Naftagaasitöötleja

Naftagaasitöötleja refers to a natural gas processor. This is a facility or an industrial plant that separates raw natural gas into marketable components. Raw natural gas as it comes from the ground is a mixture of methane, ethane, propane, butane, and heavier hydrocarbons, along with non-hydrocarbon gases such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide.

The primary function of a naftagaasitöötleja is to remove impurities and separate valuable liquid hydrocarbons from the raw gas stream. Impurities like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide are removed to prevent corrosion in pipelines and equipment, and to meet product specifications. Water removal is crucial to prevent hydrate formation, which can block pipelines. Acid gas removal, specifically targeting hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide, is also a vital step for safety and environmental reasons.

After purification, the natural gas undergoes fractionation. This process separates the remaining hydrocarbons into different streams based on their boiling points. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is typically used as fuel gas. Ethane, propane, and butane, collectively known as natural gas liquids (NGLs), are valuable byproducts. Ethane is often used as a feedstock for petrochemical plants to produce ethylene. Propane and butane can be used as fuel (LPG) or also as chemical feedstocks. Heavier hydrocarbons are sold as natural gasoline or condensate.

The design and operation of a naftagaasitöötleja are complex, involving various separation technologies such as cryogenic processing, absorption, and adsorption. The specific processes employed depend on the composition of the raw natural gas and the desired product specifications. These facilities play a critical role in the natural gas industry, enabling the efficient and safe delivery of clean natural gas and valuable liquid hydrocarbon products to consumers and industries.