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Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas

Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol
Perpetua Bassey, Godslove Johnson & Minister Obonukut

University of Uyo

ABSTRACT
Dehydration of Natural Gas has been a subject of interest for decades due to the effect of wet gas on the
system. Specifically, the gas’ heating value and its flow assurance are challenged coupled with not meeting
markets’ specification. Besides these flow assurance and related issues, the hydrate in the gas quickly
deactivate catalyst and burn less. This study attempts to economically dehydrate the gas using Triethylene
Glycol (TEG) which has to be optimally regenerated and used for further dehydration process. The simulation
and optimization of the dehydration process through absorption with TEG was carried out using Aspen
HYSYS software and Design-Expert software respectively. The simulation was carried out using Glycol and
Peng-Robinson as the thermodynamic fluid package. Effects of parameters such as TEG circulation rate,
equilibrium stages of absorption column, operating conditions on the process efficiency were investigated. It
was found that, lowering the pressure in the absorption column reduces the amount of hydrocarbons trapped
in the wet TEG stream leaving the bottom of the absorber. The optimization of the Recycled TEG was carried
out using the numerical optimization of the Design-Expert software, the experimental design was based on
the Central Composite Design of the Response Surface Methodology of Design-Expert version 10, this
optimization yield a relative increase in TEG recycled stream from 99.59 mole% to 99.89 mole% at an
optimum operating parameters of 25oC, 6320 kpa and 1883 kgmole/h of the wet gas stream.

Keywords: natural gas, dehydration, triethylene glycol, absorber, regenerator.

Classification: DDC Code: 665.7 LCC Code: TN884

Language: English

London
LJP Copyright ID: 392974
Print ISSN: 2631-8474

Journals Press
Online ISSN: 2631-8482
LJP

London Journal of Engineering Research

Volume 22 | Issue 1 | Compilation 1.0

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© 2022. Perpetua Bassey, Godslove Johnson & Minister Obonukut. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution- Noncom-mercial 4.0 Unported License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), permitting all
noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas
Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol
Perpetua Basseyα, Godslove Johnsonσ & Minister Obonukutρ
___________________________________________

ABSTRACT Author α σ ρ: Department of Chemical and Petroleum

Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria.
Dehydration of Natural Gas has been a subject of
interest for decades due to the effect of wet gas on
I. INTRODUCTION
the system. Specifically, the gas’ heating value
and its flow assurance are challenged coupled Natural gas provides a great portion of the world
with not meeting markets’ specification. Besides growing energy need and the situation is likely to
these flow assurance and related issues, the remain so for the next few decades (Appah, 2014).
hydrate in the gas quickly deactivate catalyst In terms of energy, natural gas consumption
and burn less. This study attempts to represents more than half of the total petroleum
economically dehydrate the gas using consumed and may likely double as natural gas
Triethylene Glycol (TEG) which has to be reserved are being discovered at twice the rate of
optimally regenerated and used for further petroleum (Gray et al., 1990; Partho and Ruhul,
dehydration process. The simulation and 2011; Ahmed et al., 2019). This trend indicates the
optimization of the dehydration process through increasingly important role that gas will play in
absorption with TEG was carried out using the future world energy (Obonukut et al., 2016).

