This crucial midstream course focuses on the two essential processes required to prepare natural gas for transmission and sale: dehydration and compression. Participants will gain a detailed understanding of why water removal (dehydration) is necessary to prevent pipeline corrosion and hydrate formation, covering key technologies like TEG and solid bed desiccants. Simultaneously, the course provides in-depth knowledge of various compressor types, performance curves, and anti-surge control, ensuring safe and efficient gas transportation. The training is key for engineers and technicians involved in ensuring gas quality and pipeline integrity.
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the necessity of gas dehydration (preventing hydrates, corrosion) and the concept of dew point.
- Detail the design, operation, and troubleshooting of Triethylene Glycol (TEG) dehydration units.
- Select and manage the use of solid bed desiccants (e.g., molecular sieves) for deep-cut dehydration.
- Identify the different types of compressors (reciprocating, centrifugal) and their appropriate application.
- Interpret compressor performance maps and operating envelopes for surge and choke limits.
- Understand and apply compressor anti-surge control systems for safe and stable operation.
- Perform basic calculations for compressor power requirements and dehydration unit efficiency.
- Troubleshoot common operational issues in both dehydration and compression systems.
Target Audience
- Gas Plant Operators and Senior Technicians.
- Midstream and Transmission Pipeline Engineers.
- Process Engineers specializing in gas treatment.
- Mechanical Engineers focused on rotating equipment (compressors).
- Facilities Design and Project Engineers.
- Technical Managers overseeing gas processing assets.
Methodology
- Case Studies: Analyzing failures related to hydrate formation in pipelines and dehydration upsets.
- Group Activities: Designing a simple TEG regeneration system and calculating circulation rate.
- Individual Exercises: Plotting compressor performance based on given operating data.
- Discussions on anti-surge control strategies and their tuning challenges.
- Scenarios: Troubleshooting a compression station operating near its surge limit.
Personal Impact
- Gain expert knowledge in two of the most critical midstream operations.
- Enhance ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex dehydration and compression assets.
- Develop a strong foundation in rotating equipment performance and safety control.
- Improve decision-making for equipment selection, procurement, and maintenance planning.
- Increase personal value by ensuring gas quality and pipeline integrity.
- Master the calculation and control of process parameters for efficiency.
Organizational Impact
- Significant reduction in pipeline corrosion and hydrate-related blockages and downtime.
- Lower operating costs through optimized energy usage in compression systems.
- Improved natural gas quality, meeting sales gas specifications consistently.
- Enhanced safety through a deeper understanding of anti-surge control and pressure management.
- Extended lifespan of critical rotating equipment through optimal operation.
- Increased reliability and throughput of the gas transmission network.
Course Outline
Unit 1: The Need for Gas Dehydration and Hydrate Formation
Section 1.1: Gas Quality and Risks- Defining natural gas specifications, especially water content and dew point.
- The chemistry and conditions leading to natural gas hydrate formation and blockage.
- Methods for preventing hydrate formation (thermodynamic inhibition, dehydration).
- Overview of the main dehydration technologies (Glycol, Solid Desiccants, Refrigeration).
Unit 2: Glycol Dehydration Systems (TEG)
Section 2.1: TEG Operation- Detailed flow scheme and operating principles of a Triethylene Glycol (TEG) unit.
- Operating parameters: Circulation rate, regenerator temperature, and stripping gas.
- Common TEG system troubleshooting: glycol losses, foaming, and poor dew point.
- Design considerations for the contactor tower and regenerator section.
Unit 3: Solid Desiccant Dehydration and Advanced Methods
Section 3.1: Desiccant Technology- Principles and applications of solid desiccants (e.g., molecular sieves, silica gel).
- Understanding the two-bed cycle (adsorption and regeneration) and cycle timing control.
- Selecting the appropriate desiccant type based on required dew point and gas characteristics.
- Introduction to methanol injection and other chemical inhibition methods.
Unit 4: Fundamentals of Gas Compression Systems
Section 4.1: Compressor Types and Selection- Operational characteristics of reciprocating (positive displacement) and centrifugal (dynamic) compressors.
- Interpreting compressor performance curves and calculating power consumption.
- Thermodynamics of compression: Isentropic and polytropic efficiency.
- Design considerations for intercoolers, scrubbers, and pulsation dampeners.
Unit 5: Compression Control, Safety, and Maintenance
Section 5.1: Control and Safety- Understanding the surge phenomenon and its destructive effects on centrifugal compressors.
- Detailed analysis of anti-surge control systems and control line optimization.
- Startup, shutdown, and purging procedures for gas compression stations.
- Routine maintenance, monitoring, and condition assessment of rotating equipment.
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