A two-column semi-washing device
By designing a two-tower semi-dehydration unit and using a configuration of two main dryers and a pre-dryer, the regenerated gas can be recycled and energy can be utilized in stages. This solves the problems of complexity and high cost of traditional dehydration units, improves dehydration efficiency and reliability, and is suitable for the efficient treatment of dispersed gas sources.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522141669.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing natural gas dehydration systems are complex, occupy a large area, have high investment costs, and lack dehydration stability, making it difficult to meet the requirements of low cost, high efficiency, and modular deployment, especially in applications with decentralized gas sources.
The device employs a two-tower semi-dehydration unit, including a filter separator, a first dryer, a cooler, a pre-dryer, a heater, a gas-liquid separator, and a dust filter. Through the ingenious configuration of two main dryers and one pre-dryer, and the design of an integrated regeneration and cold blowing process, the device achieves the recycling of regenerated gas and the cascade utilization of energy.
It significantly improves dehydration efficiency and operational reliability, reduces equipment footprint and operating costs, and is particularly suitable for efficient dehydration treatment of decentralized gas sources.
Smart Images
Figure CN224672434U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of saturated water removal technology from associated petroleum gas, and in particular to a two-tower semi-dehydration device. Background Technology
[0002] Natural gas molecular sieve dehydration technology is one of the key processes in the natural gas industry. It is mainly used to deeply remove moisture from raw gas to prevent pipeline corrosion, ice blockage and hydrate formation during transportation, ensuring transportation safety and operational efficiency. At the same time, it avoids freezing and blockage of equipment and pipelines during subsequent low-temperature treatment, ensuring stable system operation.
[0003] With the continued growth of national demand for clean energy, the development of natural gas wells in remote areas, as well as dispersed gas sources such as associated gas and shale gas from oil fields, is receiving increasing attention. However, these gas sources often experience large fluctuations in gas volume and are geographically dispersed. Traditional dehydration devices generally suffer from problems such as complex system structure, large footprint, high investment costs, and insufficient dehydration stability, making it difficult to meet the current practical needs for low-cost, high-efficiency, and modular deployment. Utility Model Content
[0004] This application provides a two-and-a-half-tower dehydration device, which solves the problems of complex dehydration systems, large footprint, and difficulty in ensuring stable dehydration effect in the prior art. It simplifies the process flow, reduces the equipment footprint, significantly improves dehydration efficiency and operational reliability, and is particularly suitable for efficient dehydration treatment of dispersed gas sources, while reducing investment and operating costs.
[0005] This utility model embodiment provides a two-tower semi-dehydration device, including a filter separator, a first dryer, a cooler, a pre-dryer, a heater, a gas-liquid separator, and a dust filter. Natural gas enters the filter separator through the inlet to separate free water. The outlet of the filter separator is connected to both the first dryer and the pre-dryer. The first output end of the first dryer is connected to the input end of the dust filter, and the output end of the dust filter discharges purified gas. The output end of the pre-dryer is connected to the input end of the heater. The second output end of the first dryer is connected to the output end of the heater. The input end of the cooler is connected to both the input ends of the first dryer and the pre-dryer. The output end of the cooler is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator.
[0006] In one possible implementation, a second dryer is further included; the input end of the second dryer is connected to the output end of the filter separator; the first output end of the second dryer is connected to the input end of the dust filter; the second output end of the second dryer is connected to the output end of the heater; the input end of the cooler is connected to the input end of the second dryer; and the output end of the gas-liquid separator is connected between the input ends of the first dryer and the second dryer.
[0007] In one possible implementation, a first conduit is further included; one end of the first conduit is connected between the output of the filter separator and the input of the pre-dryer, and the other end of the first conduit is connected between the input of the first dryer and the heater.
[0008] In one possible implementation, a flow transmitter and a ninth pump body are also included; the flow transmitter and the ninth pump body are sequentially disposed on the pipeline between the filter separator and the pre-dryer.
