Glycol Contamination Sources

TEG absorbs water from natural gas plus entrained hydrocarbons, compressor oil, pipe scale, iron sulfide, salts, and glycol degradation products. Contaminants reduce dehydration efficiency, foul reboilers, and damage pumps requiring filtration.

Filter Location

Positioned in glycol circulation loop - typically at reboiler/regenerator sump where lean glycol collects before return to contactor. Filters hot regenerated glycol removing accumulated contaminants before recirculation.

Filter Configuration

Vertical or horizontal pressure vessel with hot glycol inlet from reboiler sump, cartridge filter elements rated 5-25 microns, filtered glycol outlet to lean glycol pump, drain for element replacement, differential pressure monitoring.

Filter Media

Depth-type cartridge filters capturing particles throughout thickness. Materials withstand hot glycol 180-200C and resist chemical degradation. Pleated or wound construction depending on dirt-holding requirements.

Operating Conditions

Temperature 180-200C from reboiler. Pressure atmospheric to 50 psig in sump area. Design accommodates high-temperature glycol service. Materials prevent thermal degradation.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for glycol service. Stainless steel optional for long life and reduced corrosion. Filter housings materials rated for hot glycol temperatures. All wetted parts resist TEG chemistry.

Contaminant Removal

Captures iron sulfide, scale, carbon particles from glycol thermal degradation, salt crystals, compressor oil droplets, and solid hydrocarbon deposits. Maintains glycol purity for effective gas dehydration.

Differential Pressure

DP monitoring indicates filter loading. Clean DP 5-10 psi. Replacement required at 20-35 psi. High DP reduces glycol circulation rate affecting dehydration performance.

Applications

Natural gas TEG dehydration units, gas processing plant glycol systems, offshore platform dehydrators, wellsite dehydration packages, and any glycol circulation requiring contamination control.

Element Replacement

System shutdown required for hot glycol service. Drain filter housing and cool. Remove cover and used elements. Inspect for excessive contamination indicating system issues. Install new elements and return to service.

Glycol Quality Impact

Clean glycol maintains water absorption capacity. Particulates interfere with gas-glycol contact reducing efficiency. Hydrocarbon contamination reduces glycol effectiveness. Regular filtration critical for dehydration performance.

Reboiler Protection

Filtration prevents solids deposition on reboiler tubes maintaining heat transfer. Reduces fouling and tube failures. Extends reboiler service life through contamination control.

Pump Protection

Removes abrasive particles protecting lean glycol pump mechanical seals and impellers. Prevents premature wear extending pump life. Critical for reliable glycol circulation.

Filter Life

Element life 3-12 months depending on gas quality and system cleanliness. Iron sulfide formation from H2S shortens life. Oil contamination increases loading. Regular monitoring optimizes replacement intervals.

System Integration

Part of complete glycol circulation - contactor, flash separator, regenerator/reboiler, filters, heat exchangers, and pumps. Filter maintains system efficiency through contamination removal.

Performance Benefits

Maintains dehydration efficiency through glycol purity. Protects reboilers and pumps from fouling and wear. Extends glycol life reducing makeup costs. Simple filtration critical for system performance.

Construction Standards

Pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII. Materials for high-temperature glycol service. Filter elements rated for operating conditions. Complete documentation with temperature and chemical compatibility specifications.

ERGIL glycol sump filters maintain TEG purity removing contaminants in natural gas dehydration systems protecting equipment and ensuring efficient operation.