Stabilization Process

Unstable condensate from separators contains dissolved light ends causing high vapor pressure and flashing losses. The stabilizer column uses heat and fractionation stages to separate volatile components. Feed enters mid-column flowing downward while rising vapor strips light hydrocarbons. Reboiler heat vaporizes lights which exit overhead for compression or fuel. Stabilized condensate exits the bottom at controlled Reid Vapor Pressure typically 9-12 psi meeting crude oil specifications.

Column Design

ERGIL engineers stabilizers based on condensate flow rate, composition, required RVP, and operating pressure. Typical designs include 15-30 trays or equivalent structured packing providing separation stages. Operating pressures 50-150 psig balance reboiler temperature requirements against overhead compression needs. Carbon steel construction handles hydrocarbon service with appropriate corrosion allowances.

System Integration

Complete stabilization units include fractionation column, reboiler providing heat duty, overhead condenser and reflux system, reflux accumulator and pump, instrumentation, and controls. Feed-bottoms heat exchange preheats incoming condensate using hot stabilized product improving thermal efficiency. PLC control manages reflux ratio, reboiler temperature, and column pressure optimizing separation.

Reboiler Options

Fire tube reboilers use fuel gas burners for direct heating. Thermal fluid or hot oil systems provide uniform heating without combustion equipment at the vessel. Steam reboilers offer clean operation where plant steam is available. ERGIL selects heating method based on site utilities, capacity, and operating preferences with typical duties 1-20 MMBTU/hr.

Applications

Oil and gas production facilities stabilizing wellhead condensate, gas processing plants treating NGL condensate streams, refineries processing light crude feeds, and gathering systems preparing condensate for pipeline transportation. Capacities range from 500 to 50,000 barrels per day serving upstream through midstream operations.

Performance Standards

Achieves specified RVP targets ensuring stable product meeting commercial specifications. Maximizes liquid recovery while removing lights for valuable gas production. Energy-efficient designs minimize fuel consumption. Reliable operation with proven distillation technology. Equipment designed per ASME codes with full pressure vessel certification.

Operational Features

Automated control maintains product quality despite varying feed conditions. Level and pressure controls protect against upsets. Temperature profiling optimizes fractionation efficiency. Periodic analysis verifies RVP compliance. Designed for continuous operation with scheduled maintenance intervals.

ERGIL condensate stabilizers deliver reliable fractionation performance producing specification product while maximizing overall facility economics.