gaasitöötlemistehastes

A gaasitöötlemistehas, often translated as a gas processing plant or gas plant, is an industrial facility designed to purify and process raw natural gas extracted from underground reservoirs. The primary goal of a gaasitöötlemistehas is to remove impurities and separate valuable components from the raw gas stream. These impurities can include water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and heavier hydrocarbons like propane and butane.

The processing typically begins with separation stages to remove liquids and solids. Water is often removed through dehydration processes to prevent hydrate formation and corrosion. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are removed through absorption or adsorption methods, a process often referred to as sweetening the gas, as hydrogen sulfide is toxic and corrosive. The removal of these compounds is crucial for meeting pipeline specifications and for environmental regulations.

Furthermore, gaasitöötlemistehased are responsible for recovering natural gas liquids (NGLs), such as ethane, propane, and butane. These NGLs are valuable byproducts that can be used as fuel, in petrochemical industries, or as feedstock for plastics production. The separation of NGLs is usually achieved through cryogenic distillation or lean oil absorption. The purified natural gas, primarily composed of methane, is then suitable for transportation via pipelines to consumers for heating, electricity generation, and industrial uses. The design and operation of these plants are complex, requiring sophisticated engineering and stringent safety protocols.