition of hydrates is such that free water must be

present for their formation.
For example,:
Typical methane hydrates (CH4-7H2O), this would require 126 Ibs
of water for every 16 Ibs methane.
Tray With Bubble Caps
 Tray With Bubble Caps
Bubble Caps

DRY GAS DRY GAS

WATER
VAPOR GLYCOL GLYCOL

Contactor
Column WET GAS
Tray
Packed Contactor Column
 Glycol Carryover

Foam formation

• The gas rate must be

reduced to eliminate
carryover.
• Level control on the
contactor is important
in stabilizing operation Foam
• Flow rate surges will
cause the reboiler to
operate inefficiently
and may overload it.
 water lattice

Hydrocarbon

Composition
Hydrate
• Hydrocarbons with five or more
carbon atoms (C5+) do not fit into
these lattice vacancies
• hydrates float on water, but sink in Water
hydrocarbon liquids.
 Factors Promoting Hydrate Formation
• Hydrate Formation

• Hydrate Formation is often confused with condensation. The

distinction between the two must be clearly understood.
• Condensation of water from a natural gas under pressure occurs
when the temperature is at or below the dew point at that pressure.
• Free water obtained under such conditions is essential to the
formation of hydrates which will occur at or below the hydrate
temperature at the same pressure. Hence, the hydrate temperature
would be less than or equal to the dew point temperature.
 Factors Promoting Hydrate Formation

Primary
• Free water (Gas is at or below its dew point.)
• High pressure
• Low temperature
 Factors Promoting Hydrate Formation
Secondary
• High velocities.
• Physical sites where crystals might form
such as pipe elbows, orifices, or line scale.
• Pressure pulsations.
• Small crystals of hydrates that may act as
seed crystals.
• Turbulence in gas streams
(promotes crystal growth by agitating super
cooled solutions).
Horizontal Two-Phase Flow Regimes
1 - Bubble
2 - Plug
3 - Stratified
4 - Wavy
5 - Slug
6 - Annular
7 - Mist
 Bubble Flow

Plug Flow

Vapor
Liquid Fig 5
Stratified Flow

Wavy Flow

Fig 5
 liquid Slug Flow

Annular Flow

Fig 5
Mist Flow

Fig 5
 Horizontal Pipe

1/2 1/3 396 y W

1–y ρG µL Y =
X = 530
y
1/6 2 1/2 1/2
ρL d ρG ρL
where:
X = x axis of Figure 6. (Represents the liquid)
Y = y axis of Figure 6 . (Represents the vapor).
y = Weight fraction vapor.
ρG = Vapor density, lb/ft3.
ρL= Liquid density, lb/ft 3.
µL = Liquid viscosity, CP.
= Liquid surface tension, dynes/cm.
W = Total mass flow rate (liquid + vapor),
thousands m lb/hr.
d = Pipe inside diameter, in.
 1-Horizontal Pipe

ρG 6

ρL 85 X 4502.2
µL 5
σ 7.74 Y 3.5
d 12
WL 297.4
WG 29.1

W 987
y 0.0295
 Fig 6
Horizontal Pipe

Bubble or Froth

8.7
Y=

X= 530 663.9
 Factors Promoting Hydrate Formation
C1 Through C3

• The smaller natural gas molecules, methane (C1)

and ethane (C2), form stable structure to hydrates.

• However, even small concentrations of propane (C3)

or ethane strongly promote the formation of
hydrates in gas streams.
 Factors Promoting Hydrate Formation

H2S and CO2

• H2S and CO2 form stable Structure of hydrates.

• H2S in a gas stream strongly promotes the formation of hydrates.

• Above 85°F H2S does not form hydrates.

• Presence of H2S and CO2 is conclusive to hydrate formation

since these acid gases are more soluble in water than
hydrocarbons.
Preventing Hydrate Formation

The hydrate formation can be prevented by

• Heating the cold unprocessed well stream.

• Inhibitor injections like ammonias, brines, glycol and methanol

have been used to lower the freezing point of water vapor.