London Journal of Engineering Research

Aspen HYSYS software and Design-Expert As oil shortage looms in the future, it becomes a
software respectively. The simulation was concern for scientists and engineers to use natural
carried out using Glycol and Peng-Robinson as gas as an alternative source of energy (Patel et al.,
the thermodynamic fluid package. Effects of 2005). This is the way to go as gas reserves with
parameters such as TEG circulation rate, the increasing trend in gas than crude oil and it is
equilibrium stages of absorption column, anticipated that this trend will extend well into
operating conditions on the process efficiency the 21st century (Holmen, 2009; Ahmed et al.,
were investigated. It was found that, lowering 2019).
the pressure in the absorption column reduces
the amount of hydrocarbons trapped in the wet Over the years, large quantities of natural gas are
TEG stream leaving the bottom of the absorber. located in remote areas (isolated from centers of
The optimization of the Recycled TEG was commerce and dense population), where no
carried out using the numerical optimization of distribution network exists for its transportation.
the Design-Expert software, the experimental Transportation cost of remote natural gas is
design was based on the Central Composite relatively the expensive part of the final delivered
Design of the Response Surface Methodology of price and it is serious as most of the world natural
Design-Expert version 10, this optimization yield gas reserves are in remote locations (Saeid et al.,
a relative increase in TEG recycled stream from 2006). In these regions, pipelines are not
99.59 mole% to 99.89 mole% at an optimum economical to bring natural gas to the market.
operating parameters of 25oC, 6320 kpa and Consequently, most natural gas is consumed in
1883 kgmole/h of the wet gas stream. the country where it is produced. In some cases,
natural gas associated with crude oil is often
Keywords: natural gas, dehydration, tri- ethylene flared for convenience (Obonukut et al.,
glycol, absorber, regenerator. 2016). The gas needs to be converted to liquid
fuels in order to make it easier for transportation
to market.

© 2022 London Journals Press Volume 22 | Issue 1 | Compilation 1.0 61

 Specifically, Liquefied natural gas (LNG) becomes ‘hydrate’ leading to slugging flow
terminals and vessels can bring remote gas to conditions thus lowering flow efficiency of the
market. Compressed natural gas (CNG) can be pipelines (Akpabio et al., 2021). Downstream
transported from short remote distances using processing of this gas especially in chemical
tankers with pressurized containers/vessels. processes involving catalyst would create
Alternatively, depending on the economic undesired side reactions, foaming or catalyst
conditions, on-land and subsea pipelines can be deactivation (Obonukut et al., 2016). Therefore,
constructed to transport the remote gas. However, to prevent such problems, natural gas treatment
gas interaction with the aggressive substances is inevitable. The water in the natural gas
within the reservoir influences not only its flow contains dissolved aggressive compounds
integrity but also its property adversely. including mineral/inorganic salts (Stewart and
Arnold, K. (2011). Thus removing water from the
The natural gas, produced from underground gas implies eliminating these aggressive
reservoir, contains huge quantity of light compounds.
hydrocarbon mainly methane together with
ethane, propane and butane. However, traces of An overview of the gas production activities as
the heavy hydrocarbon compounds (pentane and well as its formation is necessary. Different
hexane) and non-hydrocarbon compounds such offshore processes need to be applied for the gas
as: water, nitrogen and hydrogen sulphide are dehydration, avoiding subsequent problems
equally found in the gas (Siti and Abdul, 2012; caused by the wet gas such as corrosion or gas
Mokhatab et al., 2014). Consequently, natural gas hydrate formation. During offshore oil
must be treated to enrich its light hydrocarbon production, the reservoir fluid coming from the
content. This could be achieved by dehydration well is typically a mixture of three distinct
London Journal of Engineering Research

(where water vapour is removed) and separation phases: an aqueous phase (produced water), a
of the heavy hydrocarbon components (Kong et liquid hydrocarbon phase (crude oil) and a gas
al., 2018; Shoaib et al., 2018). The water content phase with some suspended solids in the
in natural gas is a big problem in the oil and gas mixture. Normally, the three phases must be
industry as it can accelerates corrosion in the gas separated and then further processed in the
pipe lines and as well reduces the heating value of topside facilities, before being discharged or
the natural gas. exported to onshore (Figure 1.1).