[0009] In one possible implementation, a first pump body is also included; the first pump body is disposed on the first pipeline.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the system further includes a second pump body, a third pump body, a fourth pump body, a fifth pump body, a sixth pump body, a seventh pump body, and an eighth pump body; the second pump body and the third pump body are sequentially arranged on the pipeline between the filter separator and the first dryer; the fourth pump body and the fifth pump body are sequentially arranged on the pipeline between the first dryer and the cooler; the sixth pump body is arranged on the pipeline between the second dryer and the fifth pump body; the seventh pump body is arranged on the pipeline between the second pump body and the second dryer; and the eighth pump body is arranged on the pipeline between the pre-dryer and the cooler.
[0011] In one possible implementation, a tenth pump body, an eleventh pump body, a twelfth pump body, and a thirteenth pump body are also included; the tenth pump body is installed on the pipe between the first dryer and the dust filter; the eleventh pump body is installed on the pipe between the first dryer and the heater; the twelfth pump body is installed on the pipe between the second dryer and the dust filter; and the thirteenth pump body is installed on the pipe between the second dryer and the heater.
[0012] One or more technical solutions provided in this application have at least the following technical effects: This utility model embodiment employs two main dryers and one pre-dryer, and designs a matching integrated regeneration and cold-blowing process. Specifically, the device first dehydrates the regeneration gas in the pre-dryer, then heats it for regeneration in the main dryer. Subsequently, the high-temperature regeneration gas is cooled and gas-liquid separated, and the separated gas phase is returned to the front end of the system for recycling, achieving significant recovery and recycling of the regeneration gas and significantly reducing losses. Simultaneously, in the cold-blowing stage, the warm airflow generated by the main dryer after cooling and regeneration is used again to regenerate the pre-dryer, achieving efficient cascaded energy utilization. This application solves the problems of complex dehydration systems, large footprint, and difficulty in ensuring stable dehydration effects in existing technologies. It simplifies the process flow, reduces the equipment footprint, significantly improves dehydration efficiency and operational reliability, is suitable for efficient dehydration treatment of dispersed gas sources, and reduces investment and operating costs. Attached Figure Description
[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0014] Figure 1 A flowchart of a two-tower semi-dehydration device provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0015] Icons: 1-Filter separator; 2-First dryer; 3-Cooler; 4-Pre-dryer; 5-Heater; 6-Gas-liquid separator; 7-Dust filter; 8-Second dryer; 9-First pipeline; 10-Flow transmitter. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0017] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal connection of two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0018] This utility model embodiment provides a two-tower semi-dehydration device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a filter separator 1, a first dryer 2, a cooler 3, a pre-dryer 4, a heater 5, a gas-liquid separator 6, and a dust filter 7. Natural gas enters the filter separator 1 through its inlet, where free water is separated. The outlet of the filter separator 1 is connected to both the first dryer 2 and the pre-dryer 4. The first output of the first dryer 2 is connected to the input of the dust filter 7, and purified gas is discharged from the output of the dust filter 7. The output of the pre-dryer 4 is connected to the input of the heater 5. The second output of the first dryer 2 is connected to the output of the heater 5. The input of the cooler 3 is connected to both the input of the first dryer 2 and the input of the pre-dryer 4. The output of the cooler 3 is connected to the input of the gas-liquid separator 6.
[0019] For example, the system operation includes three processes: adsorption, regeneration, and cold blowing. In the adsorption process, the raw natural gas first enters the filter separator 1 to remove free water. Then, the gas enters the first dryer 2, which is in the adsorption state, for deep dehydration. The dehydrated dry gas passes through the dust filter 7 to remove molecular sieve dust before being exported as product gas. In the regeneration process, a portion of the gas is diverted from the filter separator 1 as regeneration gas, which first enters the pre-dryer 4 for preliminary dehydration. The dehydrated regeneration gas is heated to 240-260°C by the heater 5 and then enters the second dryer 8, which is in the regeneration state, for high-temperature regeneration of the molecular sieve. The high-temperature regeneration gas, after regeneration, enters the cooler 3 to cool to approximately 45°C, and then enters the gas-liquid separator 6 to separate condensate. The separated gas phase returns to the front end of the dryer, mixes with the raw gas, and re-enters the adsorption process, achieving the recycling of regeneration gas and effectively reducing gas consumption. In the cold blowing process, after the second dryer 8 completes regeneration, the system switches to the cold blowing stage. The cold regenerated gas cools the second dryer 8, which has already undergone reheating (cold blowing). The cold-blown gas exiting the second dryer 8 then enters the heater 5 and is heated to 240~260°C. This high-temperature gas then enters the pre-dryer 4 to regenerate the molecular sieve there, achieving stepped energy utilization. The gas exiting the pre-dryer 4 is also cooled by the cooler 3 and separated into liquid and gas phases by the gas-liquid separator 6, with the gas phase returning to the front end of the system.