• Methanol and glycol are the most inhibitors widely used. Usually
methanol and glycol are used when hydrate problems arise so
rarely that the installation of heater or dehydration equipment is
not economically feasible.
 Chemical Injection (pipe lines)
• Currently, methanol and mono ethylene glycol (MEG) are
the two chemicals most commonly injected into gas
streams to inhibit hydrate formation.
• Consider the use of chemical injection to inhibit hydrate
formation for the following:
• Gas pipelines in which hydrates form at localized points
• Gas streams operating a few degrees above their hydrate
formation temperature
• Gas-gathering systems in pressure-declining fields
• Situations where hydrate problems are of short duration
 Methanol

MeOH
Temp.
Controller

pump

Power gas
methanol

Gas
stream
Injection Choke
point
 Method of Injecting Methanol :
The injection of methanol considerably upstream of a hydrate-
forming location allows the methanol to distribute and
vaporize completely.

Because of methanol’s high volatility, nozzle placement and

design are not as critical as they are for glycol injection.
Methanol injection nozzles should be located as follows:

• Upstream of front-end exchangers

• At the inlets of turbo expanders
• At any refrigerated condensers in downstream fractionation
 Methanol
Methanol works well as a hydrate inhibitor because of
the following reasons:
• It can attack or dissolve hydrates already formed.
• It does not react chemically with any natural gas
constituents.
• It is not corrosive.
• It is reasonable in cost.
• It is soluble in water at all concentrations.
 Methanol and Glycol Injection Effect

Hydrate Formation Curve

After
Injection
Hydrate Before
Injection
Pressure No Hydrate

Temperature

• Methanol and Glycol work well as a hydrate inhibitor because it shift the
curve to the left
• (It lower the freezing point of water vapor.)
 Advantages and disadvantages of glycol and
methanol injection.
INHIBITOR ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES/ LIMITATIONS
Glycol Usually lower operating cost than High initial cost
methanol when both systems Possibility of glycol contamination
recover injected chemical Limited use (only non-cryogenic
applications)
Low vapor losses (low volatility) Cannot dissolve hydrates already formed

Methanol Relatively low initial cost

Simple system High operating cost
Does not generally need to be
recovered Generally, use glycol injection if
Low viscosity methanol injection rate is over 30 gph
When injected, distributes well
into gas streams Large vapor losses (high volatility)
Can dissolve hydrates already
formed
Glycol
concentrations :
 ALLOWABLE GLYCOL DILUTIONS
SITUATION RECOMMENDED DILUTION
OF GLYCOL

Unknowns about the system exist Not over 5% to 10%

Spot injection (in a heat exchanger, If distribution of glycol is a problem,

for example) limit to about 5%

Pipelines operating above 20°F Up to about 20%

 Selecting Glycol Type
SITUATION/CONDITION RECOMMENDATION

Natural gas transmission in which Use MEG because it depresses hydrate

recovery is not important formation temperatures.

Use MEG because it has the lowest solubility

Injected glycol contacts of the glycols in high molecular weight
hydrocarbon liquids hydrocarbons.

Use DEG or TEG because both glycols have

Severe vapor losses
lower vapor pressures than the other glycols.

Severe vapor losses and injected When both of these conditions are present,
glycol contacts hydrocarbon liquids DEG may be the best choice
Glycol Injection and
Recovery System Using
a Three-Phase
Separator
 Low temp separation unit
LP Sales
Flare Gas

Flare

Gas in
PCV- LTS

Glycol

LCV
Rich Glycol
Lean
Glycol
Condensate Water
 Glycol regeneration unit
Rich Glycol

C-F Particulate Filter

Charcoal Filter
Blanket Gas

Skimmer Reboiler
Closed Drain Glycol / Glycol EX

Lean Glycol
to injection
points
Rich Glycol Lean Glycol
Storage Tank Storage Tank

Glycol
Sump
 Glycol Injection and Recovery System Components
• Separators LTS

Mist Extractor
Vortex
Glycol Coil Breaker

Vortex
glycol in
Breaker

glycol out
 Glycol Injection and Recovery System Components

• Reboiler
 Glycol Losses
Glycol injection systems that involve both hydrocarbon
liquids and gases generally lose glycol to the following:

• Solubility (normally about 0.3 to 3 gallons of glycol

per 1000 barrels of hydrocarbon liquid produced)
• Leakage
• Carryover with hydrocarbon liquid and in the reboiler
• Vaporization in the reboiler and during injection
Glycol Injection:

• The inlet well stream enters the knockout with or without prior
cooling.