The flow integrity of wet gas is challenged as its

water content especially at subsea condition

Figure 1.1: Overview of upstream processes in the oil and gas industry

The separation of the three phases is carried out pressure of the middle separator is in between.
in 3-phase separators. These vessels slow down This arrangement serves to stabilize the crude oil
the reservoir fluid by reducing its momentum. by removing volatile components. The produced
Then, the phases are separated by means of water is treated in water treatment facilities. The
gravitational force. There are normally three objective is to remove the dispersed hydrocarbons
separators on offshore facilities, the first being from the water to meet environmental regulations
high pressure, the last being low pressure and the for the produced water discharge quality. The

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

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water purification facilities mostly consist of (TEG) as the absorbent. This involved simulation
hydrocyclones and skimmers. of Natural gas dehydration process using Aspen
HYSYS. Industry data available in this direction
The produced gas must be recompressed and was generously exploited to investigate the effect
exported to onshore facilities. The high-pressure of operating parameters on the efficiency of the
(9 - 14 MPa) pipelines (Bothamley, 2004) used for process. Design Expert was used to optimize the
exporting, lay on the seabed where the fluid can solvent regeneration of gas dehydration plant
cool down to as low as -1°C (Skjoldal, 2007). At (Luyben, 2011). Thus, optimizing the regeneration
this low temperature and high pressure, if there is of TEG is economical as fewer quantity of the
water in the gas phase it may form solid solvent (TEG) and eventually maximize the
crystalline hydrates with the light hydrocarbons. profitability of natural gas dehydration (Chebbi et
The hydrates can cause severe damage to the al., 2019).
pipelines. The gas phase in the reservoir fluid is
saturated with water because it was previously in
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS
contact with the brine and other aggressive
substances. Therefore, one of the purposes of the In this study, dehydration process of a typical
gas treatment is the removal of water from the gas natural gas from one of the Niger Delta oil field is
(dehydration). presented. The plant as simulated using one of the
popular commercial software in the oil and gas
Dehydration is the main operation employed in industry (Aspen HYSYS) explores the real
the industry to remove the contaminated moisture industrial experience of the researcher while in
from the natural gas (Mokhatab et al, 2019). This the field.
is necessary for hydrocarbon dew point control
which is to maintain the water content 2.1 Simulation of Natural Gas Dehydration Plant

London Journal of Engineering Research

specification, prevent corrosion, separate the
heavy hydrocarbons, prevent the formation of Basically, a natural gas dehydration plant is
hydrate, avoid side reactions, prevent catalyst divided into two sections. These are mainly the
deactivation and eliminate condensation of the Absorbing/Contacting section where the hydrated
water and heavy hydrocarbon in the gas transport gas is contacted with TEG to have a dry gas and
pipeline (Bahadori, 2014; Abdulla, 2015). There the Regeneration/Stripping section where the
are several ways of removing the water content of TEG is recovered and recycled for further
the raw natural gas (Rahimpour et al., 2013), one absorption operation. Specifically, Triethylene
is preferred over the other based on factors such Glycol (TEG) based dehydration process as
as the composition of the wet natural gas, the depicted in absorption unit and the extraction of
condition of the wet natural gas, the operating the solvent (TEG) as presented in regeneration
cost and how effective it is in removing the water unit singled out the necessary equipment required
content from the wet natural gas, one of such is to model the plant. The gas used is a partially
dehydration of the raw natural gas using the treated natural gas which has bad compositions
absorption process with glycol as the absorbent. such as acid gas, mercury and heavy hydrocarbons
removed (Sanggyu et al., 2011) as well as its
Industrially, three methods of dehydration are process condition as shown in Table 2.1 and 2.2
usually adopted, these are: adsorption, absorption respectively.
by using glycol solvent and condensation by
raising the dew point temperature of the
hydrocarbon and the water (Netusil and Ditl,
2011). However, there are supersonic method and
membrane method for the natural gas
dehydration process (Pezman and Roya, 2011).
The aim of this paper was to optimize natural gas
dehydration process using triethylene glycol

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

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 Table 2.1: Wet Natural Gas Composition

Composition Mole Fraction

Methane 0.8565
Ethane 0.0614
Propane 0.0494
i-Butane 0.0100
n-Butane 0.0095
i-Pentane 0.0083
n-Pentane 0.0040
Water 0.0010
(Source: Afaiko, 2014)

