Refrigeration Technology

Propane or mixed refrigerant cycles provide gas cooling from ambient to -40°C or lower. Compressor packages circulate refrigerant through condensers, expansion valves, and gas chillers in closed-loop systems. Propane refrigeration offers simple, proven technology for moderate temperature applications. Mixed refrigerant systems achieve cryogenic temperatures for deep NGL extraction. ERGIL selects refrigerant composition and equipment based on target gas temperature, heat duty requirements, and operating conditions.

Package Components

Complete skid systems include refrigerant compressor with driver, gas-refrigerant heat exchangers, refrigerant condenser with air or water cooling, refrigerant receiver and accumulator, expansion control valves, separator vessels, instrumentation, and control panel. All equipment factory-assembled with interconnecting piping, electrical systems, and safety devices. Modular design enables capacity expansion through parallel package installation.

Gas Cooling Process

Process gas flows through plate-fin or shell-and-tube heat exchangers where refrigerant evaporation absorbs heat. Gas temperature reduces causing heavy hydrocarbon condensation. Cold separator downstream removes condensed liquids. Multiple temperature stages may be employed for deep cooling or optimized NGL fractionation. Heat integration with warm inlet gas improves efficiency by precooling feed and warming product gas.

Applications

Pipeline dew point control ensuring gas meets -10°C to -20°C specifications, natural gas liquids recovery extracting ethane, propane, and heavier components, gas processing plant inlet conditioning, and fuel gas treatment for power generation. Serves production facilities, midstream processing, and distribution terminals with capacities from 1 to 200 MMSCFD.

Control Systems

PLC-based automation manages compressor operation, refrigerant levels, temperature setpoints, and safety interlocks. Suction pressure control optimizes refrigerant evaporation temperature. Hot gas bypass prevents compressor surge during low loads. Temperature monitoring throughout gas cooling train. Remote access enables performance optimization and troubleshooting.

Performance Features

Energy-efficient designs minimize power consumption per unit of cooling. Variable speed drives adapt to changing process loads. High-reliability compressors ensure continuous operation. Automatic defrost systems prevent ice formation. Weather-protected enclosures suit outdoor installations. Meets API, ASME, and electrical codes for hazardous areas.

ERGIL gas chiller packages deliver reliable process cooling with proven refrigeration technology, optimizing gas quality and NGL recovery economics.