Gas Dehydration

Chapter 11
Based on presentation by Prof. Art Kidnay
Plant Block Schematic

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Reasons for Gas Dehydration

Field Operations
 Prevent hydrate formation
 Minimize corrosion
• Need to dry gas to dew point below lowest operating temperature
Plant Operations
 Need 4 to 7 lb/MMscf (85 to 150 ppmv) in pipeline
• Glycol dehydration most common to produce water contents down to 10
ppmv
 Need to have less than 1 ppmv H2O in gas to cryogenc units
• Glycol dehydration cannot get to these low water levels – mole sieves
used for this service

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Topics

Water Content of Hydrocarbons

Gas Dehydration Processes
 Absorption processes
 Adsorption processes
 Non regenerable desiccant processes
 Membrane processes
 Other processes
 Comparison of dehydration processes
Safety and Environmental Considerations

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Water Content of
Hydrocarbons

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Equilibrium considerations

Equal fugacities for each component in each phase. Between gas & water
phases:

i ,L   i Pi vap   P  vi ,L  
y i  xi Ki where Ki    exp     dP
i ,V  i ,V P   Pisat  RT  

For a gas in contact with pure water:

vap
PH2O
y H2O   1
since xH2O
P

Formation of the water phase will control the water content in the gas phase
 Increasing water in the feed increases the amount of free water, not the
concentration of water in the gas.
 Can decrease the gas water content by adding compounds that are water soluble

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Water content of
natural gas
Based on “typical” gas composition
 Separate corrections for actual composition &
acid gas content

Takes into account non-idealities

Take care if gas is specified as “wet” or “dry”
basis – dry basis does not include the amount
of water in the MMscf
NH2O / MH2O
Wet Basis: XH2O   y H2O / MH2O
NHC  NH2O
NH2O / MH2O yH2O / MH2O
Dry Basis: XH2O  
NHC 1 yH2O

 When less than 5,000 lb/MMscf the wet &

dry values are within 0.5%

Fig. 20-4, GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

Figure 11.1 in Kidnay et. al. text book
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Water content of natural gas – typical pipeline
specs

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Water content of natural gas

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

Figure 11.1 (b) & (c) in Kidnay et. al. text book
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Applicability of dehydration processes

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Dehydration by Absorption

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Equilibrium considerations

Glycols tend to be only in the water phase

(i.e., non-volatile & very low solubility in the
hydrocarbon liquid phase)
For a gas in contact with water/glycol
mixture:
vap
PH2O
y H2O 
 xH2O
P

Water content in the gas phase is less than

that for a pure water phase since x’H2O < 1
Away from glycol, must reduce temperature
to create a free water phase.

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Typical Glycols
EG DEG TEG
Name Ethylene Diethylene Triethylene
Glycol Glycol Glycol
Formula C2H6O2 C4H10O3 C6H14O4
Molecular Weight 62.1 106.1 150.2
Boiling Point (°F) 386.8 473.5 550.4
Vapor pressure @ 77°F (mmHg) 0.12 < 0.01 < 0.01
Density @ 77°F (lb/gal) 9.26 9.29 9.34
Viscosity @ 77°F (cP) 16.9 25.3 39.4
Decomposition temperature (°F) 329 328 404

Fig. 20-50, GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Glycol molecular structure

Ethylene glycol HO-CH2-CH2-OH

Diethylene Glycol HO-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-OH

Triethylene Glycol HO-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-OH

Chemical structures drawn using http://molview.org/

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Equilibrium water content above TEG solutions

Based on Fig 20-59 GPSA Data Book 13th ed. & Figure 11.3 in Kidnay et. al. text book
Based on 1,000 psia contactor pressure

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Example – Equilibrium water content above TEG
solutions
Operate a TEG contactor
@ 100oF & 1,000 psia
with 99.9 wt% TEG
introduced at the top
Dried gas is protected to
a dew point of -40oF

Fig. 20-59, GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

Figure 11.3 in text book
Updated: December 27, 2017
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Equilibrium water content for TEG solutions