Table 2.2: Condition of the Wet Gas

Property Value
Inlet Pressure 7201Kpa
Inlet Temperature 250C
Flow Rate 1883Kgmole/hr

(Source: Afaiko, 2014)

A combined fluid package (Glycol and 7201 kpa where some of the water in the mixture
Peng-Robinson) was used for the HYSYS is separated. The gas is then fed to the absorber
simulation as it is commonly used for (contactor) through the bottom. The absorber was
London Journal of Engineering Research

hydrocarbon systems applications and studies operated with 9 stages for higher purity (Pezman
(Elliot and Lira, 1999). It is specifically used for and Roya, 2011; Affandy et al., 2020). The mixed
gas phase components that handle the complex TEG (fresh and recycled TEG) inlet and Dry gas
thermodynamics that occur during compression, outlet are located at the top of the column while
and is useful in both upstream and downstream the TEG outlet (Rich TEG) and Natural gas with
industries. hydrate (Hydrated gas) inlet are located at the
bottom of the column Figure 2.1.
The simulation on HYSYS commences with
passing wet gas to the flash tank (Separator) at

Figure 3.1: The Contactor control screen on HYSYS

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The TEG flow is dependent on the water (hydrate) Consequently the filtration does not have serious
content in the hydrated gas. Rich TEG leaves the impact on the process. Once filtered, the
bottom by level control and is depressurized by a depressurized TEG stream is subjected to heat
valve. The rich stream flows through a cartridge exchange with the hot regenerator bottom product
filter to remove solid particles coming from (lean TEG) coming out of the TEG regenerator at
corrosion or TEG degradation (Affandy et al., the Rich/Lean TEG Exchanger before it then
2017). However, solid particles and degradation becomes feed for the regenerator. The
are not taken into account in this model. Hence, it Regenerator is used to strip water from the lean
is not represented in the simulated plant. TEG (Figure 2.2).

London Journal of Engineering Research

Figure 2.2: The Regenerator control screen on HYSYS

The temperatures given for the reboiler and

condenser are 205°C and 102°C respectively. After
leaving the regenerator, the lean TEG is once
again cooled and stored in a surge drum. At this
point there will also be some kind of TEG makeup
system to replace the TEG lost to the gas phases in
the dehydration plant before it is finally recycled
to the start point. Figure 2.3 shows the
composition of the rich glycol stream leaving the
absorber.

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

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 Figure 2.3: Composition of Rich TEG control screen on HYSYS

The Process achieved high water removal and is reflected in zero water composition in the
natural gas outlet stream (Sale Gas) shown in Figure 2.4.
London Journal of Engineering Research

Figure 2.4: Composition of the Dehydrated (Sale Gas) control screen on HYSYS

Waste gases consisting of water and the and recycled back to the contactor as it mixes with
hydrocarbons dissolved in the TEG leave the fresh lean TEG in a mixer (TEG Mixer) and fed to
regenerator at the top. The lean TEG then enters a the contactor. Figure 2.5 shows Process Flow
Surge drum in which gaseous hydrocarbons that Diagram (PFD) of the HYSYS simulation of the
were absorbed along with the water in the Natural gas Dehydration process.
separator is vaporized as flash out. The Lean TEG
is then cooled, pumped (Glycol Circulation Pump)

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 London Journal of Engineering Research
Figure 2.5: Process Flow Diagram of Natural Gas Dehydration Plant in Aspen HYSYS