• Prior To Heat Exchanger, The optimum amount of Glycol is injected.

• This glycol then flows through the heat exchanger, across the choke
into the separator with the well stream gas.

• There, it is separated with the condensate.

Glycol Injection (Cont.):

• The cold sales gas then proceeds to either the well stream heat
exchanger and/or the stabilizer product cooler before entering the
sales line.

• After being separated, the glycol is re-concentrated in a unit very

similar to that used for absorption, dehydration and re injected into
the line.
• The concentration of glycol injected in the gas stream must be
carefully controlled so that it will not freeze when it passes
through the low temperature exchangers.

• A glycol concentration of 95 % will freeze at a temperature of -22

ºC (8 ºF). A solution containing 38 % glycol and the balance water
will freeze at the same temperature.
• The concentration of glycol used for injecting in the exchangers
to prevent hydrates from forming must fall somewhere between
38 % and 95 %

• The glycol injected in an exchanger mixes with water that

condenses from gas as it is cooled, consequently, the glycol is
diluted as it mixes with water.
 Selecting glycol injection nozzle
In order for the glycol to be
effective, it must be sprayed
in each exchanger so that the
entire tube sheet of the
exchanger is covered with
glycol.

Hydrates will form in the tubes that are not in the spray pattern and they will quickly
plug.
Usually, the quantity of glycol required to completely cover the tube sheet of the
exchanger is considerably more than the minimum required

The spray pattern from a nozzle is primarily dependent upon the pressure drop
across the nozzle. As the pressure drop increases, the spray pattern enlarges
 glycol injection nozzle in
Heat Exchanger

23-Aug-23
 Selecting glycol injection nozzle
Increase in D.P Gauge
Reading Indicates
Hydrate Formation in
H. Exchanger Tubes
 Selecting glycol injection nozzle

Vertical Movement of Nozzle Rotated Movement of Nozzle

 Selecting glycol injection nozzle

• Capacity
• Spray angle
• Sufficient pressure drop between the nozzle and the
gas stream over the expected range of operating
conditions
Nozzle Placed At One Location: Three Flow Rates
 Nozzle Placed At different Locations: One Flow Rate

Nozzles in some exchangers can be moved closer to or away

from the tube sheet while the exchanger is in service.
Troubleshooting

There are no hard and fast rules to determine the best operating
conditions to prevent hydrate formation in an exchanger. When hydrate
formation is a problem, it is important that only one condition be
changed at time in order to evaluate its effect. If several changes are
made at the same time, the positive effect of one change may be offset
by a negative effect from another and no conclusions can be from the
changes.
Following is a suggested procedure for troubleshooting hydrate
formation in an exchanger.
Back flow the nozzle to remove dirt’s that may have collected in it.
Increase the glycol flow rate 20 %. If the situation does not improve,
increase by another 20%.
If the above fails, reduce the glycol circulation rate 20 % below its
original rate if no improvement occurs, reduce it another 20 %.

If no improvement is noted from changing the flow rate, set the flow
at its original rate and reduce the glycol concentration by 5 %,
concentration can be reduced 5 % by lowering temperature 4 ºC (7
ºF) in the concentrator.
If no improvement is noted with a reduction in concentration, repeat
steps 2 and 3 at the lower glycol concentration.
If no improvement is noted set the flow at its original rate and
increases the temperature of the glycol at the injection point, if
possible. Hold the concentration at its low point. The temperature
should be raised at least 20ºC (30ºF).
If no improvement is noted, change the flow rate as
recommended in steps 2 and 3 at the lowest concentration and
higher temperature.

If no improvement is noted, the nozzle should be moved or

rotated in the exchanger.
Set the flow rate at normal and maintain a high temperature
and low concentration. Each, change in position should be
made in small steps, if a position change does not-result-in
improvement, follow it with a change of the same magnitude in
the opposite direction.
.
 Glycol Dehydration
The more common liquids in use for
dehydrating natural gas are

•Diethylene glycol (DEG)

•Triethylene glycol (TEG)
•Tetraethylene glycol (TREG).
Glycol dehydration
 EQUILIBRIUM WATER DEW POINTS FOR GASES
IN CONTACT WITH VARIOUS CONCENTRATIONS OF
TEG
DESCRIBING THE GLYCOL
DEHYDRATION PROCESS
Glycol dehydration
unit
 System Gas flow
Valve meter
Sea Line

Rich Gly.

