gaasitöötlemistehas

A gaasitöötlemistehas, or gas processing plant, is an industrial facility designed to separate valuable hydrocarbons from natural gas. Natural gas extracted from the earth is a mixture of methane, ethane, propane, butane, and heavier hydrocarbons, as well as impurities like water, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide. The primary purpose of a gas processing plant is to remove these impurities and separate the valuable components.

The process typically begins with the removal of water and other contaminants. Water can cause hydrate formation, which can block pipelines, while carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are corrosive and reduce the heating value of the gas. After purification, the plant separates the natural gas into its various components. Methane, the main component, is often sold directly as pipeline natural gas. Heavier hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, and butane, known as natural gas liquids (NGLs), are extracted and can be used as fuel or as feedstock for the petrochemical industry.

Gas processing plants play a crucial role in the natural gas industry by making raw natural gas usable for consumers and industries, and by recovering valuable byproducts that contribute to the economy. The design and operation of these plants are complex, involving various separation techniques like distillation, absorption, and refrigeration, depending on the composition of the raw gas and the desired products.