2.2 Optimization of the Natural Gas Dehydration Aspen HYSYS to simulate the dehydration plant,
Plant the values of Recycled TEG using the new process
variables were used as response variable to
Optimization of the natural gas dehydration plant
analyze the maximum Recycled TEG yield using
was carried out using Design Expert version. 10 to
Design Expert numerical optimization method.
maximize the yield of recycled TEG that will be
used for further dehydration process. The
Response Surface methodology (RSM) using the III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Central Composite Design (CCD) of design expert 3.1 Effects of Process Parameters on Natural Gas
was adopted for the optimization process, the Dehydration Plant
process variables of the wet natural gas stream
In the quest to maximize the absorption efficiency
were used to evaluate the optimum operating
of TEG in the contactor, the impacts of the key
condition at which maximum recycled TEG yield
parameters were evaluated using the simulation
could be achieved. By using design expert version
model presented in this study. These parameters
10, low and high values of the process variables
were:
(temperature, pressure and flow rate) were
specified and the response set to be Recycled i. The number of contactor theoretical trays
TEG. A total of 15 runs were generated from the ii. TEG circulation rate
specified low and high values of the process iii. Temperature of the reboiler in the
variables to generated different ranges of the regenerator
process variables at which one should give the It was found that lowering the pressure in the
maximum yield of the regenerated TEG. This absorption column reduces the amount of
generated process variables were then taken to hydrocarbons trapped in the wet TEG stream

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

© 2022 London Journals Press Volume 22 | Issue 1 | Compilation 1.0 67

 leaving the bottom of the absorber. The Wet TEG is no more needed. Figure 3.1 shows the
stream also has a low pressure and thus the valve composition of the Rich TEG.

Figure 3.1: Composition of the Rich TEG stream after simulation in HYSYS
London Journal of Engineering Research

However, other parameters may have also a Response Surface Methodology based on Central
limited impact. It was also observed that Composite Design Model (section 3.2.1), Anova
increasing the number of trays in the regenerator for Response Surface Reduced Quadratic Model
has no effect on the outlet stream composition. It (section 3.2.2).
was observed that increasing the flowrate of the
TEG above the minimum requirement is not 3.2.1 Analysis using Response Surface
necessary as maximum separation has already Methodology (RSM)
been achieved. TEG is known to decompose at a After performing the dehydration plant
temperature of 206oC which is far lower than its simulation, it was found that recycled TEG yield
boiling point of 284°C and this limits the depends on different parameters of the natural
temperature of the TEG regenerator reboiler gas dehydration process. So, by controlling these
(Kamin et al., 2017; Neagu and Cursaru, 2017). parameters, optimum recycled TEG yield was
3.2 Optimization of TEG Regeneration of the obtained. Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Natural Gas Dehydration Plant based on Central Composite Design (CCD) was
used to monitor the yield of Recycled TEG with
The optimization of TEG regeneration of the response to the process variables. The variables
natural gas dehydration plant was carried out and their corresponding coded values for the
using Design Expert ver. 10 so as to recover process are analyzed (Table 3.1) and the Response
maximum TEG for further dehydration process. parameter (Table 3.2) as follows:
This section discusses the Analysis using
Table 3.1: Process variables and their corresponding coded values
Factor Name Units Type Subtype Minimum Maximum Coded Values Mean Std. Dev.
A Temperature oC Numeric Continuous 20.0522 53.8378 -1.000=25 1.000=48.89 36.945 9.02957
B Pressure kPa Numeric Continuous 6137.54 7383.46 -1.000=6320 1.000=7201 6760.5 332.987
C Flow rate kgmole/h Numeric Continuous 92.1477 12320.9 -1.000=1883 1.000=10530 6206.5 3268.26

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 Table 3.2: Response parameter

Response Name Units Obs Analysis Minimum Maximum Mean Std. Dev. Ratio Trans Model
Recycled
R1 mole 15 Polynomial 0.9984 0.9989 0.998593 0.000109978 1.0005 None RQuadratic
TEG

The experimental design using the central response point, Table 3.3 shows the experimental
composite design consisted of a total of 15 base design of TEG regeneration optimization.
runs, comprising of 3 factorial points, and 1

Table 3.3: Experimental design of TEG regeneration optimization

Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 Response 1

Std Run A: Temperature B: Pressure C: Flow rate Recycled TEG
oC kPa kgmole/h Mole
8 1 36.945 7383.46 6206.5 0.9987
10 2 36.945 6760.5 12320.9 0.9984
15 3 36.945 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986
5 4 20.0522 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986
3 5 25 7201 10530 0.9985
6 6 53.8378 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986
7 7 36.945 6137.54 6206.5 0.9986
9 8 36.945 6760.5 92.1477 0.9986
14 9 36.945 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986
11 10 36.945 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986