Flashed
Dehydration Gas
tower
Glycol
Flash
Drum

Glycol Reboiler

Glycol Glycol
Rich Gly. Cartridge Accumulator
Inlet filter Glycol Carbon
Scrubber filter

Gly. Inj. Lean / Rich

Gly. Ex.
contaminated Pump Lean Glycol
Water
 Glycol Dehydration System Components

• Inlet Scrubber
• Inadequate scrubbing causes about half of all glycol
dehydration system problems.
• Free water
• Many contaminants include:
• Oils or hydrocarbons
• Entrained brine
• Down hole additives
• Solids, such as sand and corrosion products
 PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CONTAMINANTS
CONTAMINANT PROBLEMS
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

Reduce the drying capacity of the glycol With water present,

Oils or can cause foaming
Hydrocarbons Undisclosed oils can:
• Plug absorber trays
• Foul heat transfer surfaces in the re-boiler
• 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
 PROBLEMS CAUSED BY CONTAMINANTS
CONTAMINANT PROBLEMS
Brine Dissolves into glycol
Corrodes steel, especially stainless steel
Deposits on reboiler fire tubes, causing hot spots
and fire tube burnout

Down hole
Cause foaming, corrosion, and, if they deposit on
Additives
fire tubes, hot spots

Solids Promote foaming

Erode valves and pumps
Eventually plug trays and packing
 Glycol Dehydration System Components

Contactor

Contactor towers contact the lean glycol with

the wet gas stream.
• Scrubbing section in the bottom
• Drying (mass transfer) section in the middle
• Glycol cooler and mist extractor in the top
Glycol Dehydration
System Components
 Contactor
Scrubbing Section :–
Scrubber integrated into the contactor
Wire mesh mist extractor.
This second stage of scrubbing further
minimizes the contamination of the
glycol and helps prevent the free
water from overloading the system.
 Contactor
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.
Flash Drum Separator
A two-phase separator with a 5 to 10 minute liquid
retention time prevents excess hydrocarbon vapor from
entering the stripping column

Filters
Cartridge filters remove solids, that is, corrosion
products.
Activated carbon filters remove hydrocarbon impurities,
for example, well treating chemicals and compressor
oils.
Filters

Filters are installed in the glycol stream to remove solids

and other contaminants which may cause plugging and
foaming.

There are two types of filters commonly used in gas

dehydration systems:

One type is used for solids removal and the other for
dissolved contaminants removal.
Filters

Solids Removal:
Fine screen, sock type or cartridge filters are used for
solids removal.

Solid particles can cause erosion of pump pistons, valve

seals and discs, plugging of equipment, and foaming.
A pressure drop of 3 - 6 psig (0.21 - 0.42 bar) usually occurs as glycol
flows through the elements.

When the pressure drop rises to 15 - 20 psig (1.05 - 1.4 bar), the
elements should be replaced so that collapse of the elements or
stoppage of glycol does not occur.
 Dissolved Contaminants Removal:

Activated carbon filters are recommended for removal of dissolved

contaminants.

They work well until their adsorption capacity is reached.

In cases where the glycol contains appreciable quantities of light

hydrocarbons, they must be changed or reactivated frequently.

Most glycol systems cannot be operated successfully without carbon

adsorption.
There are two types of activated carbon filters.

Most systems use a carbon canister; however, larger systems use a loose
fill carbon vessel.

When the loose fill vessel is used, care must be taken to trap carbon
fines and keep them from entering, the glycol dehydration system.
This is especially important when a fresh carbon bed is put into service.

Routing, the glycol flow through the carbon bed prior to the particle
filter is the usual method of trapping carbon fines.

However, care must be taken to re-route the glycol flow to its proper
order or the life of the carbon bed will be shortened.
Carbon filters should be replaced anytime the level of contaminants in
the glycol solution goes up.

Monthly test should be run to determine the contamination level.