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Typical Glycol Dehydration Unit

System
 2 – 5 gal TEG per lb water removed

Absorber / Contactor
 60 – 100oF inlet
 Can operate up to 2,000 psia
 Typically 4 – 10 bubble cap trays
• 25 – 30% efficiency
 5 – 10 psi pressure drop

Flash tank
 10 – 20 minute residence time
 150oF, 50 – 75 psig

Regenerator
Fig. 20-58, GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.
 Packed equivalent to 3 – 4 trays Basis for Figure 11.2 in text book
 375 – 400oF

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Typical Glycol Dehydration Unit

System
 2 – 5 gal TEG per lb water removed

Absorber / Contactor
 60 – 100oF inlet
 Can operate up to 2,000 psia
 Typically 4 – 10 bubble cap trays
• 25 – 30% efficiency
 5 – 10 psi pressure drop

Flash tank
 10 – 20 minute residence time
 150oF, 50 – 75 psig

Regenerator
 Packed equivalent to 3 – 4 trays y H2OP  xH2OPH2O
vap

 375 – 400oF

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-11

30 MMscfd of a 0.65 gravity natural gas enters a TEG contactor at 600 psia
and 100oF. The outlet water content specification is 7 lb H2O/MMscf and the
TEG circulation rate is 28 lb TEG/ lb H2O absorbed (3 gal TEG/lb H2O). How
much water is to be absorbed? What is the rich TEG concentration? What is the
lean TEG concentration?
 Water content at inlet
conditions?

70 lb/MMscf

 How much water is removed?

 lb H2O   lb TEG 
1890 28
 day   lb H2O 
lb TEG
52920
day

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-11

30 MMscfd of a 0.65 gravity natural gas enters a TEG contactor at 600 psia
and 100oF. The outlet water content specification is 7 lb H2O/MMscf and the
TEG circulation rate is 28 lb TEG/ lb H2O absorbed (3 gal TEG/lb H2O). How
much water is to be absorbed? What is the rich TEG concentration? What is the
lean TEG concentration?
 How much TEG is circulated?
 lb H2O   lb TEG 
1890 28
 day   lb H2O 
lb TEG
52920
day
 lb H2O   gal TEG 
1890  3
 day  lb H2O 
 hr   min 
 24  60
 day  hr 
gal TEG
3.9
min
Updated: December 27, 2017
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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-11
(#2)
30 MMscfd of a 0.65 gravity natural gas enters a TEG contactor at 600 psia
and 100oF. The outlet water content specification is 7 lb H2O/MMscf and the
TEG circulation rate is 28 lb TEG/ lb H2O absorbed (3 gal TEG/lb H2O). How
much water is to be absorbed? What is the rich TEG concentration? What is the
lean TEG concentration?
 Dew point temperature at the
contactor pressure (600 psia)?

~ 24oF

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-11
(#3)
30 MMscfd of a 0.65 gravity natural gas enters a TEG contactor at 600 psia
and 100oF. The outlet water content specification is 7 lb H2O/MMscf and the
TEG circulation rate is 28 lb TEG/ lb H2O absorbed (3 gal TEG/lb H2O). How
much water is to be absorbed? What is the rich TEG concentration? What is the
lean TEG concentration?
 What is the minimum TEG concentration for
a 24oF dew point & the contactor
temperature (100oF)? ~98.5 wt%
• Lean TEG has 806 lb/day water
 Rich TEG content (after absorbing the
water from the wet gas)
lb TEG
52920
day
 lb H2O   lb TEG 
1890  806  
day  
52920
day 

95.2 wt% H2O

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Solubility of hydrocarbons in glycol solutions

GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

Methods to control BTEX emissions from Regenerator

 Condense overhead & recover
 Burn vent gas through flare or thermal oxidizer
 Recycle back to process
Updated: December 27, 2017
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 Field Glycol Dehydrator

stripper contactor

glycol pump
Inlet separator
reboiler

gas burner

heat exchanger, Flash separator

surge tank 3-phase, gas,glycol,condensate
From Sivalls, “Glycol Dehydration Design,” LRGCC, 2001