London Journal of Engineering Research

12 11 36.945 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986
13 12 36.945 6760.5 6206.5 0.9986
4 13 25 6320 1883 0.9989
2 14 48.89 6320 10530 0.9985
1 15 48.89 7201 1883 0.9985

3.2.2 Anova for Response Surface Reduced significant. In this case B, C, AB, AC, BC, B2, C2
Quadratic Model are significant model terms. Values greater than
0.1000 indicate the model terms are not
Analysis of variance table (Table 3.4), the model
significant. The summary of fit of the Factor and
F-value of 134.47 implies the model is significant.
Coefficient Estimates are presented in Table 3.5.
There is only a 0.01% chance that an F-value this The best fit model proposed by the software was
large could occur due to noise. Values of "Prob > the quadratic model.
F" less than 0.0500 indicate model terms are

Table 3.5: Fit summary of Factor and Coefficient Estimate

Coefficient Standard 95% CI 95% CI

Factor Estimate df Error Low High VIF
Intercept 1.00 1 5.051E-006 1.00 1.00
B-Pressure 3.536E-005 1 6.682E-006 1.956E-005 5.115E-005 2.00
C-Flow rate -7.071E-005 1 6.682E-006 -8.651E-005 -5.491E-005 2.00
AB 2.929E-005 1 9.449E-006 6.946E-006 5.163E-005 2.00
AC 1.354E-004 1 9.449E-006 1.130E-004 1.577E-004 2.00
BC 1.000E-004 1 6.682E-006 8.420E-005 1.158E-004 1.00
2
B 3.125E-005 1 4.808E-006 1.988E-005 4.262E-005 1.00
C2 -4.375E-005 1 4.808E-006 -5.512E-005 -3.238E-005 1.00

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

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 The empirical relationship between response parameter (recycled TEG) and the process variables is
represented in Equations 3.1 where A, B, and C are coded terms used for temperature, pressure and
flow rate of the wet gas.
Y = +1.00 + 3.536E-005*B – 7.071E-005*C + 2.929E-005*AB + 1.354E-004*AC +
1.000E-004*BC + 3.125E-005*B2 – 4.375E-005*C2 3.1
Where;
Y = Recycled TEG yield
A = Temperature
B = Operating Pressure
C = Flow rate
Intercept = 1.00
The equation in terms of coded factors above can as well as a three-dimensional plot (3D plot) and
be used to make predictions about the response contour plot were generated by the Design-Expert
for given levels of each factor. By default, the high software. The 3D and the contour plots (Figures
levels of the factors are coded as +1 and the low 3.1 - are used to estimate the effects of the
levels of the factors are coded as -1. The coded combination of variables (temperature, pressure
equation is useful for identifying the relative and flow rate of the wet gas) on the response
impact of the factors by comparing the factor (recycled TEG yield).
coefficients.
Graphical representation of how the individual
process variables affect the yield of recycled TEG
London Journal of Engineering Research

Figure 3.1: Graphical representation of the effect of temperature on Recycled TEG

Figure 3.2: Graphical representation of the effect of pressure on Recycled TEG

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

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 Figure 3.3: Graphical representation of the effect of pressure on Recycled TEG

London Journal of Engineering Research

Figure 3.4: Contour Plot showing the effect of temperature and pressure on the Recycled TEG

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

© 2022 London Journals Press Volume 22 | Issue 1 | Compilation 1.0 71

 Figure 3.5: 3D Plot showing the effect of wet gas temperature and pressure on recycled TEG response
London Journal of Engineering Research