[0020] For example, this application achieves continuous operation of the device, efficient circulation of regenerated gas, and optimized energy utilization through the ingenious configuration of two main dryers and one pre-dryer 4, as well as the coupled design of regeneration and cold blowing processes. It solves the problems of high energy consumption, large footprint, and applicability to decentralized gas sources of traditional dehydration devices, and is particularly suitable for efficient and economical dehydration of decentralized gas sources such as remote gas wells and shale gas.
[0021] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a second dryer 8; the input end of the second dryer 8 is connected to the output end of the filter separator 1; the first output end of the second dryer 8 is connected to the input end of the dust filter 7; the second output end of the second dryer 8 is connected to the output end of the heater 5; the input end of the cooler 3 is connected to the input end of the second dryer 8; and the output end of the gas-liquid separator 6 is connected between the input end of the first dryer 2 and the input end of the second dryer 8.
[0022] For example, the first dryer 2 and the second dryer 8 alternately perform adsorption and regeneration operations as main dryers to ensure the continuity of the dehydration process. The pre-dryer 4 is not only used to pre-treat the regeneration gas, but also receives heat from the main dryer during the cold blowing stage to complete its own regeneration, forming a highly efficient energy utilization chain. The gas phase at the outlet of the gas-liquid separator 6 flows back to the front end of the dryer and mixes with the raw material gas, forming a closed-loop regeneration gas circulation system, which significantly reduces process gas loss.
[0023] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a first pipe 9; one end of the first pipe 9 is connected between the output end of the filter separator 1 and the input end of the pre-dryer 4, and the other end of the first pipe 9 is connected between the input end of the first dryer 2 and the heater 5.
[0024] For example, the first pipe 9 serves as a key connection path, guiding the cold regeneration gas to the hot dryer that has just completed regeneration for cooling during the cold blowing stage. At the same time, the gas that has absorbed heat is sent to the heater 5 for heating, and then used for regeneration in the pre-dryer 4. This design avoids the input of additional energy and realizes the efficient exchange and reuse of cold and hot energy within the system.
[0025] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a flow transmitter 10 and a ninth pump body; the flow transmitter 10 and the ninth pump body are sequentially arranged on the pipeline between the filter separator 1 and the pre-dryer 4.
[0026] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a first pump body; the first pump body is installed on the first pipeline 9.
[0027] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a second pump body, a third pump body, a fourth pump body, a fifth pump body, a sixth pump body, a seventh pump body, and an eighth pump body; the second pump body and the third pump body are sequentially installed on the pipeline between the filter separator 1 and the first dryer 2; the fourth pump body and the fifth pump body are sequentially installed on the pipeline between the first dryer 2 and the cooler 3; the sixth pump body is installed on the pipeline between the second dryer 8 and the fifth pump body; the seventh pump body is installed on the pipeline between the second pump body and the second dryer 8; and the eighth pump body is installed on the pipeline between the pre-dryer 4 and the cooler 3.
[0028] For example, each pump body and flow transmitter 10 are configured in concert to achieve precise control of the flow rate, pressure, and direction of natural gas and regenerated gas in each pipeline. This modular pump control design ensures that multiple process steps such as adsorption, regeneration, and cold blowing can be automatically and smoothly switched according to preset programs, improving the automation and reliability of the entire unit's operation, while making the unit structure more compact and adapting to the requirement of small equipment footprint for decentralized gas source stations.
