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Publication > Issue > Articles
Unlocking the potential of gas processing assets
Summary
G. Bowerbank and W. Blas of Shell Catalysts & Technologies discuss low cost strategies to maximise value at existing gas processing facilities. Changing solvents, introducing advanced column internals or a combination of both are relatively simple and cost-effective options for boosting production or revenue with minimal investment.Abstract
As 2019 drew to a close, the global gas market was poised for a period of healthy growth, with no fewer than 50 new projects at the pre-final investment decision stage. The change in the first quarter of 2020 could not have been more dramatic, with a sharp fall in oil prices and economic uncertainty linked to the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, it appears that only 10 of the 50 projects will now go ahead. Keywords: gas processing, solvent swap, solvents, column internals, revamps, feed gas contaminants, Sulfinol D, Sulfinol X, tighter specifications, hydraulic limits, structured packing, Shell Turbo Trays, solvent losses, CO2 handling, ADIP ULTRA, liquefied natural gas, Shell Catalysts & TechnologiesOne size does not fit all
Summary
K. Hanlon Kinsberg and J. Lewis of Comprimo review the main approaches for mercaptan removal in gas processing plants, based on past project experience and generally accepted industry practice.Abstract
Mercaptans are a common contaminant in the feed to gas processing plants, along with H2S, CO2, carbonyl sulphide, mercury and water. Just as gas plants themselves come in a wide variety of process configurations driven by differing gas export specifications dependent on local market conditions, so too can there be an array of contaminant removal methodologies1. Keywords: gas processing, mercaptan removal, reservoir fluid analysis, solvent selection, natural gas liquids recovery, liquids treating, molecular sieves, silica gel, caustic treatment, scavengers, inhibitors, regenerable processes, non regenerable processes, membranes, ComprimoTwo-stage absorption for mercaptan removal
Summary
Fluor's case study of recently constructed ultra-sour gas treating facilities provides new information about the operation of DGA-based AGRUs. B. Lynch and C. Graham of Fluor Corporation discuss how using this knowledge and leveraging the recent improvements to process simulators in the gas sweetening space, Fluor has developed an efficient, flexible, and cost effective solution in the two-stage absorption process to maximise mercaptan removal from ultra-sour gases with minimal equipment.Abstract
As the depletion of sweet gas reserves continues, development of ultra-sour gas fields (20%+ H2S) is integral to meeting the increasing global demand for natural gas. Many sour reserves that had been left untouched due to technological and economic challenges are now being reevaluated in light of recent advancements. Keywords: sour gas treating, ultra-sour gas, Middle East, diglycolamine, DGA, COS removal, CS2 removal, Fluor Improved Econamine process, mercaptan removal, acid gas removal unit, AGRU, simulation, low pressure ultra-sour streams, two stage absorption process, FluorMeeting sulphur specs
Summary
An advanced mecaptan removal process has been developed and implemented by RATE. The RATE-Oximer process is an oxidative air-based regeneration process, designed to remove mercaptans from liquid and vapour phases. M. Rameshini of RATE describes the key features of the process and its applications.Abstract
A typical sour gas processing scheme highlighting the mercaptan treatment unit is shown in Fig. 1. Often mercaptans can be removed by proper selection of a formulated amine solvent, but sometimes, e.g. where there are higher volumes of mercaptans, further processing may be required to meet the specification of the treated sales gas or pipeline criteria. Keywords: sour gas processing, liquid phase treating, formulated amine solvent, liquid sulphonated cobalt phthalocyanine catalyst, oxidiser reactor, caustic, disulphide, LPG, mecaptan removal, RATE-Oximer process, sulphur specifications, RATENew self-cleaning sulphur strainer
Summary
For the protection of nozzles in sulphur forming plants it is important to prevent larger particles from entering the forming machinery and possibly blocking the nozzles. In normal operation, pipeline strainers are used. Sulphurnet has designed a new system which is suitable for continuous or batch operations and has lower maintenance costs. J. Hermans of Sulphurnet introduces the self-cleaning sulphur strainer.Abstract
Process filtration may give the impression of being an easy step, but today’s demanding requirements for high filtration quality, automation and reduction of operational and investment costs makes filtration a field for special study. Keywords: sulphur filtration, strainer, pipeline strainer, edge gap strainer, self-cleaning sulphur strainer, sulphur forming, nozzle, continuous operation, batch operation, cleaning, sulphur processing, sulphur degassing, corrosion, liquid sulphur, SulphurnetPreventing explosions in molten sulphur tanks
Summary
Undegassed molten sulphur can contain several hundred ppmw H2S. If the headspace in the storage tank is stagnant, the H2S can accumulate in the vapour space above undegassed liquid sulphur to dangerous levels. Sweeping and blanketing systems are commonly applied to manage the explosion risk in the headspace of molten sulphur storage tanks. D. J. Sachde, C. M. Beitler, K. E. McIntush, and K. S. Fisher of Trimeric Corporation review these approaches, outlining the benefits and limitations, design considerations, and industry experience/guidance for each approach. Calculation methods for natural draft flow of sweep air are also presented.Abstract
Molten sulphur is commonly stored in tanks in petroleum refineries, other oil and gas facilities, and at locations involved in sulphur processing, handling, storage, and loading. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a byproduct of processing natural gas and refining crude oils. Keywords: molten sulphur tanks, headspace, explosion risk, sweeping, blanketing, sulphur storage, sulphur handling, sweep air, natural draft flow, sweep gas, blanket gas, tank design, Trimeric CorporationAbu Dhabi: sulphur giant
Summary
In a few short years Abu Dhabi has grown to become the world's largest sulphur producer and exporter, and new sour gas projects will lead to additional sulphur recovery capacity, provided they can overcome economic challenges.Abstract
The oil-rich Emirate of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has grown rapidly over the past decade to become the world’s largest exporter of sulphur. Most of this sulphur has come as a by-product from sour natural gas processing, as the Emirate tried to produce enough gas to power its breakneck growth. Keywords: Oil, gas, sour, refining, refinery, Ruwais, Hail, Ghasha, Bab, Das, ADNOC, Fujairah, Dubai, Habshan, Shah, Dalma, rail, transport, liquid, truck, granulation, granulator, granule, granules, OCISulphuric acid in the titanium dioxide industry
Summary
Reg Adams of pigments and titanium dioxide consultancy Artikol reviews the demand for sulphuric acid in the manufacture of TiO2, and the prospects for consumption over the next few years.Abstract
Nearly 15 million tonnes of sulphuric acid (as 100% H2SO4) were used for the manufacture of titanium dioxide (TiO2) last year. China’s TiO2 manufacturers accounted for about 77% of the total, while TiO2 manufacturers in the rest of the world accounted for 23%. Keywords: China, chloride, sulphate, Chemours, Kronos, Tronox, Venator, ilmenite, rutile, Lomon, consumptionSO2 emissions control
Summary
Legislation to control emissions of sulphur dioxide continues to tighten, via vehicle exhausts, and refinery and smelter emissions, leading to increased recovery of both sulphur and sulphur dioxide.Abstract
The sulphur industry has arguably achieved its present form due to atmospheric sulphur dioxide pollution, and attempts to control it. Flaring of acid gas recovered from sour gas in places such as Alberta led to SO2 plumes and a move to recover the sulphur prior to combustion back in the 1950s, and the beginnings of recovered sulphur as a major source of brimstone. Keywords: Refining, metal, refinery, flare, flaring, flared, smelter, dioxide, power, fgd, desulphurisation, ship, shipping, transport, coal, regulation