Roundtable | Natural Gas Dehydration

Show Notes: The Virtual Roundtable on Glycol Dehydration

Hello everyone! I’m Cameron Croft, and welcome to another episode of our Virtual Roundtable. If this is your first time joining us, you’re in for a treat as today’s episode centers around the intricate world of glycol dehydration. Here are some key takeaways and highlights from the episode:

Topic Overview: Our main focus is on glycol dehydration, though we do touch upon a few other dehydration forms. So, if you’ve ever had questions or uncertainties about glycol dehydration, today is your day.

Meet the Speakers:

• Cameron Croft: That’s me! I’m the CEO of Croft Production Systems and I’ll be your host for today’s enlightening chat.
• Chris Smithson: Our Director of Engineering at Croft Production Systems. Chris is at the helm of engineering for our natural gas company, handling everything from CO2, H2O2 rejections, to dehydration equipment and JT recovery.
• Jesse/Jesus Olivares: CEO of Osynergy. A mastermind when it comes to ASME codes, Jesse brings a rich history of project management and engineering manufacturing to the table.
• Terry Nelson: The Manager of Technical Services for WPI. If there’s a story or insight about glycol issues, TEG issues, or processing intricacies, Terry is our go-to expert.

Today’s Main Talking Points:

• Winterizing: Ensuring that glycol systems function optimally during colder months.
• Glycol Maintenance: Diving deep into what constitutes proper maintenance.
• Efficiency Gains & Filtration: Discover how efficiency can be improved and the importance of filtration in the process.
• Emission Controls: Shedding light on the significance of controlling and managing emissions.

Round Table Structure: This is an interactive session! Throughout the discussion, attendees are encouraged to pop their questions into the chat or the Q&A section. We’ll do our best to address them during each segment.

In essence, today’s episode aims to delve into the natural gas containment in the water vapor world and its relationship with dehydration.

Winterizing Glycol Dehydrators

The conversation you’ve provided revolves around the technical nuances of winterizing glycol dehydrators. Let’s summarize the key points of the discussion:

1. Temperature Swings: Texas, in particular, has large temperature fluctuations, sometimes swinging from 80 degrees during the day to 30-40 at night. This can affect the performance of glycol dehydrators.
2. Fuel Gas System: The temperature change can cause condensation and distillates in the fuel gas system. The system needs to be drained regularly to prevent issues.
3. Maintenance: Regular checks and maintenance are essential during the winter season. This includes:
   • Cleaning burners and flame arresters.
   • Ensuring burner management systems function properly.
   • Checking the condition and functionality of the Kimray pump.
4. Pump Gas Separator: When the temperatures drop, issues might arise if the level controllers are not set correctly.
5. Insulation: Proper insulation ensures that heat is retained efficiently. Water penetration can diminish the insulation value.
6. Methanol: There’s a trend to increase the use of methanol during winter. However, when methanol gets absorbed into the glycol system, it can cause problems. Over-injection of methanol can cause additional issues, especially if it gets absorbed by the charcoal filter.
7. Foaming Issues: Liquid hydrocarbons and foaming are potential challenges.
   • Hydrocarbons, salts, and chloride levels in the glycol can contribute to foaming.
   • Foaming is not always bad, but if it doesn’t settle to a solid fluid within 45 seconds, there might be issues.
8. Liquid Hydrocarbons: The common hydrocarbons causing issues are usually heavier, such as c6, c7, c8, c9, c10. They can lead to foaming and other system inefficiencies.
9. Methanol Injection Point: Methanol is typically injected right at the wellhead. Over-injection often occurs because of attempts to compensate for prior problems.
10. Chemical Injections: Flow rate changes must be mirrored with adjustment in chemical injection rates to avoid over-injecting.

In conclusion, winterizing glycol dehydrators requires understanding the dynamics of the machine, the environmental conditions it’s exposed to, and the technical challenges that arise due to temperature changes. Regular maintenance, periodic checks, and adjustments to chemical injections are key to efficient performance during colder months.

Glycol Dehydrator Maintenance

Glycol Dehydrator Maintenance is an essential procedure to ensure glycol systems’ effective and efficient operation. The conversation among experts revolves around various factors that influence the proper functioning and longevity of the system. Here’s a summarization of the main points:

1. Filtration:
   • Filters play a crucial role in maintaining the system. Regularly changing and checking them is vital.
   • Quality matters. Investing in a good filter ensures contaminants are trapped effectively.
   • The Y-strainer, when present, should not be removed even if it gets clogged; that’s its purpose.
2. Observation:
   • Regularly checking the glycol system for leaks and contamination is essential. Any coloration changes or build-up of contaminants like paraffin can indicate a problem.
   • Observing the function and performance of reboilers, contactors, and other elements is equally important.
3. Pumps:
   • Filters protect the pumps from contaminants, ensuring they operate without undue wear and tear. This protection extends the lifespan of the pumps.
   • If the filter clogs completely, it can stall the pump-out, necessitating timely intervention.
4. Glycol Quality:
   • The type of glycol used (like triethylene glycol) matters due to its properties like flash point and water absorption capacity.
5. Location of Charcoal Sack:
   • Placement can vary depending on the specifics of the system and operator preference. However, it is essential to ensure that the carbon filter operates efficiently and is not overwhelmed by oils and condensate. Its placement should be after the flash separator for optimum performance.
6. Understanding the Origin of Contaminants:
   • The gas comes out from the ground, bringing along solids, hydrocarbons, water, and other possible contaminants. Proper filtration helps in trapping these and ensuring the gas is clean.
7. Heat & Carbon Filters:
   • Carbon filters do not operate or absorb effectively past certain temperatures. This temperature varies with the type of carbon used.