[0029] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 1As shown, it also includes a tenth pump body, an eleventh pump body, a twelfth pump body, and a thirteenth pump body; a tenth pump body is installed on the pipe between the first dryer 2 and the dust filter 7; an eleventh pump body is installed on the pipe between the first dryer 2 and the heater 5; a twelfth pump body is installed on the pipe between the second dryer 8 and the dust filter 7; and a thirteenth pump body is installed on the pipe between the second dryer 8 and the heater 5.
[0030] For example, in traditional two-tower dehydration units, the used high-temperature wet regenerated gas is typically vented directly or used as low-value fuel during the regeneration stage, resulting in considerable gas loss. This is economically unsustainable for dispersed gas sources with limited production capacity. This application achieves closed-loop recycling of regenerated gas through an innovative pre-drying, cooling separation, and gas recirculation process. After cooling and separation, the gaseous portion of the wet gas generated during the regeneration process is returned to the feed gas inlet to participate in the dehydration process again. This fundamentally reduces regenerated gas loss to an extremely low level, significantly improving the economics of unit operation, and is particularly suitable for applications sensitive to gas consumption, such as remote gas wells and shale gas.
[0031] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. For the same or similar parts between the various embodiments, please refer to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.
[0032] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of this application.
Claims
1. A two-tower semi-dehydration device, characterized in that, It includes a filter separator (1), a first dryer (2), a cooler (3), a pre-dryer (4), a heater (5), a gas-liquid separator (6), and a dust filter (7); Natural gas enters the filter separator (1) through the inlet and is separated into free water. The outlet of the filter separator (1) is connected to the first dryer (2) and the pre-dryer (4) respectively. The first output end of the first dryer (2) is connected to the input end of the dust filter (7), and the output end of the dust filter (7) discharges purified gas; The output end of the pre-dryer (4) is connected to the input end of the heater (5); The second output terminal of the first dryer (2) is connected to the output terminal of the heater (5); The input end of the cooler (3) is connected to the input end of the first dryer (2) and the input end of the pre-dryer (4), respectively; The output end of the cooler (3) is connected to the input end of the gas-liquid separator (6).
2. The two-tower semi-dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second dryer (8); The input end of the second dryer (8) is connected to the output end of the filter separator (1); The first output end of the second dryer (8) is connected to the input end of the dust filter (7); The second output terminal of the second dryer (8) is connected to the output terminal of the heater (5); The input end of the cooler (3) is connected to the input end of the second dryer (8); The output end of the gas-liquid separator (6) is connected between the input end of the first dryer (2) and the input end of the second dryer (8).
3. The two-tower semi-dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the first pipe (9); One end of the first pipe (9) is connected between the output end of the filter separator (1) and the input end of the pre-dryer (4), and the other end of the first pipe (9) is connected between the input end of the first dryer (2) and the heater (5).
4. The two-tower semi-dehydration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a flow transmitter (10) and a ninth pump body; The flow transmitter (10) and the ninth pump body are sequentially installed on the pipeline between the filter separator (1) and the pre-dryer (4).
5. The two-tower semi-dehydration device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes the first pump body; The first pump body is installed on the first pipeline (9).
6. The two-tower semi-dehydration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second pump body, a third pump body, a fourth pump body, a fifth pump body, a sixth pump body, a seventh pump body, and an eighth pump body; The second pump body and the third pump body are sequentially installed on the pipeline between the filter separator (1) and the first dryer (2); The fourth pump body and the fifth pump body are sequentially installed on the pipeline between the first dryer (2) and the cooler (3); The sixth pump body is installed on the pipeline between the second dryer (8) and the fifth pump body; The seventh pump body is installed on the pipeline between the second pump body and the second dryer (8); The eighth pump body is installed on the pipeline between the pre-dryer (4) and the cooler (3).
7. The two-tower semi-dehydration device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes the tenth pump body, the eleventh pump body, the twelfth pump body, and the thirteenth pump body; The tenth pump body is installed on the pipe between the first dryer (2) and the dust filter (7); The eleventh pump body is installed on the pipe between the first dryer (2) and the heater (5); The twelfth pump body is installed on the pipe between the second dryer (8) and the dust filter (7); The thirteenth pump body is installed on the pipe between the second dryer (8) and the heater (5).