Updated: December 27, 2017 25

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Common Operational Problems

Contactor foaming
 Contaminates: hydrocarbons, salts, particulates, inhibitors, O2
Poor dehydration (from source other than foaming)
 Gas rate too low - 80% flow reduction = 20 % tray eff
 Glycol rate low - 75% flow reduction = 33% tray eff
 Glycol inlet temperature too high
Flash drum / Foaming in Still
 Presence of heavy hydrocarbons

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Dehydration by Adsorption

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Absorption vs Adsorption

Absorption Adsorption

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Physical absorption

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Adsorption fundamentals

Two types of adsorption

 Chemisorption
• Chemical interaction between adsorbate and adsorbent
• May not be completely reversible
 Physical adsorption
• Only physical interaction between adsorbate and adsorbent
• Completely reversible
-ΔHChem >> -ΔHPhys

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Physical Adsorption Fundamentals

Factors affecting selectivity

 Size – adsorbent pore diameter major factor
 Volatility – less volatile displaces more volatile (e.g., C3 displaces C2)
 Polarity
• For desiccants, more polar displaces less polar (e.g., CO2 displaces C2,
MeOH displaces CO2, water displaces MeOH)

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Adsorption Isotherms
Lb Water Adsorbed / 100 lb Activated Adsorbent

From UOP

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Solid Desiccant Dehydrator – Twin Tower System

Fig. 20-76, GPSA Engineering Data Book, 13th ed.

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Typical Vessel Loading

Sample packing of catalyst/dessicant on

top of supports
Model prepared by Enterprise Products
Possible configuration for drying 100 MMscfd to a dew point
of -150ºF, adsorption time ~12 hours
Updated: December 27, 2017
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Concentration Profile

Equilibrium Zone
(Saturated)

Mass Transfer Zone

(Partially saturated)

Active Zone (Unsaturated)

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Concentration Profile

yIn

yOut

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Regenerating Bed Temperature History
Heat On

600 Inlet 300

Temperature
500
250

400 200

300 150

200 Outlet 100

Temperature
50
100
Desorption
Bed Heating Bed Cooling
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Time, Hours
Updated: December 27, 2017
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Regenerating Bed Temperature History
Heat On

600
300

500
Inlet 250
Temperature

Temperature, ºC
400
Temperature, ºF

200

300 Outlet 150

Temperature
200 100

50
100
Desorption
Bed Heating Bed Cooling
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Time, Hours

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Common Adsorbents for Drying

In order of increasing cost:

Silica gel (SiO2)
 Min exit water content 10 to 20 ppmv (~-60oF)
 Inert and used for inlet concentrations of > 1 mol%
Activated Alumina (Al2O3)
 Min exit water content 5 to 10 ppmv (~-100oF)
 High mechanical strength but more reactive
Molecular Sieve (4A and 3A)
 Min exit water content below 0.1 ppmv (~-150oF)
 Highest surface area
 Composite of sieve and clay binder

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Design steps

Determine size of vessels for adsorption

 Determine the bed diameter based on superficial gas velocity / allowable pressure drop
• Too small – pressure drop will be too high & can damage the sieve
• Too large – need too high a regeneration gas rate to prevent channeling
• Typically use (-P/L) < 0.33 psi/ft with a total pressure drop of 5 – 8 psi max
 Choose an adsorption period & calculate the mass of desiccant
• Sets the bed height – contributions from saturation zone & mass transfer zone heights
• 8 to 12 hour periods with 2 or 3 beds are common
o Too long – more desiccant & larger vessels needed than necessary
o Too short a time – shorter desiccant life

Regeneration
 Calculate heat required to desorb water while also heating the desiccant & vessel
 Total amount of regeneration gas flow calculated based on heating phase about 50-60% of
total regeneration time
 Regeneration gas flowrate should give a pressure drop gradient of at least 0.01 psi/ft

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Design equations (#1)

