Abstract
Natural gas coming from the well contains hydrocarbons, CO2, H2S, and water together with many other impurities. Molecular sieve treatment of the gas is required to make it suitable for the various applications. The several process and parameters considerations contribute to the reliable and optimized operation of molecular sieve natural gas treaters.
The journey of this molecular sieve treater optimization commenced by conducting a thorough systematic study of all existing treater performance by considering various operating critical parameter. The technical feasibility studies were completed covering all the aspects like evaluating current performance of treater, conducting simulation for future capacity, licensor endorsement, conducting breakthrough test. Finally, study outcomes were implemented through management change process.
The main benefits of optimization of molecular sieve treater process are to extend the service life of molecular sieve which enable us to increase the turnaround cycle of NGL trains. Significant reduction in CAPEX and OPEX cost were realized by reducing new fresh molecular sieve procurement, reducing disposal of molecular sieve waste material and expense of shutdown, achieving 100% HSE.
This paper presents the typical operation issues and challenges in molecular sieve treatment process, best practices adopted for maximizing of existing assets considering the current and design scenarios, and performance improvement, which result to extend molecular sieve life, increase of NGL shutdown cycle and flaring reduction in trains.
Optimization and performance improvement of Lekhwair natural gas sweetening plant using Aspen HYSYS
