Dehydration

Definition:
The process of removing water vapor from natural gas to prevent hydrate formation and corrosion in pipelines and processing equipment.

Key Components:

• Glycol Dehydration: Uses triethylene glycol (TEG) to absorb water from gas streams.
• Molecular Sieves: Adsorb water molecules to achieve ultra-dry gas specifications.
• Silica Gel Dehydration: Utilizes silica-based desiccants to remove moisture.

Use Cases/Industries:

• Pipeline Operations: Ensures gas meets transportation moisture limits.
• LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Production: Prevents ice formation during liquefaction.
• Underground Storage: Reduces corrosion risks in gas storage facilities.

Advantages:

• Corrosion Prevention: Protects infrastructure from water-related damage.
• Hydrate Mitigation: Avoids blockages in pipelines and processing equipment.
• Improved Gas Quality: Ensures compliance with pipeline transmission standards.

Challenges:

• Maintenance Needs: Glycol units require regular regeneration.
• Chemical Handling: Use of drying agents requires careful management.
• Process Efficiency: Effectiveness varies depending on gas composition and flow rates.

Related Terms:
Gas Conditioning, Pipeline-Quality Gas, Gas Purification

Example:
A gas processing plant employs a glycol dehydration system to remove moisture from raw natural gas before entering a transmission pipeline.