Determine gas velocity for bed diameter

 Modified Ergun equation for pressure drop
P
 BV  C V 2
L
• Viscosity [cP] & density [lb/ft³] determined at inlet conditions
• Solve quadratic equation for maximum superficial velocity (Vmax [ft/min]) for 0.33 psi/ft
pressure drop
• Pressure drop gradient in units of psi/ft
 Minimum diameter

4 m
Dmin 
 Vmax

 Adjust diameter upwards to nearest ½ foot increment

• Recalculate superficial linear velocity & pressure drop using adjusted diameter

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Design equations (#2)

Determine bed length (method 1)

 Amount of desiccant in saturation zone
mwater 4 Ssat
Ssat   Lsat 
0.13 CSS CT  D2bulk

Assumes 13 lb water per 100 lb dessicant

 Amount of desiccant in the mass transfer CSS  0.636  0.0826 ln  %sat 
zone (MTZ) (GPSA EDB method)
 V  ft/min 
0.3

LMTZ  ft     CZ
 35 

where CZ is 1.70 ft for 1/8 inch sieve &

0.85 for 1/16 inch sieve
… or Trent method for MTZ
CT  1.20  0.0026  F 
LMTZ  ft   2.5  0.025 V  ft/min
Updated: December 27, 2017
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Design equations (#3)

Determine bed length (method 2)

 Calculate “effective desiccant capacity” which includes the MTZ effect, temperature,
and relative humidity corrections. An effective capacity of 8–10% is typically
assumed.
mwater 4 Sbed
Sbed   Lbed 
Ceff  D2bulk
Finalize bed length
 Total bed height (Lsat+LMTZ or Lbed) but should not be less than the bed diameter or 6
ft, whichever is greater
 Total bed pressure drop should be 5 – 8 psi max
• If too large increase the bed diameter
Determine vessel height & weight
 Total bed height plus other allowances – at least 3 ft (for inlet distributor on top and
bed support & hold down balls underneath)

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Design equations (#4)

Regeneration calculations
 Used to determine the required regeneration gas flow & the fuel gas requirements
• If regeneration gas recycled back to inlet of mole sieves then you must add this
rate to that of the feed gas for the bed calculations
 Heat loads
• Heat to desorb water – increase water to its desorption temperature, break
adherence to surface, & vaporize
o Use 1,800 Btu/lb water adsorbed for conservative design
• Heat to increase sieve to regeneration temperature
• Heat to increase vessel to regeneration temperature
• Heat losses – typically estimated as 10%

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Design equations (#5)

Regeneration Calculations (cont.)

 Calculation of vessel weight for heating calculations
12 D Pdesign
t  in   0.0625 and msteel lb  155  t  0.125 Lvessel  0.75 D  D
37600  1.2 Pdesign
where the 0.75D term accounts for the weight of the vessel heads
• Design pressure in psig. Usually 10% greater than operating pressure (minimum
50 psig)
 Usually have to heat the regeneration gas 50oF hotter than the desired regeneration
temperature (e.g., 500oF gas needed to regenerate at 450oF)
 Total regeneration load 2.5 times the minimum load
• Assumes only 40% of the heat is transferred from gas to mole sieve system.
• The remainder exits as hot gas. Need to size downstream coolers appropriately.
 Regen gas flowrate. Check that pressure drop gradient at least 0.01 psi/ft
QTotal Regen m rg 4
m Regen Gas   Vrg 
CP  Thot  Tbed  rg D2

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14

100 MMscfd natural gas (molecular weight of 18) is water saturated at 600 psia
and 100oF & must be dried to –150oF dew point. Determine the water content of
the gas (inlet & outlet) & amount of water that must be removed.
Do preliminary design of a molecular-sieve dehydration system consisting of two
towers with down-flow adsorption in one tower and up-flow regeneration in the
other. Use 4A molecular sieve of 1/8″beads (i.e., 4x8mesh). The regeneration
gas is part of the plant’s residue gas (at 600 psia and 100oF) & has a molecular
weight of 17. The bed must be heated to 500oF for regeneration. Base this on a
24-hour cycle consisting of 12 hours adsorbing and 12 hours regenerating
(heating, cooling, standby, and valve switching; the heating time is 60% of the
regeneration time).

