Process Configuration

In gas processing trains, inlet scrubbers remove free liquids, condensate, and entrained water droplets before gas enters the glycol contactor. The contactor then absorbs remaining water vapor through countercurrent contact with lean glycol solution. This two-stage approach protects glycol systems from liquid slugs while maximizing dehydration efficiency. ERGIL engineers the complete sequence including scrubber outlet to contactor inlet piping, ensuring proper vapor-liquid separation upstream.

Contactor Design

Vertical pressure vessels with structured packing or trays provide intimate gas-glycol contact. Gas enters the bottom, flows upward through contact stages, and exits the top as dry gas. Lean glycol enters at the top, absorbs water vapor as it descends, and exits as rich glycol for regeneration. ERGIL sizes contactors based on gas flow rate, operating pressure, inlet water content, and target outlet dew point. Typical performance achieves water content below 7 lbs/MMSCF with dew point depression to -40°C.

System Integration

ERGIL provides complete glycol circulation systems including contactor, glycol-glycol heat exchanger, glycol pump, regenerator, reboiler, and controls. The primary contactor integrates with upstream scrubber via automated level control and gas flow management. Instrumentation includes temperature and pressure monitoring, glycol flow measurement, and differential pressure across packing. PLC control optimizes glycol circulation rates based on gas conditions.

Materials and Standards

Carbon steel or stainless steel construction per ASME Section VIII. Internals designed for corrosive gas service with proper material selection for sour gas when H₂S is present. Glycol wetted parts use corrosion-resistant alloys. API 12J specifications for packaged glycol dehydration units. Full hydrostatic testing and NDT inspection.

Applications

Natural gas production facilities, gas gathering systems, gas processing plants, and pipeline inlet stations. Suitable for sweet and sour gas service with flow rates from 5 to 200 MMSCFD. Operating pressures from 300 to 1500 psig. Handles varying inlet conditions while maintaining consistent outlet specifications.

Operational Benefits

Protected glycol system prevents contamination from free liquids. Reduced glycol degradation and lower makeup requirements. Efficient mass transfer achieves specification with minimal glycol circulation. Easy maintenance access to packing or trays. Automated operation with minimal supervision. Skid-mounted packages available for simplified installation.

ERGIL delivers engineered glycol contactors as standalone vessels or complete turnkey dehydration packages. Our process expertise ensures optimal performance in your gas processing application.