Glycol Pump

Glycol circulation pumps contain the only moving parts in a glycol

dehydration system.
Electric-motor driven
High-pressure gas-operated
High-pressure liquid-operated

Heat Exchangers
Lean gas/glycol
Glycol/glycol
Reflux coil located in still column
Heat Exchangers
Lean gas/glycol
Glycol/glycol
Reflux coil located in still column

Glycol/Gas Heat Exchanger:

Dry gas leaving the contactor passes through this heat exchanger,
where the temperature of the gas is raised slightly as it cools the
incoming lean glycol.
Thus, the final stage of lean glycol cooling is accomplished here.
Incoming glycol is cooled to a temperature about 10 - 15 ºF (5 - 7 ºC)
above that of the natural gas entering the contactor.
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.

Packing
Still columns usually contain 4 to 8 ft of
packing although some large units use
trays.
Reboiler
Reboiler provide enough heat to boil the water out of the glycol.

Surge Tank (Accumulator)

The surge tank (accumulator) holds glycol to compensate for
fluctuations in the load on the glycol dehydration systems

Stripping Gas
Adding a stripping gas to the still column increases the glycol purity
produced by the glycol concentrator from about 98.5% to 99.9%.
DISCUSSION
 Process/Design Variables
Gas Temperature
• water content of the inlet gas increases as this temperature is
raised.
• Glycol vaporization losses are also increased at the higher
temperature.
• Problems can result from too low temperature (below 50°F)
because glycol becomes very viscous.

Lean Glycol Temperature

• It should be kept at least 10°F above the inlet gas temperature to
minimize hydrocarbon condensation in the absorber and
subsequent foaming.
 Process/Design Variables

Glycol Reboiler Temperature

• The reboiler temperature controls the concentration of the water in the glycol.
• The glycol concentration increases with higher reboiler temperatures.
• The reboiler temperature should never be allowed to remain at or above the
glycol degradation temperatures.
• When higher glycol concentrations are required, stripping gas can be added to
the reboiler..

Regenerator Top Temperature

• A high temperature can increase glycol losses due to excessive vaporization.
• The recommended temperature in the top of the column is about 225°F.
• If the temperature in the top of the column drops too low, too much water can be
condensed and washed back into the regenerator to flood the column and fill the
reboiler with excessive liquids.
 Process/Design Variables

Reboiler Pressure
• Reducing the pressure in the reboiler at a constant temperature
results in higher glycol purity

Glycol Concentration
• The water content of the dehydrated gas depends primarily on the
lean glycol concentration

Glycol Circulation Rate

• The dew point depression of a saturated gas is a function of the
glycol circulation rate
• A typical glycol circulation rate is about three gallons of glycol per
pound of water removed (seven maximum).
 Solid Desiccant Dehydration
Desiccants in common commercial use fall into one
of three categories:
• Alúmina - Regenable aluminum oxide base
desiccant.
• Silica Gel - Regenerable silicon oxide adsorbent.
• Molecular Sieves - Regenerable solid desiccants
composed of crystalline metal alumina silicates
(zeolites).
 Dry Gas

WET GAS

TWO WAY
VALVE

Wet Gas
ACTIVATED REGENRATED
23 August 2023 122
 Dry Gas

WET GAS

Wet Gas
REGENRATED ACTIVATED
23 August 2023 123
SOLID DESICCANT DEHYDRATOR
TWO TOWER SYSTEM
TYPICAL MOLECULAR
SIEVE GAS
DEHYDRATION VESSEL
 Process Flow of Solid Desiccant
Dehydrators

V-1

A-1

Feed D-1A D-1B D-1C

CD
Gas

Dry Gas To
F-1 F-2
Cooling Train

CD

C-4
A/B
H-1A/B/C
Process Flow of Solid Desiccant
Dehydrators
Function of Major Components of Solid Desiccant
Dehydrators
• An inlet gas stream separator /liquid coalescer.
• Two or more adsorption towers (contactors) filled with
solid desiccant.
• A high-temperature heater that provides hot regeneration gas to
reactivate the desiccant in the towers.
• A regeneration gas cooler that condenses water from the hot
regeneration gas.
• A regeneration gas separator (knockout) that removes the
condensed water from the regeneration gas.
• Piping manifolds, switching valves, and controls that direct and
control the flow of gases according to the process requirements.
 Inlet Separator/Coalescer
As with glycol dehydrators, inlet separators
protect the dehydrator from impurities such as:
free water, salt, compressor oils, hydrocarbon
liquids, paraffins, corrosion inhibitors, glycol,
amines, rust, iron sulfide, iron oxide,
fractionation sands, drilling mud, pipeline scale,
and sulfur.
 Mist Extractor