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#2)
100 MMscfd natural gas (molecular weight of 18) is water saturated at 600 psia
and 100oF & must be dried to –150oF dew point. Determine the water content of
the gas (inlet & outlet) & amount of water that must be removed.
 Water content at inlet
conditions?
70 lb/MMscf
 Water content at outlet
conditions?
Essentially 0 lb/MMscf
 How much water is to be
removed?
 70  0  lb/MMscf  100 MMscfd
7, 000 lb/day

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#3)
… Do preliminary design of a molecular-sieve dehydration system consisting of
two towers with down-flow adsorption in one tower and up-flow regeneration in
the other. Use 4A molecular sieve of 1/8″ beads (i.e., 4x8 mesh)…
 Determine bed diameter. Velocity criteria not given so determine from allowable
pressure drop (0.33 psi/ft max)
• Ideal gas flowrate at inlet conditions (600 psia and 100oF)

 ft 3
  14.7 psia   100  460  °R  ft 3
VIG  100  10 6
  600 psia   60  460 °R   2.6  10 day
6

 day     
• Real gas flow much different? Estimate: Z=0.93
 6 ft
3
 6 ft
3
ft3
Vact  Z VIG   0.93   2.6  10
    2.5  10  1700
 day  day min

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#3)
… Do preliminary design of a molecular-sieve dehydration system consisting of
two towers with down-flow adsorption in one tower and up-flow regeneration in
the other. Use 4A molecular sieve of 1/8″ beads (i.e., 4x8 mesh)…
 Determine bed diameter. Velocity criteria not given so determine from allowable
pressure drop (0.33 psi/ft max)
• Real gas density at inlet conditions (600 psia and 100oF)


PM

 600 18 lb
 1.93 3
ZRT  0.93 10.7316  560°R  ft

• Gas viscosity at inlet conditions (600 psia and 100oF). Estimate 0.015 cP.
• Velocity vs. pressure gradient. For given beads & gas properties:
P
 B  u  C  u2
L
ft
0.33   0.056  0.015 u   8.89  10 5  1.93  u 2  u  41.4
min

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#4)
… Do preliminary design of a molecular-sieve dehydration system consisting of
two towers with down-flow adsorption in one tower and up-flow regeneration in
the other. Use 4A molecular sieve of 1/8″ beads (i.e., 4x8mesh)…
 Determine bed diameter. Velocity criteria not given so determine from allowable
pressure drop (0.33 psi/ft max)
• Minimum diameter is ratio of volumetric flowrate to maximum velocity. Scale up to
next 6”.
 ft 
4 1700 
D 2 Vact  min 
A   Dmin   7.2 ft  D=7.5 ft
4 u  ft 
  41.4 
 min 

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#5)
… Do preliminary design of a molecular-sieve dehydration system consisting of
two towers with down-flow adsorption in one tower and up-flow regeneration in
the other. Use 4A molecular sieve of 1/8″ beads (i.e., 4x8mesh)…
 Determine bed diameter. Velocity criteria not given so determine from allowable
pressure drop (0.33 psi/ft max)
• Determine actual gas velocity & pressure drop in absorbing bed

V 4V 4 1700 ft3 /min 

u    38.5 ft/min
A D 2   7.5 ft 
2

P
 Bu  Cu 2
L
psi
  0.056  0.01538.5   8.89  105  1.93 38.5  0.29
2

ft

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#6)
… Base this on a 24-hour cycle consisting of 12 hours adsorbing and 12 hours
regenerating (heating, cooling, standby, and valve switching; the heating time is
60% of the regeneration time).
 Since the overall removal rate is 7,000 lb/day we must have enough adsorbent to
safely contain 3,500 lb of water (corresponding to the adsorbing time).
 No other criteria given for amount of water to be contained by desiccant –
determine size using the zone analysis (method 1)
• Size saturation zone to contain all water for the cycle. Use a typical sieve bulk
density of 45.0 lb/ft3
mwater 3500
Ssat    28, 600 lb sieve
0.13 CSS CT 0.13 1 1.20  0.0026  100 
4 Ssat 4 28600
Lsat    14.4 ft
 D bulk   7.5  45.0 
2 2

