Filtration Purpose

Circulating glycol accumulates iron sulfide scale, carbon fines, pipe rust, sand particles, and hydrocarbon residues during operation. These contaminants cause heat exchanger fouling reducing thermal efficiency, plug regenerator packing or trays decreasing performance, and accelerate glycol degradation through catalytic reactions. Continuous filtration removes these materials maintaining clean glycol circulation and protecting system components.

Skid Configuration

Complete packages include cartridge filter housings with 5-25 micron elements, circulation pump or tee-off from main circulation, differential pressure gauges indicating filter loading, isolation valves for cartridge replacement, and interconnecting piping on structural skid base. Single or duplex filter housings enable online cartridge changes without system shutdown. Quick-opening closures simplify maintenance access.

Filtration Process

Slip-stream filtration diverts 5-15% of total glycol circulation through the filter skid. This continuous side-stream gradually cleans entire glycol inventory without affecting main system operation. Cartridge filters trap particulates while allowing glycol flow. Rising differential pressure signals cartridge saturation requiring replacement. Optional coalescer stages remove entrained hydrocarbons before particulate filtration extending cartridge life.

Equipment Design

Pressure-rated filter housings per ASME specifications in carbon steel construction. Multiple cartridge configurations provide adequate flow capacity with reasonable pressure drop. Disposable cartridge elements simplify maintenance with no cleaning requirements. Compact skid footprints suit retrofit installations on existing dehydration units or integration with new packages.

Applications

All TEG dehydration systems benefit from filtration, particularly units experiencing heat exchanger fouling, high corrosion rates, or glycol darkening indicating degradation. Essential for systems with inadequate upstream separation allowing hydrocarbon carryover. Suitable for 1-100 GPM glycol circulation serving gas capacities from wellhead units to central processing facilities.

Operational Benefits

Reduced fouling maintains heat exchanger efficiency lowering fuel consumption. Cleaner glycol improves mass transfer in contactors optimizing water removal. Extended intervals between full glycol changes reduces chemical replacement costs. Lower system maintenance requirements decrease downtime. Simple cartridge replacement during normal operations requires minimal labor.

Performance Features

Effective particulate removal down to specified micron ratings. Handles glycol temperatures to 120°C. Pressure ratings match system requirements typically 50-150 psig. Minimal pressure drop across clean elements preserves circulation pump efficiency. Standard cartridge sizes ensure replacement availability.

ERGIL glycol filtration skids deliver reliable solution cleanup protecting dehydration system investment and reducing operating costs through improved efficiency.