38 Filter elements

First stage second stage

liquid storage liquid storage

2" Liquid outlet 2" Liquid outlet

40 cm O.D

4.27 m

Capacity = 240 MMSCFD

Gas inlet
A
Design Press. = 88 Kg/cm2
Gas outlet Design Temp. = 66 oC
View A-A A
3 5/8" D. * 3' LG
Filter element detail
 16" Fill hole

Adsorber 1/16" mol. sieve

(h=9')
3.5" thick.

10" Adsorb. in
Tower
Regen gas out 20" Manhole
12'

1/8" ceramic ball

1/4 " ceramic ball

7' I.D.
Supporting screen

10" Adsorb. out

Regen gas in
 Regeneration Gas Heater

The regeneration gas heater heats the

regeneration gas to about 300°C.
Solid desiccant dehydrators use many types of
heaters including salt bath, direct fired, hot oil,
and steam.
 Regeneration Gas Heater
16"Stack

6.1 m
Regen Gas Coil 20" Salt Fill Hole
20" Salt Fill Hole

3" In
Regen. Gas
Molten Salt
3" Out

Fire Tube

Drain
Regeneration Gas Cooler

• Regeneration gas coolers reduce the

temperature of the regenerated gas to
condense the adsorbed water
and, sometimes, hydrocarbons.
• Cooling the regeneration gas also
prepares it for further processing.
Regeneration Gas Separator

Regeneration gas separators remove liquids

condensed by the regeneration gas cooler from the
regeneration gas

Switching Valves
Switching valves direct the process fluid and
regeneration gas to the appropriate component of
the dehydrator
Instrumentation

The monitoring of solid desiccant dehydrators requires a variety of

instrumentation to measure or control the following process
variables:
• Flow rate, temperature, and pressure of the process fluid
• Water content of the product fluid
• Flow rate and pressure of the regeneration gas
Instrumentation

The monitoring of solid desiccant dehydrators requires a variety of

instrumentation to measure or control the following process
variables:

• Inlet and outlet temperatures of the regeneration gas

• Temperature of the regeneration gas leaving the regeneration gas
cooler
• Adsorbent differential bed pressure
• Cycle time controllers
MEG as Hydrate Inhibitor
 MRU

• The unit is designed to process the exhausted mono-ethylene glycol (MEG)

from the upstream gas dehydration section and treat it, in order to remove the
mixed water with dissolved salt and the hydrocarbon traces, making it suitable
for reuse.

• Lean MEG is injected in the sea line from gas wells to the onshore to prevent
hydrates formation that causes pipeline blockage and plugging. It is received
in another phase unlike the original one as it is mixed with water produced
from wells.
 MRU

• Water / MEG is received and directed to the MEG recovery unit to recover the
MEG again to be further stored and re-injected into the wells.

• MRU unit purpose is to recover and regenerate MEG, recycle it back and re-
inject it to the offshore through 2*8” lean MEG injection lines.
 MRU

• Water-glycol mixture from the upstream unit is fed to three evaporators

operating in series, where the salt in solution is progressively concentrated and
precipitated. The water-glycol and solid salt mixture from train A and B is
conveyed to a centrifuge, where the salt crystals are separated and transferred
to disposal facilities, whereas the concentrated solution is recycled back to the
unit.

• The vapor phase from the evaporators, containing water, glycol and
hydrocarbon traces is sent to the distillation column, where water is recovered
from the top and regenerated glycol from the bottom.
 MRU

• The lean (purified and dry) glycol is then cooled down and sent to storage for
further use.

• The overhead water is then passed through a coalescer and finally through an
activated carbon filter system for liquid hydrocarbon removal before transfer to
the utility water unit.
Typical MRU Flow Diagram