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#7)
… Base this on a 24-hour cycle consisting of 12 hours adsorbing and 12 hours
regenerating (heating, cooling, standby, and valve switching; the heating time is
60% of the regeneration time).
 … determine size using the zone analysis
• Add appropriate length for the mass transfer zone (MTZ) to ensure no
breakthrough of water. CZ=1.7 for this size sieve
0.3 0.3
 u   38.6 
LMTZ    CZ    1.7   1.74 ft
 35   35 

• Total bed height is the sum of these two zones. Total vessel height adds 3 ft for
supports, …
LBed  Lsat  LMTZ  14.4  1.74  16.1 ft  Lvessel  LBed  3  19.1 ft

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53
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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#7)
… Base this on a 24-hour cycle consisting of 12 hours adsorbing and 12 hours
regenerating (heating, cooling, standby, and valve switching; the heating time is
60% of the regeneration time).
 … determine size using the zone analysis
• Check that the bed length is at least the bed diameter (here 7.5 ft) or 6 ft,
whichever is greater.
o This bed depth does not need to be adjusted
• Check that total pressure drop is 5 – 8 psi. If too small, add bed height; if too
large, add diameter
 p 
p    Lbed   0.29 16.1 =4.7 psi (close enough)
 L 

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#8)
… The regeneration gas is part of the plant’s residue gas (at 600 psia & 100oF)
& has a molecular weight of 17. The bed must be heated to 500oF for
regeneration…
 Determine amount of heat needed for regeneration
• Heat to desorb water

Qw  mw  Hw    3500 1800   6,300, 000 Btu

• Heat the sieve to regeneration temperature

 D2Lbedbulk 
Qsi  msi Cp , si  Tregen  Tads     Cp , si Tregen  Tads 
 4 
   7.52 16.1 45.0  
   0.24  500  100 
 4 
 3, 070, 000 Btu

Updated: December 27, 2017

55
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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#9)
… The regeneration gas is part of the plant’s residue gas (at 600 psia & 100oF)
& has a molecular weight of 17. The bed must be heated to 500oF for
regeneration…
 Determine amount of heat needed for regeneration (cont.)
• Heat the steel to regeneration temperature
12 D Pdesign
t  in   0.0625
37600  1.2 Pdesign
12  7.5 1.1 600  14.7 
  0.0625  1.636 in
37600  1.2 1.1 600  14.7 
msteel lb  155  t  0.125 Lvessel  0.75 D  D
 155 1.636  0.12519.1 0.75  7.5 7.5  50620 lb
Qsteel  msteel Cp , steel  Tregen  Tads 
  50620  0.12  500  100 
 2, 430, 000 Btu

Updated: December 27, 2017

56
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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#10)
… The regeneration gas is part of the plant’s residue gas (at 600 psia & 100oF)
& has a molecular weight of 17. The bed must be heated to 500oF for
regeneration…
 Determine amount of heat needed for regeneration (cont.)
• Total regeneration heat needed
Qregen  Qw  Qsi  Qsteel  Qloss   Qw  Qsi  Qsteel 1 floss 
  6, 300, 000  3, 070, 000  2, 450, 00 1 0.10 
 13, 002, 000 Btu

 Determine amount & rate of regen gas needed

• Heat that must be transferred to the regeneration gas
Qrg  2.5Qregen  2.5 13, 002, 000  =32, 505, 000 Btu

Updated: December 27, 2017

57
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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#11)
… The regeneration gas is part of the plant’s residue gas (at 600 psia & 100oF)
& has a molecular weight of 17. The bed must be heated to 500oF for
regeneration…
 Determine amount & rate of regen gas needed (cont.)
• Determine amount regen gas needed
Cp , rg  0.65 Btu/lboF (based on Fig. 23-48 in GPSA EDB averaged between 100 & 550oF)
Qrg 32, 505, 000
mrg    111,100 lb
Cp , rg  Trg  Tcold   0.65 500  50  100 
• Determine rate of regen gas needed
mrg 111,100
m rg    15, 430 lb/hr  257 lb/min
t 0.6 12 