The maintenance of glycol dehydrators is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive understanding of the system’s various elements and their interaction. Regular checks, the right equipment, and knowledge of potential issues can lead to prolonged system life and efficient operations.

Glycol Regenerator Analysis

This section was a technical discussion on the maintenance and performance of glycol regeneration systems in natural gas processing. Here’s a summary of the points discussed:

1. Terry Nelson’s Multipoint Inspection:
   • Terry introduces a multipoint inspection tool sent to customers for troubleshooting issues with dehydration units (dehy).
   • The tool helps customers and technicians speak intelligently about the same equipment, avoiding redundant questions.
   • The color of the glycol can indicate the condition of the glycol and the filters.
   • Regular cleanouts should be done every 4-5 years, though practices vary.
   • Consistent checklists ensure the same checks are done every time.
2. Quarterly TG Samples:
   • A discussion ensues about the importance of regularly pulling and analyzing samples.
3. Pacer Unit by Cimarron Energy:
   • Terry explains the function of the pacer unit, which cleans and recycles glycol. It works by distillation and does not require the whole unit to be shut down.
4. Reclamation Process:
   • While the glycol is cleaned, solid contaminants remain, which can cause problems if not removed.
5. Chris Smithson’s Perspective:
   • Chris speaks on the difference between units that are well-maintained and those that aren’t.
   • Emphasizes proper filtration and temperature management to prevent glycol degradation.
   • Highlights that field dehydration units face more challenges due to their location and maintenance practices.
6. Terry’s Observations on Maintenance:
   • Emphasizes the importance of maintaining units and teaching customers to do the same.
   • Noted an old unit from the 1970s that’s still functional because of good maintenance.
7. Jesse Olivares on Equipment Repair:
   • Jesse shares his experience repairing units and stresses the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance.
   • Points out common problems with reboilers and the role of insulation.
8. Tony Brown and Drew Gibson’s Points:
   • Tony mentions working on units from the 1960s that are still functional with proper care.
   • Drew queries about the frequency of replacing the charcoal canister and if customers pre-wash their carbon elements.
9. Chris Smithson on Carbon Filters:
   • Chris discusses the potential reasons for pre-washing carbon elements and the importance of filters placed after carbon filters.

Overall, the experts stress the importance of consistent maintenance, monitoring, and the use of tools and checklists to ensure the longevity and efficiency of glycol regeneration systems.

Roundtable Conclusion Summary:

In the webinar hosted by Cameron Croft, the primary focus was the significance of appropriate maintenance and emission control in the context of glycol regenerators. As new regulations and potential administrative shifts loom, the importance of emission control, especially in the context of international agreements like the Paris Accord, was underscored.

The primary takeaways from the discussion included:

1. Proper Maintenance: Regular upkeep and maintenance can help in prolonging the life of the equipment and ensuring efficient performance. Terry Nelson highlighted the need for predictive information and routine checks, emphasizing the value of consistent checklists.
2. Filtration: Ensuring proper filtration can not only help in prolonging the equipment’s life but also in optimizing its performance. Chris Smithson spoke about the necessity of filtering out potential contaminants.
3. Monitoring Liquid Hydrocarbons: Both Nelson and Olivares underlined the importance of monitoring and taking action against hydrocarbons in the system, as they can lead to issues in the reboiler.
4. Sampling and Identification: Terry’s multipoint inspection tool can assist operators in troubleshooting and maintaining a consistent understanding of the equipment’s state. Regular sampling and identification of changes can lead to proactive maintenance and timely intervention.
5. Feedback and Continued Engagement: Croft stressed the value of feedback for improving future webinars. Their aim is to deliver quality content that meets the audience’s needs. The offer of incentives, such as hats or shirts, for feedback indicates a strong desire to engage and interact with the audience.
6. Open for Further Discussion: Croft made it clear that they’re open to further detailed discussions. The offer to organize specialized zoom calls with engineers and experts for addressing specific client concerns signifies the company’s commitment to addressing issues and supporting their clientele.

In summary, the webinar accentuated the importance of preventive maintenance, proper filtration, and regular monitoring to optimize the performance and lifespan of glycol regenerators. The hosts also expressed a strong desire for feedback and deeper engagement with their audience, emphasizing the importance of collaborative learning and mutual growth.