gasprocessing

Gas processing refers to the series of industrial operations that treat raw natural gas and associated gas to remove impurities, condition the gas, and separate natural gas liquids (NGLs) so that the final streams meet market and pipeline specifications. Processing typically occurs at dedicated plants near gas fields or offshore platforms. Feed gas commonly contains methane with heavier hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), water, mercury, and particulates. The objective is to deliver pipeline-quality sales gas, recover NGLs, and ensure safe, reliable operation.

Key processing steps include pretreatment, removal of acid gases and water, dehydration, and NGL recovery. Pretreatment may reduce particulates and welcome gases before chemical treatment. Acid gas removal uses amine solvents to absorb H2S and CO2, with solvent regeneration and recycle. Dehydration lowers water content to prevent hydrates and corrosion, typically via glycol dehydration (TEG) or molecular sieve systems. Mercury removal may be employed to protect downstream equipment. After acid gas removal and dehydration, the gas is often sweetened further as needed.

Cryogenic processing is used to recover NGLs. In a typical train, fractionation separates the feed into constituents such as methane, ethane, propane, and higher hydrocarbons. Key components include demethanizer, deethanizer, and debutanizer columns, yielding pipeline gas and separate NGL streams like ethane, propane, butane, and natural gasoline.

Sulfur recovery units, such as Claus processes, convert H2S to elemental sulfur, addressing environmental and regulatory concerns. Gas processing plants are designed to optimize energy use, throughput, and product mix while meeting standards for safety, reliability, and emissions.