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Example based on GPSA Data Book example 20-14
(#12)
… The regeneration gas is part of the plant’s residue gas (at 600 psia & 100oF)
& has a molecular weight of 17. The bed must be heated to 500oF for
regeneration…
 Verify there is sufficient pressure drop during regeneration to prevent channeling
(i.e., pressure drop is above 0.01 psi/ft)
• For the hot regen gas (@ 550oF):
PM  600 17  lb
rg    0.94 3
ZRT 110.7316  550  460  ft
Vrg
4 m rg 4 257
urg     6.2 ft/min
A D2 rg   7.52 0.94

  0.023 cP (from Fig. 23-23 in GPSA EDB)

P psi
 Bu  Cu2   0.056  0.023 6.2    8.89  105   0.94  6.2   0.011
2

L ft
Flow rate is sufficient

Updated: December 27, 2017

59
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Common Mole Sieve Operational Problems

Loss of bed capacity Fines

 Aging, rapid initial loss then  Attrition
gradual loss over years  Failed bed support
 Coking by partial oxidation of
heavy hydrocarbons COS formation
 Coking by conversion of H2S to  Chemical equilibrium
elemental sulfur H2S + CO2  COS + H2O
 Poor regeneration
Increased pressure drop
 Attrition
 Caking at top of bed

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Other Dehydration Processes

Updated: December 27, 2017

Copyright © 2017 John Jechura ([email protected])
Other processes

Consumable salts (CaCl2)

Refrigeration with MEOH addition, more complex
Membranes, ideal for remote sites when low pressure permeate
gas can be used effectively
If drying high pressure gas:
 Vortex tube – one application known
• Simple but poor turndown ratio and efficiency
 Twister Supersonic Separator one known offshore application
• Simple, poor turndown ratio but better efficiency

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Twister Operating Principle

Acceleration to Mach >1 cools gas (typically 60 – 80oC) ΔP = 30%

Cooling causes condensation (water and heavier hydrocarbons)
Swirl centrifuges liquid droplets to the tube wall
Drainage section removes liquid film from the wall + ~20% gas
Diffuser section recompresses the gas

http://twisterbv.com/PDF/resources/Twister_-_How_Does_It_Work.pdf

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Comparison of Dehydration Processes

For < 1 ppmv H2O need mole sieve.

For higher concentrations:
 Glycol (usually TEG) widely used
• Minimal manpower requirements
• High turndown
 Regenerative desiccants (silica gel, alumina) more costly
 Membranes, and Twister(?) where pressure drop acceptable
 Nonregenerative desiccants (CaCl2) for remote, low water content gas

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Summary

Updated: December 27, 2017

Copyright © 2017 John Jechura ([email protected])
Summary

Water content can be estimated from Fig. 20-4

 Units of lb/MMscf
 Wet & dry bases essentially the same below 5,000 lb/MMscf
Three primary separation technologies
 Bulk removal by cooling & separation
 TEG dehydration to pipeline specs (4 – 7 lb/MMscf)
 Mole sieves required upstream of cryogenic applications

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Supplemental Slides

Updated: December 27, 2017

Copyright © 2017 John Jechura ([email protected])
Glycol Dehydration Unit

stripping still
contactor
reboiler

http://www.kirkprocess.com/products/highspeed-gas-dehydration/

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Glycol Dehydration Unit

stripping still
contactor
reboiler

http://www.en-fabinc.com/en/glycol_dehydration_system.shtml

Updated: December 27, 2017

69
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Mole Sieve Dehydration Unit

http://www.enerprocess.com/processing-&-treating-units/gas-conditioning-&-treating/mol-sieve-dehydration-units

Updated: December 27, 2017

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Zeolite structures

Zeolite A Zeolite X

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