Figure 3.6: A cube showing the effect of wet gas parameters on the response

From the result of the optimization, it was seen on the system, gas’ value and market
that temperature, pressure and flow rate has specification. Specifically, dehydration is carried
significant effect on the process, the optimum out to prevent formation of hydrates which are
operating temperature, pressure and flow rates known to corrode pipelines and block valves.
were found to be 25oC, 6320 kpa and 1883 Besides these flow assurance issues, the hydrate in
kgmole/h respectively, this process variable the gas quickly deactivate catalyst and burn less.
values gives an optimum yield of Recycled TEG of Several studies emerged with an attempt to
99.89 mol%. economically dehydrate the gas. In this study,
TEG, proven to be the best and less aggressive on
IV. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND the environment has been exploited. This study
RECOMMENDATION evaluated the dehydration of Natural gas through
absorption with Triethylene glycol and HYSYS
4.1 Summary
simulation of the process was carried out using
Dehydration of Natural Gas has been a subject of
interest for decades due to the effect of the wet gas

Simulation and Optimization of a Natural Gas Dehydration Plant with Triethylene Glycol

722 Volume 22 | Issue 1 | Compilation 1.0 © 2022 London Journals Press

Glycol and Peng-Robinson as the thermodynamic triethylene glycol using Aspen HYSYS. B.
fluid package. Eng Project, University of Uyo, Nigeria.
3. Affandy, S., Renanto, J., and Chien, L. (2017).
Optimization of the process was done using the Simulation and optimization of structured
Central Composite Design approach of Response packing replacement in absorption column of
Surface methodology (RSM) of the Design Expert natural gas dehydration unit using triethylene
software. The process variables of the wet gas glycol (TEG). Paper presented at 6th
stream were used as design parameters for the International Symposium on Advance Control
experiment based on central composite design. It of Industrial Processes, AdCONIP 2017.
was found that, at a temperature of 25oC, pressure 4. Affandy, S., Kurniawan, A., Handogo R.,
of 6320 kpa and a flow rate of 1883 kgmol/h, a Sutikno, J., and Chien, I. (2020). Technical
maximum recycled TEG yield of 99.89 mol% of and economic evaluation of triethylene glycol
the recycled stream was obtained. regeneration process using flash gas as
stripping gas in a domestic natural gas
4.2 Conclusion dehydration unit. Engineering Reports 2
Based on the results obtained from the (4):1-3.
optimization of Natural gas Dehydration plant 5. Ahmed, S., Nadia, A. and Said, A. (2019) Gas
with TEG, it can be concluded that: Condensate Stabilization Methods: Optimum
Operating Conditions. International Journal
i. The column pressure of the absorption
of Recent Technology and Engineering, 8 (3):
column should be minimized to reduce the
1643-1648.
amount of hydrocarbons trapped in the wet
6. Akpabio, J., Bassey, P., Ajie, O. and Obonukut,
TEG stream leaving the bottom of the
M. E. (2021) Development of a Model
absorber.

London Journal of Engineering Research

Predicting Rate of Wax Deposition in
ii. The number of theoretical trays of the TEG
Production Tubing: A Flow Assurance Study.
regenerator has a little impact on lean TEG
Journal of Petroleum Technology and
content; a minimum possible number of trays
Alternative Fuels (in press)
should be used.
7. Appah, D. (2014). Energy Challenge for
Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan: The Way
4.3 Recommendation
Forward. Paper presented at the 44th Annual
Based on the findings of this work, it is Conference of Nigerian Society of Chemical
recommended that the TEG regenerator reboiler Engineers, Owerri, Nigeria, 2 - 6 November,
temperature should not exceed 206oC as 2014.
triethylene glycol degrades at this temperature 8. Bahadori A. (2014). Natural gas processing:
which is far less than its boiling point of 285oC. Technology and Engineering Design. Gulf
Also, for Optimum TEG regeneration operation, Professional Publishing.
the temperature, pressure and flow rate of the wet 9. Chebbi, R., Qasim, M. and Abdel N. (2019).
gas stream should be 25oC, 6320 kpa and 1883 Optimization of Triethylene Glycol
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